Bible Study - The Journey of the Israelites to the Land of Promise - Continues - Exodus 27 - April 19, 2026

 

Bible Study – The Journey of the Israelites to the Land of Promise - Continues – Exodus 27 – April 19, 2026

In last week’s study, after a teaching moment of turning bitter water into drinkable water for the Israelites, GOD led the Israelites to an oasis to be refreshed and reflect, as we read in Exodus 15:27:

²⁷ Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve springs and seventy date palms, and they camped there by the water.

In the Bible, 12 symbolizes God’s covenant people, order, and authority, while 70 represents completion, divine order, and significant spiritual milestones.

GOD still provides times to pause and rest as we journey through life.

There are times when rest comes, we keep wondering what next?

Where to next, as the Israelites continue their journey to the Land of Promise. THE LORD Provides physically and Spiritually as they journey and as we journey -------

Let’s read Exodus: 16:1-36:

Manna and Quail Provided

16 The entire Israelite community departed from Elim and came to the Wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after they had left the land of Egypt. ² The entire Israelite community grumbled against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. ³ The Israelites said to them, “If only we had died by the Lord’s hand in the land of Egypt, when we sat by pots of meat and ate all the bread we wanted. Instead, you brought us into this wilderness to make this whole assembly die of hunger!”

Woe is me!!! Life often brings us “If only.” When life hands us lemons, it is time for lemonade.

GOD provided water in the desert and now their provisions had been consumed. The Million Israelites were hungry in the desert. GOD had provided drinkable water and now they needed food.

GOD knows our needs and HE was revealing HIMSELF to the Israelites.

GOD does not disappoint. Challenges in life’s journey gives opportunity for GOD to reveal HIS care to us. Are those times tough? YES!!! But they are teachable moments along life’s journey, and it builds our relationship with GOD through faith in JESUS. Life is NOT easy but GOD journeys with us, either to get our attention and/or build the right relationship with HIM through faith in JESUS.

We have the advantage of looking back over the annals of time to glean from GOD’S Word and HIS care for HIS Chosen, which includes all Spirit Born Christians. All Spirit Born believers are on a journey to the eternal promised land, HEAVEN. Their citizenship in heaven is established the instant any person places his/her faith in JESUS as written in:

Philippians 3:20

Our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly wait for a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.

GOD established the rules or commandments for the Israelites to follow to satisfy their physical needs to sustain their lives and reveal HIS physical care for them. Physical care leads to Spiritual care and revelation.

The Law was a place holder until the law was fulfilled by JESUS. The passion of JESUS fulfilled The Law and established GRACE!!!

I love GRACE. Thank YOU, JESUS.

When a person places his or her faith in JESUS, that person is born again Spiritually. THE HOLY SPIRIT, THE DIVINE SPERM, unites with the human spirit, as the Spiritual egg, which needs to be fertilized Spiritually. Spiritual conception takes place quicker than the twinkle of the eye when any person asks JESUS to forgive him or her for all of his/her sins and ask JESUS to come into his/her heart, JESUS does. That person quicker than the twinkle of the eye is Spirit Born or a born-again Christian --- never to be unborn.

Once GOD’S Son or Daughter, always GOD’S Son or Daughter.

The Born again person’s citizenship is as recorded in Philippians 3:20:

Our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly wait for a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Either, we who have been “Born Again” will go immediately to Heaven when we die or those Spirit Born Christians who are alive when JESUS returns to earth, will be taken to Heaven.

Back to GOD revealing HIMSELF to the Israelites and building the right relationship with them. As we read the revelation of GOD and HIS care to the nation of Israel, it is a foreshadow of GOD’S eternal care of all who place their faith in JESUS.

1.    JESUS said in John 14:2

In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?

2.    John 14:3

If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you to myself, so that where I am you may be also.

As the Israelites were journeying to the Land of Promise, it is a foreshadow of “Spirit Born” believers traveling to Heaven. Heaven is the final eternal home of all who place their faith in JESUS, WHO has prepared an eternal place for all who place their faith in HIM.

In the meantime, back upon earth, the Israelites continue their journey, both physical and Spiritual, to the physical Land of Promise ---

⁴ Then the Lord said to Moses, “I am going to rain bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. This way I will test them to see whether or not they will follow my instructions. ⁵ On the sixth day, when they prepare what they bring in, it will be twice as much as they gather on other days.”^[a]

The Israelites grumbled again. THE LORD GOD told Moses that HE was going to rain bread from heaven. Why? There would be no mistake with the Israelites knowing that their daily bread came from THE ONE TRUE GOD, YHWH, WHO was leading them to the Land of Promise.

GOD gave specific instructions regarding the harvest of the “Bread from Heaven.” Is this a foreshadow of the coming of JESUS? I think so.

