The first part of the book of Exodus sets the scene for God's deliverance of his chosen people, Israel, from slavery in Egypt.

Israel is being persecuted by an Egyptian pharaoh, probably Thutmose I.

Beginning with 70 individuals, the nation of Israel multiplies so quickly that they soon fill the land.

Such growth causes Pharaoh great concern, since the Israelites might join others and attack Egypt.

To lessen the threat from Israel's growing strength, Pharaoh enslaves the Israelites, forcing them to build two storage cities, Pithom and Rameses. In spite of persecution, Israel continues to multiply.

In his continuing efforts to curb Israel's strength, Pharaoh tells the Hebrew midwives to kill all Israelite male babies at birth. "But because the midwives feared God, they refused to obey the king and allowed the boys to live."

Finally, Pharaoh orders his people to throw all Israelite male babies into the Nile River.

This lengthy section covers the life and mission of Moses. We see him as the prince of Egypt, the shepherd of Midian, and the lawgiver of Israel.

This section details Moses' early years and his role as the prince of Egypt.

Moses is born to a Levite couple, Amram and Jochebed (see Ex. 6:20). After hiding him from Pharaoh for three months, they place Moses in a small basket and set it along the bank of the Nile River.

Pharaoh's daughter discovers the baby Moses and has compassion for him.

Moses' sister, Miriam, has been watching the princess and suggests to her that a young Hebrew mother be found to nurse the baby. The princess agrees, and Miriam gets her mother so she can nurse her own child! Moses is named and raised by Pharaoh's daughter.

Moses kills an Egyptian who is brutally beating a Hebrew slave.

The next day Moses rebukes a Hebrew slave who is mistreating a fellow Hebrew. But the man turns the tables on Moses, asking, "Do you plan to kill me as you killed that Egyptian yesterday?" Realizing that his deed had become known, Moses flees to Midian.

This section recounts Moses' years as the shepherd of Midian.

Moses drives away some unfriendly shepherds, allowing some women to water their flocks.

Moses marries Zipporah, one of the women he helped at the well, and fathers two sons, Gershom (Ex. 2:22) and Eliezer (Ex. 18:4).

Egypt's persecution of Israel intensifies. God hears their cries and remembers his covenant with Abraham.

He sees a bush engulfed in flames, but it is not consumed by the fire.

"You are standing on holy ground."

The Lord says he has heard the Israelites' cries and will deliver them.

First proof (Ex. 4:2-5): Moses' rod turns into a snake.

Moses' hand becomes leprous.

The Nile River waters will later become blood.

God allows Moses' older brother, Aaron, to accompany Moses as spokesman. Moses receives permission from his father-in-law to leave.

Moses says good-bye to his father-in-law.

God will help the hand of Moses (in performing miracles) but will harden the heart of Pharaoh!

For some reason Moses carelessly neglected, or perhaps even refused, to circumcise his firstborn son, Gershom.

This carelessness almost costs Moses his life!

Realizing the danger, Zipporah quickly circumcises their son.

Moses now tells Aaron the details of their mission.

Upon hearing Aaron's message and seeing Moses' miracles, the elders believe them and worship God.

This section details Moses' role and experiences as the lawgiver of Israel.

####### Moses to Pharaoh: "This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'Let my people go.'"

####### Pharaoh to Moses: "I don't know the LORD, and I will not let Israel go."

He forces them to gather their own straw to make bricks.

Upon learning the reason for their additional burdens, the Jewish elders become angry with Moses and Aaron. Moses, in turn, complains to God.

Moses is reassured that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob-the Lord himself-will indeed deliver them from Egypt and lead them into the Promised Land!

These verses record the families of Reuben, Simeon, and Levi (the ancestor of Moses and Aaron).

Aaron is appointed by God to serve as a prophet and spokesman for Moses.

God will soon pour out his divine wrath upon the land of Egypt!

When Moses and Aaron confront Pharaoh again, Pharaoh demands that they demonstrate the power of their God. So Aaron throws down his staff, which turns into a snake. Pharaoh's magicians do the same, but Aaron's snake swallows up their snakes.

Because Pharaoh refuses to listen, the Lord begins a series of 10 plagues on Egypt. After each plague, the Lord gives Pharaoh opportunity to change his mind, but Pharaoh continually refuses.

Moses strikes the Nile with his staff, causing its waters to change into blood. Soon all water in Egypt is polluted in similar fashion.

A plague of frogs covers every square foot of the land. Pharaoh begs Moses to remove them, promising Israel's deliverance, but then refuses after the frogs disappear.

Aaron strikes the dust, and gnats suddenly infest the entire nation.

Pharaoh's magicians advise him to release Israel, but he again refuses.

Egypt is filled with great swarms of flies, but none appear in the land of Goshen, where the Israelites live. Again Pharaoh promises to set Israel free but refuses when the flies are gone.

All Egyptian livestock suddenly become sick and begin to die, but not one Israelite animal is affected.

After Moses tosses soot from a furnace into the air, festering boils break out on people and animals.

Before this plague, God tells Moses and Pharaoh the purpose of the plagues: "that you might see my power and that my fame might spread throughout the earth." Some Egyptians heed God's warning and bring their livestock in from the fields for protection from the fearful lightning and hail. Pharaoh tells Moses that he will let his people go but changes his mind after the plague stops.

Pharaoh agrees to allow only the men of Israel to go worship the Lord. Moses rejects this offer, and the Lord sends a strong east wind that blows in the worst locust plague in Egyptian history! Pharoah repents, the Lord removes the locusts, and then Pharaoh changes his mind yet again.

The Lord sends a deep, terrifying darkness over all of Egypt for three days. Pharaoh agrees to let the people go, but the flocks must stay. Moses refuses.

Each Israelite family is instructed to slay a lamb on the fourteenth of the first month of the Hebrew calendar (in the spring). Its blood must be sprinkled on the door frame of the home.

The Lord warns the people that he will "kill all the firstborn sons and firstborn male animals in the land of Egypt." But he reassures them that "when I see the blood, I will pass over you," sparing the firstborn of the home from death.

