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

Answer Details

(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.