We read in Matthew 6: ¹¹ Give us this day our daily bread.

It is vital that as Spirit-born Christians that we do not neglect our daily walk with our LORD JESUS. Just as most of us eat food on a daily basis, we also need Spiritual Food on a daily basis. We need water more frequently than food, thus for Spirit born Christians, THE HOLY SPIRIT is as written in John 7:38:

The one who believes in me (JESUS), as the Scripture has said, will have streams of living water flow from deep within him.”

Why do we need “streams of living water?”

Isaiah 44:3

For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants.

A foreshadow of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the fulfillment of the Passion of JESUS, which rendered the human body of all who place their faith in JESUS and recorded in 1 Corinthians 6:19

Don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own,

Since the passion of JESUS, those seeking to be in right relationship with GOD, there is a permanent, eternal shift from worshipping in the physical temple to the personal, eternal temple where the Holy Spirit resides, the Spirit Born person’s core of belief, where truth resides.

Our journey with the Israelites continues ----------

⁶ So Moses and Aaron said to all the Israelites, “This evening you will know that it was the Lord who brought you out of the land of Egypt, ⁷ and in the morning, you will see the Lord’s glory because he has heard your complaints about him. For who are we that you complain about us?”

In essence, do not confuse us for GOD. We are only GOD’S emissaries.

Often, we get caught up with a fellow Christian as having a “Hot Line” to Heaven. We must keep in mind that we are all sinners saved by the Grace of GOD, through faith in JESUS. YES, we should reach out to fellow Spirit-born Christians to pray, stand, walk, with us as we journey through life and encounter various issues.

Issues equal Spiritual growth opportunities. They are often “No fun” but rewarding once on the other side. Building faith and trust in GOD, through faith in JESUS, is a journey.

Back to the journey of the Israelites --------

⁸ Moses continued, “The Lord will give you meat to eat this evening and all the bread you want in the morning, for he has heard the complaints that you are raising against him. Who are we? Your complaints are not against us but against the Lord.”

⁹ Then Moses told Aaron, “Say to the entire Israelite community, ‘Come before the Lord, for he has heard your complaints.’” ¹⁰ As Aaron was speaking to the entire Israelite community, they turned toward the wilderness, and there in a cloud the Lord’s glory appeared.

¹¹ The Lord spoke to Moses, ¹² “I have heard the complaints of the Israelites. Tell them: At twilight you will eat meat, and in the morning, you will eat bread until you are full. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God.”

¹³ So at evening quail came and covered the camp. In the morning there was a layer of dew all around the camp. ¹⁴ When the layer of dew evaporated, there were fine flakes on the desert surface, as fine as frost on the ground. ¹⁵ When the Israelites saw it, they asked one another, “What is it?” because they didn’t know what it was.

Moses told them, “It is the bread the Lord has given you to eat. ¹⁶ This is what the Lord has commanded: ‘Gather as much of it as each person needs to eat. You may take two quarts^[b] per individual, according to the number of people each of you has in his tent.’”

¹⁷ So the Israelites did this. Some gathered a lot, some a little. ¹⁸ When they measured it by quarts,^[c] the person who gathered a lot had no surplus, and the person who gathered a little had no shortage. Each gathered as much as he needed to eat. ¹⁹ Moses said to them, “No one is to let any of it remain until morning.” ²⁰ But they didn’t listen to Moses; some people left part of it until morning, and it bred worms and stank. Therefore, Moses was angry with them.

Most of us never change, always testing GOD and HIS WORD. GOD puts up with us because HE made us.

²¹ They gathered it every morning. Each gathered as much as he needed to eat, but when the sun grew hot, it melted. ²² On the sixth day they gathered twice as much food, four quarts^[d] apiece, and all the leaders of the community came and reported this to Moses. ²³ He told them, “This is what the Lord has said: ‘Tomorrow is a day of complete rest, a holy Sabbath to the Lord. Bake what you want to bake, and boil what you want to boil, and set aside everything left over to be kept until morning.’”

The Sabbath was to be a day of rest and worship THE ONE TRUE GOD OF THE ISRAELITES.

²⁴ So they set it aside until morning as Moses commanded, and it didn’t stink or have maggots in it. ²⁵ “Eat it today,” Moses said, “because today is a Sabbath to the Lord. Today you won’t find any in the field. ²⁶ For six days you will gather it, but on the seventh day, the Sabbath, there will be none.”

THE LORD was teaching the Israelites obedience to HIS WORD. The same is true today – Trust and Obey – Internalize and trust what is revealed to us as we study, apply and grow in our relationship with GOD through faith in JESUS.

