Reading Assignment: Read the Introduction to Exodus in your Study Bible. Read Exodus 1-5, skim chapters 6-11, read chapters12-16, 19.1-6, chapters 20 and 32. Also read Numbers chapters 13-14.
Assignment Background:
After 400 years of slavery, God liberates the Israelites from slavery and bondage. As with Abraham and Sarah, God takes the initiative and here becomes a liberator for the chosen people whom are now enslaved (Exodus 3:7-10; The Exodus, by Marc Chagall
cf 2:23-25). With freedoms however come
responsibility and this journey is shrouded in the mystery of the unknown. As one biblical scholar succinctly states, “Between the land of oppression and the land of promise lies a desert that must be crossed”. This circuitous path was chosen by God to protect them from the surrounding nations (Exodus 13.17-18), yet the harsh conditions of the desert present trials and ultimately challenged their new sense of freedom and renewed faith in God. The developments during these 40 years were formative in shaping the future nation of Israel and their relationship to God; these years in the wilderness will be the topic for the next class period.
This lesson, however, focuses on the events and characters of the Exodus and on the presumed violence which God strikes on the Egyptians (and soon on the Canaanites). As you read the biblical narrative, make notes for each of the figures/locations/developments and respond to the following questions.
Names, Terms, Concepts:
• Moses & Zipporah
• Divine Name revealed (Exodus 3.13-22)
• Passover – Blood of the Lamb/Unleavened Bread (Exodus 12f)
• Red Sea/Sea of Reeds
• Miriam and Aaron
• Sabbath
• Giving of the Law-10 Commandments
• Mount Sinai
1. Do a bit of research on the artist, Marc Chagall, whose work is depicted above. Write a brief description about what you learn about him.
2. What specifically does the Passover Meal symbolize (today commonly referred to as the Seder Meal) and what elements/components are included from the biblical narrative?
3. Reread Exodus 15:1-20 making note of the ways that God is described here. How does it describe God’s liberation of Israel? What specific verbs are used to describe God’s actions and what means does God use to liberate the Israelites?
4. Reread Exodus 19 again, in what ways does God appear in a theophany (this is defined in Brother John of Taize reading on page 31 – see below) or you may research its meaning.
5. After skimming/reading Exodus 6-11, what are the purposes of the plagues? Write out other observations or questions you have from this part of the story.
6. What other questions/observations emerged from your reading?
Real Life Encounter: respond to the following scenario: You have a long-time friend who is not of the Christian faith. Within a conversation she/he states that they could never be a believer of the God of Judaism/Christianity because of the ways that God is depicted as violent in the Old Testament. Drawing upon the readings below, craft a respond to her/his comment.
To better prepare for a response to the question that the Jewish/Christian God is a violent God, read the following articles (posted on Blackboard).
1.) Terence Fretheim, “God and Violence in the Old Testament”
2.) “Holy War,” from Harper Collin’s Bible Dictionary, and
3.) Pilgrim God, by Brother John of Taize, pp. 29-35 (Please note that you are only REQUIRED to read the section on “The Warrior God”, but I have included the entire chapter for those interested in reading more).
As you read take notes of comments/arguments that are helpful in your understanding of texts which portray God in ways that might be interpreted as warlike or violent. The notes from these 3 articles should be at least one page single space.
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