1.3. DETERMINED CONFRONTATION WITH THE OPPRESSOR (Exodus 5:1 - 11:10)

Exodus 5:1 "Afterward Moses and Aaron went in and told Pharaoh, "Thus says the LORD God of Israel: 'Let My people go, that they may hold a feast to Me in the wilderness.'""

A challenge answered with greater burdens (Exodus 5:4-18 ). How like the devil Pharaoh was. Satan always adds to the burdens of those who have an eye on deliverance. Attempts to appease the oppressor never succeed (Exodus 5:15 ). The officers' action was a mistake. Deliverance had to be left in the hands of the anointed deliverer, Moses. Moses and Aaron learned that faithfulness to God often brings blame from others (Exodus 5:20-21 ).

Exodus 5:22 "So Moses returned to the LORD and said, "Lord, why have You brought trouble on this people? Why is it You have sent me?"

When distrusted and abused and perplexed in mind, Moses turned to the Lord (Exodus 5:22-23 ). Many fall right there.

Exodus 6:1 "Then the LORD said to Moses, "Now you shall see what I will do to Pharaoh. For with a strong hand he will let them go, and with a strong hand he will drive them out of his land.""

Man's view of the worsened conditions was that of hopelessness. God's view was "Now". Necessary background was there for the great acts He was about to do. God's great "I wills" stimulate and reassure and re-direct. Exodus 6:6 three "I wills"; 6:7 two "I wills"; 6:8 two "I wills". Notice the "I will" riddance of bondage - deliverance - redemption - personal possession - personal God - personal guidance, and inheritance. Chapter 6 inserts the genealogy (Exodus 6:14-27 ) so as to identify the lineage of Moses and Aaron as the leaders appointed to the task of deliverance (Exodus 6:29 ).

QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. Do you see Pharaoh's response to be as God said it would?
   • In which ways do you see a likeness to Satan in the way Pharaoh acted?

2. Do you believe the officers of Israel made a mistake in trying to appease the oppressor?
   • Do you try to extricate yourself out of the enemy's entanglements, or do you rely on Christ the Deliverer?

3. Are you surprised that Moses and Aaron's faithfulness to God brought them blame from others?

4. When perplexed and blamed for things not going according to the expectations of others, what is the right thing to do?

5. How does God view what man thinks is hopeless?
   • Did Pharaoh, by acting in greater wickedness towards Israel and refusing to let them go, expose himself and Egypt to God's plagues?

6. When, like Moses, you turn to God with your inability to do what God wants, and your sense of failure, do you get renewed affirmation and assurance?

7. By rehearsing His choosing and dealings, from Abraham to His establishment of His covenant with Israel, do you see that understanding past revelation is the basis for present motivation and advancement?
   • What do you know about the Lord that makes you excited to do exploits for Him?

8. Do you see in the "I wills" of God in Genesis 6:6-8 parallels to what God has said He will do for you?

9. Why did the people of Israel fail to heed Moses' message from God?
   • Do you thing Leaders today have difficulty in bringing God's message to those emotionally distraught and bound?

10. Was Moses right to conclude that if His people would not act on what he said, how could he expect Pharaoh to respond to him?
    • Are you encouraged to speak to those outside of Christ because the fellowship of the Lord's people receive your word with eager readiness?

11. Why do you think Israel's Leaders' genealogy was important?
    • What advantage is it for a Leader to be able to show that he has descended from a people of faith?
    • Where do you as a believer, trace back your origin?