²⁷ Yet on the seventh day some of the people went out to gather, but they did not find any. ²⁸ Then the Lord said to Moses, “How long will you^[e] refuse to keep my commands and instructions? ²⁹ Understand that the Lord has given you the Sabbath; therefore, on the sixth day he will give you two days’ worth of bread. Each of you stay where you are; no one is to leave his place on the seventh day.” ³⁰ So the people rested on the seventh day.

The same is true today – WE TEST THE LORD, WHO IN TURN SHOWS US THAT HE SAYS WHAT HE MEANS AND MEANS WHAT HE SAYS.

³¹ The house of Israel named the substance manna.^[f] It resembled coriander seed, was white, and tasted like wafers made with honey. ³² Moses said, “This is what the Lord has commanded: ‘Two quarts^[g] of it are to be preserved throughout your generations, so that they may see the bread I fed you in the wilderness when I brought you out of the land of Egypt.’”

³³ Moses told Aaron, “Take a container and put two quarts^[h] of manna in it. Then place it before the Lord to be preserved throughout your generations.” ³⁴ As the Lord commanded Moses, Aaron placed it before the testimony to be preserved.

³⁵ The Israelites ate manna for forty years, until they came to an inhabited land. They ate manna until they reached the border of the land of Canaan. ³⁶ (They used a measure called an Omer, which held two quarts.^[I^])

Forty years in Biblical context was considered a generation.

WOW!!! GOD was teaching the nation of Israel then and, in turn, the world today of HIS love and care for those who love GOD and place their faith in JESUS.

GOD continues to provide for HIS Children today. Have you ever been led to take a meal to a friend, neighbor, acquaintance or loved one? I know there was a time in our married life that things were tough and I grumbled. THE LORD was quick to bring to my mind those who had provided food to us, just to be good neighbors or friends.

What does JESUS tell us in Matthew 10:42:

And whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he (or she) is a disciple, truly I tell you, he will never lose his reward.”

Blessings!!!

 

 

Bible Study - Safely Across The Red Sea - What Next? - Exodus - April 12, 2026

 

Bible Study – Safely Across The Red Sea – The Journey Continues – April 12, 2026

GOD led the million Israelites safely across the Red Sea and with the Egyptians hot on their heels drown when the wall of water imploded on to them.

Once out of danger of the Egyptians, where to next?

The Israelites just witnessed a miracle, which revealed the mighty power of GOD. GOD was teaching a Nation and revealing HIMSELF to the Israelites. The same is true for all people today.

Look around and see the hands of GOD, JESUS, and THE HOLY SPIRIT at work to build the right relationship with GOD through faith in JESUS.

Praise was in order as we read in Exodus 15 – Israel’s Song - Israel’s Song – (I imagine that many were praying for the two airmen who had to bail out of their jet. I know I rejoiced when they were recovered and praised our GOD and THE LORD JESUS.)

The Israelites – Exodus 15:1-27:

15 Then Moses and the Israelites sang this song to the Lord. They said:

I will sing to the Lord,
for he is highly exalted;
he has thrown the horse
and its rider into the sea.
² The Lord is my strength and my song;^[a]
he has become my salvation.
This is my God, and I will praise him,
my father’s God, and I will exalt him.
³ The Lord is a warrior;
the Lord is his name.

⁴ He threw Pharaoh’s chariots
and his army into the sea;
the elite of his officers
were drowned in the Red Sea.
⁵ The floods covered them;
they sank to the depths like a stone.
⁶ Lord, your right hand is glorious in power.
Lord, your right hand shattered the enemy.
⁷ You overthrew your adversaries
by your great majesty.
You unleashed your burning wrath;
it consumed them like stubble.
⁸ The water heaped up at the blast from your nostrils;
the currents stood firm like a dam.
The watery depths congealed in the heart of the sea.
⁹ The enemy said:
“I will pursue, I will overtake,
I will divide the spoil.
My desire will be gratified at their expense.
I will draw my sword;
my hand will destroy^[b] them.”
¹⁰ But you blew with your breath,
and the sea covered them.
They sank like lead
in the mighty waters.

¹¹ Lord, who is like you among the gods?
Who is like you, glorious in holiness,
revered with praises, performing wonders?
¹² You stretched out your right hand,
and the earth swallowed them.
¹³ With your faithful love,
you will lead the people
you have redeemed;
you will guide them to your holy dwelling
with your strength.

¹⁴ When the peoples hear, they will shudder;
anguish will seize the inhabitants of Philistia.
¹⁵ Then the chiefs of Edom will be terrified;
trembling will seize the leaders of Moab;
all the inhabitants of Canaan will panic;
¹⁶ terror and dread will fall on them.
They will be as still^[c] as a stone
because of your powerful arm
until your people pass by, Lord,
until the people whom you purchased^[d] pass by.

