1. DELIVERANCE FROM BONDAGE (Exodus 1:1 - 15:18)

1.1. DESCRIPTION OF ISRAEL'S BONDAGE (Exodus 1:1-22)

The names link Genesis and Exodus together. A great multiplying of Israel had taken place from 70 souls (Exodus 1:5 ). They had increased so abundantly (Exodus 1:6 ) that it seemed to the Egyptians that they filled the land. To humanistic, modern pagans today, with the move of God the world seems filled with born-again, Spirit-filled believers.

This is said of the new king that arose - it may have been a new dynasty. He could have informed himself about Joseph, did not, and probably did not want to know Joseph. Today there are people, governments, leaders, who do not want to know the greater than Joseph, Christ Jesus, or His people, and are distinctively hostile to them.

Exodus 1:8-14 give a picture of heartless oppression. It was jealousy and fear that motivated the new ruler to issue harsh decrees intended to reduce the Hebrews, and to break their spirit. Bitter, hard bondage (Exodus 1:14 ) gives a vivid picture of slavery to sin (John 8:34; Romans 6:16 ). Service to the devil is like making bricks, i.e. occupying the sinner in artificial productions, and pursuing in the field/world (Matthew 13:38 ) with rigor the unreal.

Not Pharaoh, not man, they feared God. The name "Shiphrah" (Exodus 1:15 ), may mean 'beauty', and 'Puah', 'splendour'. Certainly those used by the Holy Spirit in spiritual birth are to be like them and not fear man in doing their work of beauty and splendour. The Lord will reward soulwinners with dwelling places (Exodus 1:21 ).

The devil can only depend on his own demons and those demonised, to carry out his wicked commands.

QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. What was God's intention in selecting a favoured nation?
   • What vehicle today is an expression of God's kingdom?
   • Would you consider yourself a kingdom of God person, and why?

2. Was the multiplying of Israel popular to the Egyptians?
   • Would you say a great multiplying move of God in the Church would be welcomed by humanistic, modern pagans today?
   • Whatever their view, will it stop a move of God?

3. If people do not know the greater than Joseph, Jesus Christ, is their hostility surprising to you?
   • Did Jesus predict tribulation for His followers?

4. What do you think motivated the king's harsh decrees?
   • Would you say the Israelite slavery pictures bondage, and service to the devil?
   • On whom did Pharaoh depend to enforce his wicked commands?
   • Who does Satan use to enforce his wicked commands?
   • Can you take authority over the devil and his agents?