GLEANINGS IN EXODUS

LESSON 18

JETHRO COMES TO MOSES WITH ADVICE

Memory Verse: 18:9 (N . W . 19:8————Lesson: Exodus 18:1-27

—by E. L. Bynum

I. THE VISIT OF JETHRO. v. 1-12

A. Jethro Comes With Moses’ Wife. v. 1-7

1. Jethro heard what God did for Israel. v. 1

2. Moses’ wife was with Jethro. v. 2. Moses had sent his wife back to her father previously. Some teachers say that Moses sent his wife and children back to carry news after they left Egypt. We believe that it is more likely sent them back after the events recorded in 4:24-28.

3. The two sons of Moses. v. 3-4. Note the meaning of their names. Gershom means a stranger there. Eliezer means God is my help.

4. The time and place of the reunion. v. 5

5. The announcement of Jethro. v. 6

6. Thewarm and friendly meeting. v. 7. Moses carefully shows honor and respect to Jethro.

B. Moses’ And Jethro’s Communion. v. 8-12

1. Moses told all that the Lord had done. v . 8

2. Jethro rejoiced in what the Lord had done. v. 9. Like Melchizedek, he was a Gentile priest. He knew the living and true God.

3. Jethro blessed the Lord. v. 10. Gen. 14:20, Melchizedek …blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all. Gen. 24:27.

4. Jethro confesses the Lord above all gods. v. 11. The Hebrew word for “LORD” in v. 9-11 is “Jehovah,” which is the unique name of the God of the Hebrews. We know of no evidence that the heathen ever had a god by that name. While Jethro may have previously believed in other gods, it is apparent that at this time he does not.

5. Jethro offers sacrifice. v. 12

6. Communion before God. v. 12

C. Dispensational And Typical Lessons.

1. Moses is a type of the king (Christ) who is to reign.

2. Jethro is a type of the Gentiles who hear what God has done for Israel. v. 1. Psa. 18:43-44, Thou hast delivered me from the strivings of the people; and thou hast made me the head of the heathen: a people whom I have not known shall serve me. As soon as they hear of me, they shall obey me: the strangers shall submit themselves unto me.

3. Israel here is a type of the future Israel, restored and brought back to the Lord.

a. Zipporah is a type of Israel, the wife of Jehovah. Isa. 54:5-6, For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called. For the LORD hath called thee as a woman forsaken and grieved in spirit, and a wife of youth, when thou wast refused, saith thy God. Jer. 31:32, Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD. Hosea 2:2, Plead with your mother, plead: for she is not my wife, neither am I her husband: let her therefore put away her whoredoms out of her sight, and her adulteries from between her breasts.

b. The Church is not in view in the Old Testament. Col. 1:26-27, Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

4. The sacrifice and communion is a type of that future communion and fellowship of believing Jews and Gentiles. Zech. 2:11, And many nations shall be joined to the LORD in that day, and shall be my people: and I will dwell in the midst of thee, and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto thee. Isa. 2:2-4, And it shall come to pass in the last days, [that] the mountain of the LORD’S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. Acts 15:13-18. And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me: Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up: That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things. Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.

5. The plan of the kingdom government is typified in Ex. 18:13-27. It did not work well then, but it will work in the future kingdom when conditions are right. I Cor. 6:2, Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Luke 19:17, And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities. Rev. 20:6, Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

II. JETHRO’S ADVICE TO MOSES AND ITS ADOPTION. v.13-27

A. Jethro’s Advice. v. 13-23

1. He observed and overworked Moses. v. 13

2. He enquires as to why it was that way. v. 14

3. Moses explains that he is a judge and teacher. v. 15-16

4. Jethro warns Moses of the consequences, if he continued to follow this method. v. 17-18

5. Jethro gives advice, but it does not come from God. v. 19-20

6. Jethro urges that thousands upon thousands of God fearing rulers be appointed. v. 21-22. (According to Ex. 12:37, there were 600,000 men. This would have taken 600 men over thousands; 6,000 men over hundreds; 12,000 men over 50; and 60,000 over 10. This would take a total of 78,600 men to take care of this job. Most commentators think this was a good plan, but we believe it was an awful bureaucratic system to throw on Moses and Israel).