¹⁷ You will bring them in and plant them
on the mountain of your possession;
Lord, you have prepared the place
for your dwelling;
Lord,^[e] your hands have established the sanctuary.
¹⁸ The Lord will reign forever and ever!

¹⁹ When Pharaoh’s horses with his chariots and horsemen went into the sea, the Lord brought the water of the sea back over them. But the Israelites walked through the sea on dry ground. ²⁰ Then the prophetess Miriam, Aaron’s sister, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women came out following her with tambourines and dancing. ²¹ Miriam sang to them:

Sing to the Lord,
for he is highly exalted;
he has thrown the horse
and its rider into the sea.

The journey of the Israelites continues – What Next?

Water Provided

²² Then Moses led Israel on from the Red Sea, and they went out to the Wilderness of Shur. They journeyed for three days in the wilderness without finding water. (A serious problem) ²³ They came to Marah, but they could not drink the water at Marah because it was bitter—that is why it was named Marah.^[f] 24 The people grumbled to Moses, “What are we going to drink?” ²⁵ So he cried out to the Lord, and the Lord showed him a tree (Some translations read - log). When he threw it into the water, the water became drinkable.

The Lord made a statute and ordinance for them at Marah, and he tested them there. ²⁶ He said, “If you will carefully obey the Lord your God, do what is right in his sight, pay attention to his commands, and keep all his statutes, I will not inflict any illnesses on you that I inflicted on the Egyptians. For I am the Lord who heals you.”

²⁷ Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve springs and seventy date palms, and they camped there by the water.

The next

 

Exodus 15:22-27: Bitter Water and Sweet Wood

Steve Rodeheaver, Copyright © 2016, Steve Rhodeheaver and CRI/Voice, Institute (Additional information at the end)

All Rights Reserved  See Copyright and User Information Notice

Interesting and informative insight ----- (Some additions by me)

Today we're looking at Exodus 15:22-27. Moses, Miriam, and the Israelites have finished singing, and now it is time to journey on. Moses leads the Israelites into the desert, and they go for three days without finding water. Imagine travelling on foot from Yuma to Tucson (244 miles or 393 Kilometers), if traveling the Interstate and going for three days without water. This was a life-threatening situation. Finally, they came to some water and their hopes skyrocketed - only to be dashed by the bitterness of the water. It was undrinkable. The Israelites named the place "Marah", which means "bitterness." Imagine literally dying of thirst, finding water, then discovering that it was salt water. Not a good life or death.

When the Israelites came to this bitter water, they did what you and I would do: they grumbled against their leader Moses. Moses in turn cried out to Yahweh. Yahweh showed Moses a piece of wood (some read log) which Moses promptly threw into the water. Immediately the water was made sweet, and the Israelites were able to drink it. Moses then led them to a place called Elim which had twelve springs and seventy palm trees.

This story is about the journey of the Israelites from Marah to Elim, from bitter water in Marah to twelve springs and seventy palm trees in Elim. The journey takes place externally and internally. The external journey is the obvious one. Moses and company find themselves in a very bitter situation. They have been three days in the desert without coming upon a source of water. The water they have come to is undrinkable. Death is threatening. Moses cried out to Yahweh and Yahweh made the bitter water sweet. Refreshing themselves, they are revived and journey on to Elim.

It is another revelation of the power and trustworthiness of Yahweh. The message for us is clear: Whatever the bitter obstacles that we encounter in life's journey we can count on God to transform them, to use/redeem them for good, as God leads us to Elim. When we cry our Marahs out to God, God is able to "sweeten" them, that is, to make them drinkable, to turn them into a resource for the next leg of the journey. God is big enough to deal with, redeem, and even transform whatever external problems we might face.

The internal journey is less obvious, but it is the one on which the text focuses. Our English translations obscure this focus because of the difficulty in translating the verb for Yahweh "showing" or "directing" Moses to a tree/piece of wood. The verb used actually means to instruct or teach. Yahweh instructed/taught Moses a tree. That does not make much sense, but it is important to note because this verb is the root verb of the word "Torah". Torah means instruction, and it specifically refers to the instruction/law that God gave Moses on Mount Sinai for how the Israelites were to live in covenant with this God who brought them up out of Egypt. We might say that Yahweh "torah-ed" Moses a tree.

