27 Life Lessons from The Book of Exodus | Exodus Bible Study

The title "Exodus" comes from a Greek word meaning "going out," and this book tells how the Lord set his people Israel free from slavery and brought them out of Egypt.

The book of Exodus teaches that the Lord is the one true God and the ruler of all creation. And when the Lord decides to do something, no one can stop him.

Exodus can be divided into three parts. Most of the events in the first part (1-3) take place in Egypt, where the people of Israel had been made slaves by the king. The Lord heard cries for help and chose Moses to set them free. Moses was an Israelite who had been adopted by an Egyptian Princess.

When Moses demanded that the Israelites be set free, the king refused. And so the Lord told Moses to bring ten disasters on Egypt. These disasters have often been called "the ten plagues." Finally, the king let the Israelites leave Egypt/

The send part of the book (14-18) includes events that happened while the people of Israel were on their way to Mount Sinai, God's holy mountain. the kind of Egypt quickly changed his mind about setting them free, and he ordered his army to capture them. But the Lord protected Israel and destroyed the Egyptian army. Then, as the Israelites traveled through the desert, the Lord provided food and water for them,.

The final part of Exodus (19-40) takes place at Mount Sinai, where the Lord appeared to Moses. The Lord gave him the Ten Commandments, as well as laws for worship, sacrifice, and everyday life, and instructions on making the sacred tent and its furnishings, the altars, and the priestly clothes. But this part also tells how the people made an idol and disobeyed the first of the Ten Commandments:

I am the Lord your God, the one who brought you out of Egypt

where you were slaves.

Do not worship any god except me. ( 20.2,3)

Here are 27 Lessons from The Book of Exodus

The test of Tough Times

1 # Short Commentary & Lesson Exodus 1.9-11

The Israelites population was increasing so rapidly, the new king of Egypt feared that they might take over his government. The king made God’s people slaves to keep them under his control. This not only reduced the threat of war, but it also gave the king a huge pool of workers.

The slaves used mud and straw to make bricks, which were used for the king’s many building projects. Most of the slaves were mistreated by their cruel bosses. Although the Israelites were discouraged, they continued to multiply and become stronger.

We may not be slaves today, but we also face hard times and cruel treatment. When we experience such times, we often feel defeated. Tough times, though, can make us stronger if we learn to put our trust in God. Making it through tough times equips us with qualities that will help us overcome future difficulties.

A Bold Woman

2 # Short Commentary & Lesson Exodus 2.1-3

Moses’ mother lover loved her baby so much that she refused to allow her child to be destroyed – no matter what the king’s law said. She showed great faith in God by placing young Moses in a basket along the edge of the Nile. How hard this act must have been for Moses’ mother!

Yet, it is clear that her faith in God was stronger than her fear of the Egyptian king. Do you sometimes feel frustrated by the evil in our world, not knowing what to do to overcome difficulties? Don’t give up. Ask God to show you what to do and to give you strength to overcome tough times. Remember, you are not alone.

God Never Forgets His People

3 # Short Commentary & Lesson Exodus 2.23-25

God knew his people were suffering. In fact, he had predicted these events when he told Abraham that his descendants would become objects of the Egyptians’ hatred. God had also promised that he would rescue his people at the right time.

God doesn’t always answer us at the moment we cry out for help. Sometimes we must endure pain or difficult times in order to strengthen our faith and build character.

When you feel God has forgotten you, remember that he doesn’t do things according to our schedules. God is in control, and he will work things out.

God Restores Failures

4 # Short Commentary & Lesson Exodus 3.7-10

God had not given up on Moses. Although Moses had disobeyed God’s laws, God was not finished with him. After Moses had spent forty years in the desert, God told Moses that he was still the one who would lead the Hebrews out of slavery.

We all have disobeyed God. Sometimes our peers do not overlook or forget our sins, which can make us feel inadequate. But God does not give up on us. If we allow him, God will pick us up and put us back on track.

Who Me?

5 # Short Commentary & Lesson Exodus 3.10-12

Imagine how Moses must have felt when God told him again that he would be the one lead the Israelites out of Egypt. He had already tried once to rescue the Hebrew slaves, and he failed. It’s no surprise that when God told Moses immediately began listing his excuses for not going.

Moses wasn’t simply trying to disobey God. He probably felt inadequate. Have you ever felt that way? “I don’t have a lot of talent. I am not a person of influence. What can I do?”

We all feel insecure at times. But we don’t have to depend on our own strength. God has promised to be with us, just as he was with Moses. When God asks us to do something, he will give us the ability and the resources to do it.

What Is in Your Hand?

