Speak The Word Only

The Kingdom of Heaven

Brief History of the Book of Exodus  The book of Exodus continues the history begun in Genesis. Genesis closes with the children of Israel living in Egypt, where Joseph had risen to a position of authority and his family had been preserved during famine. Exodus opens generations later, after Joseph and his generation had died. The Israelites had multiplied greatly, and a new Pharaoh arose who did not regard Joseph or what he had done for Egypt (Exodus 1:6–8). Fearing Israel's increasing population, Pharaoh subjected the children of Israel to hard bondage , forcing them into severe labor. He later ordered the death of the Hebrew male children. During this period Moses was born, preserved through God's providence, and raised in Pharaoh's household. After Moses fled Egypt and lived in Midian, God appeared to him at the burning bush and commissioned him to return to Egypt. Moses and Aaron confronted Pharaoh with God's command: “Let my people go, that they may serve me.” ...