Contributor: Wale Abiona

INTRODUCTION
Last week, we examined how Pharaoh hardened his heart towards God’s instruction over and over again. Although, we read that the Lord said in chapter 10:1b “for I have hardened his heart and the hearts of his servants” we concluded that this was so because of Pharaoh’s own stubbornness, and him having a heart that refused to pay attention unto God.

Romans 1:28 (Paraphrased) “Pharaoh did not think it was important to have a true knowledge of God. So, God left him and allowed him to have his own worthless thinking. And so, he did what he should not do, (kicking against God)".

In today’s study of Exodus chapters 11 and 12, we will see how the character of Pharaoh brought the ultimate trouble to him and the whole community of Egyptians family. They experienced the highest level of loss. We shall also look at how God uses the Passover to protect and deliver His elect from bondage.

In Exodus 5:2, when Pharaoh asked Moses “Who is the Lord, that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? I do not know the Lord, nor will I let Israel go,” you will agree that his words and behaviors show how selfish, depraved, disreputable a person he was, with no inner goodness. Hence, God allowed him to follow the natural inclinations of his heart, lacking any sense of honour for God. Despite all the nine plagues, this man will not listen, not even to his own people who called him to harken and save them in chapter 10:7 Pharaoh’s servants said to him, “How long shall this man be a snare to us? Let the men go, that they may serve the Lord their God. Do you not yet know that Egypt is destroyed?”

Random Fact: Today’s study combines both the shortest and longest chapters in the Book of Exodus. Chapter 11, 10 verses, and Chapter 12, 51 verses

EXODUS 11: THE DEATH OF EGYPT'S FIRSTBORN SON DECLARED.
Verses 1-3 God spoke to Moses about what will be the last plague and what the Israelites must do. He said He will cause the Egyptians to be kind to them.

Verses 4-8 Moses told Pharaoh of the impending doom and how the Lord will differentiate between Egypt and Israel, by protecting his elect from experience the death of their first son and redeemed them from Pharoah’s bondage, but he will not listen. He is not a man that bow to superior power easily, it will take the death of his child.

Verses 9-10 We see the sad reality when God told Moses in verse 9 “Pharaoh won’t listen, and this will give me the opportunity of doing mighty miracles to demonstrate my power.”

EXODUS 12: THE PASSOVER (Verses 1-28)
A. God Promised a New Beginning (v1-2)
1. “This month shall be your beginning of months; it shall be the first month of the year to you. A new year would now start with the month of their redemption from Egypt

B. Passover instructions for the Hebrew (v3-11)
1. Every household must take a lamb for their family on the 10th day of the month.
2.The lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year. John 1:29
3.They were to keep it until the fourteenth day of the month, and they were to kill it attwilight, roast it (not to be eaten raw or boiled in water), and eat the meat with unleavenedbread and bitter herbs. 1Cor. 5:7
4.Take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and on the lintel of the houseswhere they eat it
5.They must eat it all with no leftover, and whatever remains of it until morning shall beburned with fire.
6.They must eat it in readiness to depart Egypt with a belt on their waist, sandals on theirfeet, and staff in their hand. They are to eat it in haste. It is the LORD’s Passover.’Hebrews 13:14

C. The protection by the blood (v12-13)
12 On the night that you eat the Passover meal, I will travel through the country of Egypt. I will kill every firstborn son and every firstborn male animal. I will punish all the gods of Egypt. I am the Lord. 13 When you put the blood around the doors of your houses, that will be a sign to show that you live there. When I see the blood on your house, I will pass over you. No trouble will hurt you, when I attack the people of Egypt.
God gave specific instructions on how and they were to apply the blood: This is significant to their protection on the night the angel of death will pass through the land.

D. The institution of Passover and Unleavened Bread as feasts (v14-20)
1.The Israelites were to keep this special meal as an annual memorial.
2.In addition to the special meal, the Israelites were to observe a new feast day, the Feast ofUnleavened Bread, which was to begin the 14th day of the month and end the 21st day ofthe month (7 days total).
3.During the Feast of Unleavened bread, the Israelites were to cleanse their houses of leavenfood (made with yeast) and eat only unleavened food.
4.Moses delivered God’s instructions to the people of Israel, and they obeyed.

E. Moses Guides the People in the First Passover as Instructed for Their Safety (v21-28)
1.Moses called for all the elders of Israel and instructed them.
2.Put the blood on the wood that is round your door and the lintel.
3.Nobody must go out of the door of his house until the morning.
4.The Lord will pass through the country, and he will kill the Egyptians, but when the Lordsees the blood on the wood round the door, he will pass over that house.
5.He will not let the death angel come into your houses. The Lord will not let him kill you.
6.You must obey these rules always, both you and your descendants, for all time.There are specific instruction for us if we want to continue to abide under Gods protection:

a.We must constantly remind ourselves of His sacrifice Luke Chapters 19-20
b.We must purge ourselves of any impurity Psalm 34:3
c.We must remain in His secret place Psalm 91:1
d.We must obey His commands Deuteronomy 30:10-20 Emphasis on verse 16

F. Death of The Firstborn: The 10th Plague (v29-30)
At midnight the Lord struck down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh to the firstborn of the prisoner in the dungeon, and even the firstborn of the livestock. That night Pharaoh, all his servants, and all the Egyptians wailed. Just imagine it for a moment, a great cry in Egypt, for there was not a house where someone was not dead.
Pharaoh’s stubbornness affected everyone around him.
This is why it is important to pray for good leaders 1 Timothy 2:1-3 and to also stay away from the wicked. Proverbs. 4:14-15. Psalm 1:1; 26:5, 2 Corinthians. 6:17

G. The Exodus (v31-42)
Finally, the Israelites were redeemed by the blood. Following the death of the Egyptians firstborn Pharaoh surrendered. He summonedMoses and Aaron during the night after the death of the firstborn. He tells them to leave Egypt immediately with all the Israelites, their livestock, and their belongings, even asking them to bless him as they go.
The Egyptians, overwhelmed by fear and grief, pressed the Israelites to leave quickly. They gave them silver, gold, and clothing, fulfilling what God had said—that the Israelites would not leave empty-handed.
About 600,000 men, along with women, children, and a mixed group of others, leave Egypt together with large flocks and herds. Because of their urgency, they bake unleavened bread from the dough they brought, since they had no time to prepare provisions.

The mixed group of others would have consisted of possibly other non-Israelite slaves, who took the opportunity to escape, and maybe some Egyptians who chose to align themselves with Israel after witnessing what had happened in Egypt.

So after living in Egypt was four hundred and thirty years exactly they left the land. Verses 40-41 says: “The sons of Jacob and their descendants had lived in Egypt 430 years, and it was on the last day of the 430th year that all of Jehovah’s people left the land. 42 This night was selected by the Lord to bring his people out from the land of Egypt; so the same night was selected as the date of the annual celebration of God’s deliverance.”
I have heard commentaries about God telling Abraham in Genesis 15:13 that his descendants will be strangers, enslaved, and mistreated in a foreign land (Egypt) for 400 years but they were in Egypt for 430 years. This scripture is key to knowing that regardless of anything that may or may not have happened, the Lord selected that night exactly on the 430th year to bring Israel out of Egypt. It was Him who selected it!

