The forming of a people, Israel into God’s people, the covenant’s laws, and instructions and first their liberation from oppression in Egypt are the stories found within the second book of the Old Testament. An integral part of the Jewish’s Torah as well. We first hear the dramatic story of their release from captivity in Egypt. Then meet foundational people of the faith, Moses, Aaron and Miriam and the Israelites who through trial and error learn how to worship and serve God. There are fundamental theological roots within this book too, such as explanation of God’s name (YHWH) and other biblical ideas about who God is and how God interacts with the chosen people; the Ten Commandments and the importance of Sabbath and God’s love for the stranger are within the book of Exodus as well.

Exodus 2:23-25

“²³After a long time the king of Egypt died. The Israelites groaned under their slavery, and cried out. Out of the slavery their cry for help rose up to God. ²⁴God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. ²⁵God looked upon the Israelites, and God took notice of them.”

Prayer

Ever-Present Lord, thank you for these stories of flawed and stubborn people, like me and yet you love them. Yet you love me. Continue to guide my life as you did for them many moons ago. Be my light and shield, now and always. Amen.