The Book of Exodus can be divided into five major theological themes:
- God’s Deliverance (Exodus 1–15)
- God’s Covenant (Exodus 16–24)
- God’s Worship (Exodus 25–31)
- God’s Forgiveness (Exodus 32–34)
- God’s Presence (Exodus 35–40)
This article focuses on the first theme — God’s Deliverance (Exodus 1–15). It highlights how God intervenes for His people in hopeless situations and how His mysterious involvement continues in the lives of those who fear Him today.
God’s Mysterious Involvement in Human Affairs
The Israelites were enslaved in Egypt, with no power to free themselves. Scripture records: “The Israelites groaned in their slavery and cried out, and their cry for help because of their slavery went up to God. God heard their groaning and he remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac and with Jacob” (Exodus 2:23–24, NIV).
Though Pharaoh’s power appeared unshakable, God worked quietly and mysteriously. He preserved Moses, raised him in Pharaoh’s palace, and later called him from a burning bush (Exodus 3:2–10). These events remind us that God is never absent in the lives of His people. Today, too, when situations appear hopeless, God still hears, remembers, and acts.
God’s Choice of Servants Defies Human Reasoning
God’s call of Moses highlights that His choices often defy human logic. Moses doubted himself, saying: “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” (Exodus 3:11). Again, he protested: “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent… I am slow of speech and tongue” (Exodus 4:10).
Yet God chose Moses, not because of his abilities, but to reveal His own power: “I will be with you” (Exodus 3:12). This reflects a biblical pattern: God chose David the shepherd boy (1 Samuel 16:11–13), Gideon the least in his clan (Judges 6:15), and unlearned fishermen as apostles (Acts 4:13). God’s ways are higher than human reasoning (Isaiah 55:8–9).
Vital Lessons from the First Division of Exodus (Exodus 1–15)
- God is faithful to His promises – He remembered His covenant (Exodus 2:24; cf. Hebrews 10:23).
- God hears the cry of the oppressed – “I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt… and I am concerned about their suffering” (Exodus 3:7).
- God’s power surpasses earthly rulers – Pharaoh hardened his heart, but God displayed His supremacy through the plagues (Exodus 7–12).
- Salvation is through blood and power – The blood of the Passover lamb (Exodus 12:13) points to Christ, “our Passover lamb” (1 Corinthians 5:7).
- Deliverance leads to worship – After crossing the Red Sea, Israel sang: “The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation” (Exodus 15:2).
A Call to Fix Our Eyes on God’s Deliverance
Dear reader, the God who delivered Israel from Egypt is the same God who reigns today. No hardship, oppression, hypocrisy, or wickedness of rulers can stop His hand. Just as Israel trusted in the blood of the lamb and followed God through the Red Sea, you are called to trust in Jesus Christ, “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).
Whatever your bondage—fear, sin, poverty, or injustice—fix your eyes on the deliverance of God. His methods may defy human wisdom, but His salvation is sure. In Christ, every Pharaoh will bow, every Red Sea will part, and every hopeless situation will turn into testimony.
Fix your hope on Him. The God who delivered Israel is still delivering today — and He calls you to salvation in Christ Jesus.