7. Jethro promises success. v. 23

a. Jethro did advise Moses to make sure it was the command of God.

b. We should adopt no policy until we know it is the will of God. Churches are following new methods without knowing that they agree with the will of God. James 3:13-18, Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

c. It is dangerous to follow the plans of relatives, rather than God’s plans.

d. God is able to supply all the help we need. Isa. 41:10, Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Psa. 55:22, Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

B. Moses’ Adoption Of The Plan. v. 24-27

1. Moses hearkened unto his father in law. v. 24

2. Moses implemented the plan. v. 25-26

a. We have no doubt but what Jethro meant well.

b. There is no indication that God approved.

3. The failures of Moses.

a. He failed to remember who made him leader.

b. He failed to remember the source of his strength. Isa. 41:10, Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Psa. 55:22, Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

c. He failed to see the danger of following relatives, instead of God.

d. We know the plan was wrong, for God set up His own order and ignored Jethro’s plan. Num. 11:14-17, I am not able to bear all this people alone, because it is too heavy for me. And if thou deal thus with me, kill me, I pray thee, out of hand, if I have found favour in thy sight; and let me not see my wretchedness. And the LORD said unto Moses, Gather unto me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom thou knowest to be the elders of the people, and officers over them; and bring them unto the tabernacle of the congregation, that they may stand there with thee. And I will come down and talk with thee there: and I will take of the spirit which is upon thee, and will put it upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with thee, that thou bear it not thyself alone.

4. Jethro departs to his own land. v. 27. We see the real attitude of Jethro in Num. 10:29-30, when Moses tried to get him to go with Israel. He preferred his own land, rather than to sojourn with the people of God. This reveals that Jethro was a dangerous man to follow.

—by E. L. Bynum

STUDY QUESTIONS

1. Give the three names used of Moses’ father in law.

2. Why was Moses’ wife with her father?

3. Name Moses’ wife.

4. What did Moses tell his father in law?

5. How did he respond to what Moses told him?

6. What evidence in this chapter do we have that Moses’ father in law believed in the God of Israel?

7. What did Moses’ father in law do that the elders of Israel joined in doing?

8. Moses is a type of _________________.

9. His father in law is a type of the _______________________.

10. Moses’ wife is a type of the_______________.

11. What advice did Moses’ father in law give to him?

12. Why or how do we know that this advice was not the will of God?

13. In what way did Moses fail in this?

LESSON 17

THE ROCK AND THE FLESH

—by E. L. Bynum

Memory Verse: I Cor. 10:4 (N.W. 18:9)————Lesson: Ex. 17:1-16

This chapter begins with “AND,” which is a conjunction. Thus we know that the events in this chapter are connected with that which goes before. “Exodus 16 and 17 go together and John 6 and 7 go together likewise. In Exodus 16 we find the Manna and in John 6 the bread of life. In Exodus 17 the water out of the rock, they type of the Holy Spirit; in John 7 the Lord Jesus announces the coming gift of the Holy Spirit. John 7:37-39, In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) I Cor. 10:4, And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. Arno C. Gaebelein

I. THE SMITTEN ROCK. v. 1-7

A. No Water In Rephidim. v. 1-4

1. They journeyed according to the command of the Lord. v. l

2. There was no water. v. 1

3. They blamed Moses. v. 2. If they had only realized that God had led them there for a purpose, and that wherever He guides, He provides.

4. They tempted God. v. 2. Psa. 78:15-19, He clave the rocks in the wilderness, and gave them drink as out of the great depths. He brought streams also out of the rock, and caused waters to run down like rivers. And they sinned yet more against him by provoking the most High in the wilderness. And they tempted God in their heart by asking meat for their lust. Yea, they spake against God; they said, Can God furnish a table in the wilderness?

5. Their utter unbelief. v. 3. We marvel that a people could say such a thing after seeing all the miracles. After all God had provided Manna and quail, so why should they doubt Him now. This really reveals the awful condition of the human heart. The child of God can always depend upon God. Rom. 8:28, And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

6. Moses cried unto the Lord. v. 4. Psa. 46:1, God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

7. They were almost ready to stone Moses. v. 4. This is the first time that stoning is mentioned in the Bible.

B. Water From The Rock. v. 5-7

1. Moses instructed to take the elders. v. 5

2. The Lord stood upon the rock. v. 6

3. Moses told to smite the rock. v. 6

4. The “ROCK” is one of the titles of God. Deut. 32:15; Isa. 32:2. II Sam. 22:2, And he said, The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer. Psa. 95:1, O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.