H. Rules for the Passover festival (v43-51)
In this last section, the Lord outlines the rules for who may participate in the Passover and emphasizes strict unity in how it must be observed.
Because this ordinance was based on covenant, no foreigner or temporary resident may eat the Passover meal. But, if a servant or outsider living among the Israelites is circumcised, they are then permitted to participate, showing that inclusion is based on covenant commitment. Therefore no uncircumcised person, whether native-born or foreign, is allowed to partake

CONCLUSION
We see specific parallels between the sacrifice of the Passover lamb and the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross:
a.The lamb had to be without blemish… Jesus was without sin.
b.The lamb was killed and the blood sprinkled on door post … Jesus was crucified on thecross, redeeming us from sin by His blood. Blood on wooden doorposts, blood on woodencross.
c.The firstborn of the Israelites and anyone who had the blood on the doorposts of their houseswere saved… those who come to God through the blood of Jesus and the sacrifice of thecross will be saved.

As we reflect on these 2 chapters, it is important to bear in mind that it cost God His Son for us to be delivered from the bondage of sin, and He will protect and keep us from falling. However, you have a role to play. You need to follow Christ and obey His instructions. Do not harden your heart as Pharaoh did. Mark 8:36-38 says: “What shall a man give in exchange for his soul. . . .?”

The Redemption power from destruction is a gift from the Lord. Jesus paid the price. His sacrifice places a demand on us to carry our cross daily and follow Him. Luke 9:23. Jesus’ prayer in John 17:12-15 shows how deeply He cares for His own.

If Salvation or Christianity has cost you nothing; and old friends, old habits and disobedience to God are still the same way as they were before coming to Christ, then today is another opportunity to reflect and make amends.

God is able to do just what he said he would do,
He's gonna fulfill every promise to you
Don't give up on God, cause He won't give up on you
He's able

He said in Matthew 11:28-29 “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”

Contributor: Isekhua Evborokhai

INTRODUCTION
In last week’s study we began to observe how over and over again, Pharaoh hardened his heart towards God. Although God was patient with him, allowing him opportunities to repent and to let Israel go; he decided (himself) not to. This can be seen in 7:13 (Yet Pharaoh’s heart was hardened) 7:22 (so Pharaoh’s heart was hardened), 8:15 (he hardened his heart), 8:19 (But Pharaoh’s heart was hardened), 8:32 (But Pharaoh hardened his heart this time also).

today’s study of Exodus chapters 9 and 10, we encounter one of the most devastating realities in Scripture and life: a heart that becomes hardened. Proverbs 28:14 (ESV) says: "Blessed is the one who fears the Lord always, but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity”

Interestingly, we see that this incident with Pharaoh was not only about judgment, but also about mercy. Again and again, God sent warnings before sending plagues. He gave opportunities to respond. He even made a distinction between those who will listen and those who will not. Yet Pharaoh was adamant.

In last week study, we saw five instances following 4 different plagues where Pharaoh chose to harden his heart. We will see the same pattern in today’s study as we consider the next five plagues

PART 1: CHAPTER 9
1. VERSES 1–12: THE 5TH & 6TH PLAGUES – SELECTIVE JUDGMENT
• Livestock die (Egypt affected, Israel spared) Verses 1-7
Key Verse: Verse 7: “Pharaoh investigated and found that not even one of the animals of the Israelites had died (NIV). But the heart of Pharaoh became hard, and he did not let the people go. (NKJV)

• Boils afflict Egyptians (Egypt affected, Israel spared) Verses 8-12
Key Verse: Verse 12: But the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh; and he did not heed them, just as the LORD had spoken to Moses.
This was the first time God hardened Pharaoh’s heart. During last week’s study, a pertinent question was asked: “Why did God harden Pharaoh’s heart?”

And in answering the question, we referred to our study of Romans 19 a couple of years ago. The fact is this: God did not force Pharaoh’s heart to be hard towards Him and Israel. What He simply did was allow Pharaoh’s heart to pursue its natural inclination. Initially, God did not harden Pharaoh’s heart; he was given the opportunity to choose freely to obey God time and time again. Instead, he and the Egyptians freely rejected God’s command to let Israel go.
1 Samuel 6:6a says to the Israelites: “Why do you harden your hearts as the Egyptians and Pharaoh did?”

2. VERSES 13-26: THE 7TH PLAGUE – MERCY IN WARNING
• Plague of hail
Here we see God giving advance warning – a chance for the people to act. Verses 15 & 16 tell us of how God extended the offer of mercy to Pharaoh.
“15 For by now I could have put out My hand and struck you and your people with a pestilence, and you would then have been cut off (obliterated) from the earth. 16 But indeed for this very reason I have allowed you to live, in order to show you My power and in order that My name may be proclaimed throughout all the earth.”

Some Egyptians feared God and protected their servants and livestock from this plague. From this incident, we see that God’s judgment is never without opportunity for repentance.

3. VERSES 27-35: PHARAOH’S DECEPTION
Pharaoh sends for Moses and Aaron and declares: “This time I have sinned… The LORD is righteous, and I and my people are wicked.” 28 Pray to the Lord, for we have had enough thunder and hail. I will let you go; you don’t have to stay any longer.”

At first glance, this sounds like genuine repentance:
• Pharaoh admitted his sin
• He acknowledged God’s righteousness
• He asked for prayer/intercession

But this was only a crisis-driven confession, not a transformation of heart. Moses was not fooled, however. We see this in his response in verse 30: “I know that you and your officials still do not fear the LORD God.”
This was quickly confirmed in verses 34 & 35: “When Pharaoh saw that the rain and hail and thunder had stopped, he sinned again: He and his officials hardened their hearts. 35 So Pharaoh’s heart was hard and he would not let the Israelites go, just as the Lord had said through Moses.”

We see from these verses that the hardening of heart was by the choice of Pharaoh and his officials – not God.

PART 2: CHAPTER 10
1. VERSES 1-20: THE 8TH PLAGUE – INCREASING CONSEQUENCES
• Pharaoh Exhausts God’s Mercy (Verses 1-6)
As we turn into chapter 10, we see a turn in God’s instruction to Moses. In verse 1, the Bible says: “And the Lord said unto Moses, go in unto Pharaoh: for I have hardened his heart”

In verse 3, the Lord asks Pharaoh. “How long will you refuse to humble yourself before Me?” It was the pride of Pharaoh that prolonged their suffering. This holds true for us even now. Many people prolong their suffering because of pride.
At this point, God had heard enough. Pharaoh and his officials had squandered all the opportunities He gave them to repent because of their pride. And throughout this chapter we see a recurrence of God hardening Pharaoh’s heart. Verse 20 (But the Lord hardened Pharaoh's heart), Verse 27 (But the Lord hardened Pharaoh's heart).

• The Halfway Obedience Agenda (Verses 7-11)
Pharaoh’s officials plead with him and he summoned Moses and Aaron and presented an alternative to God’s plan. “Go, worship the Lord your God,” he said. “But tell me who will be going.” (Verse 8b), No! Have only the men go and worship the Lord, since that’s what you have been asking for.” (Verse 11a),

• The Plague of Locusts (Verses 12-15)
God sends locusts to devour what remains after the hail destroyed all crops. The more Pharaoh resisted, the more dire were the consequences. Nothing green remained on tree or plant in all the land of Egypt.
Verse 13: The East wind blew at the command of God. Highlighting how God uses natural forces under His control to accomplish His purposes. Wind, insects, land—everything obeys God. What may seem “natural” is actually under divine authority.

• Pharaoh’s Deception Replayed (Verses 16-20)
16 Pharaoh quickly summoned Moses and Aaron and said, “I have sinned against the Lord your God and against you. 17 Now forgive my sin once more and pray to the Lord your God to take this deadly plague away from me.”

It was too late, because now Pharaoh no longer had control of his heart. Verse 20 says: “But the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he would not let the Israelites go.”

Galatians 6:7 tells us that God cannot be mocked! He cannot be ridiculed, deceived, or treated with contempt, and Pharaoh was going to reap the consequences of his actions! It was at this point the die was cast and there was no turning back – all 10 plagues must come to pass and all of Egypt’s firstborn must die.

2. VERSES 21–29: THE 9TH PLAGUE – DARKNESS
God sent thick darkness to cover all of Egypt for three days. No one could see anyone else or move about for three days, but Goshen had light

Pharaoh still thought he was wise suggesting this
Verse 24: "Then Pharaoh summoned Moses and said, “Go, worship the Lord. Even your women and children may go with you; only leave your flocks and herds behind.”

But he was clearly being foolish. Romans 1:22 says: "Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools"
Proverbs 29:1 (NIV) says: “Whoever remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy.”

Even though Moses was generous enough trying to explain to Pharaoh why they couldn’t leave without their livestock (verses 25-26), God wasn’t having any of it. The die was cast back in verse 20. So, He made sure Pharoah couldn’t change his mind. Verses 27-29: "27 But the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he was not willing to let them go. 28 Pharaoh said to Moses, “Get out of my sight! Make sure you do not appear before me again! The day you see my face you will die.” 29 “Just as you say,” Moses replied. “I will never appear before you again.”

CONCLUSION
A hardened heart doesn’t happen overnight. It develops gradually—through repeated resistance, delayed obedience, and ignored conviction. What begins as a simple “not yet” can eventually become a firm “no.” Pharaoh had multiple chances to humble himself, but each refusal made the next one easier, until his heart became unyielding.

It is very important to note however, that before every act of judgment, there was an opportunity for mercy. God sent warnings. He gave time. He made a way for those willing to listen—even among the Egyptians—to respond and be spared.
That same pattern is present in our lives today. God still speaks. He still warns. He still calls us to humility and surrender. So, the question we must ask ourselves is this:
When God speaks, how will I respond?
• Will I resist, delay, and harden my heart?
• Or will I humble myself, listen, and obey?
Because in the end, it’s not just about Pharaoh’s heart—it’s about ours.

Contributor: Alex Kokobili

INTRODUCTION

Chapters 7 and 8 are a continuation of the previous two (chapters 5 and 6), which deepened our understanding of how God revealed Himself to Moses. The previous chapters showed how Moses encountered God as Yahweh, an encounter that revealed Him as the deliverer, requiring Moses to act as His regent on earth, and one who would lead Israel out of the bondage of slavery in Egypt. Today’s study focuses on deepening our understanding of how God fights our battles, drawing on the display of God’s power in the liberation of Israel from slavery in Egypt. The discussion engages the idea of God’s liberation from the concept of how He does signs, wonders, and miraculous happenings. Moses’ engagement with Pharaoh helps bring this study into context. The example of Moses as a prophet whose assignment can be described as the deliverer was beyond a historical event, but a lesson that is still applicable in our current life experiences.

PART ONE CHAPTER 7
Verses 1-6 (The anointing and obligation for Moses to lead Israel’s liberation)
The discussion starts by pointing to a nuance in how God wanted Moses to take his spiritual posture in confronting Pharaoh over the freedom of Israel from slavery.
Verse 1: So the Lord said to Moses: “See, I have made you as God to Pharaoh, and Aaron your brother shall be your prophet.”

We observe that the chapter starts with SO, signifying “Ze kakh,” (Hebrew) which refers to pointing to something new that has just been revealed or happened. What is this new thing?
This tells us that God released an instant anointing on Moses to act as a God to Pharaoh for the purpose of redeeming His people.
A similarity of an introduction of a person was introduced as anointed, which showed a shift in the functionality of such a person can also be seen in 1 John 2: 27: "Now as for you, the anointing that you received from him resides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you." But as his anointing teaches you about all things, it is true and is not a lie. Just as it has taught you, you reside in him.
“Now” in the New Testament context means “Now or vuv,” referring to instant redemption, or instant arrival. We see similar usage in Romans 8:1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.)
In the case of Moses – Exodus 7: 1, the Bible reintroduced him as one who is anointed for the assignment of liberating Israel from the bondage of slavery in Egypt.
Why the need for such attention on Moses as the anointed for the assignment, and Aaron, the one who would serve as Moses’s associate?
The anointing on Moses was so powerful that Moses was described as a God to Pharaoh, while Aaron was to be Moses’ prophet (Ex 7:1-2).
The anointing is specific to an assignment, and realized that God is mindful of your limitations, which could be physical, educational, socio-cultural, or even health-related, as it was in the case of Moses. Provided the specific project in life is associated with God’s salvation and deliverance, and we are also willing to take up the task, God will create the channel that will assist us in carrying out the task, such as Aaron, for the fulfilment of the project.
Take note: Moses had already gone through various stages of preparation before God could entrust him as God to Pharaoh. For instance:

A. Moses learnt how to approach royalty while growing up in Pharaoh’s household (See Exodus chapter 2). There was an expected behaviour for kings or royalty in the Bible days in the Old Testament. For instance,
1 Samuel 10: 25 Then Samuel told the people the rights and duties of the kingship, and he wrote them in a book and laid it up before the Lord. Then Samuel sent all the people away, each one to his home.

B. Moses’ faith in associating himself with the people of Israel and their affliction, rather than being identified as Pharaoh’s son.
Hebrews 11: 24 – 25 Faith enabled Moses to choose God’s will, for although he was raised as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, he refused to make that his identity, choosing instead to suffer mistreatment with the people of God. Moses preferred faith’s certainty above the momentary enjoyment of sin’s pleasures.

C. Moses’ faith even while he fled Egypt.
Hebrews 11: 27 Holding faith's promise, Moses abandoned Egypt and had no fear of Pharaoh's rage because he persisted in faith as if he had seen God, who is unseen. That is “By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw Him, God, who is invisible.”

D. Moses’ life in the land of Midian and spiritual oversight from Jethro, the priest of Midian (Exodus chapter 2). The name Jethro means excellence. Note: The burning bush experience happened while Moses was tending to Jethro’s sheep

E. You will realise that in the future chapter, Exodus 18, that Jethro’s spirituality was revealed. Jethro knew the God of the Hebrews, and so he was not a pagan priest. Jethro understood God as the deliverer of Israel, and it reflected in the names of Moses’ children (V- 11)
In Exodus 18:12, Jethro made a burnt offering to God.
In Exodus 18: 17, Jethro advised Moses to appoint elders over the people of Israel.

Verses 7 – 13. (God’s Instruction To Moses And Aaron, And Signs Required For Pharaoh)

The narrative at this point started with Moses and Aaron visiting Pharaoh despite their old age. Moses was 80, while Aaron was 83 years old.
A. They realized that the miraculous dimension assignment was required as Pharaoh needed to be convinced about God’s supremacy.

B. The power dimension is required, especially for a task that is connected to deliverance, provided the foundation has been laid on the word of God. (1 Corin 4:40 The kingdom of God is not a matter of talk. It is a matter of power.) Power has various dimensions, and we will observe that different levels of power were displayed by Moses in Egypt to convince Pharaoh.

C. To operate in the power of the miraculous, you will need a life that is fully concentrated and plugged into God. Miracles are meant to enhance our faith in God, and not to replace the authority of the word of God or to be idolized.

D. Aaron’s staff was to be put to work immediately. The turning of Aaron’s staff into a serpent, and while the serpent swallowed those whom the magicians of Egypt produced, was quite symbolic in showing the authority of God upon Moses and Aaron’s assignment above the power of the sorcerers of Egypt.

Verses 14 – 25. (God Instructed Moses To Inform Pharaoh About Events To Happen In Egypt If He Refused To Release Israel From Slavery To Freedom).

A. God told Moses that Pharaoh would not listen to him, but Moses was still required to act on the instructions of the almighty God. Are you going to give up on stubborn challenges? Moses never showed any sign of discouragement at this point, realizing the battle ahead would be a stubborn one.

B. Moses had to go and deliver the message to Pharaoh at the specified time and did not argue. This was Moses’ reality. Make up your mind to stop arguing with God’s instruction. Delay no more.
Moses knew about God’s vision for Israel’s liberation: EXODUS 7:16 “And you shall say to him, ‘The Lord God of the Hebrews has sent me to you, saying, “Let My people go, that they may serve Me in the wilderness”: (Always say what God says without diluting the word).

SIGNS THAT HAPPENED DURING THE ASSIGNMENT IN EGYPT.
There will always be a sign for each assignment. For example:

C. EXODUS 7: 19 – 21. (Turning of water into blood). This was to cut off the supply of fresh water to nature, marine life, and drinkable water in Egypt.

D. Although the Egyptian magicians tried to replicate the same with water they dug from the side of the Nile, the Lord later further struck the river, and they could not drink the water (V23-24).

PART TWO: CHAPTER 8
Verses 1 – 6. (Frogs In The Rivers And Waterways Of Egypt)
Moses, through Aaron, stretched his rod over the rivers, streams, and ponds and caused frogs to come over the land of Egypt. You will notice a similarity between the first sign, which was turning of water into blood, and now, frogs in the waterways of Egypt.

A. Mythologists would tell that frogs were also symbolic to the Egyptians in terms of the god of fertility. So, you can imagine the agony the Egyptians went through to see the replica of one of the types of their gods everywhere.

B. Frogs also depicted that evil spirits were hovering over the land of Egypt. See, Revelations 16: 13 -14 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. 14 For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.

• Verses 7 – 10. Although magicians of Egypt brought out frogs from Egyptian waterways, they failed to overturn the reproach inflicted on the land by God.
• Verse 8. Pharaoh agreed to let Israel go to fulfil God’s purpose, “and I will let the people go, that they may sacrifice to the Lord.” Provided the frogs were taken away.
• Verse 9. Moses offered to pray for Pharaoh so that God would reconsider his judgment over Egypt.
• Verse 10. Moses was obliged to pray for Pharaoh because “And he said, “Let it be according to your word, that you may know that there is no one like the Lord our God.”
• Verses 11 - 15. The frogs were to depart from the land of Egypt, but to remain in the RIVER for an extra day. This temporary relief for Pharaoh hardened his heart from repentance.
• Verses 16 – 19. Moses, through Aaron, released lice over the land of Egypt. Yet pharaoh’s heart was hardened.
• Verses 20 – 24. Flies Were Released Over The Land Of Egypt And Corrupted It The Land.

A. Flies are attracted to deadness, bad smells, and odours. (Ecclesiastes 10:1 Dead flies cause a bottle of perfume to stink.

B. Flies are associated with maggot, which is associated with destruction or humiliation in the Bible (Isaiah 14: 11 Your pomp is brought down to Sheol, And the sound of your stringed instruments; The maggot is spread under you, And worms cover you.)

C. Flies were not permitted to fly into Goshen (V 22- 23). This was to indicate that a mark of destruction was against the Egyptians, while God displayed His love and redemptive agenda for Israel.
“And in that day I will set apart the land of Goshen, in which My people dwell, that no swarms of flies shall be there, in order that you may know that I am the Lord in the midst of the land. 23 I will make a difference between My people and your people. Tomorrow this sign shall be”.

• Verses 25 - 27. Pharaoh agreed to free Israel and told Moses that Israel could go and sacrifice to God only within Egypt, but Moses rejected it. STAY WITH GOD’S PATTERN.

Moses considered it unholy for Israel to sacrifice to God in Egypt because the land had become an abomination to God. This intention was rejected by Moses.

See an example of a similar situation.
Psalm 137: 1- 6 For there those who carried us away captive asked of us a song, And those who plundered us requested mirth, Saying, “Sing us one of the songs of Zion!” 4 How shall we sing the Lord’s song in a foreign land? 5 If I forget you, O Jerusalem, Let my right hand forget its skill! 6 If I do not remember you, let my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth, if I do not exalt Jerusalem above my chief joy.

The word mirth referred to the intention of mockery in an action of the Babylonians towards Israel. That is, singing the song in their land was to mock them, because they knew that the God of Israel would not accept such praise.
So, we now understand that Moses had such a high level of understanding to rebut Pharaoh’s suggestion, as God already specified that Israel would sacrifice to Him outside the land of Egypt in the wilderness.

• Verse. 27. Moses would rather accept a three-day journey with the children of Israel to sacrifice to God, rather than in Egypt, where God had already rejected them.
• Verse. 28. Pharaoh agreed to let the children of Israel go, but did not want them far from him.
• Verse. 29. Moses advised Pharaoh to stop his deception of false promises, realizing that they needed to go to sacrifice to God. YOU NEED TO BE SPIRITUALLY FIRM IN LETTING THE ENEMY KNOW YOUR RIGHT AS A CHILD OF GOD. Moses was spiritually firm and not physically arrogant.

CONCLUSION
The surest form of deliverance is the genuineness of the word of God. While many love the display of God’s anointing and power, they lack the foundation of the word of God, which has power to deliver us from all forms of bondage in life (Psalm 107:20 He sent His word and healed them and delivered them from their destructions. Moses understood the ways of God and was not moved by the signs and wonders in Egypt, despite its significance in facilitating the liberation mandate (Psalm 103: 7 He made known His ways [of righteousness and justice] to Moses, His acts to the children of Israel). It is expected that the life of a believer should be filled with signs and wonders, such as healing the sick, ministering the power of salvation to deliver the oppressed and downtrodden in life, and other experiences that affirm the Bible beyond a historical event, but a reality that makes it easy for people to believe that we serve the true and living God.
Having a relationship with God helps us to understand his ways and power. Do not just seek signs and manifestations, but seek God in His entirety, and then you would be able to understand the manifestations of the power of the Holy Spirit and diligently carry out a specific assignment as regards to your life, family, school, the church, or the nation at large, which was seen in the study from the ministry of Moses.

Contributor: Clem Roberts

INTRODUCTION: Literary & Historical Context
Exodus chapter 5–6 sits right after Moses’ call in Exodus chapter 3 and 4. God has revealed His name YAHWEH (YHWH), He promised deliverance and sent Moses and Aaron to Pharaoh.
Historically, we see that Israel is under a forced labour in Egypt, involved in state building projects. With Pharaoh’s power depending on their oppression. Any threat to this labour supply is a big threat to the purpose and vision of the empire itself.