Following the death of his firstborn on the fourteenth of the month, Pharaoh summons Moses and commands him to lead Israel out of Egypt.

The frightened Egyptians give the departing Israelites clothing and costly gifts of silver and gold.

Some 600,000 men (some of whom were not Israelites), along with their wives and children, leave Egypt that night.

Israel has been in Egypt for the past 430 years.

Foreigners are forbidden to eat the Passover lamb unless they are circumcised. No bone of the Passover lamb is to be broken.

All firstborn Israelite sons are to be dedicated to God. Upon reaching the Promised Land, the Israelites are to observe the Passover feast yearly, and parents are to tell their children of God's faithfulness in bringing them out of Egypt.

God leads his people to the Promised Land on a longer route through the wilderness and toward the Red Sea. A pillar of cloud leads them by day, and a pillar of fire leads them by night.

Regretting his decision to free Israel, Pharaoh orders the Egyptian army, including 600 chariots, to capture the Israelites by the Red Sea.

In great fear and anger the Israelites cry out to Moses, "Our Egyptian slavery was far better than dying out here in the wilderness!"

Moses reassures them, "Don't be afraid. Just stand where you are and watch the LORD rescue you."

Moses is told to raise his staff over the Red Sea, dividing the waters and allowing Israel to walk across on dry ground.

The pillar of cloud moves between the Egyptians and the Israelites. At night it becomes a pillar of fire once again, resulting in darkness for the Egyptians but glorious light for the Israelites.

A strong east wind blows and parts the Red Sea, forming walls of water on each side.

Attempting to pursue the Israelites across the dry path, the Egyptians drown when Moses lifts his hand, causing the waters to collapse on them.

A great victory celebration is held on the eastern banks of the Red Sea. Moses and his sister, Miriam, lead the nation in singing, music, and dancing.

After traveling three days without finding water, the people discover the oasis at Marah has only bitter and undrinkable water.

The Lord tells Moses to throw a tree in the water and it will become clear and cold.

Obeying God will result in divine protection from the diseases he inflicted upon the Egyptians.

This oasis has 12 springs and 70 palm trees.

In spite of the Israelites' constant complaining, the Lord sends them quail to eat in the evening and provides a daily supply of bread ("manna") from heaven.

Moses tells the people to keep the Sabbath, a weekly day of rest.

At a place called Rephidim, the thirsty and rebellious Israelites threaten to kill Moses. At God's command, Moses strikes a rock there, which supernaturally gushes forth with cold, clear water!

Joshua leads the Israelite army to victory over the fierce Amalekites as Moses prays for them from a nearby hill. Aaron and Hur assist Moses as he holds up his staff during the battle.

The nation travels to Mount Sinai and remains there for eleven months and five days. Three significant events transpire during this time: the constitution of Israel, the prostitution of Israel, and the restitution of Israel.

the requirements for fellowship (Ex. 18:1-31:18)

Moses is met by his wife, Zipporah; his sons, Gershom and Eliezer; and his father-in-law, Jethro. He relates how God has led the nation out of Egypt!

Jethro suggests that Moses appoint capable men to serve as judges regarding the various disputes among the people.

While Israel is camped at the base of Mount Sinai, Moses climbs the mountain and is instructed to inform the people that the Lord himself will visit them in the form of a thick cloud at the end of three days. Thus, all the people must purify themselves for this meeting.

The Lord appears, accompanied by thunder, lightning, and a loud blast from a ram's horn. Mount Sinai is suddenly covered with smoke. Moses and Aaron ascend the mountain to meet with God.

####### "Do not worship any other gods besides me" (Ex. 20:3).

####### "Do not make idols of any kind" (Ex. 20:4).

####### "Do not misuse the name of the LORD your God" (Ex.20:7).

####### "Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy" (Ex. 20:8).

####### "Honor your father and mother" (Ex. 20:12).

####### "Do not murder" (Ex. 20:13).

####### "Do not commit adultery" (Ex. 20:14).

####### "Do not steal" (Ex. 20:15).

####### "Do not testify falsely" (Ex. 20:16).

####### "Do not covet" (Ex. 20:17).

Moses reassures the frightened crowd that God's purpose in appearing is to impress upon them his awesome power.

As instructed, Moses builds an altar with 12 pillars representing the 12 tribes. He then ratifies God's covenant with Israel by sprinkling animal blood on the altar.

Moses, Aaron, Nadab and Abihu (Aaron's sons), and 70 Israelite elders are allowed to see God on Mount Sinai. "Under his feet there seemed to be a pavement of brilliant sapphire, as clear as the heavens." After this, Moses ascends the mountain alone, where he spends the next 40 days.

The punishment for speaking against God, against rulers, or against parents is death.

Obedience to God assures Israel of fruitful crops,

victory over their enemies, and the very presence of God among them!

No blood sacrifice is to be offered along with anything containing yeast. The eating or drinking of blood is strictly prohibited, for "the life of any creature is in its blood."

A mother will be ceremonially unclean for 41 days following the birth of a son and for 80 days following the birth of a daughter. Upon offering a lamb and some birds, the mother's time of defilement will be over.

These "persons" fall into four categories: those from 20 to 60, from 5 to 20, from one month to 5 years, and over 60. The "things" include animals, homes, and fields.

These creatures are permitted as a source of food: all animals that have cloven hooves and chew their cud, fish with fins and scales, insects that jump, and clean birds.

The Israelites are not to shave certain sections of their

head, to cut themselves, or to wear tattoos, because pagans do these things.

punishments: sudden terror, wasting diseases, defeat by their enemies, famines, attacks by wild animals, destruction of their cities, and exile. But true repentance will bring restoration.

Israel is to give due honor and show great respect to the elderly.

There are laws concerning work contracts and

weddings.

If the Israelites obey this angel, God will assure them victory over all their enemies. Many people today believe this angel was Christ himself.

The Israelites are forbidden to hate, to bear a grudge, or to seek vengeance against others. People are to love their neighbors as themselves.

An enemy's ox or donkey that has strayed away must be returned. Assistance must be rendered to an enemy's donkey that is struggling under its load.