5. Christ is that rock. I Cor. 10:4. Matt. 16:18, And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

6. Typical teaching on the rock.

a. The rock had to be smitten – so must Christ.

b. Smitten by the rod of Moses. Christ smitten by God. Isa . 53 :4, Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

7. Water from the smitten rock. v. 6. The water is a type of the Holy Spirit. John 7:37-38, In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

8. All of Israel had water. I Cor. 10:4, And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. Every child of God has the Holy Spirit. Rom. 8:9, But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

9. A new name given. v. 7 (Keep in mind that Israel deserved judgment, but grace granted mercy).

C. Water From The Rock The Second Time. Num. 20:2-13

1. The rock in Exodus 17 foreshadows Christ on the cross.

2. The rock in Numbers 20 foreshadows Christ exalted on high. The word for rock is different in these two chapters in the Hebrew. In Numbers 20, the word for rock speaks of a high rock or fortress.

3. In Exodus 17 Moses used his own rod, but in Num. 20, he used Aaron’s rod. This shows the exalted priestly work of Christ. Num. 17:10; and 20:9.

4. The rock was not to be smitten in Num. 20, for it is a type of Christ who was smitten once. Rom. 6:9-10, Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Heb. 9:26, For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

5. There is a penalty to pay for doing the right thing in the wrong way. Num. 20:12. Proper methods are important.

II. THE SMITTEN FLESH. v. 8-16

The flesh is under the domination of this world system. God’s people have been delivered from this present evil world. Gal. 1:4, Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father. Christians are in the world physically, but of the world spiritually. John 17:14-16, I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. We are not to be conformed to the world. Rom. 12:2, And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Unless this is a reality in our lives, we will never be able to have victory over the flesh.

A. Amalek Typical Of The Flesh.

1. Amalek was the Grandson of Esau. Gen. 36:12, And Timna was concubine to Eliphaz Esau’s son; and she bare to Eliphaz Amalek: these were the sons of Adah Esau’s wife.

2. He was born after the flesh. Gal. 4:29, But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now.

3. The Amalekites were foes of Israel. Num. 24:20, And when he looked on Amalek, he took up his parable, and said, Amalek was the first of the nations; but his latter end shall be that he perish for ever. I Sam. 14:48; I Sam. 15:2, 3, 7, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, I remember that which Amalek did to Israel, how he laid wait for him in the way, when he came up from Egypt. Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass. And Saul smote the Amalekites from Havilah until thou comest to Shur, that is over against Egypt. I Sam. 27:8; 30:1-18; II Sam. 8:12; I Chron. 4:41-43

4. So is the flesh and enemy of the child of God. Gal. 5:17, For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. I Pet. 2:11, Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul. Rom. 7:15-25

B. Only God Can Give Victory Over The Flesh. v. 8-16

1. The place and occasion. v. 8. It was at Rephidim, after they drank from the Rock. Is it not the same today? Notice that the conflict followed the last 7 words of verse 7.

2. Amalek (the flesh) must be fought against. v. 9

3. Weapons of divine appointment must be used. v. 9 . This is the first mention of Joshua. This is the first mention of Joshua, but he will be mentioned about 200 times in the rest of the Bible. His name means “Jehovah is salvation.” The New Testament rendering in Greek is Jesus.

4. Joshua is a type of the believers in prayer in conflict with the flesh. v. 10

5. Moses on the mount is a type of the believer in prayer and supplication before God. v. 11. I Tim. 2:8, I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.

6. It is only as we seek help from above that we prevail over the flesh. v. 11. Psa. 28:2, Hear the voice of my supplications, when I cry unto thee, when I lift up my hands toward thy holy oracle.

7. How weary we become in supplication. v. 12. Luke 18:1, And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint. I Thess. 5:17, Pray without ceasing. Col. 4:12, Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

8. The word of God (sword of the Spirit) needed to prevail over the flesh. v. 13. Heb. 4:12, For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Eph. 6:17, And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Psa. 119:11, Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

9. Though Amalek (flesh) was discomfited, he was not destroyed, and so it is in our battle against the flesh. v. 13. I Cor.9:26-27, I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

10. Amalek (flesh) attack the weak and the faint. Deut. 25:17-18, Remember what Amalek did unto thee by the way, when ye were come forth out of Egypt; How he met thee by the way, and smote the hindmost of thee, even all that were feeble behind thee, when thou wast faint and weary; and he feared not God. Isa. 40:30-31, Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