CHAPTER 5
a. Verses 1 – 5; The First Confrontation
“Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel: Let my people go… as in seen in chapter 5:1. This is not a polite request; it’s a royal command. In the ancient world, this is a clash between two sovereigns:
• Pharaoh: absolute ruler of Egypt
• YAHWEH: God of Israel, the superior authority
Pharaoh’s response is normal of a King who was never challenged before now:
“Who is the LORD, that I should obey him?” This is not ignorance, it’s defiance. Pharaoh rejects:
• God’s identity
• God’s authority
• God’s relationship with Israel

b. Verses 6–14; Increased Oppression
Pharaoh responds by removing straw but demanding the same brick quota. This is not a mere anger but a systemic cruelty.
• Pharaoh sees worship as laziness
• Disguises oppression as discipline or efficiency

c. Verses 15 – 23; Internal Division and Discouragement
• The Israelite foremen appeal to Pharaoh and fail.
• Then they turn on Moses
• Moses, in turn, turns on God

Exodus chapter 5 ends unresolved. Deliverance that has been promised is yet to be seen.

CHAPTER 6
a. Verses 1 – 8; God Reaffirms His Promise.
• God reintroduces Himself to Moses
• Reminder that He is the who acts decisively to save.

b. Verses 6 – 8; This is one of the most important covenant passages in Scripture:
1. I will bring you out
2. I will deliver you
3. I will redeem you
4. I will take you as my people
5. I will be your God
6. I will bring you to the land
7. I will give it to you as a possession

c. Verse 9; Israel’s Inability to Receive Hope
• They did not listen… because of their broken spirit and harsh slavery”
• Hope sounds unbelievable

d. Verses 10 – 27; The Genealogy
• Grounds Moses and Aaron in real history
• Confirms Aaron’s priestly line
• God’s redemptive work is rooted and intentional.

CONCLUSION
Exodus chapter 5 and 6 teaches us that when God begins deliverance, opposition may intensify, but God’s covenant purpose cannot be delayed or denied. It shows us:
• Show God’s Authority vs. Human Power
• Obedience Does Not Mean Immediate Relief
• God’s Name Is Revealed Through Action
• Salvation Is God-Centred

Contributor: Peter Folikwe

INTRODUCTION
Our study last week of the first two chapters of Exodus revealed how God fulfilled His promise to bless Abraham’s descendants to become as many people as sand on the seashore Gen 22:17. This development threatened the new Pharaoh in Egypt who enacted cruel laws that will take the lives of every male child born to the Israelites. We see God as a master strategist saved the life of the boy Moses, nursed by his biological mother and went on the live in the king’s palace. God, working behind the scenes, begins to prepare him ahead of His planned deliverance of His people from the land of Egypt. Moses in an identity crisis: nurtured as an Egyptian royal but with an Israeli lineage acted impulsively and fled to Median to escape the wrath of Pharaoh and the disdain of the Israelites.

CHAPTER 3
Verse 1
Moses was keeping the flock of his father in law, Jethro also called Ruel for about 40yrs. Invariably by this time, having fled from Egypt at age 40yrs, so he was 80yrs old then. Mount Horeb - aka Mount Sanai was called Mountain of God, because it is there that God will later reveal His laws, principally His character to the nation of Israel.

Verses 2 -5
The angel of the Lord appeared to Moses in a burning bush, yet the bush was not scorched despite the burning fire. This amazement Moses. It is a miraculous encounter like the case of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. Miraculous encounters often lead to divine promotion and protection as we will see in the life of Moses later.
We see here that the Bible says the angel of the Lord appeared, and afterwards God spoke Himself to Moses asking him not to come close but take of His shoes because he was standing on a Holy ground.
This typified the law which see God an unapproachable because of His Holy natured.

But by contrast the sacrifice of Jesus for all mankind encourages us to have closer relationship with God. Interestingly, God has not changed from the Old Testament God into a New Testament God. ‭He is the same yesterday, today & forever. The differentiator is simply the price paid by our Lord Jesus on the cross. Despite our unworthy state to approach the Holy of Holies, Jesus Christ robed us in His righteousness to give us direct and easy access to God Almighty. It is an irony to see some so-called believers who ignorantly still ‭live according to the law. Incidentally a church still practices the custom of travelling barefooted, without shoes, to their church: as a symbol of reverence to the unapproachable God. This the lie the devil wants people to believe, portraying God as unloving, yet the very nature of God is unconditional love.‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Brethren God loves to fellowship with us, but we are often weighed down by our sinful nature, forgetting that the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus is greater than our sins. The devil wants us to focus on our sins instead of looking unto Jesus and what He did for us on the cross of Calvary: Heb. 12:2. Always remember that Jesus made us worthy through His blood.

Verses 7-12
Most times when we pray and don’t get immediate answers, we sometimes conclude that God has forgotten us. At the time of this encounter Moses was over 40yrs of age. Imagine how many Israeli families have been thrown into mourning just because they had a boy child thrown into the Nile on Pharaoh’s orders. God here confirm that he heard their cry and seen their oppression and has decided to deliver His people. In V11 Moses responded based on his past guilt for killing an Egyptian, the basis on which a ransom has been placed over his life by Pharaoh. God responded to Moses when he asked, “who am I?”, saying “I will be with you”. Meaning He God will take care of Moses’ limitations. Most often we limit the work of God in our lives focusing on our limitations rather than depending on the Unlimited God. Our sovereign God who knows the end from the beginning, simply assured Moses that “I will be with you” with the assurance that His people will come out of Egypt to serve/worship Him on the same mountain.

Verses 13-14
Moses hunted by his experience with his fellow Israelites before he fled Egypt was apprehensive going back to meet with the same people and Pharaoh. He then requested God to make a formal introduction of Himself. God responded and introduced Himself as “I Am That I Am”. Meaning He has no beginning and ending. He is Self-existent. To validate His name he asked Moses to tell the Israelites that He is the God of Abraham, and Isaac and Jacob. The covenant keeping God. A memorial to all generations, up till today & forever.

Verses 15-22
Moses was mandated by God to first go into the camp of the Israelites to deliver the good news the elders of their deliverance from bondage under their taskmasters in Egypt. God reaffirmed the promise He made to Abraham in Genesis 22:17 saying “in blessing I will bless you and multiplying I will multiply your descendants as the stars of the heaven and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your descendants shall possess the gate of their enemies.” In V17 God here promises not just delivering the Israelites from Egypt, but they shall take possession of the land of the Canaanites and the Hittites and the Amorites “ivites and the Jebusites, to a land flowing with milk and and the Perizzites and the HGod simply reeled our events that will follow after Moses meets with Pharaoh:” honey.
Pharaoh’s refusal to let His people go to serve Him on the mountain. How with His outstretched arm He will afflict Egypt with series of plagues after which Pharaoh will yield to pressure and how the Israelites will find favour in the sight of the Egyptians despite their horrific experience then: plundering Egypt as they depart.

CHAPTER 4
Verses 1-9
Moses once again out of apprehension wanted a reassurance from God so that the Israelites could believe his story. God therefore gave Moses three signs to beef up his encourage/confidence: His staff tuned into a serpent & back to a rod. Secondly, his hand became leprous and restored. Thirdly, God assured him that if the two signs fail to convince them, he should take water from the Nile which will turn into blood on touching the dry ground.

Verses 10-12
Moses once again objected to his calling by reminding God of His limitation regarding eloquence in speech, as if God was unaware. Many today give excuses why they refuse to heed the call of God upon their lives. Excuses such as “no time”, fear of the unknown and like the case of Moses, personal limitations. In V11 God responded by asking Moses a rhetorical question “Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes the mute, the deaf, the seeing, or the blind? Have not I, the Lord?”
This suggests that, as humans, we question God when we suffer misfortunes or judge people or write them off without having the whole story, because of our limited understanding of their circumstances.
Brethren, rather than judge others or question God, our resolve should be “God gives, God takes, blessed be the name of the Lord”. I will not let my hurt hold me back from worshipping you as the God who rules in the affairs of men.
In V12 God promised Moses that despite his speech limitations, He will practically speak through Moses mouth. May God count us worthy to speak through us in Jesus’ name.

