We continue to introduce the third period of Israel's history —Wilderness Wandering...

The Exodus (Part 2)

3 Background to the Wilderness Wandering

In the providence of God, one of the Israelites, Moses, was privileged and powerful in Egypt. After forty years he tried to deliver his people from slavery, but they rejected him. Having killed one of the cruel slave masters, Moses fled to Midian and was forty years a shepherd.

Moses saw an angel in a bush that was burning yet unconsumed. The angel sent Moses back to Egypt. There he brought ten plagues upon Egypt and led the children of Israel across the Red Sea into the sandy wastes of Sinai.

Moses led the Israelites wandering through the wilderness forty years, because they were too disobedient and unthankful to enter Canaan the promised land. At Sinai, the law was given and the tabernacle of worship was prepared.

Behind this story is the amazing power demonstrated by God in dealing with the Pharaoh and helping his people to get out of Egypt under the leadership of Moses (Exo 14:31). God's power is acknowledged in Moses's Song, "In Thy strength Thou has guided them" (Exo 15:13).

4 The Miracles in the Wildernes

Moses said, "Stand by and see the salvation of the Lord!"

• An angel of God and a pillar of cloud and fire guarded the multitude (Exo 13:21-22; 14:19).
• A strong wind made a path for the Israelites through the sea (Exo 14:21-22,29).
• The Egyptian's chariot wheels were made to swerve, and when the army tried to flee, the waters of the sea returned to normal and drowned them all (Exo 14:25,28,30-31)
• Bitter waters were made sweet and drinkable (Exo 15:22-25).
• Guaranteed freedom from disease (Exo 15:26).
• Manna rains from heaven for bread (Exo 16:4,14-18).
• Quail are sent to provide meat (Exo16:13)
• Water comes from a rock (Exo 17:2-6)
• Moses’s raised hand allows the Israelites to prevail over Amalek (Exo 17:9-13).
• God speaks from the mountain (Exo 19:2-6; 16-20)