11 . Amalek finally to be destroyed. v. 14

12. Jehovah-nissi (the Lord our banner), will never compromise with the flesh. v. 15-16

—by E. L. Bynum

STUDY QUESTIONS

1. Why does this chapter begin with “AND?”

2. How does Exodus 16 relate to Exodus 17?

3. How does John 6 and John 7 compare?

4. Why were they at Rephidim in the first place?

5. Who did they blame for lack of water?

6. What were they about ready to do to Moses?

7. Who stood upon the rock?

8. What was the rock a type of?

9. Who is called “ROCK” in the Bible?

10. What is the significance and the lesson from the smiting of the rock

11. What did the water typify?

12. Who all received the water, and what is the lesson from this?

13. Briefly contrast the difference between the smiting of the rock in Exodus 17 and Numbers 20.

14. What did the disobedience of Moses cost him?

15. Explain the origin of Amalek.

16. Who or what does Amalek typify?

17. How can we gain the victory over Amalek?

18. What will finally happen to Amalek?

LESSON 16

MURMURING IN THE WILDERNESS OF SIN

—by E. L. Bynum

Memory Verse: 16:4 (N.W. I Cor. 10:4)————Lesson: Exodus 16:1-36

I. THE MURMURING AND THE MANNA. v. 1-21

A. Murmuring For Food. v. 1-3

1. Location of their murmuring. v. 1. This wilderness was east of the Red Sea.

2. Leaders and the whole congregation of Israel murmured against Moses. v. 2. They murmured for bread for their body, but what they really needed was bread for the soul. Isa. 55:2, Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.

3. Longing for Egypt. v. 3. Now they speak of Egypt as if it was a wonderful place where they had plenty. Their fear of death in the wilderness reveals a lack of faith in God.

a. They questioned why God allowed this. So did Job, until he met God, then he forgot all his questions. Job 40:1-5, Moreover the LORD answered Job, and said, Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him? he that reproveth God, let him answer it. Then Job answered the LORD, and said, Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth. Once have I spoken; but I will not answer: yea, twice; but I will proceed no further.

b. God’s wisdom is beyond our understanding. He is in control, so trust Him. Isa. 55:8-9, For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. Rom. 11:33-36, O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.

c. We should not be asking, how can I get out of this problem, but what can I learn from them. Matt. 6:33, But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

d. God had promised them that they would worship Him at Mount Sinai. Ex. 3:12. In unbelief they question the word of God, by suggesting that they would die in the wilderness.

B. Manna Promised By God. v. 4-12

1. God to rain bread from heaven. v. 4. This was grace, when they deserved judgment. Psa. 78:24, And had rained down manna upon them to eat, and had given them of the corn of heaven. See John 6:31-51

a. The manna came down upon them where they were, and so does the word of God.

b. It was pure, just like God’s word. Psa. 119:40, Psa. 12:6, The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.

c. It was despised by the mixed multitude. God’s word is despised by the mixed multitude in the churches today who want something else. Preachers and churches are changing their message and practice today in order to satisfy them. Num. 11:4, And the mixt multitude that was among them fell a lusting: and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat?

2. The special provision for the 6th day. v. 5

3. The evening revelation. v. 6. v. 12-13

4. Their murmuring was against the Lord. v. 7,8

5. They would have quail in the evening and manna in the morning. v. 8

6. The people assembled and informed. v. 9-10

7. God’s glory appears. v. 10

8. The Lord speaks. v. 11-12

C. Manna A Type Of Christ And Of The Word. v. 13-21

John 6:31-35, Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat. Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread. And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.

1. The quail not a type of Christ, but flesh to satisfy their fleshly desires. v. 13

2. The manna was a supernatural gift. v. 14; v. 4. Manna means “what is it?”

3. The manna came down from heaven. v. 14. As a type of Christ, it came down into the Wilderness of Sin. Christ came into this wilderness of sin to save us.

4. The manna was small in size. v. 14

5. The manna was white (pure) and was a gift. v. 15

6. The manna was to be eaten. v. 15

7. They were to chew it, a type of meditation on the word and on Christ.

8. There was a sufficient supply for all. v. 16. Notice that each man was to receive it for himself. Christ our manna must be received personally. No one else can receive Him for you. An omer was about two quarts.

9. The manna was to be gathered every morning. God is not the author of confusion. He leaves us with instructions as to what we are to do.