When Moses cast this torah tree into the bitter water, the water became sweet. Torah is not for water, however, but for people. The bitter waters of Marah revealed the bitterness that lodged in the hearts of the Israelites. Notice that they grumbled against Moses while Moses cried out to Yahweh. The external obstacle revealed the internal realities of their hearts. Moses trusted Yahweh and cried the problem out to Yahweh. The Israelites, on the other hand, betray a lack of trust as they grumble amongst themselves against Moses. What becomes evident in the face of Marah is that the Israelites needed deliverance from more than just Pharaoh. They need deliverance from their grumbling, mumbling, bitter selves. And Yahweh is set to bring about that deliverance. Yahweh torahs Moses a tree of transformation.

Without delay, after Moses/Yahweh sweetened the water with the tree, Yahweh "made a decree and a law for them, and there He tested them. He said, 'If you listen carefully to the voice of Yahweh your God and do what is right in His eyes, if you pay attention to His commands and keep all His decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am Yahweh your Healer.'" This text makes it plain that the emphasis is on the transformation of the Israelites rather than the water of Marah. In a word, Israel is to be "Yahweh-centered" in all their living. Remember, down in Egypt life had been Pharaoh centered.

So, Yahweh "tested" the Israelites there at Marah. This testing was for the purpose of training them, to reveal their hearts in order that their hearts might be changed where needed. The test revealed that Moses was Yahweh-centered and that Israel was not. The test was a training exercise for Israel, designed to bend their bitter, grumbling hearts toward Yahweh.

How did the bitter water become sweet? The tree. How does one become Yahweh-centered? The answer is Torah, God's instruction. It's kind of a circle. By listening to Yahweh, one becomes Yahweh-centered which in turn enables one to be a better listener which in turn increases one's Yahweh-centeredness.

How did the bitter water become sweet? Yahweh, the giver of the tree. How does one become Yahweh-centered? The answer is Yahweh, the giver of Torah. "I am Yahweh, the One who heals you." Yahweh is the One who heals the heart, who is able to transform the bitter waters of the heart to waters of renewal. Again, notice that this internal transformation is the main point of the text, for Yahweh does not say "I am Yahweh, the One who heals the water" but "I am Yahweh, the One who heals you."

Yahweh transforms the heart by means of Torah, Yahweh's instruction/word for sweet living. "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. . .." Jesus is our Torah, our transforming Word from Yahweh on and for life. As we receive and follow Jesus, as we become Jesus-centered, we discover a healing transformation being worked within our hearts. It is the internal journey from the bitter waters of Marah to the twelve springs of Elim, from barren desert to seventy palm trees.

May the tests of life bend us towards Jesus, that we might open ourselves to Jesus at ever new depths, heeding His word and experiencing His healing. By the grace of God in Christ, may we make the journey and know His healing, that we might live the Jesus life. If life is bitter, stir in some Torah. *

* Steve Rhodeheaver and CRI/Voice, Institute CRI/Voice, Institute is a non-profit ministry dedicated to providing quality biblical and theological resources to anyone desiring to learn and grow in the Christian Faith. The institutes headquarters are located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and it is known for its commitment to quality biblical and theological resources.

So, what do we glean from this mighty field of Biblical truth?

GOD is at work in all the lives of people to reveal HIMSELF, through faith in JESUS to all humans today.

Let’s reflect on the events, so far.

GOD knew the plight of the Israelites in Egypt.

GOD revealed HIMSELF to Moses through a burning bush.

GOD revealed to both the Israelites and the Egyptians that HE was greater than the Egyptian gods. The Israelites needed to experience this to prepare them for their journey ahead of them.

Finally, Pharoah let the Israelites go, which he soon regretted.

GOD parted the Red Sea and the 0ne million Israelites crossed over on dry seabed with walls of water on each side which collapsed when the Egyptians attempted to cross behind the Israelites.

The Israelites journey for three (3) days in the desert without sufficient water.

They find water but it is bitter and they cannot drink the water.

Moses appeals to GOD and GOD told him to throw a certain tree or log into the water source and the water became drinkable.

GOD leads them to an Oasis.

What was GOD doing? HE was building Moses’ faith in HIM, as well as the faith of the Israelites.

Often, we look at the physical object GOD told Moses to use and think that is the power. No!!! It is the obedience to GOD’S Command.

That is faith at work through our obedience. It wasn’t the certain type of tree that rendered the bitter water drinkable, it was the obedience of Moses being obedient to GOD’S Command.

It is also vital to know that what GOD told Moses to choose to put in the bitter water was not something the pagans would use. GOD chose the item and it was not the item but the obedience of Moses to GOD’S command.

This is true for all who walk by faith. Small steps of obedience to the voice of GOD/THE HOLY SPIRIT (THE STILL SAMLL VOICE OF GOD) leads to GOD’S power flowing through us as we are obedient to HIM.

WOW!!! Journey with GOD, JESUS, and THE HOLY SPIRIT as your guide!

THE THREE ARE ONE!!!

