Jesus In Exodus

Introduction

Each book of the Bible has some prominent and dominant theme. Historically considered, Genesis is the book of beginnings but doctrinally it speaks of election. God chose Shem from the three sons of Noah to be the channel through which the Savior would come. He singled out Abraham to be the father of the chosen nation and passed over Esau in choosing Jacob. He then appointed Joseph over all of his brothers to be the instrument of making provision against famine. So election is clearly the doctrine shown here.

Historically, the book of Exodus is the story of the deliverance of Israel from Egypt, but viewed doctrinally, it deals with redemption. In Leviticus the doctrinal characteristic is worship and in Numbers the doctrinal characteristic is the walk and warfare in the wilderness.

Now I would like for you to notice the amazing order of the Scriptures. Just looking at the four books we have mentioned, there is good reason why God placed these books in this order. It is in keeping with the pattern of God’s plan for His children. First, they are chosen (Genesis). Next, they are redeemed (Exodus). Then, they are redeemed for worship (Leviticus). This is followed by our walk as aliens in a foreign land facing the warfare of the “world” (Numbers).

But back now to Exodus. The contents of this book fall into five divisions. First, we see the need for the redemption of God’s people from slavery (chapters 1 to 6). Second, we will see the might of the Redeemer displayed in the plagues brought on Egypt (chapters 7 to 11). Third, we will see the character of redemption, purchased by blood and freed by power (chapters 12 to 18). Fourth, we are taught the duty of the redeemed to be obedient to the Lord (chapters 19 to 24). Fifth, we will see the provisions made for the failures of the redeemed in the tabernacle and its services (chapters 25 to 40).

The key verse in the book is:

· Exodus 15:13, “In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling.”

Here we see the need for redemption implied, the power of the Redeemer, the character of redemption (He will lead the people), and the responsibilities of the redeemed and their privileges (the holy dwelling place).

The central doctrine of Exodus is REDEMPTION. This is not specifically taught, but, as we will see, it is very much illustrated. We should remember that in the early times God did not communicate with His people in an explicit and systematic form of doctrine. Instead, He instructed them mainly through providential events by means of types and symbols. Once we understand this concept, a study of the Old Testament becomes much more meaningful.

The opening books of the Bible contain far more than a history of events that happened thousands of years ago. They are filled with hints and illustrations of the great doctrines of the Christian faith which are clearly stated in the New Testament. As Paul said:

· Romans 15:4, For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.  

The deliverance of Israel from Egypt is a remarkably full and accurate type of our redemption in Jesus. We will see the details of this as we get into the specific verses. But here is a broad outline of this picture:

· Israel in Egypt illustrates the place we were in before we were saved by grace.

· Egypt symbolizes the world.

· Pharaoh, who did not know God, is a type of God’s adversary, Satan.

· The bondage of the enslaved Hebrews pictures the tyranny of sin over the people.

· The groaning of the Israelites under their burdens speaks of the conscience when people become aware of their lost condition.

· The deliverer raised up by God in the person of Moses, points to the great Deliverer Himself, Jesus.

· The Passover night tells us of the security of the believer found in the blood of Jesus.

· The exodus from Egypt represents our deliverance from the bondage of sin.

· The crossing of the Red Sea is a type of our union with Jesus in His death and resurrection.

· The journey through the wilderness with its trials and testings, with God meeting their every need, represents the experiences we have as pilgrims in the world.

· The giving of the law to Israel teaches us the obedient submission we owe to Jesus.

· The tabernacle with its beautiful furnishings shows us the excellencies and glories of Jesus. So we will see that almost everything in this book has a spiritual message and application apart from its historical story.

There is also much in Exodus that anticipates the future. History repeats itself and what is recorded in Exodus will be found to foreshadow future events. The condition of Israel in the Tribulation period will be much worse than in the days of Moses. A greater tyrant than Pharaoh will yet be raised up by God to chastise them. We are already seeing a concentrated effort to cut them off as a nation. Plagues more severe that those they faced in Egypt will come upon them as the bowls of God’s wrath are poured out.

God sent two witnesses to Egypt in Moses and Aaron and He will again send two witnesses to warn of God’s wrath. Representatives of Satan, supernaturally endowed, will perform greater feats than did the magicians of Egypt. A remnant of Israel will again be found in the wilderness and there be kept by God. Again, a great Deliverer will come and defeat His enemies. And finally, there will be an even greater exodus than that from Egypt when God will gather to Himself all the redeemed.

Additionally, we will see many types of Jesus in this book.