The bottom line is: "You must be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy." This involves many things, including respecting one's parents and observing the Sabbath.

speak the names of pagan gods, and worshiping them warrants death by stoning.

There are various laws governing the planting, eating, and dedication of crops.

There are instructions regarding leprosy, including its recognition, its effect on ceremonial cleanness, and the sacrifices to be offered for it.

The Israelites are prohibited from slandering others and lying, even to help a poor person.

There are laws concerning the payment of dowries.

There are laws concerning slaves and their families. Some of these laws address the release of slaves or the actions to be taken if slaves choose to remain with their masters.

God will reward the Israelites' obedience by providing them with abundant food, long lives, and victory over their enemies. They will also be spared from diseases, miscarriages, and barrenness.

Those who commit willful murder, engage in slave-trading, or curse one's parents must be put to death. All victims must receive payment from the guilty, and there are severe punishments for those who exploit widows and orphans. In essence, the punishment is to fit the crime, demanding eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.

The clothes of the poor cannot be kept as pledge for repayment. Farmers are to leave behind some of the grain in the fields and the grapes on the vine so that the poor can collect them.

There are special laws regarding slaves who are Israelites. In the jubilee year (occurring every 50 years), land must be returned to its original owner, and Israelite slaves must be set free.

Judges are commanded to render just decisions. Everybody must use accurate measurements.

####### Separation of cattle, seed, and clothing (Lev. 19:19):

The Israelites are not to mix two kinds of these things. They are not to plow with two kinds of animals, to plant two kinds of seed in the same field, or to use two kinds of fabric woven in an article of clothing.

####### Sexual discharges (Lev. 15:1-33):

Instructions are given regarding a man's seminal discharge and a woman's menstrual flow. cc.

####### Sexual impurities: Punishments are imposed for various sexual sins.

######## Adultery (Lev. 18:20; 19:20-22; 20:10, 14)

######## Bestiality (Ex. 22:19; Lev. 18:23; 20:15-16)

######## Homosexuality (Lev. 18:22; 20:13)

######## Incest (Lev. 18:1-18; 20:11-12, 17, 19-21)

######## Prostitution (Lev. 19:29)

######## Relations during menstruation (Lev. 18:19; 20:18)

####### Stealing (Ex. 23:8; Lev. 19:13):

All kinds of stealing are prohibited, including theft, taking of bribes, and cheating workers out of their wages.

####### Tithe (Ex. 22:29-30; 23:19; Lev. 27:30-34):

Ten percent of Israel's crops and livestock are to be given to God.

####### Treatment of foreigners (Ex. 23:9; Lev. 19:33-34):

Israelites are not to oppress or take advantage of foreigners. They should love them as they love themselves.

####### Witchcraft (Ex. 22:18; Lev. 18:21; 19:31; 20:6, 27):

Sorcerers are to be put to death.

the ruination of fellowship (Ex. 32:1-35; 33:1-23; 34:1-35)

While Moses was on Mount Sinai, the people pressured Aaron into constructing a gold calf image. Then they worshiped it and indulged themselves in pagan revelry.

Moses pleads for the people before God, reminding him of his covenant with Abraham. So God does not destroy Israel.

Moses descends the mountain and sees the idolatry and immorality among the Israelites. He breaks the tablets containing the Ten Commandments, melts down and grinds the gold calf into powder, mixes it with water, and forces the people to drink it. Moses rebukes Aaron and orders the Levites to kill 3,000 of the primary troublemakers.

God will send an angel to drive out Israel's enemies, but God will not go with them.

God himself meets with Moses at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting and speaks to him as one friend to another. At Moses' request, God agrees to continue with Israel on their journey.

Moses is allowed to see God's glory while standing in the cleft of the rock, and it causes Moses' face to glow.

God writes the Ten Commandments on two tablets once again and promises to drive Israel's enemies out of the land of Canaan.

The restoration of fellowship

God gives Moses exact details for building the Tabernacle.

God gives Moses a list of acceptable gifts for the Tabernacle: gold, silver, fine linen, etc. He also describes the proper kind of giver: "Everyone who wants to may bring me an offering." Numbers 7 describes the gifts presented by the 12 leaders of the tribes during a 12-day period of time.

The Tabernacle is to be constructed from silver, bronze, fine linen, and animal skins.

Bezalel from the tribe of Judah and Oholiab from the tribe of Dan are appointed to supervise the building of the Tabernacle.

The Tabernacle is to be 150 feet long, 75 feet wide, and 7½ feet high.

The Tabernacle is to be covered by a curtain that is thirty feet wide.

There are to be 48 boards for the tent itself, each 15 feet high by 2¼ feet wide.

Incense and scented oils for the Tabernacle are to be made by mixing together ingredients such as pure frankincense, liquid myrrh, fragrant cinnamon, and olive oil.

The bronze altar is to be made of acacia wood covered with bronze, 7½ feet wide by 4 ½ feet high, with a horn on each corner.

This washbasin is to be filled with water and used for ceremonial cleansing. Its pedestal is to be covered with mirrors.

This table is to be made of acacia wood overlaid with gold. It is to be 3 feet long, 1½ feet wide, and 2¼ feet high. Twelve loaves of the Bread of the Presence are to be placed on this table each Sabbath day.

This is to be made of pure hammered gold with six branches and a center stem, and it is to be kept lit continually.

This altar is to be made of acacia wood overlaid with gold. It is to be 1 ½ feet square and 3 feet high and is to be placed in front of the curtain of the Most Holy Place.

This chest is to be made of acacia wood overlaid with gold. It is to be 3¾ feet long, 2¼ feet wide, and 2¼ feet high. The lid, called the place of atonement, is to be made of solid gold. Two gold cherubim with outstretched wings are to be attached to the top of the lid.

It is to be made of purple, blue, and scarlet fine linen and is to separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place.

It is to be similar to the inner curtain and is to separate the outer court from the Holy Place.

Half a shekel (one fifth of an ounce) of silver is to be given by all males 20 years old and older.

2,200 pounds of gold, 7,545 pounds of silver, and 5,310 pounds of bronze are collected from the people.