Blessings!!!

 

 

Bible Study - The Journey to the Land of Promise - Various - April 5, 2026

 

Bible Study – The Journey to the Land of Promise – April 5, 2026

First OF ALL – HAPPY EASTER – Rejoice for JESUS has risen and the tomb is empty.

In last week’s study, the Israelites prepared to leave Egypt to travel to the Promised Land. The Israelites were in bondage and GOD choose Moses to be HIS spokesperson to Pharoah to “Let the Israelites GO!!!”

The Israelites had been in Egypt for 430 years: (Bible Hub)

The primary biblical reference regarding the duration of the Israelites' stay in Egypt is found in Exodus 12:40-41: "Now the duration of the Israelites’ stay in Egypt was 430 years. At the end of the 430 years, to the very day, all the LORD’s divisions went out of the land of Egypt”. This passage clearly states that the Israelites were in Egypt for 430 years, marking the period from their arrival to the Exodus.

Additionally, Genesis 15:13 records God's words to Abram: "Then the LORD said to Abram, 'Know for certain that your descendants will be strangers in a land that is not theirs, and they will be enslaved and mistreated four hundred years.'" This prophecy indicates a period of 400 years of affliction, which is often understood to overlap with the 430 years mentioned in Exodus.
Interpretation and Harmonization
The apparent discrepancy between the 400 years of affliction and the 430 years of stay has been a subject of interpretation. One common understanding is that the 400 years refer specifically to the period of enslavement and mistreatment, while the 430 years encompass the entire duration of the Israelites' presence in Egypt, including the time before they were enslaved.

Galatians 3:17 provides additional insight, stating, "What I mean is this: The law, introduced 430 years later, does not set aside the covenant previously established by God and thus cancel the promise." This New Testament reference aligns with the 430-year period, suggesting that it includes the time from God's covenant with Abraham to the giving of the Law at Sinai.

Historical Context

The Israelites' sojourn in Egypt began with the migration of Jacob and his family during a severe famine, as recorded in Genesis 46. Joseph, who had risen to a position of power in Egypt, facilitated their settlement in the land of Goshen. Initially, the Israelites were welcomed and prospered, but over time, a new Pharaoh who did not know Joseph arose and subjected them to harsh slavery (Exodus 1:8-14).

Most know the Biblical account of Joseph being sold into slavery. GOD had a plan for Joseph’s life and HIS chosen people the Israelites.

So, from Joseph to the Exodus was a period of 430 years.

GOD worked in the events, that not only revealed the superiority of THE ONE TRUE GOD OF THE ISRAELITES over the false gods of the Egyptians, but led Pharoah to release the Israelites to go to the land GOD had promised them.

Every human is on a journey to eternal life to Hell or Heaven and the road of life helps each person to choose to travel toward one of these two choices.

But THE GOOD NEWS is GOD sent JESUS, HIS only SON, to earth to deliver all who will place their faith in JESUS to Heaven or to the Promised Eternal LAND for all “Born Again” Christians. There are no short cuts!!!

The Egyptians provided the Israelites with things of material value when they were preparing to leave Egypt, however the most valuable gift was GOD revealing HIMSELF to both the Israelites and the Egyptians.

GOD saw the plight of the Israelites and chose Moses to deliver them.

GOD saw the plight of the world and sent HIS ONLY SON JESUS to earth. JESUS willingly came to earth, lived a sinless life, fulfilled THE LAW, and gave HIS sinless to pay the penalty for all sin, in full, by the shedding of HIS sinless blood and dying in the place for all who will accept JESUS as their Savior. Recognizing our need for a Savior is step one and making JESUS the LORD of our lives can happen when a person accepts JESUS as his/her Savior or that can come later in our journey.

The Route of the Exodus

¹⁷ When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them along the road to the land of the Philistines, even though it was nearby; for God said, “The people will change their minds and return to Egypt if they face war.” ¹⁸ So he led the people around toward the Red Sea along the road of the wilderness. And the Israelites left the land of Egypt in battle formation.

¹⁹ Moses took the bones of Joseph with him, because Joseph had made the Israelites swear a solemn oath, saying, “God will certainly come to your aid; then you must take my bones with you from this place.”

²⁰ They set out from Succoth and camped at Etham on the edge of the wilderness. ²¹ The Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to lead them on their way during the day and in a pillar of fire to give them light at night, so that they could travel day or night. ²² The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night never left its place in front of the people.

When a person accepts JESUS as their Savior, THE HOLY SPIRIT leads and guides him/her as he/she journeys through life. Since the life, death, resurrection, ascension of JESUS and the coming of THE HOLY SPIRIT, THE HOLY SPIRIT, dwells within every “Spirit Born” believer and is their guide through life 24/7.