6 # Short Commentary & Lesson Exodus 4.1-17

The stick Moses was holding was a vital tool for a shepherd. It helped him guide the sheep, climb rugged cliffs, and protect the sheep and himself against dangerous animals. It was a major part of Moses’ everyday life, but it may not have seemed to be anything special. When God told Moses to let go of the familiar stick, he performed miracles with it.

Sometimes God asks us to let go of our familiar, comfortable things so he can do something special with them in our lives. What is most familiar to you? Perhaps it is your home, your job, or a special talent. Turn what is familiar over to God, and allow him to show you the special plans he has for your life. You may be surprised at what God has in store. And God will be will you just as he was with Moses.

Are You Sure about This God?

7 # Short Commentary & Lesson Exodus 6.1-9

God responded to Moses complaints by promoting that he would act. The Israelites, however, were too discouraged to believe God’s message. The Israelites could not see God, They couldn’t touch him with their hands, but they could see and feel their increased workload. Their broken spirits stifled their faith.

It is hard to keep our faith strong when our difficult conditions don’t seem to change. Like Moses and the Israelites, we don’t understand what is preventing God’s promises from being fulfilled in our lives. Often, all we can see is the immediate problem. Questions of how, why, and when keep coming to mind, hindering our faith. God’s timing is perfect, though. He will answer these questions at the right time.

Did the king have No Choice?

8 # Short Commentary & Lesson Exodus 7.3-5

Throughout the Bible, we read that each of us have a choice. We can obey God or disobey him. And we will receive the benefits of the consequences of our decisions. Yet, it seems at first glance of this passage that the Egyptian king’s stubbornness was caused by God. How can this be?

God gives us the freedom to make out own decisions. When people choose to continually disobey God, he “makes them stubborn.” These individuals have already made the choice to turn away from God.

We can compare the relationship between the king’s stubbornness and God’s causing him to be stubborn to the following statements: “Joey flunked history class,” and, “The history teacher flunked Joey.” Both statements are true, but the cause of Joey’s failure is Joey.

Similarly, the king already had a proud, stubborn attitude. God did not cause him to have this attitude. He knew the king would not readily release the Israelites. God used this situation to show both the Israelites and the Egyptians that he is the one true God.

Tell Your Children?

9 # Short Commentary & Lesson Exodus 10.1-2

Although God’s miracles did not soften the king’s heart, they did show the Israelites how powerful God really was, God told Moses the Israelites needed to tell their children about these miracles so future generations would know about God's love and power.

It is up to us to make sure that future generations know about God's miracles and his love for us. Whether or not we have children of our own, we should do all we can to get God’s Word into the hearts and minds of children. We can share with them how God has worked in our lives. We can tell them what God can do in their lives, too. We can read the Bible to them or tell them some Bible stories. Most of all, we can love all children as God does.

A Night to Remember

10 # Short Commentary & Lesson Exodus 12.24-25

The Passover was not to be observed just this one time in Egypt. It was also to be celebrated each year after the Israelites had reached the land God had promised them. God wanted his people to remember this night forever because he wanted them to remember how he rescued them from bondage.
Holidays such as Passover, Good Friday, Easter, and Christmas are good tomes for us to remember what God has done for us. These special times are also excellent opportunities for parents to teach their children about the LORD’S goodness and faithfulness to his people.

Which Way Is Best?

11 # Short Commentary & Lesson Exodus 13.17-22

The Shortest path from Egypt to Canaan was a sandy, desert route. The Israelites could have made the trip in two or three weeks by taking this path, but God didn’t lead them on the easiest, most convenient route. Instead, he took them on a longer trip to protect his people. No doubt, the Israelites who knew geography wondered about the wisdom of God’s leadership. By human standards, this route made no sense.

God was laying an inescapable trap for the Egyptians. He was also preparing another exciting display of his power to rescue his people.

God does not always work in the way that seems easiest to us. Many times, the road he leads us on is not the shortest, or the most comfortable, or the most convenient.

God looks at the trip from an eternal viewpoint. He sees where we were yesterday, where are today, and where we will be tomorrow. God is our only true guide.

Oh, No! Not Again!

12 # Short Commentary & Lesson Exodus 15.22-27

Great spiritual victories and times of praise and worship are often followed by dry periods. We should not be surprised when this happens, nor should we panic and think that God has forgotten us.

Now that the Egyptian soldiers were dead and the Israelites were on their way to Canaan, God’s people probably expected nothing but good things ahead. When they traveled three days into the desert and still could not find drinkable water the people were disappointed, tired, and thirsty. They grumbled at Moses again.

When Moses prayed, God provided the people with good water. Furthermore, the LORD made it clear that the people’s best defense against disease was to live according to God’s Word. He was showing the Israelites (and us) that if we want God to take care of us, we must follow his directions.

A Test of Trust

13 # Short Commentary & Lesson Exodus 16.1-36

The Miraculous bread that God provided for the Israelites was more than mere nourishment. It was also a test to see if the people would trust him to take care of them in the desert.

