Journal Through the Bible: Week 13 Thursday

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Exodus 13:1-14:4

Does God make any promises in this passage?

• Promises are fulfilled in this passage, including the bringing out of Joseph's bones. Joseph knew that God would lead the Hebrews out and had left instructions that his bones should be taken back to Canaan for burial.
• God promised to be in a pillar of fire by night and a pillar of cloud by day to lead the people.

Are there any references to Jesus?

• Our God is a consuming fire (Deuteronomy 4:24 and Hebrews 12:29) and Jesus as the supreme Judge of all will be the ultimate consuming fire.
• Clouds were often present at important points in Jesus' ministry. Mark 9:7, Matthew 17:5; and then at His ascension.

Are there any references to yet-future events?

• The presence of God in the cloud is a reminder of our coming King. We are told in Acts 1:9-11 that the same Jesus who went up into the clouds will come again in the same way to lead us to our eternal home. 
• The presence of God in the fire is a reminder of our coming Judge. We are told that Jesus has the power of judgment upon those who do not believe in Him and will cast them into a lake of fire for eternity.

Does God issue any commands?

• All of the firstborn were to be set apart for His use, both of man and beasts, and instructions were given for the redemption of them
• God commanded Moses to lead the people directly to the Red Sea where they would be totally hemmed in by the sea on one side so that the Hebrew people would trust Him as their deliverer and the Egyptian people would know that God really was the LORD.