10. Some gathered more, some less. v. 17. It is so with Christ and His word, some receive much and others receive little according to their appetite.

11. What was gathered must be used. v. 18-19. Many go and hear God’s word, but they never use it in their life for God. They are too occupied with worldly things.

12. The manna was despised by the mixed multitude. Num. 11:4-6

13. Those who partake contrary to God’s instruction are punished. v. 20

14. The manna met a daily need. v. 21.

a. God’s word is spiritual food for our souls and we should feed on it daily. Job. 23:12; Jer. 15:16; Heb. 5:12-14. Matt. 4:4, But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. I Pet. 2:2, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.

b. The manna had to be gathered in the morning before the sun came up. Otherwise it would melt. They could not be lazy, or they would miss their food. Many lazy Christians lie in bed, rather than get up to feed on Christ and His word. Too many people do not do this, and the word disappears from them that day, just like the manna melted. This results in God’s people losing the benefits and blessings for that day.

c. There are some good examples of those who arose early to commune with God. They are, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joshua, Samuel, David, and Jesus Christ. Mark 1:35, And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.

II. THE MANNA, THE SABBATH, AND THE MEMORIAL. v. 22-36

A. The Manna And The Sabbath. v. 22-30

1. Twice as much on the 6th day. v. 22

2. The sabbath to be kept. v. 23. We have no record of the Sabbath being kept by Israel until this time. This is the first time the word sabbath is found in the Bible. Manna was a miracle from God. Every sixth and seventh day there was another miracle when God did not allow it to spoil for an extra day.

3. Obedience rewarded. v. 24

4. No manna in the field on the 7th day. v. 25-26

5. The disobedient. v. 27. Some people seem to never really get the message they hear. It is the same in the churches today.

6. The displeasure of the Lord. v. 28

7. Instruction given and obedience practiced. v. 29-30

B. The Manna And The Memorial. v. 31-36

1. The description and taste of manna. v. 31. Like the Word of God and of Christ, it was pure and sweet.

2. The memorial of manna was for future generations. v. 32

3. It was to be laid up before the Lord. v. 33. Christ is now before the Father for us. Heb. 9:24, For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us.

4. The manna was kept with the law. v. 34. This was done after the Tabernacle was built.

5. They ate manna for 40 years. v. 35-36. Josh. 5:11-12, And they did eat of the old corn of the land on the morrow after the passover, unleavened cakes, and parched corn in the selfsame day. And the manna ceased on the morrow after they had eaten of the old corn of the land; neither had the children of Israel manna any more; but they did eat of the fruit of the land of Canaan that year.

Let us learn the truth in this chapter that can be applied to us. After all it was written for us. I Cor. 10:6, Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Psa. 90:12, So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

—by E. L. Bynum

STUDY QUESTIONS

1. Where were they when they murmured?

2. Who did they murmur against?

3. What was there in Egypt that they longed for?

4. Why do we say that the manna was given by grace?

5. What were they to do on the 6th day?

6. The manna was a type of__________and of the__________.

7. How was the manna a type of___________?

8. How was it a type of the _____________?

9. What happened when they gathered too much manna?

LESSON 15

THE SONG OF THE REDEEMED

—by E. L. Bynum

Memory Verse: 15:2 (N.W. 16:4)————Lesson: Ex. 15:1-27

The student should realize that redemption is two-fold. Redemption. Redemption is by purchase, and it is also by power. Redemption carries with it the idea of ransom and also deliverance. Hos. 13:14; Jer. 31:11; and Eph. 1:14. Down in Egypt they were redeemed (ransomed) by purchase, at the Red Sea they were redeemed (delivered) by power.

I. ISRAEL’S SONG OF REDEMPTION. v. 1-21

A. the Song of Redemption – Retrospective. v. 1-12

1. The first song. v. 1. This is the first song of the Bible. Israel had no song in Egypt. Man can have no song without redemption. This song and its poetry contains none of the polytheism and mythology of the ancient songs and poems of Egypt, India and other ancient peoples. Why? Because it is inspired of God !

a. The Song of Redemption. “This song is twofold: (1) It applies to Israel and (2) It is typical of the believer. There is no singing mentioned in the Bible except in connection with redemption. Angels do not sing. As far as the Bible is concerned, angels have never sung since sin entered the universe of God. Israel, as a redeemed people laden with the joy of their Lord, tell it out in such accents of gratitude and praise as are set forth in this inspiring song.” W. G. Heslop

b. On the other side of the Red Sea they had no song (Ex. 14:11-12). Now they have a song. It will not take them long to lose, for only through maturity can we have a song in the night. Job 35:10, But none saith, Where is God my maker, who giveth songs in the night. Psa. 42:8, …in the night his song shall be with me…. Matt. 26:30. Acts 16:25, And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.

