Part II of this discussion on my thoughts on Judaism centers on the Book of Exodus.
Much has transpired over the 400 years since Joseph’s family pitched their tents in Goshen. They had multiplied to several million who the latest Pharaoh had forced into slavery. The Egyptians feared that the Hebrew nation would overthrow the Kingdom of Egypt.
God was preparing to move His chosen people into their Promised Land. Moses was commanded by God to demand that Israel must be removed from their bondage.
Moses left his safe harbor of 40 years in Midian and confronted Pharaoh to set his people free. Finally, after 10 miracles, Pharaoh reluctantly allowed their exodus.
Then he had an abrupt change of heart attempting to stop the nation of Israel from crossing the Red Sea.
After the millions of Jews had crossed over on dry land, God annihilated Pharaoh and his whole army as the waters fell down and around them.
God continued to perform miracles for His people, providing them with food and water in the wilderness.
After several enemy attacks in the wilderness, God provided Moses with the Ten Commandments. The Israelites were disobedient and longed to return into Egyptian captivity. There was no turning back.
Moses sent 12 spies into the Promised Land only to have 10 of the 12 bring back a negative report of giants. Only Joshua and Caleb brought back an optimistic report.
The people were unwilling to cross the Jordan River and were destined to remain and die in the wilderness over the next 40 years.
After those many years, God finally allowed Joshua and Caleb to lead the next generation into the Promised Land.
All who were adults during the exodus lived and died in the wilderness. Their sin kept them from crossing the Jordan River.
The books of Exodus, Numbers, Leviticus and Deuteronomy comprise what is known as the Torah to the Jews. The Greek translation is known as the Septuagint. The Greek translation is what we read in the Old Testament.
There’s a wealth of knowledge found in the Pentateuch. This foundational truth is not only beneficial to God’s chosen, but to all humankind if they so choose.
This world would be quite different if we would follow God’s instruction found within these pages!
In Part III we’ll navigate through the books of Joshua, Judges and the poetic books.
Those 40 years in the wilderness prepared the children under the age of 18 to finally cross the Jordan. They had apparently learned enough during those years going around in circles.
They were as prepared as they could be to occupy the Promised Land. It was time to trust the Lord.
I truly hope you are gradually developing a better understanding of God’s first chosen people.