The Exodus from Egypt
Also known as: The Exodus, Yetziat Mitzrayim
The Exodus from Egypt
The foundational event of Israelite identity: God’s deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt through Moses. This event established Israel as God’s people and demonstrated his power over the gods of Egypt.
Background
The descendants of Jacob had lived in Egypt since Joseph’s time. Over centuries, they multiplied greatly. A new Pharaoh “who did not know Joseph” enslaved the Hebrews and ordered the killing of their male infants.
The Burning Bush
Moses, raised in Pharaoh’s court but exiled to Midian after killing an Egyptian, encountered God in a burning bush that was not consumed. God revealed his name: “I AM WHO I AM”—and commissioned Moses to deliver Israel from Egypt.
Despite Moses’ objections (his lack of eloquence, his fear of Pharaoh), God appointed him with his brother Aaron as spokesman.
Confrontation with Pharaoh
Moses and Aaron demanded that Pharaoh let Israel go to worship God in the wilderness. Pharaoh refused and increased the Hebrews’ labor. This set the stage for the plagues.
The Ten Plagues
God sent ten plagues upon Egypt, each demonstrating his power over Egyptian deities and the futility of Pharaoh’s resistance:
- Water to Blood - The Nile, source of life and worshipped as a god, turned to blood
- Frogs - Emerged from the Nile and infested the land
- Gnats/Lice - Dust became gnats; Egyptian magicians could not replicate this
- Flies - Swarms covered Egypt but not Goshen where Israel lived
- Livestock Disease - Egyptian animals died; Israelite animals survived
- Boils - Painful sores on Egyptians and animals
- Hail - Devastating hailstorm with fire
- Locusts - Devoured remaining crops
- Darkness - Three days of total darkness, yet Israel had light
- Death of Firstborn - At midnight, every firstborn in Egypt died
Passover
Before the tenth plague, God instructed Israel to sacrifice a lamb and mark their doorposts with its blood. The destroyer would “pass over” these houses. This became the annual Passover festival, commemorating God’s deliverance.
The Departure
After the death of his firstborn, Pharaoh released Israel. About 600,000 men, plus women and children, left Egypt with their livestock and the wealth given them by the Egyptians. The exodus began the journey to the Promised Land.
In Judaism
The Exodus is the central event of Jewish identity and faith:
- Passover (Pesach) - Annual celebration of liberation
- The Haggadah - Retelling the story at the Seder meal
- Daily remembrance - Referenced in prayers and the Shema
- Ethical foundation - “You were strangers in Egypt” motivates treatment of others
- Messianic hope - Future redemption modeled on the Exodus
In Christianity
The New Testament interprets the Exodus typologically:
- Jesus as the Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7)
- Baptism as passing through the Red Sea (1 Corinthians 10:1-2)
- Moses as a type of Christ the deliverer
- Liberation from sin paralleling liberation from slavery
The Last Supper was a Passover meal, linking Jesus’ death to the Exodus.
In Islam
The Quran gives extensive attention to Musa (Moses) and Firaun (Pharaoh):
- Musa is the most frequently mentioned prophet in the Quran
- The confrontation with Pharaoh demonstrates God’s power
- Pharaoh is the archetype of arrogance against God
- The story emphasizes monotheism versus idol worship
Islam commemorates the Exodus in the fast of Ashura (10th of Muharram).
Historical Questions
The Exodus presents historical challenges:
- No Egyptian records mention the Israelite presence or departure
- The number of people (potentially 2 million with families) is debated
- The date is disputed: 15th century BCE (1446) vs. 13th century BCE (~1270)
- Archaeological evidence is ambiguous
Scholars propose various interpretations: literal historical event, smaller-scale migration that grew in tradition, or theological narrative expressing liberation themes.
Theological Significance
The Exodus establishes core Abrahamic themes: