Charles (Chuck) Kensinger

The dedication of the firstborn to God is directly related to the Passover because they were saved by the blood of the lamb. As we read Exodus 13, think about this. Handing down the tradition for this festival to future generations is given as a reason.

Moses takes the bones of Joseph with them as they return to the land of Canaan. The presence of Jehovah is always with them in a cloud or fire.

Moses and the people were led a long way around because they might want to return to Egypt if they had to fight too soon. Before they must fight, God will show what He can do.

In chapter fourteen of Exodus, it appears that Yahweh wants to prove to both the Egyptians and the Israelites that He is the one in control. The cloud and fire directed the Jews to camp by the sea. God put in Pharaoh’s mind to follow.

He also delayed the Egyptians while all these people walked across on dry ground. Verse twenty-five tells that the chariots were bogged down in the mud. Mud for the pursuers and solid ground for the pursued.

This is another miracle that takes both nations by surprise. History records a period where Egypt was a feared world power, but without explanation falls to a second-class country in military might.

Most Biblical scholars attribute this lapse of strength to the loss of troops in the sea. The Jewish confidence in Jehovah will be short-lived.

Exodus chapter 15 is a song about the great things God did for the Israelites. Song lyrics help us remember many thoughts. It is too bad this did not work for them.

Verse 3 says The Lord is His name. This is the word Jehovah or Yahweh. It literally means “I am that I am.” We could elaborate to say that it means “I exist, and I have always existed.”

One last story in this chapter talks about a water shortage and God providing a way to make bad water good. Will the Jews respect this proof of His power? When has God shown His power to us and we forget it almost immediately?