"The Israelites had done everything just as the LORD had commanded Moses.... Moses inspected all their work and blessed them." The Tabernacle is then set up on the first day of the year, one year after the Israelites have been delivered from Egypt.

"Then the cloud covered the Tabernacle, and the glorious presence of the LORD filled it. Moses was no longer able to enter the Tabernacle."

God instructs Moses to begin fashioning Aaron's priestly clothing.

This is to be made of multicolored threads of fine linen. It is to consist of front and back pieces joined at the shoulders. The names of Israel's 12 tribes are to be inscribed on two onyx stones.

This pouch made of fine linen is to be nine inches square. Twelve precious stones representing the 12 tribes of Israel are to be mounted on it in four rows. The Urim and Thummim are to be inserted into the pocket of the chest piece, but it is not certain what the exact origin and function of these stones are. Somehow they are used to determine God's will.

This robe is to be made of blue cloth with gold bells attached to the hem.

This medallion is to be made of pure gold and engraved with "SET APART AS HOLY TO THE LORD." It is to be fastened to the front of Aaron's turban.

The other priests are to be given tunics, sashes, and headdresses.

Some of the priests' food comes from the sacrifices made at the Tabernacle.

A young bull is to be sacrificed to ordain the priests to their office.

A yearling lamb is to be sacrificed every morning and evening.

A young bull and two rams are to be killed, and bread without yeast is to be offered. Blood is to be put on the tip of the right earlobe, right thumb, and big toe of the right foot of the priests.

Moses dedicates Aaron and his sons in the manner prescribed by God.

Instructions are given regarding ceremonial uncleanness due to contact with a corpse, an unclean animal, a bodily discharge, etc.

The priests are prohibited from shaving their heads, trimming their beards, and cutting themselves.

A priest cannot marry a prostitute or a divorced woman. The high priest's wife must be a virgin from the tribe of Levi.

A person may not offer sacrifices if he is a dwarf or is blind, lame, or humpbacked, or has suffered damage to various parts of the body.

After offering up the prescribed sacrifices, Aaron "raise[s] his hands toward the people and blesse[s] them.... Fire blaze[s] forth from the LORD'S presence and consume[s] the burnt offering and the fat on the altar."

Israel is commanded to rest on the seventh day and keep it holy. Those who desecrate it are to be put to death. The Sabbath is intended to remind Israel of two things (Ex. 31:17):

Israel is to let the land rest from cultivation every seventh year.

Every fiftieth year all public and private debts are to be cancelled and all land returned to the original owners.

This festival occurs on the fourteenth day of the first month. It celebrates Israel's deliverance from slavery in Egypt after the angel of the Lord passed over the homes marked with blood on the doorposts.

This festival begins on the fifteenth day of the first month. For seven days no bread made with yeast is to be eaten. All Israelite males are required to be present at the Tabernacle during this festival.

During this festival, the Israelites are to offer a portion of their first crops of the harvest as well as a year-old lamb with no physical defects. All males are required to be present at the Tabernacle during this festival.

This festival follows the Festival of Firstfruits by seven weeks. An offering of bread is made, and several animals are to be sacrificed.

This day of rest occurs on the first day of the seventh month and is celebrated by the blowing of trumpets.

All of Israel is to fast on the tenth day of the seventh month in contemplation and sorrow for sin. On this day, atonement will be made by the high priest for the Most Holy Place and the rest of the Tabernacle, as well as for the sins of the people.

Beginning on the fifteenth day of the seventh month, families are to live in shelters made of tree branches to commemorate Israel's wanderings in the wilderness after their deliverance from Egypt. All Israelite males are to be present at the Tabernacle during this festival.

####### The names of the tribal leaders (Num. 1:1-16):

The leaders of each of Israel's tribes (minus Levi) are recorded.

####### The number of the tribal laity (Num. 1:17-46):

The grand total (minus the Levites) of all males at least 20 years old is 603,550.

####### The largest tribe is Judah (74,600), and the smallest, Manasseh (32,200).

Each tribe is assigned a place to set up camp in relation to the Tabernacle.

####### East side (Num. 2:1-9):

Judah (leader), Issachar, and Zebulun

####### South side (Num. 2:10-17):

Reuben (leader), Simeon, and Gad

####### West side (Num. 2:18-24):

Ephraim (leader), Manasseh, and Benjamin

####### North side (Num. 2:25-34):

Dan (leader), Asher, and Naphtali

The Levites are not to be included in the regular census, for God has especially adopted them and made them supervisors over the Tabernacle. All male Levites one month old and older are to be counted. They are to begin serving at the Tabernacle at age 25 and must retire at age 50.

####### Gershonite clan (Num. 3:21-24): 7,500 males

####### Kohathite clan (Num. 3:27-30): 8,600 males

####### Merarite clan (Num. 3:33-35): 6,200 males

####### Gershonites (Num. 3:25-26; 4:21-28, 38-41):

They are to camp on the west side of the Tabernacle and are responsible for its curtains and coverings.

####### Kohathites (Num. 3:31-32; 4:1-20, 34-37):

They are to camp on the south side of the Tabernacle and are responsible for its furniture (the Ark, the lampstand, etc.).

####### Merarites (Num. 3:36-37; 4:29-33, 42-49):

They are to camp on the north side of the Tabernacle and are responsible for its crossbars, posts, frames, etc.

If a husband is suspicious that his wife has been unfaithful, a priest must pronounce a curse over a jar of water and make the woman drink it. If she is guilty, she will become infertile.

Those who wrong others are to make restitution to those they have wronged.

A second Passover is established for those who cannot participate in the first due to ceremonial uncleanness. Instructions are also given concerning foreigners and those who disregard Passover.

Nazirites, who have dedicated themselves totally to God, are required to observe three vows:

Aaron and his sons, the priests, are instructed to pronounce this blessing over the people of Israel: "May the LORD bless you and protect you. May the LORD smile on you and be gracious to you. May the LORD show you his favor and give you his peace."

The gifts presented by the leaders of Israel's twelve tribes are recorded.

