Exodus 11:1-12:51 Notes: The First Passover

Exodus Study Section 12: Discussion notes

Exodus 11:1-12:51 –

Warning of the Tenth Plague, The First Passover Instituted, Leaving Egypt (finally)

Theme or topic of this section

The Passover

God is Very Exact in His Instructions

God Did What He Said He Was Going to Do

Finally Out!

God is Doing Some Team-Building (and they are going to need it)

Some interesting points

Q: Where did the livestock come from?  Didn’t they die in one of the previous plagues?

Q: What is a lintel? (Ans – the beam of wood that goes over the doorway)

Q: Pharaoh asks for a blessing. (v 12:31-32)  What’s up with that?

- he just lost his son (a crippling blow) maybe that cracked him.

- depends on his tone of voice

- I would like to think that Pharaoh is repentant

- But it’s been “It’s all about me” up unil now… maybe he still is only thinking of himself.

Q: Why share a lamb?

- they had to finish it because the meat could go bad.

- To remind the Israelites of what happened.  It’s not just a festive meal.

- Could be teaching them to trust in God – use it all up – no leftovers for the next day.

- it is like a burnt offering (a sacrificial offering).  The lamb died in place of the Israelite firstborn

- maybe they didn’t have many lambs – they were  hard to find, so families should share.

Q: Why is blood needed?

- the blood is a sign for the Israelites, not for God.

- It’s ‘team-building’ if you will – pulling the people together.

- They would see if their neighbors got the message – they might not have known their neighbors well  (they were too busy as slaves)

- redemption means “to buy back” or “to pay a ransom”

What we learned about the nature of God from this passage

God is faithful – he does what he says he would.

God gives exact instructions at times.

What we learned about the Israelites from this passage

- they started working together (teamwork).

- the people worshipped God.

- Where would they find all those lambs?!

What we learned from this passage that we can apply to our lives

- If we don’t obey we lose.

- None of us keeps all God’s commandments exactly?

- I would get kicked out of the community because I would want to know why we have to do these things.

- They had to have faith that the lamb’s blood would protect them.  We have to have faith that the blood of Jesus will “wash us whiter than snow”.

- Rely on God – he is faithful.

Exodus Section 1: Prologue Notes

Notes from our study on Exodus 1:1-7

Theme or topic of this section
A History Lesson
Background
Family
Reproduction of the Israelites

Some interesting points
The names represent more than just individual people.  They also denote the character of the person, and the larger family.

Israel = Jacob.   "Sons of Israel" or "children of Israel" = the Israelites.

Verse 7 reminds us of God's command to creation "Be fruitful and multiply".  This is (at least) the third time this command appears.  (1st time is at creation, 2nd time is after the Flood.)

What we learned about the nature of God from this passage
God was fulfilling his promise.

God's words are powerful. When he says "be fruitful and multiply" it happens.

God has a plan for these people.

Exodus Section 1 Questions: Prologue

Exodus Study, Section 1: Prologue – Exodus 1:1-7

Initial Observation

1. Read Exodus 1:1-7 out loud in the group.

2. Underline or highlight frequently used words.

3. What words, phrases, or ideas make an impression on you?

4. Who is mentioned frequently? 

5.  In what geographical location does the story of Exodus begin?

6.  What Bible story comes just before this one?  What was the status of the children of Israel in that story?

In-depth Observation

7.  The Hebrew name for this book of the bible is “Shemot” which means “Names.” What is the importance of names in verses 1 -5?

8.  Reread verse 7.  Where else have you heard the words “fruitful” and “multiply” together?

9. Write down the theme or topic of this section.

Interpretation and Application:

A. What do you learn about the nature of God from this passage?

B.  What do you learn about other characters from this passage?

C.  What can we learn from this passage that applies to our own lives?

Vocabulary and notes

Verse 7: “they multiplied”  – the Hebrew word is related to “swarming creature” (Gen 1:20), suggesting that the Israelites proliferated like animals.

Homework:

Part I

A. Read Exodus 1: 8-22.  Underline or highlight frequently used words. Look up the meaning of any words you don’t know. Note which words, phrases, or ideas make an impression on you. 

B. Read the handouts from the first session.