In Hebrews 13:5, we read:

Keep your life free from the love of money. Be satisfied with what you have, for he himself has said, I will never leave you or abandon you.

The indwelling Holy Spirit is the guarantee, guide, teacher, assurance and so much more as those who are Born of THE HOLY SPIRIT journey with GOD and JESUS toward their eternal Promised Land, Heaven.

So, the Israelites are on the road to their earthy Land of Promise.

We who have accepted JESUS as our Savior are on a journey to Heaven through faith in JESUS. The Holy Spirit is the light and guide of all who have been “born again.”

As a side note:

Our church in Virginia, Southern Baptist, asked a Messianic Jew to help us experience the Passover meal or Seder meal:

(A former work colleague in DC was a Messianic Jew, and we attended the Messianic Jewish Church once in Virginia with her. They have great music and celebrate life. Wonderful brothers and sisters in CHRIST.)

The Seder meal is a ritual Jewish dinner held during Passover,

Featuring: symbolic foods, readings, and traditional dishes that commemorate     the Exodus from Egypt.

Overview of the Seder Meal

The word Seder means “order” in Hebrew, reflecting the structured sequence of rituals, readings, songs, and prayers that make up the meal. It is traditionally held on the first night of Passover, though some families celebrate on both the first night of Passover, though some families celebrate on both the first and second nights. The Seder is both a ceremonial experience and educational experience, designed to retell the story of the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt.

The Seder Plate is a central part of the Seder. It holds six symbolic foods along with matzah (unleavened bread) Marro (Bitter Herbs): Usually horseradish or romaine lettuce,                  symbolizing the bitterness of slavery. 

• Chazeret (Second Bitter Herb): Often another bitter green to          reinforce the symbolism. 
• Charoset: A sweet mixture of apples, nuts, wine, and spices representing the mortar used by the Israelites.

·       Karpas: A vegetable, typically parsley, dipped in salt water to          symbolize tears. 

• Zeroa: A roasted shank bone representing the Passover sacrifice. 
• Beitzah: A hard-boiled egg symbolizing mourning and renewal. 
• Matzah: Unleavened bread representing the haste of the Exodus. 

The meal often begins with ceremonial foods and progresses to a            festive dinner. 

Exodus 12:37-42:

The Bible records that about 600,000 men, not including women and children, left Egypt, which suggests a total population of roughly two million people.

Biblical Account Exodus

³⁷ The Israelites traveled from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand (600,000) able-bodied men on foot, besides their families. ³⁸ A mixed crowd also went up with them, along with a huge number of livestock, both flocks and herds. ³⁹ The people baked the dough they had brought out of Egypt into unleavened loaves, since it had no yeast; for when they were driven out of Egypt, they could not delay and had not prepared provisions for themselves.

⁴⁰ The time that the Israelites lived in Egypt^[d] was 430 years. ⁴¹ At the end of 430 years, on that same day, all the Lord’s military divisions went out from the land of Egypt. ⁴² It was a night of vigil in honor of the Lord, because he (GOD) would bring them out of the land of Egypt. This same night is in honor of the Lord, a night vigil for all the Israelites throughout their generations.

When GOD tells us to go, there is only one thing for us to do – GO!!!

Trust and obey for there is (is, is correct because trust and obey are one) no other way to be happy in JESUS, except to trust and obey – Words of a gospel song.

GOD demonstrated HIS power to the Israelites over the Egyptians gods to build their faith in the ONE TRUE GOD OF THE ISRALEITES.

This is true today. When a person is Spirit Born, his or her journey begins. As the “born again” person journeys thru life he/she experiences GOD through faith in JESUS.

Let’s journey along with the Israelites.                                                                                                

Let’s read - Exodus 14:1-31:

14:1 Then the Lord spoke to Moses: ² “Tell the Israelites to turn back and camp in front of Pi-hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea; you must camp in front of Baal-zephon, facing it by the sea. ³ Pharaoh will say of the Israelites: They are wandering around the land in confusion; the wilderness has boxed them in. ⁴ I will harden Pharaoh’s heart so that he will pursue them. Then I will receive glory by means of Pharaoh and all his army, and the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord.” So, the Israelites did this.

The Egyptian Pursuit

⁵ When the king of Egypt was told that the people had fled, Pharaoh and his officials changed their minds about the people and said, “What have we done? We have released Israel from serving us.” ⁶ So he got his chariot ready and took his troops^[a] with him; ⁷ he took six hundred of the best chariots and all the rest of the chariots of Egypt, with officers in each one. ⁸ The Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued the Israelites, who were going out defiantly.^[b] 9 The Egyptians—all Pharaoh’s horses and chariots, his horsemen,^[c] and his army—chased after them and caught up with them as they camped by the sea beside Pi-hahiroth, in front of Baal-zephon.