Judah's offering

Issachar's offering

Zebulun's offering

Reuben's offering

Simeon's offering

Gad's offering

Ephraim's offering

Manasseh's offering

Benjamin's offering

Dan's offering

Asher's offering

Naphtali's offering

When the Tabernacle is set up, the Lord's presence (sometimes called the "shekinah") hovers over it as a cloud by day and as fire by night. When it moves, the people follow; when it stops, the people stop.

Two silver trumpets are to be fashioned for instructing the people. When both are blown, all the people are to assemble at the entrance of the Tabernacle. When only one is blown, only the tribal leaders are to respond.

After offering unholy fire upon the altar (perhaps while drunk), Nadaband Abihu are consumed by a fire sent by the Lord.

Eleazar and Ithamar do not follow the instructions Moses has given them regarding the sin offering. This angers Moses, but Aaron's explanation of their actions satisfies him.

A man with an Israelite mother and an Egyptian father blasphemes the Lord. The Lord instructs the Israelites to stone him to death, even though his father is not an Israelite.

This outline describes the experiences of the Israelites as they travel from Mount Sinai to Kadeshbarnea.

"One day in midspring [on the twentieth day of the second month], during the second year after Israel's departure from Egypt, the cloud lifted from the Tabernacle," signaling that it was time once again for the Israelites to move.

The twelve tribes follow the pillar of cloud.

Moses attempts to secure the services of his brother-in-law as a guide through the wilderness.

Each time the Ark is lifted up to follow the cloud, Moses says, "Arise, 0 LORD, and let your enemies be scattered! Let them flee before you!" Each time the cloud stops and the Ark is set down, Moses says, "Return, 0 LORD, to the countless thousands of Israel!"

Fire falls upon some of the Israelites for complaining bitterly against God at a place that is later called Taberah.

Some of the foreigners accompanying Israel begin to complain, "We remember all the fish we used to eat for free in Egypt. And we had all the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic that we wanted. But now our appetites are gone, and day after day we have nothing to eat but this manna!" God sends quail for them to eat, but he also punishes them with a plague.

Moses tells God that the burden of leading a rebellious people is too heavy to bear and he prefers death instead!

God instructs Moses to summon 70 leaders to the Tabernacle. There God anoints 70 Israelite elders with his Spirit to assist Moses in leading the people. The leaders prophesy at this time, but that is the only time this happens to them.

Two of these elders, Eldad and Medad, are absent when the others meet together, but they begin prophesying in the camp. Moses tells Joshua not to stop them, saying, "I wish that all the LORD's people were prophets, and that the LORD would put his Spirit upon them all!"

Miriam and Aaron (Moses' sister and brother) criticize Moses for two reasons:

####### He has married a Cushite woman.

####### He has been given greater authority over the Israelites.

God sternly rebukes Miriam and Aaron. Miriam is struck with leprosy. Aaron begs Moses to pray for their sister, so her leprosy is healed.

Twelve men are chosen to scout out the land of Canaan, the Promised Land. Among them are Caleb from the tribe of Judah and Joshua from the tribe of Ephraim.

Moses instructs the scouts to do two things:

"The people living there are powerful, and their cities and towns are fortified and very large .... We even saw giants there, the descendants of Anak. We felt like grasshoppers next to them, and that's what we looked like to them!"

"The land we explored is a wonderful land! And if the LORD is pleased with us, he will bring us safely into that land and give it to us.... Do not rebel against the LORD, and don't be afraid of the people of the land.... They have no protection, but the LORD is with us!"

Upon hearing the report of the ten scouts, the people become worried and make plans to return to Egypt.

The Lord becomes angry with the Israelites and says to Moses, "I will disown them and destroy them with a plague. Then I will make you into a nation far greater and mightier than they are!"

Moses begs the Lord to pardon Israel, lest the pagans say, "The LORD was not able to bring them into the land he swore to give them, so he killed them in the wilderness."

The Lord forgives his people, although there will still be consequences.

The Lord spares the people of Israel from complete destruction as a nation, but they will still be punished: No one 20 years old or older (with the exceptions of Caleb and Joshua) will enter the Promised Land. They will wander in the wilderness for the next 40 years until all of them die and a new generation is born. The 10 faithless scouts die immediately from a plague.

The fickle crowd now decide they want to enter the Promised Land after all, but they are completely routed by their enemies.

The Israelites travel from Kadesh-barnea to the eastern bank of the Jordan River.

God commands the people of Israel to make tassels and attach them to the corners of their garments with blue cord. The tassels will remind them that they are to be holy just as the Lord is holy.

An overview of the various details to be followed regarding sacrifices.

Rules concerning foreigners and sacrifices.

The course of action to be taken for unintentional sin.

The course of action to be taken for intentional sin.

Details relating to their duties and privileges.

Rules governing the making, fulfilling, and nullifying of vows.

A man is stoned to death for disobeying God's law by gathering wood on the Sabbath.

Korah and a group of rebellious Israelites accuse Moses of the following:

Moses tells the rebels to show up the next day at the Tabernacle entrance with their incense burners. Then the Lord will show them who is holy and set apart for him.

Moses warns the people to stay clear of the troublemakers if they want to continue living.

The very ground where they are standing opens up and swallows them alive! Fire blazes from the Lord and burns up Korah's followers who are offering incense.

####### The rebellion (Num. 16:41-42):

The next morning people confront Moses and Aaron, saying, "You two have killed the LORD'S people!"

####### The response (Num. 16:43-46):

The Lord sends a plague on the people to destroy them.

####### The rescue (Num. 16:47-50):

Aaron burns incense and makes atonement for the people in order to stop the plague. Before it stops, 14,700 Israelites die.

The Israelites ask the Edomites if they can pass through their land quickly and peacefully. The Edomites refuse, despite the fact that they are descended from Jacob's twin brother, Esau.

King Balak of Moab sees that the Israelites are numerous and powerful, so he begins to fear for his kingdom. He sends for a prophet named Balaam to come and curse the Israelites.

God forbids Balaam to accept a bribe from King Balak of Moab to curse Israel. However, God does permit the prophet to accompany Balak's messengers to Moab.

En route, Balaam's donkey is frightened by something Balaam cannot see-God's angel standing in the road with a drawn sword! Unaware of this, the angry prophet beats his seemingly unruly animal.

