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The Exodus

Illustration of The Exodus
Era
Exodus & Conquest
Date
c. 1446 BC โ‰ˆ Approximate
Reference
Exodus 12:31-42
After four hundred years of slavery, God heard the cries of His people. The exodus had begun.

The Exodus refers to the event in which God, through the leadership of Moses, rescued the Israelites from their enslavement under the Pharaoh of Egypt by sending a series of plagues that culminated in the death of the firstborn, prompting their release. Following their departure, the Israelites crossed the Red Sea on dry land after it was miraculously parted, escaping the pursuing Egyptian army and beginning their journey toward the Promised Land. This pivotal moment underscores God's faithfulness to His covenant with Abraham and serves as a foundational narrative in Scripture, symbolizing redemption and frequently referenced in the laws, psalms, and prophetic writings to remind the people of God's saving power.

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Did You Know?

1

This event is dated to approximately c. 1446 BC in biblical chronology.

2

Key figures involved: Moses, Aaron, Miriam, Pharaoh Of Exodus.

3

This took place at or near Egypt and Red Sea.

Key Passage

The Exodus

Exodus 12:31-42

A31nd he called for Moses and Aaron by night, and said, Rise up, and get you forth from among my people, both ye and the children of Israel; and go, serve the LORD, as ye have said.

32 Also take your flocks and your herds, as ye have said, and be gone; and bless me also. 33 And the Egyptians were urgent upon the people, that they might send them out of the land in haste; for they said, We be all dead men. 34 And the people took their dough before it was leavened, their kneadingtroughs being bound up in their clothes upon their shoulders. 35 And the children of Israel did according to the word of Moses; and they borrowed of the Egyptians jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment: 36 And the LORD gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they lent unto them such things as they required. And they spoiled the Egyptians. 37 And the children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand on foot that were men, beside children. 38 And a mixed multitude went up also with them; and flocks, and herds, even very much cattle. 39 And they baked unleavened cakes of the dough which they brought forth out of Egypt, for it was not leavened; because they were thrust out of Egypt, and could not tarry, neither had they prepared for themselves any victual. 40 Now the sojourning of the children of Israel, who dwelt in Egypt, was four hundred and thirty years. 41 And it came to pass at the end of the four hundred and thirty years, even the selfsame day it came to pass, that all the hosts of the LORD went out from the land of Egypt. 42 It is a night to be much observed unto the LORD for bringing them out from the land of Egypt: this is that night of the LORD to be observed of all the children of Israel in their generations.

Read full chapter: Exodus 12 โ†’

Meanwhile in the World

Egypt is at the height of its New Kingdom power under pharaohs like Thutmose III and Ramesses II. The Hittite Empire controls Anatolia. The Late Bronze Age collapse is approaching. Troy exists as a real city. This is the time of the Amarna letters and international diplomacy.

When: c. 1446 - 1375 BC

Key Civilizations: New Kingdom Egypt, Hittite Empire

Biblical Parallels: Exodus 1-40 , Joshua 1-24