Would they follow God’s instructions? Would they gather only enough food for each day? Or, would their lack of faith cause them to hoard some of the precious food? By hoarding the manna, they would be trusting their own ability to gather, rather than God’s willingness to supply their daily food. God wants us to trust him to meet our needs, one day at a time.

Misguided Murmurings

14 # Short Commentary & Lesson Exodus 17.1-7

The Israelites may have thought they were merely grumbling against Moses, but they were actually complaining about God. They were questioning whether God was really with them, whether he would take care of them, and whether he would keep his word.

When we complain about our circumstances, we are subtly accusing God of not caring for us. God knows what we are going through. He understands how we feel. He can provide water out of a rock if necessary to meet our needs. When we feel the urge to complain, let’s try looking for a solution instead.

Good News Travels Fast

15 # Short Commentary & Lesson Exodus 18.5-12

In far-off Midian, Jethro heard about God’s great and mighty rescue of the Israelites, When Jethro came to visit, Moses told his father-in-law all the details. If Jethro had been unsure of what Moses was doing, he was convinced now! Beyond that, Jethro was convinced that the LORD was the one true God.

Unfortunately, it is often the people closest to us who are the most skeptical of our relationship with God. But, when our actions are consistent with our words, sooner or later others will be convinced of the truth.

A Holy Nation

16 # Short Commentary & Lesson Exodus 19.1-9

The LORD had brought the Israelites out of slavery. As such, he had “earned the right to be heard” when he offered to enter this relationship with the Israelites.

Why did God choose Israel as his nation? It was not because Israel was perfect. In fact, he chose Israel in spite of many evil things they had said and done. Through Israel, God chose to work out his plan for the entire world.

But Israel had a role to play in this situation, too. They had to be faithful to God and obey his commandments; it is the same for us. If we follow God’s commands, he will bless us.

Only One True God

17 # Short Commentary & Lesson Exodus 20.1-6

Egypt was a land full of many gods and idols. After spending 400 years in this pagan culture, it was not difficult for the Israelites to start believing in these gods. But the LORD had warned them about worshiping other gods. He was the one true God. He was the God who rescued them from slavery in Egypt. The Israelites could not be his people unless they placed their trust in him and no other god.

Many of us slip into worshiping false gods – money, work, material possessions, fame. When we turn our attention from God and let these things come before him, we are looking in the wrong direction for meaning and security.

Any time we give anyone or anything the glory and honor that should be given to God, we are in danger of breaking God’s first commandment. When we love and obey God, he has promised to be kind to us.

Respect Your Parents

18 # Short Commentary & Lesson Exodus 20.12

To “respect” our parents mean that our words, actions, and attitudes should always be positive toward them. We should show them kindness, appreciation, and love our entire lives. As children we obey our parents; as adults, we need to show them respect and common courtesy.

In biblical times it was assumed that children would take care of their parents as they got older. We should accept that same responsibility.

Regardless of how our parents have treated us, God has not taken back the command to respect our parents.

Remember Where You Came From

19 # Short Commentary & Lesson 22.2 1-27

The LORD told his people to treat foreigners fairly. They knew how it felt to be looked down upon, left out of polite society, and treated with contempt; they were once foreigners in Egypt.

They knew the awful feeling of having little good, shelter, or clothing, and having no money to buy necessities. Now that they were free from slavery, God expected his people to be compassionate toward others who were less fortunate.

Most of us today do not have to look far to find people less fortunate than we are. Rather than feeling superior to them, we should be sensitive to their feelings. God will bless us if we express his love to them through our actions and attitudes.

An Agreement Sealed in Blood

20 # Short Commentary & Lesson Exodus 24.5-8

In the ceremony, Moses read the LORD’s commands to the people. In short, he was saying, “This is what God wants from you, and this is what he will do for you if you obey him.” The people agreed to obey God.

To show that there was an official agreement between God and the people, Moses Sprinkled half the blood from the sacrificed animals on the altar. This symbolized the punishment of death for disobeying God.

The other half of the blood from the sacrifice was placed in bowls or basins, then it was sprinkled toward the people. This was a sign showing that the penalty for sin had been paid. They were now forgiven.

We can come to God now without fear of death because Christ’s blood was shed for our sins. He was the final sacrifice. We are forgiven when we turn to God and ask for his help. When we put our faith and trust in Christ, we want to do our best to serve the one true God.

Can You Put God in a Box?

21 # Short Commentary & Lesson Exodus 25.10-22

The sacred chest was the most important piece of furniture in God’s sacred tent. It stood for the presence of God among his people. Of course, God was not in the box. He is not like a fictional genie who lives in a container and comes out when called.