2. The song of Moses. v. 1. This was his first song, and his last song is recorded in Deut.32. Rev. 15:3, And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. It looks forward to Israel’s song in the Kingdom age. Isa. 12

3. The Lord’s triumph. v. 1

4. The Lord’s relationship to His own. v. 2

5. His name and occupation. v. 3. He is not only the God of peace, but He also the God of war. Liberals abhor this and remove the militant hymns from their song books. They do not like “Onward Christian Soldiers,” or “A Mighty Fortress is our God.”

6. The disposition of His enemies. v. 4-5

7. Accomplished by His might and power. v. 6-8. Notice how easy it was for God to do all of this. Israel’s praise of God for what He had done is not barbaric, fleshly or evil; but it is entirely in the will of God. See Rev. 15:3 as quoted above.

8. The enemy’s boast, and God’s answer. v. 9-10

9. The uniqueness of our God. v. 11. Deut. 3:24; Psa. 86:8; Rev. 19:6; Psa. 89:7; Micah 7:18

10. His wrath upon His enemies. v. 12

B. The Song of Redemption – Prospective. v. 13-18

1. God will lead them to their habitation. v. 13

2. The people in and around Canaan to be filled with fear. v. 14-16. Josh. 2:9-11

3. His people brought in and planted. v. 17

4. His eternal position. v. 18. Dan. 7:14, And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.

C. The Song of Redemption by the Women. V. 19-21

1. The Lord brought the waters back. v. 19. The waters were brought back swiftly and miraculously.

2. Miriam leads the women. v. 20. The dancing here bears no relationship to modern dancing. Men and women did not dance together, but were separated. Usually the men did not dance at all. It more resembled marching to music.

3. They are encouraged to sing to the Lord. v. 21. Many Scriptures tell us to sing. Psa. 81:1, Sing aloud unto God our strength: make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob. Psa. 95:1, O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Eph. 5:19, Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord. James 5:13, Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.

II. ISRAEL’S JOURNEY IN THE WILDERNESS. v.22-27

A. The Waters of Marah. v. 22-26

1. Three days in the wilderness without water. v. 22. God’s redeemed people may expect the experiences of the wilderness. They are a necessary part of our trials and temptations. Three days here speak of resurrection.

a. After a great victory at the Red Sea, they soon lose the joy of victory in the desert.

b. The pleasures of sin can never satisfy. Only God can satisfy. Psa. 63:1, O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is.

2. The bitter waters of Marah. v. 23. The waters of this wilderness world are indeed bitter to God’s people. “Marah” means “bitter.” Drought and bitterness is what the world offers. Jer. 17:9, The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

3. How quickly their song turned to murmuring. v. 24

a. They became professionals at murmuring. Num. 14:2; Deut. 1:27. Psa. 106:13-14, They soon forgat his works; they waited not for his counsel: But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert.

b. They Bible tells us why. Matt. 6:21, For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

c. This is a lesson for us. I Cor. 10:11, Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

4. God’s provision through a tree. v. 25. This tree is a type of the cross. The tree was not found by Moses, but it was God who showed him. I Pet. 2:24, Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

“The cross on which the Saviour died

and conquered For His saints,

This is the tree, by faith applied,

Which sweetens all complaints.”

5. God protects and heals. v. 26. Divine healers say that God does not use doctors or medicine to heal the sick. This is not true, “He employs them. The bitter waters of Marah were healed not by a peremptory fiat from Jehovah, but by a `tree’ being cast into them! Thus, in the first reference to `healing’ in the Bible we find God deliberately choosing to employ means for the healing and health of His people. Similarly, did He bless Elisha in the use of means (salt) in healing the waters at Jericho (2 Kings 2:I9-22). Similarly did God instruct His servant Isaiah to use means (a fig-poultice) in the healing of Hezekiah. So also in Psa. 104:14 we read, `He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle and here for the service of man; that he may bring forth good out of the earth.’ So we find the apostle Paul exhorting Timothy to take a little wine for his stomach’s sake (I Tim. 5:23). Even on the new earth God will use means for healing the bodies of the nations which have lived through the millennium without dying and being raised in glorified bodies `The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations’ (Rev. 22:2).” A. W. Pink

B. The Waters Of Elim. v. 27

1. Twelve wells of water. A well for each tribe.

2. Seventy palm trees. A tree each for the seventy elders. Palm trees grow by the water, and so do Christians. Psa.1:2-3, But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

3. They encamped there. After trials, God refreshes His people.

“Elim! sweet foretaste of rest and blessing.