Balaam is rebuked by his donkey, who complains about its undeserved beating! Now Balaam sees the angel, who then rebukes him for coming.

In essence, Balaam is warned to speak only what God tells him to. Upon arriving in Moab, the prophet relates all this to Balak.

Five times Balaam stands over the people of Israel and is unable to curse them.

"How can I curse those whom God has not cursed? ... I see a people who live by themselves, set apart from other nations. Who can count Jacob's descendants, as numerous as dust?"

"God is not a man, that he should lie.... I received a command to bless.... No misfortune is in sight for Jacob.... God has brought them out of Egypt.... No curse can touch Jacob.... These people rise up like a lioness."

"How beautiful are your tents, 0 Jacob .... [You are] like fruitful gardens by the riverside.... [You are] like cedars beside the waters.... [Your] kingdom will be exalted.... Blessed is everyone who blesses you, 0 Israel."

"I see him, but not in the present time. I perceive him, but far in the distant future. A star will rise from Jacob; a scepter will emerge from Israel. It will crush the foreheads of Moab's people."

Balaarn predicts divine judgment on Moab and other pagan nations: "Alas, who can survive when God does this?"

When the Israelites run out of water, they blame Moses and lament the fact that they are not back in Egypt.

The Lord tells Moses to assemble the people and command a rock to give them water.

After the rebellious people are assembled, Moses' anger causes him to cry out, "Must we bring you water from this rock?" He disobeys the Lord's command and strikes the rock twice. The water still comes out, but Moses pays a sad price for his disobedience: he cannot lead the people into the Promised Land.

The Lord gives Israel several victories on their way to the Promised Land.

The Canaanite king of Arad attacks the Israelites and takes some of them as prisoners. But the Israelites counterattack, and God gives them total victory.

King Sihon of the Amorites refuses the Israelites' peaceful request for passage and attacks them, but he suffers total destruction.

This giant warrior king of Bashan (Deut. 3:11) is killed by the Israelites, along with his sons and his entire army.

Twelve thousand crack Israelite soldiers (1,000 from each tribe) are chosen to battle the Midianites. All five Midianite kings are killed, along with the prophet Balaam.

Moses is angry with the army officers for sparing some Midianite women who had previously sexually seduced many Israelite men.

At God's command, half of the war spoils are kept by the soldiers and half are given to the people. This includes 675,000 sheep, 72,000 cattle, 61,000 donkeys, and 32,000 young girls.

Miriam dies and is buried in the wilderness of Zin, near Kadesh.

Moses is commanded to take Aaron and Eleazar (Aaron's son) up on Mount Hor and there transfer the clothing (and office) of Israel's high priest from father to son.

Aaron dies and is buried on Mount Hor. The people then mourn for Aaron for 30 days.

Eleazar now becomes Israel's second high priest.

Moses is to climb a mountain and view the Promised Land, for he must soon die.

Joshua is appointed as Israel's new leader. In a public ceremony Moses lays hands on Joshua and passes the torch of leadership to him.

Shortly after the Balaam incident, many Israelite men engage in sexual immorality with Moabite women. Then they commit idolatry by bowing to their pagan gods.

All involved are executed, resulting in the deaths of 24,000 people.

Despite the punishment that has just occurred, an Israelite man brings a Midianite woman into the camp in full view of Moses.

In righteous indignation, Phinehas, son of Eleazar, enters the couple's tent and kills them with his spear.

"Take a census of all the men of Israel who are 20 years old or older, to find out how many of each family are of military age."

The amount of land allotted is determined by the size of the tribe.

Nine stops are recorded. During one stop Israel sings praise to God for providing their water.

Many geographical locations are listed, beginning with Rameses in Egypt to the plains of Moab just east of the Jordan River.

Many scholars see symbolic representations, or "types," in many of the images found in the book of Numbers.

A blemish-free red heifer is to be killed and its blood sprinkled seven times toward the Tabernacle. The carcass is then to be burned, mixed with cedarwood, hyssop, and scarlet thread. The ashes are to be used for purification.

Poisonous snakes are sent to punish rebellious Israel. In response to the people's prayer for forgiveness, God instructs Moses: "Make a replica of a poisonous snake and attach it to the top of a pole. Those who are bitten will live if they simply look at it!"

Aaron's rod has also been seen as a type of Christ's resurrection.

Responding to a challenge to Aaron's leadership, God orders Aaron and each of Israel's tribal leaders to place their staffs in the Tabernacle.

The next day only Aaron's staff has budded, is blossoming, and has ripe almonds hanging from it!

Six cities, three on the west of the Jordan River and three on the east, are designated as refuges for those who have accidentally killed someone. These people can safely enter and be protected from any of the victim's relatives who seek revenge.

The three tribes east of the Jordan River have been compared to worldly believers today.

The tribes of Reuben and Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh seek permission from Moses to live on the eastern side of the Jordan River.

Moses asks, "Do you mean you want to stay back here while your brothers go across and do all the fighting? ... Are you trying to discourage the rest of the people of Israel from going across to the land the LORD has given them?"

The 2 tribes solemnly promise to fully support the other 9½ tribes in conquering Canaan.

Moses grants their request.

Israel is commanded to invade Canaan, drive out its inhabitants, destroy the idols, and settle the land.

The borders of the Promised Land are Kadesh-barnea in the south, the Mediterranean Sea in the west, Mount Hor in the north, and the Jordan River in the east. The 2½ tribes will live just east of the Jordan River.

The tribe of Levi is to be given 48 cities throughout the land.

Inasmuch as their dead father had no sons, the five daughters of Zelophehad request that they be allowed to inherit his land. The Lord instructs Moses to grant this request, but with one qualification.

In order to inherit the land, the daughters must marry men within their tribe of Manasseh, which they do.

This part covers the section of Deuteronomy consisting mostly of four sermons that review and summarize the history and laws of Israel. Moses delivers these sermons to the Israelites as they are about to enter the Promised Land.

Moses delivers his first sermon to the Israelites.

The Lord gives the Israelites all the land from the Negev to the Euphrates River.