¹⁰ As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up and there were the Egyptians coming after them! The Israelites were terrified and cried out to the Lord for help. ¹¹ They said to Moses, “Is it because there are no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? ¹² Isn’t this what we told you in Egypt: Leave us alone so that we may serve the Egyptians? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.”

My, my GOD often let’s us experience potential terrifying moments for HIM to reveal HIS power. It is no fun at the moment but what a relief it is when THE LORD comes to our rescue. Never give up hope – “trust in the dark what you learn in the light” (Dr. Vance Havner)  

¹³ But Moses said to the people, “Don’t be afraid. Stand firm and see the Lord’s salvation that he will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians you see today, you will never see again. ¹⁴ The Lord will fight for you, and you must be quiet.”

Escape through the Red Sea

¹⁵ The Lord said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to break camp. ¹⁶ As for you, (Moses) lift up your staff, stretch out your hand over the sea, and divide it so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground. ¹⁷ As for me, I am going to harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they will go in after them, and I will receive glory by means of Pharaoh, all his army, and his chariots and horsemen. ¹⁸ The Egyptians will know that I am the Lord when I receive glory through Pharaoh, his chariots, and his horsemen.” Trust and obey!!!

¹⁹ Then the angel of God, who was going in front of the Israelite forces, moved and went behind them. The pillar of cloud moved from in front of them and stood behind them. ²⁰ It came between the Egyptian and Israelite forces. There was cloud and darkness, it lit up the night, and neither group came near the other all night long.

²¹ Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea. The Lord drove the sea back with a powerful east wind all that night and turned the sea into dry land. So, the waters were divided, ²² and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with the waters like a wall to them on their right and their left.

In its rendering of 14:22, it notes that there were (like) solid walls to the right and to the left three hundred miles high. In 15:8, it changes it to not one or two, but “many heaps; they stood up firmly like containers made from skin.” [The water heaped up at the blast from your nostrils; the currents stood firm like a dam.]

²³ The Egyptians set out in pursuit—all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen—and went into the sea after them. ²⁴ During the morning watch, the Lord looked down at the Egyptian forces from the pillar of fire and cloud and threw the Egyptian forces into confusion. ²⁵ He caused their chariot wheels to swerve^[d][e] and made them drive^[f] with difficulty. “Let’s get away from Israel,” the Egyptians said, “because the Lord is fighting for them against Egypt!”

When GOD fights on our behalf others know it!!!

²⁶ Then the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea so that the water may come back on the Egyptians, on their chariots and horsemen.” ²⁷ So Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and at daybreak the sea returned to its normal depth. While the Egyptians were trying to escape from it, the Lord threw them into the sea. ²⁸ The water came back and covered the chariots and horsemen, plus the entire army of Pharaoh that had gone after them into the sea. Not even one of them survived.

²⁹ But the Israelites had walked through the sea on dry ground, with the waters like a wall to them on their right and their left. ³⁰ That day the Lord saved Israel from the power of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. ³¹ When Israel saw the great power that the Lord used against the Egyptians, the people feared the Lord and believed in him and in his servant Moses.

GOD reveals HIMSELF through Miracles.

You likely recall the story I used in a previous lesson of a man falling off a cliff and crying our “LORD, SAVE ME!” When all of a sudden, a large root protruding out from the cliff caught his pants and stopped him, to which the man cried out, “It’s okay LORD, this root caught me.”

So often, we discount what we can explain as not coming from GOD.

GOD was revealing HIMSELF to the Israelites and teaching them to trust HIM.

The same is true for us today. It is vital in today’s world that we walk with GOD and JESUS as we do life upon earth. Satan is the evil that is in hot pursuit of all people. When he does, to whom do we look and place our faith.

Keep in mind JESUS conquered and defeated death and in doing so, JESUS offers to ALL people that same hope. Place your faith in JESUS by asking JESUS to forgive you for all your sins and ask JESUS to come into your heart. When you do, the miracle of Spiritual birth takes place quicker than the twinkle of the eye. The person of faith is Spiritually born into GOD’S eternal family, never to be unborn. Their eternal destination and home are Heaven.

And guess what we read in Philippians 3:20 Christian Standard Bible

²⁰ Our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly wait for a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Once a citizen, the Spirit born person is eternally a citizen of Heaven. However, rewards are available to all who obediently follower JESUS, as led by the Holy Spirit.

As GOD’S chosen, through faith in JESUS, HE directs our path by going before us and after us, as we journey through life upon earth.

As we journey, we are building the right relationship with GOD.

Blessings!!!