Soon must be left for the lengthening way;

But it is well that Thy pilgrims should gather

Courage and strength for the wearisome day.”

—by E. L. Bynum

STUDY QUESTIONS

1. Give a brief description of the two-fold meaning of redemption.

2. What is the significance of this first song of the Bible?

3. How does it differ from the ancient songs and poems of the Egyptians?

4. This is the first song of Moses, where is the record of his last song?

5. Israel has been accused by liberals of being heathenish and sinful in their rejoicing over what God did to the Egyptians. How would you refute that?

6. What is the meaning of “retrospective” and “prospective” as used in outlining this chapter?

7. Was Miriam out of place in taking a place of leadership in v. 20?

8. If Miriam and these Hebrews danced, what is wrong with Christians dancing today?

9. Explain why a redeemed people have to go through the wilderness and come to bitter waters?

10. What did the Israelites do after going without water for three days and then only finding bitter waters?

11. How were the waters sweetened, and what is this a type of?

12. Explain the waters and trees of Elim, and the spiritual lessons to be gained from them?

13. Look up the palm trees of the Bible and explain their typical teaching.

LESSON 14

LIFE AND DEATH AT THE RED SEA

—by E. L. Bynum

Memory Verse: 14:13 (N.W. Luke 2:11)————Lesson: Exodus 14:1-31

In this lesson we are to have for our consideration one of the most remarkable miracles recorded in the O.T., certainly the most remarkable in connection with the history of Israel. From this point onwards whenever the servants of God would remind the people of the Lord’s power and greatness, reference is almost always made to what He wrought for them at the Red Sea.

Eight hundred years afterwards the Lord says through Isaiah. Isa. 51:15, But I am the LORD thy God, that divided the sea, whose waves roared: The LORD of hosts is his name. Nah. 1:3-4, The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the LORD hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet. Micah 7:15, According to the days of thy coming out of the land of Egypt will I shew unto him marvellous things. Josh. 24:6-7, And I brought your fathers out of Egypt: and ye came unto the sea; and the Egyptians pursued after your fathers with chariots and horsemen unto the Red sea. And when they cried unto the LORD, he put darkness between you and the Egyptians, and brought the sea upon them, and covered them; and your eyes have seen what I have done in Egypt: and ye dwelt in the wilderness a long season. Neh. 9:9, And didst see the affliction of our fathers in Egypt, and heardest their cry by the Red sea. Psa. 106:7-8-12, Our fathers understood not thy wonders in Egypt; they remembered not the multitude of thy mercies; but provoked him at the sea, even at the Red sea. Nevertheless he saved them for his name’s sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known. He rebuked the Red sea also, and it was dried up: so he led them through the depths, as through the wilderness. And he saved them from the hand of him that hated them, and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy. And the waters covered their enemies: there was not one of them left. Then believed they his words; they sang his praise. Jer. 31:35, Thus saith the LORD, which giveth the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, which divideth the sea when the waves thereof roar; The LORD of hosts is his name. Josh. 2:10-11, For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed. And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.

I . THE REDEEMED THREATENED. v. 1-12

A. The Lord Speaks To Their Leader. 1-4

1. Their route of travel changed. v. 1-2. The Lord places them where the sea is ahead, the mountains on either side, and the Egyptians behind them. Here they would be totally dependent upon the Lord for their safety in this trial. James 1:3-4, Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

2. Pharaoh’s conclusion. v. 3

3. God’s work and purpose. v. 4

B. The Egyptians Pursue Israel. v. 5-9

1. The Egyptians miss their slaves. v. 5. Compare this with Satan’s fiery darts when the sinner turns to Christ. Eph. 6:16, Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

2 . Pharaoh prepares to pursue them. v . 6

3. Pharaoh’s army goes with him. v. 7

4. The hard hearted king in pursuit. v. 8

5. The Egyptians overtake Israel. v. 9

C. The Fearful Israelites & Their Brave Leader. v. 10-14

1. The fearful Israelites. v. 10. Remember that they were unarmed, untrained, and unaccustomed to war. We believe that Moses was trained in military matters. Acts 7:22, And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds.