Moses recounts the selection of the 70 elders (see Num. 11:14-17).

Moses recounts how the Lord finally said to him "You have been wandering around in this hill country long enough; turn northward."

Moses reviews how the Lord commanded the Israelites not to seize the land of three nations.

"Don't bother them, for I have given them all the hill country around Mount Seir as their property, and I will not give you any of their land."

"Do not bother the Moabites, the descendants of Lot, or start a war with them. I have given them Ar as their property, and I will not give you any of their land."

"Do not bother the Ammonites, the descendants of Lot, or start a war with them. I have given the land of Ammon to them as their property, and I will not give you any of their land."

Moses reviews how the Lord commanded the Israelites to attack two other nations.

Moses reviews Israel's victory over this king.

Moses reviews Israel's victory over this huge giant, whose iron bed measured 13 feet long by 6 feet wide!

Moses reviews how he granted the request of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh to settle on the eastern side of the Jordan River.

Moses reviews how the Lord refused his request that he be allowed to enter the Promised Land.

Israel is commanded to worship God and God alone, to keep his laws, and to be careful not to add to or subtract from his laws.

Israel is commanded to remember that they belong to the Lord and that they will be punished if they stray from him.

Some final instructions are given by Moses, and the law that follows in the next several chapters is introduced.

Moses delivers his second sermon to the Israelites.

Moses reviews and expands upon the laws the Lord had given the Israelites regarding morality.

Moses reviews the covenant God made with Israel at Mount Sinai (see Ex. 19:5).

Moses reviews the Ten Commandments as originally given in Exodus 20 with the addition of the "Hear, 0 Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD alone. And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength."

Moses tells the people that they must teach the commandments to their children and remind them of their rescue from Egypt.

Moses reminds the Israelites that God's love for them is based on his grace, not their goodness. How is Israel to respond? "What does the LORD your God require of you? He requires you to fear him, to live according to his will, to love and worship him with all your heart and soul, and to obey the LORD's commands and laws that I am giving you today for your own good."

Moses recounts how the people responded to the Lord's awesome presence on Mount Sinai (see Ex. 19:9-25).

Moses recounts several occasions when the people rebelled against the Lord's commands.

Here Israel worshiped the golden calf, which led Moses to smash the two stone tablets containing the Ten Commandments (see Ex. 32).

At Taberah, Massah, and Kibroth-hattaavah, Israel refused to enter the Promised Land (see Num. 13-14).

Moses recounts how two new tablets containing the Ten Commandments were made to replace the tablets that were dashed to the ground.

Moses recounts the selection of Eleazar (Aaron's son) as high priest (see Num. 20:23-29) and of the tribe of Levi as ministers before the Lord (see Ex. 32:25-29).

Moses assures the Israelites that obedience to the Lord's commands brings blessing, wealth, health, and victory over enemies.

Moses warns the Israelites to fear the Lord, to worship and obey him only, and to remember his faithfulness. He also directs them to destroy their enemies and the pagan idols of the land.

Moses tells the people that Canaan is a land of abundant water and lush lands of wheat, barley, vines, figs, pomegranates, olives, and honey. The land also contains rich stores of iron and copper.

Moses recalls the Lord's great faithfulness and compassion toward the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings.

Moses reviews and expands on the laws that the Lord had given the Israelites regarding society. Following is an alphabetical topical list of these laws.

Don't take a mother bird from its nest. Don't muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.

Every new house must have a guardrail around the roof to prevent someone from falling.

Clothing is not to be made from both linen and wool. Women are forbidden to wear men's clothing, and men are forbidden to wear women's clothing.

The Israelites are to wear tassels on the four corners of their cloaks.

The Israelites are to regard certain animals as clean and others as unclean. They are not to eat the unclean animals.

There are rules governing both divorce and remarriage.

There are rules regarding the treatment and rights of a captive woman who is taken as a wife.

There are rules governing how an inheritance is to be divided among the children of multiple wives.

There are rules governing various issues related to sexual purity and faithfulness.

A man is not to be drafted during his first year of marriage, so he can be home with his new wife.

The brother of a deceased man must agree to care for his brother's widow or be disgraced in the community.

She will be punished for wrongly aiding her husband in a fight with another man.

Parents should not be put to death for the sins of their children, or children for the sins of their parents.

Always use accurate scales.

There are rules governing personal sanitation.

The practice of idolatry is strictly forbidden.

Prophets who encourage people to worship pagan gods are to be stoned to death.

The Israelites are forbidden to engage in pagan and idolatrous practices.

If a murder victim is found and the crime cannot be solved, the leaders of the nearest city are to sacrifice a young cow and pray: "Our hands did not shed this blood, nor did we see it happen. 0 LORD, forgive your people Israel whom you have redeemed. Do not charge your people Israel with the guilt of murdering an innocent person."

Various laws are given to ensure just verdicts and punishments.

A stubborn and rebellious son who constantly refuses to obey his parents must be stoned to death.

Five rules are given concerning Israel's future kings:

Never take advantage of poor laborers. Pay them their wages each day before sunset.

Do not move your neighbor's boundary stone.

Israel was to carefully observe the instructions concerning leprosy (see Lev. 13-14).

They were also to remember how God cursed Miriam with leprosy (see Num. 12:115).

If you see someone's ox or sheep wandering away, return it. You may eat of the fruit from someone's vineyard or grainfield, but do not abuse this privilege.

Don't plant two kinds of seed in your vineyard. Don't plow with an ox and donkey yoked together.

There are rules governing what may be received as security for a loan.

Both male and female prostitution is forbidden.

The Israelites are commanded to wipe out the Amalekites for their cruel acts against them.

There are various rules governing the treatment of servants.

All Israelites are to tithe their crops each year, bringing the revenue to the Tabernacle. They also are expected to help support the Levites, foreigners, widows, and orphans living in their town or city.

One can charge interest to a foreigner but not to a fellow Israelite.

Vows to the Lord must be promptly fulfilled, although it is not a sin to refrain from making a vow.

Instructions are given regarding the preparation for and practice of warfare. Four types of individuals are exempted from going to battle:

Leave a portion of your crops behind for foreigners, widows, and orphans to glean.