Verses 13-17
At this point Moses could no longer hide his fears about going back to Egypt, despite all the assurances God has given him. He finally requested God to send someone else.
There is a common saying that the evil men do live after them. They become haunted by their own shadows. Moses could not take his mind away from his crime before fleeing from Egypt. Although Moses was referred to as a meek and humble man, his actions at this point is more of refusal/rebellion.
God went further to suggest Aaron, Moses’ brother to be his spokesman, as Moses continued to doubts God’s capability to speak through him.

Verses 18 - 22
In V19 God finally allays Moses fears by informing him that those who accused him of murder have all died and that it is safe for him to return. As a good son-in-law though, he informed his father-in-law of his planned rerun to Egypt without giving details. While on the way God reminded Moses to go to the King to perform the miracles He has shown Moses. God gave Moses a glimpse of the outcome of his meeting with the Pharaoh whose heart will the hardened refusing to allow the children of Israel go.
God referred to Israel as His first born and that Pharaoh stubbornness will result in the death of all first born in Egypt including Pharaoh’s. God revealed to Moses how it will all end in the final plague of Passover when the angel of death will pass over Egypt.

Verses 24-26
The study of these three verses is puzzling and could be regarded as an interlude.
The information available to us are as follows:
- Moses and his family decided to take a break on their way from Median to Egypt.
- While in the camp God intended to kill Moses. Reason not stated.
- Zipporah, Moses’ wife at this point circumcised their son and used the blood from the foreskin to touch Moses’ leg saying he was a bloody bridegroom.
- God then restrained from killing Moses.
Very little context was deductible from the short story; however we can state the following:
- Circumcision of a male child was a convent from the time of Abraham instructed by God.
- We could infer from the passage that Moses had not circumcised his son then.
- We could also infer that Zipporah may have objected to the circumcision in the past, and Moses must have informed her of the implications/consequences.
- We can deduce that Zipporah was aware of the threat to her husband’s life and the possible reason why she resentfully circumcised the son and there and then. Thereafter, the Bible records that God dropped his decision to kill Moses.

Verses 27-31
Aaron met Moses in the mountain of the Lord and as instructed by God, Moses recounted his encounter with God. Moses and Aaron gathered the elders and Aaron gave an account of what Moses told him that God had in stock for His people. This was followed by Moses demonstration of the signs and the people believed.

CONCLUSION
Chapters 3 and 4 of Exodus clearly reveals to us that God keeps His covenant. We also noted that He hears the cry of His people: a prayer answering God. Furthermore, His step-by-step plans to deliver His “first born” the Israelites from their taskmasters were revealed to Moses ahead of their fulfilment. Although Moses tried all he could to wriggle out of God’s call upon His life, God who knows the frame of every man got Moses to do His bidding.
My major takeaway from the two chapters, is for us to recognise the call of God upon our lives and wilfully yield to His call unconditionally, knowing that “He who orders the meal is capable of paying for it” I foresee that the study of the chapters ahead will be excitingly interesting.

Contributor: Ngozi Roberts

INTRODUCTION
As we open the book of Exodus, we enter a very different scene from the end of Genesis. The Israelites, who were once welcomed guests in Egypt because of Joseph, have now become a large and growing nation. Their increase becomes a source of fear for a new Pharaoh who knows nothing about Joseph’s legacy.

Exodus chapter 1 shows how quickly favour can turn into suspicion, and how fear can lead to oppression. The Israelites are forced into harsh slavery, yet the more they are mistreated, the more they continue to grow. Even in these dark conditions, God is quietly working behind the scenes.

Chapter 2 shifts the focus to the birth of Moses — the man God will eventually raise up to rescue His people. His early life is a mixture of danger and divine protection: hidden by his mother, discovered by Pharaoh’s daughter, raised with both Hebrew roots and Egyptian privilege, and later driven into exile after defending a fellow Hebrew. By the end of the chapter, the Israelites cry out under the weight of their suffering, and Scripture tells us that God hears them, remembers His covenant, sees their pain, and begins to move toward their deliverance.
Together, these chapters lay the groundwork for the entire story of Exodus — a story of human oppression, God’s compassion, and the emergence of a deliverer whom God will shape and prepare for His purpose.

CHAPTER 1
Verses 1–7: Israel Grows in Egypt
These opening verses list Jacob’s sons and show how their families expanded until the Israelites became a large and thriving nation in Egypt.
Note: God is keeping His promise to Abraham by multiplying his descendants.
Life application: Even when life feels routine or uneventful, God is still quietly fulfilling His promises.

Verse 8: A New Pharaoh Takes Power
A new ruler rises who has no knowledge of Joseph or the history that once gave Israel favour.
Lesson: Human favour is temporary; political and social systems shift quickly, but God’s purposes remain steady.
Life application: Don’t anchor your security in people or positions — they can change overnight.

Verses 9–10: Pharaoh Becomes Afraid
Pharaoh views the Israelites’ growth as a threat and begins to fear their influence.
Lesson: Fear often leads to control, oppression, and harmful decisions.
Life application: When we act out of fear, we can mistreat others. We must guard our hearts and respond with wisdom, not panic.

Verses 11–14: Israel Is Enslaved
Pharaoh forces the Israelites into harsh labour, but their population continues to increase.
• Exodus 1:12: “The more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied.”
Lesson: Pressure can produce strength. God’s people often grow the most in adversity.
Life application: Difficult seasons can shape us, strengthen us, and deepen our faith rather than break us.

Verses 15–17: The Midwives Resist Pharaoh
Pharaoh commands the Hebrew midwives to kill newborn boys, but they refuse because they fear God more than the king.
• Exodus 1:17: “The midwives feared God.”
Lesson: Courageous obedience —choosing righteousness even when it’s risky.
Life application: Doing what is right may require standing against pressure, expectations, or authority.

Verses 18–21: God Rewards the Midwives
Because they acted with integrity, God protects the midwives and blesses them with families.
Life application: God honours those who choose righteousness. He sees every act of integrity.

Verse 22: Pharaoh Intensifies His Attack
Pharaoh orders all Egyptians to throw Hebrew baby boys into the Nile.
Lesson: The enemy attempts to destroy Israel’s future — yet God is already preparing Moses, the deliverer.
Life application: Even when evil seems to rise, God’s plan is already in motion ahead of it.

CHAPTER 2
Verses 1–2: The Birth of Moses
A Levite woman gives birth to a son and recognises something special about him.
Lesson: God raises up a deliverer at the darkest moment.
Life application: God often begins His greatest works in hidden, humble places.

Verses 3–4: Moses in the Nile
Unable to hide him any longer, Moses’ mother places him in a basket on the Nile while his sister watches nearby.
• Exodus 2:3: Moses placed in the Nile —the place of danger becomes the place of deliverance.
Lesson: The place of danger becomes the place of God’s protection.
Life application: God can transform threats into pathways for deliverance.

Verses 5–6: Pharaoh’s Daughter Finds Moses
Pharaoh’s daughter discovers the baby and is moved with compassion, choosing to save him.
Lesson: God uses unexpected people — even from the enemy’s household — to accomplish His purposes.
Life application: Help can come from surprising and unlikely places.

Verses 7–9: Moses’ Mother Is Restored to Him
Miriam arranges for Moses’ own mother to nurse him under Pharaoh’s daughter’s authority.
Lesson: God restores what seemed lost.
Life application: God can return blessings we thought were gone forever.