2. The faithless Israelites turn on Moses. v. 11

3. The foolish Israelites prefer slavery. v. 12

4. The faithful leader speaks. v. 13-14

a. Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord. v. 13

b. The Egyptians to be utterly destroyed. v. 13

c. The Lord will fight for you. v. 14. Israel had been brought to this exact place by the Lord, in order that they might see the sufficiency of the Lord. Phil. 4:19, But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. I Cor. 10:13, There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

II. THE REDEEMED DELIVERED. v. 15-22

A. The Lord Instructs Moses. v. 15-18

1. They are to go forward. v . 15

2. The way to be prepared. v. 16

3. The Egyptians to be destroyed. v. 17

4. The Lord to be honored. v . 18

B. The Lord Delivers Israel. v. 19-22

1 . The angel and the cloud protect Israel. v. 19

2. The cloud of darkness and the cloud of light. v. 20

3. The waters divided. v. 21

4. Israel marches through on dry ground. v. 22. Many have attempted to explain away the miracle, by saying that this was only a shallow marsh. They fail to explain how the Egyptians could have been drowned in such a place.

a. This was an act of faith. Heb. 11:29, By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.

b. This was an act of obedience, a type of baptism. I Cor. 10:1-2, Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea.

III. THE UNREDEEMED DESTROYED. v. 23-31

A. The Destruction Of The Egyptians. v. 23-28

1 . The Egyptians follow. v. 23. They try to do without faith, what Israel did by faith. No wonder they were destroyed.

2. The Lord troubled Egypt in the morning watch. v. 24. (The morning watch was from 2 a.m. until sunrise.)

3. The Egyptians flee. v. 25

4. The Egyptians overthrown. v. 26-27

5. The waters destroy the army. v. 28

B. The Deliverance And The Lessons From It. v. 29-31

Israel walks upon dry land between the walls of water. The Lord saved Israel, and Israel saw the great work and feared the Lord. But there are a number of typical lessons found in this chapter.

1. Typically the crossing of the Red Sea speaks of Christ making a way through death for His people.

2. Evangelically the crossing of the Red Sea tells of the completeness of our salvation. It is the sequel to the Passover night.

3. Doctrinally the passage through the Red Sea sets forth the believer’s union with Christ in His death and resurrection. Gal. 2:20, I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. This is pictured in baptism, but is accomplished by faith. I Cor. 10:1-2, Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea. Rom. 6:5, For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection. Eph. 2:5-6, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. 4. Practically the deliverance of Israel from the Red Sea illustrates the absolute sufficiency of our God. Isa. 43:2, When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

5. Dispensationally the passing of Israel through the Red Sea foreshadows the yet future restoration and deliverance of the nation of Israel from among the sea of the nations. Psa. 65:7, Which stilleth the noise of the seas, the noise of their waves, and the tumult of the people. Dan. 7:2, Daniel spake and said, I saw in my vision by night, and, behold, the four winds of the heaven strove upon the great sea. Rev. 17:15, And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues. Ezek. 20:34, And I will bring you out from the people, and will gather you out of the countries wherein ye are scattered, with a mighty hand, and with a stretched out arm, and with fury poured out. Ezek. 37:21, And say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will take the children of Israel from among the heathen, whither they be gone, and will gather them on every side, and bring them into their own land.

—by E. L. Bynum

STUDY QUESTIONS

1. Why did God change the route of travel for Israel?

2. What did Pharaoh conclude from their route of travel?

3. Why did the Egyptians miss having the Israelites? 1

4. How does this compare with Satan’s work when a sinner is saved?

5. What excuse did Israel have for their fear of Egypt’s army?

6. “_________ ye not, stand still, and see the ____________ ___ ___ _ ___________.”

7. Why was the cloud darkness to Egypt and light to Israel?

8. At what time did the Lord trouble the Egyptians?

9. Some suggest that Israel crossed only a marsh and not a sea. Why could this not be true?

10. What N. T. ordinance is typified by the crossing of the Red Sea?