Era Three: Exiting

The third era covers the last four books of the Torah (“the Law”)…Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy…and is characterized by EXITING.  For some context, God had brought the Hebrew people (about 200 of them) into Egypt where they could flourish, multiply, and not be “polluted” by intermarriage (Egyptians thought it despicable to marry another race).  In this way, God allowed His chosen people (the ones who were given the responsibility to share the blessing (that is Christ…Messiah) with all other nations) to live in a place where they were truly set apart for 400+ years.

What started out as a wonderful place for the Hebrew nation to live soon turned into bondage at the hands of a cruel Pharaoh.  This is where our third era picks up…God delivering (exiting) His people out of Egypt and out of Pharaoh’s hand.  I like how our book took us through the meanings behind the names of the four books of the Bible (Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy) which gave clarity to what was happening to the Hebrews during this time of transition.

Did anyone look at the map on page 56 and think… “Wow!  That looks a lot like my Christian walk.”?

 Some questions to think about regarding Era 3: Exiting –

1.  What does it mean to fear the Lord?  Do you fear God?  (see Exodus 20:18-21)

2.  God repeated His commandment to His people to shun idolatry.  Often in Scripture, God is described as jealous.  How do you reconcile this? 

3. What are you taking away from this Era in regards to God’s faithfulness and His justice?  What about obedience?  Consequences? 

4. Remember we have said many times that Old Testament stories reveal New Testament truths.  This era portrayed the Passover Lamb as a foreshadowing of Christ.  Do you see and understand the comparison? 

5. I really like the information about the types of laws in the Old Testament.  I have been asked similar questions about some of the ceremonial and civil laws by friends and skeptics.  Isn’t it so good to be equipped to give solid answers to God’s Word?!?

Enjoy your day and get ready for some great discussion on Thursday.