Moses reviews and expands upon the laws that the Lord had given the Israelites regarding religious and ceremonial practices. Following is an alphabetical topical list of these laws.

Laws are given regarding the Tabernacle.

"You must seek the LORD your God at the place he himself will choose from among all the tribes for his name to be honored. There you will bring to the LORD your burnt offerings, your sacrifices, your tithes, your special gifts, your offerings to fulfill a vow, your freewill offerings, and your offerings of the firstborn animals of your flocks and herds." The final, permanent location for the Tabernacle is later revealed to be Jerusalem.

Four kinds of individuals are prohibited from entering the Tabernacle:

Moses reviews the purpose for these cities (see Num. 35:9-34).

Various instructions are given regard the following festivals:

All Israelite men are required to attend the following three festivals each year:

Moses tells the people that the Lord will send them a prophet who will speak for him and whom everyone must obey. The New Testament makes it clear that Jesus was the ultimate fulfillment of this promise (see John 6:14).

Moses reviews Israel's responsibilities before the Lord. They are to obey his commandments and be a holy people. In return, the Lord will elevate them above all the other nations.

Moses reviews the Levites' privileges and responsibilities.

No lame, blind, sick, or blemished animal will be accepted by God as a sacrifice.

All debts are to be canceled at the end of every seventh year. All slaves who are Israelites are to be released at the end of every seventh year as well.

Moses delivers his third sermon to the Israelites.

Israel is to construct an altar on Mount Ebal and write the laws of God on it.

Six tribes (Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph, and Benjamin) are to stand on Mount Gerizim and proclaim a blessing over the Israelites (for obeying the law). Then the other six tribes (Reuben, Gad, Asher, Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali) are to stand on Mount Ebal and proclaim a curse (for disobeying the law).

The Levites are to proclaim a curse on the following people:

If the people do not obey the laws that the Lord gives them, they will experience curses.

Disobedience will result in diseases, plagues, famine, drought, dust storms, defeat in war, infertility, constant fear and frustration, and the enslavement of their children.

Disobedience will also cause the Israelites to be surrounded by their enemies, reduced to cannibalism, removed from the land, enslaved, and dispersed among the nations. They will become a proverb and an object of horror and mockery among the nations, and they will find no rest there. The Lord will cause them to tremble and despair. They will live in constant fear, with no reason to believe that they will survive.

If the Israelites heed God's laws, they will experience blessings in their towns and in the country. They will have many children, ample crops, and large flocks and herds. They will have victory in war and lend to many nations, borrowing from none. They will be the head and not the tail.

Moses delivers his fourth and final sermon to the Israelites as they are about to enter the Promised Land.

Moses reminds the Israelites of the Lord's covenant with them and urges them to obey its laws so that they will not experience its curses.

Moses tells the people that the Lord will change their hearts while they are in captivity, and they will love the Lord wholeheartedly. The Lord will then gather them together once again and restore them to their land. He will bless them and make them more prosperous than ever.

"Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, that you and your descendants might live! Choose to love the LORD your God and to obey him and commit yourself to him, for he is your life."

Moses gives his parting instructions and prepares to pass on the responsibilities of leadership to Joshua. Moses dies on Mount Nebo.

Before all the people, Moses commissions Joshua as their new leader, commanding him to be courageous, for he "will lead these people into the land that the LORD swore to give their ancestors."

Moses finishes writing the law and instructs the Israelites to read it every seventh year at the Festival of Shelters. This is so the people will always know the law, and it will stand as a witness against their sins.

The Lord reveals that his people will eventually rebel against him after Moses' death and that he will severely punish them for their sins.

"I know that after my death you will become utterly corrupt and will turn from the path I have commanded you to follow. In the days to come, disaster will come down on you, for you will make the LORD very angry by doing what is evil in his sight."

The Lord is Israel's perfect, just, and faithful Rock! He is the only God, able to kill and to give life, to wound and to heal.

"Jacob is [the Lord's] special possession. He found them in a desert land, in an empty, howling wasteland. He surrounded them and watched over them; he guarded them as his most precious possession."

They have rejected and abandoned God for the gods of the pagan nations.

The Lord will hide his face from them, bring calamities upon them, and scatter them among the nations. He will bless the Gentiles.

Moses commands the Israelites: "Take to heart all the words I have given you today. Pass them on as a command to your children so they will obey every word of this law. These instructions are not mere words-they are your life! By obeying them you will enjoy a long life in the land you are crossing the Jordan River to occupy."

God instructs Moses to climb Mount Nebo and gaze westward upon the Promised Land before he dies there on the mountain.

Moses blesses each of the tribes before he dies, summarizing what will happen to each of them in the future.

"Let the tribe of Reuben live and not die out, even though their tribe is small."

"Give them strength to defend their cause; help them against their enemies!"

"Now let them teach your regulations to Jacob.... They will present incense before you and offer whole burnt offerings on the altar."

"The people of Benjamin are loved by the LORD and live in safety beside him."

"May their land be blessed by the LORD with the choice gift of rain from the heavens ... with the finest crops of the ancient mountains."

"May the people of Zebulun prosper in their expeditions abroad."

"May the people of Issachar prosper at home in their tents."

"Blessed is the one who enlarges Gad's territory!" I. Dan (Deut. 33:22): "Dan is a lion's cub, leaping out from Bashan."

"You are rich in favor and full of the LORD's blessings; may you possess the west and the south."

"May he be esteemed by his brothers; may he bathe his feet in olive oil. May the bolts of your gates be of iron and bronze; may your strength match the length of your days!"

On Mount Nebo the Lord shows Moses the entire Promised Land.

Moses dies on Mount Nebo.

"[Moses] was buried in a valley near Beth-peor in Moab, but to this day no one knows the exact place."

"Moses was 120 years old when he died, yet his eyesight was clear, and he was as strong as ever."

"The people of Israel mourned thirty days for Moses on the plains of Moab, until the customary period of mourning was over."

Joshua son of Nun officially assumes the leadership role that had belonged to Moses.

"There has never been another prophet like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face."