Verse 10: Moses Becomes Pharaoh’s Grandson
Moses grows up in the palace with education, privilege, and influence.
Note: God prepares Moses through both Hebrew heritage and Egyptian training.
Life application: Every part of your background — even the confusing or painful parts —can be used by God for your calling.

Verses 11–12: Moses Acts Impulsively
Seeing a Hebrew being beaten, Moses kills the Egyptian in anger.
Lesson: Moses has a heart for justice, but he lacks God’s timing and direction.
Life application: Good intentions still need God’s guidance.

Verses 13–15: Moses Flees to Midian
When Pharaoh seeks to kill him, Moses escapes into the wilderness.
Lesson: God leads Moses into a season of preparation and humility.
Life application: Sometimes God brings us into quiet, hidden seasons to shape us before using us.

Verses 16–22: Moses Settles in Midian
Moses helps the daughters of Reuel, marries Zipporah, and becomes a shepherd.
Lesson: Shepherding becomes training for leading God’s people.
Life application: God often uses ordinary work to develop extraordinary leaders.

Verses 23–25: God Responds to Israel’s Cry
Israel groans under slavery, and God responds with four powerful actions:
• He hears
• He remembers
• He sees
• He knows
Lesson: God is deeply aware and fully engaged with His people’s suffering.
Life application: God hears your prayers, sees your struggles, remembers His promises, and understands your situation intimately.

SUMMARY & CONCLUSION
Exodus chapters 1 and 2 lay the groundwork for everything that follows in the book. They reveal a world where human authority fails, fear leads to cruelty, and suffering seems overwhelming — yet God is quietly working behind the scenes. He protects Moses, strengthens courageous individuals, and begins preparing a path of rescue long before the people even cry out for help.
These chapters remind us in a very practical way that:
• God is present even when we cannot hear Him
• Difficult seasons do not cancel God’s promises
• Courage and integrity still matter deeply
• God often works through ordinary people
• Every part of our story has purpose
• God hears, remembers, sees, and understands our struggles
• Deliverance often begins before we recognise it

Together, Exodus 1–2 reassure us that God is faithful, attentive, and already moving in ways we may not yet see — bringing hope, protection, and deliverance at just the right time.
God bless us all in Jesus Name, amen

Contributor: Alex Alajiki

INTRODUCTION
We thank God for all the lessons and revelations gotten from our study in the book of Genesis throughout 2025. I believe many of have us had personal revelations and life transforming encounters during those studies.
2 Tim. 2:15 Study to shew yourself approved unto God, a workman that needed not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
This year, we are diving into the second book of the bible; Exodus. I want to encourage us to make a personal commitment to be part of this revelatory journey in this book.

The Book of Exodus
The book’s name, Exodus comes from the Greek word exodus, meaning, "exit" or "departure,” The book provides an account of Israel’s departure from bondage in Egypt and their preparation to inherit the Promised Land as the Lord’s covenant people. Israel’s departure from bondage (Egypt) and journey through the wilderness to the Promised Land can symbolise our salvation and journey through a fallen world and back to the presence of God. As we study this book, we will learn about the Lord’s power to deliver from sin and bondage, which represent Egypt and the grace of God to take us through the journey of life. Col. 1:13-14 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, 14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.

We will also learn that God’s commandments, ordinances, and covenants can help us to navigate through the challenges of life and prepare us to receive the blessings of eternal life. Deut. 7:9 “Therefore know that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments.

Who wrote this book?
Moses, by historical accounts, is the author of the book of Exodus. He was delivered from death by divine intervention at birth and was raised in the royal court of Egypt by Pharaoh’s daughter Heb. 11:25. He left this place of privilege and ran to Midian seeking refuge in the house of Jethro his father-in-law. He was called of God after forty years to
Moses ushered in a dispensation of the go and bring deliverance to the children of Israel. His life, . gospel of Jesus Christ and served as a prophet and a revelator of God’s words ; Jesus Christ. writings, and ministry foreshadowed the coming Messiah“The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your Deut. 18:15 . midst, from your brethren. Him you shall hearFor if you believed Moses, you would believe Me; for he wrote about Me. 47 -John 5:46

Overview of the book of Exodus
Exodus 1–4; The Lord answers Israel’s cries by raising up Moses to deliver them from bondage in Egypt.
Exodus 5–12; Moses and Aaron ask Pharaoh to set the children of Israel free. Pharaoh refuses, and the Lord sends plagues upon Egypt. The Feast of the Passover is established among Israel to commemorate the passing over of the houses of the Israelites when God smote the firstborn of the Egyptians.
Exodus 13–15; The children of Israel leave Egypt. Pharaoh and his army pursue Israel. The Lord parts the Red Sea for Israel, and Pharaoh’s army is drowned. Israel praises the Lord for their deliverance.
Exodus 16–18; Israel murmurs about the lack of food and water in the wilderness. The Lord sends manna and quail for Israel to eat and commands Moses to bring forth water from a rock. Israel defeats the armies of Amalek. Moses establishes rulers among Israel.
Exodus 19–24; At Mount Sinai the Lord reveals the conditions of His covenant, and Israel covenants to obey the Lord.
Exodus 25–31; Moses receives instructions concerning the construction of the tabernacle, the consecration of priests, and the performance of sacrifices. Moses is given two stone tables containing the Lord’s covenant with Israel.
Exodus 32–34; Israel worships a golden calf. Moses breaks the stone tables and pleads with the Lord for Israel. After the people repent, the Lord makes another covenant with Israel and writes it on two new tables of stone.
Exodus 35–40; Skilled workmen construct the tabernacle, and the glory of the Lord rests upon it.

CONCLUSION
The book of Exodus can be seen as a book pointing to the parallel between the ministry of Moses and that of Jesus Christ. Both were spared from a decree to kill infants, both left Egypt to begin their missions, and both served as mediators between God and man. While Moses delivered Israel from physical slavery in Egypt, Jesus delivered humanity from the spiritual slavery of sin and God’s Judgement. Finally, in Luke 9:30-31, Moses appeared alongside Elijah on a mountain of transfiguration to speak with Jesus.

Contributor: Isekhua Evborokhai

INTRODUCTION
During last week’s study, we covered the first fifteen chapters of the book of Proverbs as we delved into the depths of Wisdom the book offers. In today’s study we will conclude the Proverbs Challenge by focusing on the remaining sixteen chapters, highlighting their key themes. Overall, the book of Proverbs presents God’s wisdom for righteous living, with many important themes repeated throughout all thirty-one chapters.

