(a) Describe the escape of the Israelites from Egypt. (b) In what two ways was this event significant to Israel.

(a) The escape of the Israelites from Egypt (Exodus 12-14)

• After the nine plagues, God announced the tenth and final plague, the death of the firstborn, and instructed Israel to keep the Passover.
• Each household slaughtered a lamb and smeared its blood on the doorposts and lintel; the destroying angel passed over the blood-marked homes but struck every Egyptian firstborn, from Pharaoh's household to the cattle.
• In the resulting mourning, Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron by night and ordered the Israelites to leave Egypt.
• The Israelites left in haste with unleavened bread, and the Egyptians gave them articles of silver, gold and clothing, so they plundered Egypt.
• God led them not by the direct route but toward the Red Sea, guiding them by a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.
• Pharaoh changed his mind and pursued them with his army and chariots, trapping them at the sea.
• God told Moses to stretch out his rod; the sea divided, and Israel crossed on dry ground with walls of water on both sides.
• When the Egyptians followed, the waters returned and drowned Pharaoh's entire army; not one survived.

(b) Two ways the event was significant to Israel

• It marked the birth of Israel as a nation: a group of slaves became a free people bound to God in covenant.
• It demonstrated God's saving power and faithfulness: the deliverance became the foundational act of redemption, commemorated yearly in the Passover feast.