No, the scared chest merely represented God’s presence. The whole earth would be too small a “box” to contain God. Sometimes we try to out God in boxes our own making. We try to limit his access to our lives. We try to tell him what he can and cannot do. Our attitude is often, “Stay in the box, God. We'll call you when we need you.” But God will not be limited by our boxes. God wants to be in the center of our lives.

Keep It Burning!

22 # Short Commentary & Lesson Exodus 27.20-21

The Israelites were commanded to bring pure olive oil to be used in the lamps inside the sacred tent. These lamps were to be kept burning all the time. Our lives, as lights, should be kept burning at all times, too.

Certainly, we get tired. Sometimes we get sick. Tragedies strike our lives. But no matter what comes our way, we can keep glowing with the light God’s love. He will provide the oil for us, but let’s be sure our lamps are full.

What a Friend!

23 # Short Commentary & Lesson Exodus 33.7-19

God had such a special relationship with Moses that he came and spoke to Moses directly. This does not mean Moses actually saw God’s face. It means God and Moses had such a close friendship that Moses had direct access to God. Moses was not a perfect man, but God still came to Moses at his level of understanding and need.

God comes to each of us at our own level of understanding and need. He wants to guide us and give us peace. If we trust and obey him, we can have a close relationship with God, regardless of our age, social status, or knowledge.

What a God!

24 # Short Commentary & Lesson Exodus 34.5-7

Notice the balance in the way God described himself to Moses. The LORD is merciful; He is very patient and shows great love to us. He can be trusted. He keeps his promises. Yet, God hates sin, and he punishes people when they sin.

It may surprise us to learn that God sometimes punishes future generations because of the sins of their ancestors; unfortunately, children often do suffer because of the mistakes of their parents.
Don’t misunderstand what this means. We are all responsible for our own actions. We cannot excuse our sins by blaming our parents. However, we can overcome mistakes of the past by trusting God and asking for his help.

What we need to remember is that how we live will have an impact – positive or negative – on the generations to come.

We Can All Do Something

25 # Short Commentary & Lesson Exodus 35.30-36.7

When Moses asked people with various gifts and abilities to help with the sacred tent, not everyone’s gifts were in the form of gold or silver. The people gave their skills and talents to do whatever they could.

Those who knew how to sew and weave cloth were glad to use their talents for the LORD’S sacred tent. Skilled craftsmen made beautiful objects of art. Other people used their talents to sculpt and to crave items from wood.

Similarly, each of us has been given special gifts, talents, and abilities. We are responsible for using them in a way that honors God. Whether you are a business person, a doctor, an accountant, a factory worker, or an artist, your work can help further the work of God going on all around you.

What Was the Sacred Chest?

26 # Short Commentary & Lesson Exodus 37.1-9

The sacred chest was the most special piece of furniture in the sacred tent. The tablets of the Ten Commandments were kept inside the sacred chest as a reminder of God’s agreement with his people.

The sacred chest was kept in the holiest place in the sacred tent. Once a year, the high priest went inside the holiest place to sprinkle blood on the lid of the sacred chest. The area where the blood was sprinkled was known as the place of mercy. The blood was applied there so the sins of the entire nation could be forgiven.

When Jesus was crucified, he became the final sacrifice for human sins (Romans 5.6-11). As a result, God is merciful to us even though we have broken his commands.

Follow that Cloud!

27 # Short Commentary & Lesson Exodus 40.34-38

The cloud and fire were meant to be a sign of God’s presence with his people day and night. When the cloud moved, the people moved. When the cloud stopped, the people did, too. Wha a great way to walk with God!

The book of Exodus began with the Israelites as Egyptian slaves, but it ends with Israel a free people, following God to the land he promised them.

We also need to follow God by obeying his commands. The Bible and God’s Spirit are our guides today, just as God guided Israelites with the cloud and fire. One day, God will bring his faithful people into the promised land called heaven.

Promises For Us

Some events are turning points in life. The Wright brothers flew in 1903, and we’ve been up in the air ever since. The Enola Gay detonated an atomic bomb 1850 feet above Hiroshima on the 6^th of August, 1945. We now live permanently under a mushroom cloud of uncertainty.

Once the Israelites encountered God in Egypt and on Mount Sinai, they could never go back to being unbelieving slaves. They became a free people who had entered a binding contract with God. Ahead of them lay an adventure that would be shaped at every turn by their connection to the God of the Ten Commandments.

The messenger of Exodus is clear: Meeting up with God is a life-changing experience. Everything in your life changes. God gives you his all, and he expects the same in return. And that’s good, who wants a half-hearted, mediocre life when God promises a gull meaningful one now, and an eternal life in the everlasting future?

For Consideration

What experiences have been turning points in your life?
How might God dramatically encounter people today?
What kind of direction would you like in your life from God?