Day 15 Reading Schedule: Exodus 11-15

Exodus 11: Warning of the Last Disaster 

[Summary]

Even after suffering nine disasters, the stubborn Pharaoh did not listen to God. Now, God finally gives a warning of the last disaster. God once again promised Moses the salvation of Israel. As the God of Israel, He reaffirmed His promise to bring His people out of Egypt as promised (verses 1-3). God warns of the disaster that He will kill all the firstborn of all living things in Egypt, including people, and shows His side as a judge who strictly executes justice (verses 4-8). However, even after hearing the disaster of death, Pharaoh does not change his mind. Pharaoh is bringing upon himself the unfortunate fate of a corrupt human who cannot hear the voice of the Almighty (verses 9-10).

This chapter concludes the previous chapter and begins preparations for the final battle. This chapter is a warning of the last disaster to Pharaoh, an ultimatum, and Moses' farewell speech. God clearly declares the coming plagues, saying that the tenth and final plague is inevitable because of Pharaoh's disobedience and stubbornness.

Exodus 12: Passover and the Exodus 

[Summary]

This records the death of the firstborn, the last plague that God would bring upon Egypt for the liberation of Israel. This incident became the beginning of the Passover, the most important holiday in Israel. God commanded that this day be commemorated and celebrated as the Passover for generations to come (verses 1-28). Finally, Pharaoh surrendered and let the Israelites leave as Moses demanded (verses 29-36), and God explained to them in detail the rules of the Passover to commemorate the Exodus (verses 37-51).

The tenth plague of death that fell upon the firstborn throughout Egypt signifies one of the greatest experiences of the Israelites. It was the most memorable celebration. This incident was clearly a judgment on Egypt and a salvation for Israel.

Exodus 13: The Firstborn Rules and the Pillar of Fire and Cloud 

[Summary]

God, who commanded the Israelites to celebrate the Passover in remembrance of the Exodus, continues to speak about the festivals related to the Exodus. This chapter shows the rules regarding the Feast of Unleavened Bread. God commands the Israelites to set apart all the firstborn to God in remembrance of the Exodus. He also commanded them to celebrate the Feast of Unleavened Bread so that their descendants would remember the power of God who saved them from Egypt (verses 1-16). Now, God, who saved Israel from Egypt, led them on their way with a pillar of cloud and a pillar of fire (verses 17-22). This chapter shows that God is the Savior and Leader of Israel.

The Israelites had to be set apart to serve Jehovah. This chapter tells the people about the firstborn of the Israelites who were dedicated to serve Jehovah and about the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. The significance of Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread is very great. It was of great value to the Israelites not only while they were on their way to the land of Canaan, but also when they arrived in the land of Canaan.

Exodus 14: Israel's Crossing of the Red Sea 

[Summary]

This chapter records the most dramatic event in the Old Testament, the miracle of the Red Sea. The Israelites who came out of Egypt camped on the shore opposite Baal Zebol, but Pharaoh, who had changed his mind after sending Israel away, pursued them with chariots (verses 1-9). The Israelites were surprised by this and were afraid and blamed Moses. However, Moses declared to Israel that God would save them (verses 10-20). Finally, God parted the Red Sea, allowing all the Israelites to cross, and drowned the Egyptian army that had been pursuing them (verses 21-31). The miracle of the Red Sea in this chapter was remembered as a historical indicator that the Israelites were assured of God's salvation from suffering.

The Israelites changed direction at God's command and camped at the Red Sea. This change in direction caused Pharaoh to think that the Israelites were in confusion. Pharaoh, whose heart was hardened, pursued Israel in full gear. However, God planned the miracle of the Red Sea to show faith to the Israelites and judgment to Pharaoh.

Exodus 15: A Song of Thanksgiving and Victory 

[Summary]

With the miracle of the Red Sea, Israel was finally liberated. However, God’s guidance and protection were only the beginning. This chapter records Israel’s praise for God who saved Israel and God’s continued help. The Israelites who witnessed God’s salvation at the Red Sea sang a song praising God, the warrior who defeated the Egyptian army and saved them. They were so moved by what they witnessed and experienced of the Almighty’s power before their eyes that they could not help but praise Him (verses 1-21). However, when they could not find drinking water for several days, they began to blame God again. The Egyptian lifestyle of human frivolity and slavery, which was as unbearable as the tides, still dominated them, and Israel forgot the power of the Almighty that had existed until a moment ago. However, God endured, protected them, and provided them with drinking water (verses 22-27).

The Israelites witnessed the amazing works that God had done, feared God, and believed in God and Moses. At that time, Moses sang with the Israelites about the God of salvation, the God who had performed the miracle of the Red Sea. He was the God of Israel, the God of gods, and the warrior who fought for the Israelites.