• Proverbs 16 - God’s Sovereignty Over Human Plans
This chapter emphasizes God’s sovereignty over human plans (verses 1-4), and highlights the value of wisdom, humility, righteousness, and self-control (verses 5-32). A life aligned with God—marked by humility, wisdom, and moral integrity—leads to stability and honor, while pride and wickedness lead to ruin.
Key Verse 6: “Unfailing love and faithfulness make atonement for sin. By fearing the Lord, people avoid evil.” NLT

• Proverbs 17 –Wisdom in Relationships
This chapter emphasizes wisdom in relationships, speech, and character.. We learn the value of peace over wealth, teaching that harmony in the home is better than abundance mixed with conflict. (Verse:1: “Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife.”)
It also highlights family dynamics (verses 1-2, 6, 21, 25), friendship, peace & justice (verses 14 – 24, 26) and lastly, the power of words (verses 27-28)
Key Verse 28: “Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent.” NLT

• Proverbs 18 – The Power of Words
This chapter focuses on the power of words, wisdom in relationships, humility, and the contrast between righteousness and folly. It teaches that speech can bring life or destruction, (Verse 21: "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit"
And finally, wisdom comes from listening rather than speaking hastily, and true security is found in the Lord—not in wealth or pride.
Key Verse 13: “Answering before listening is both stupid and rude” MSG

• Proverbs 19 – The Value of Integrity
Proverbs 19 emphasizes wisdom in daily living, especially the value of integrity, patience, discipline, and humility before God. It contrasts the outcomes of wise and foolish behaviour, showing how character affects relationships, wealth, and one’s future.
Key Verses 1&3: "Better to be poor and honest than a rich person no one can trust. (3) People ruin their lives by their own stupidity, so why does God always get blamed?" MSG

• Proverbs 20 –Wisdom in Daily Conduct
This chapter focuses on wise living, emphasizing self-control, diligence, honesty, humility, and respect for God and stresses the value of counsel, fairness in business. (Verse 10: “The Lord hates both these things: dishonest weights and dishonest measures.”[NCV] & Verse 14: “Utterly worthless!” says the buyer as he haggles over the price. But afterwards he brags about his bargain!”) And the discipline needed for a meaningful life.
Key Verse 1: “Wine produces mockers; alcohol leads to brawls. Those led astray by drink cannot be wise.” NLT

• Proverbs 21 – Righteousness Over Ritual
Proverbs 21 emphasizes that God is sovereign over human plans, values righteousness over outward success, and rewards wisdom, diligence, and justice while warning against pride, laziness, and deceit. In this chapter we learn that God is in control of every man’s heart and examines motives (Verse 1 “The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD… He turns it wherever He will.”& Verse 2 People may be right in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their heart.”
Key Verse 3: “The Lord is more pleased when we do what is right and just than when we offer him sacrifices”[NLT]

• Proverbs 22 – Training in Godly Wisdom
The chapter highlights social responsibility; especially fairness toward the poor—and the importance of training children early in righteous ways (Verse 6: “Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it” [NKJV]. It teaches that true success comes from character, wisdom, and trust in God rather than riches alone. Key Theme: Foundations for a wise life
Key Verse 15: “A youngster’s heart is filled with foolishness, but physical discipline will drive it far away.” NLT

• Proverbs 23 – Wise Guidance
Proverbs 23 offers wise guidance on self-control (Verse 20: ““Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat.” [NIV], humility, discipline, and healthy living. It warns against being tempted by wealth, indulgence (verses 29-35), and the influence of foolish or corrupt people but that a disciplined heart guided by wisdom leads to lasting joy and security..
Key Verses: 13-14: “Don’t fail to discipline your children. The rod of punishment won’t kill them. Physical discipline may well save them from death.” NLT

• Proverbs 24 – Diligence vs Laziness
Proverbs 24 offers wisdom on living righteously, valuing wisdom over envy (Verse 19: “Do not fret because of evildoers, Nor be envious of the wicked” [NKJV], the practice of justice, working diligently, and responding wisely to adversity and enemies. Highlight of this chapter is the warning from the field of the sluggard, showing how laziness leads to poverty.
Key Verses: 30-34 “I walked by the field of a lazy person, the vineyard of one with no common sense. I saw that it was overgrown with nettles. It was covered with weeds, and its walls were broken down. Then, as I looked and thought about it, I learned this lesson: A little extra sleep, a little more slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest—then poverty will pounce on you like a bandit; scarcity will attack you like an armed robber.” NLT

• Proverbs 25 –Wisdom in Leadership and Speech
Proverbs 25 begins a new collection of Solomon’s proverbs, compiled by the men of King Hezekiah. The chapter focuses on wisdom in leadership, humility, self-control, wise speech (verse 11: “A The right word at the right time is like a custom-made piece of jewellery,” [MSG], and handling relationships—especially difficult ones.
Key Verse 13: “Reliable friends who do what they say are like cool drinks in sweltering heat—refreshing!” MSG

• Proverbs 26 – The Undesirable Four
In this chapter, there are four main characters, the fool (1-12), the sluggard (13-16), the gossip (20-22) and the deceiver (24-26). And as we encounter them, we are warned against the following: being foolish, trusting fools, engaging in pointless arguments (verse 17: “He who meddles in a quarrel not his own is like one who grabs a stray dog by the ears.”), and how to engage with fools wisely. The chapter uses vivid imagery to describe the absurdity of foolish actions (verse 11, “As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly”), lazy behaviour, and deceitful schemes.
Key Verses 4-5 “Don’t respond to the stupidity of a fool; you’ll only look foolish yourself. Answer a fool in simple terms so he doesn’t get a swelled head.” MSG

• Proverbs 27 – The Value of Wise Counsel
Chapter 27 emphasizes friendship, humility, diligence, and wise living. It teaches us to value honest relationships, not boast about the future, and work steadily. It also highlights the importance of wise counsel and being cautious with pride and anger. Essentially, it guides us on how to live prudently in relationships, work, and life decisions.
Key Verse 4: “Anger is cruel, and wrath is like a flood, but jealousy is even more dangerous.”
NLT

• Proverbs 28 – The Blessing of Obedience (The Law of the land & Word of God)
Proverbs 28 focuses mostly on the contrast between righteousness and wickedness, hard work and laziness (verse 19: Hard work brings prosperity; playing around brings poverty.), emphasizing justice (verses 2-5, 7), integrity (verse 6), humility, honesty, and trust in the Lord. It teaches that true success comes from righteousness, humility, and dependence on God rather than wealth, power, or self-reliance.
Key Verse 26: “If you think you know it all, you’re a fool for sure; real survivors learn wisdom from others.” MSG

• Proverbs 29 – Leadership and Correction
Proverbs 29 contrasts wisdom and folly, showing how righteousness affects individuals and society. It emphasizes the consequences of stubbornness (Verse 1: “He, that being often reproved hardeneth
his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.” [KJV], the importance of justice and discipline, the dangers of pride and anger, and the need for godly leadership. The chapter teaches that when leaders are righteous, people thrive, but when leaders are corrupt, society suffers (Verse 2). It also stresses self-control, humility (Verse 23), and reverence for God as foundations for a well-ordered life.
Key Verse 17: “Discipline your children, and they will give you peace of mind and will make your heart glad.” NLT

• Proverbs 30 – Dependence on God
Proverbs 30 is a collection of wise sayings attributed to Agur (Verse 1), emphasizing human humility, trust in God, moral restraint, and practical wisdom drawn from everyday observations. The chapter focuses on balanced living (verses 8-9 “Give me neither poverty nor riches… lest I be full and deny you… or lest I be poor and steal”). The chapter also describes destructive attitudes such as arrogance, greed, and disrespect. (Verse 13)
Key Verse 5: “Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to him for protection.” NLT

• Proverbs 31 – The Godly Life -Wisdom lived out
Proverbs 31 has two main parts:
Wise Leadership (verses 1–9): The advice of a mother to her son to live with self-control, avoid destructive behaviour, rule justly, and defend the poor and needy.
The virtuous woman (verses 10–31): A poetic description of a woman of noble character—hardworking, wise, generous, God-fearing, and respected. She is portrayed as a blessing to her family and community.
From this chapter we learn about how leaders should comport themselves – with integrity, diligence, compassion, and reverence for God. And the pricelessness of a virtuous woman. Referred to in the LBT as “a truly good wife”.Awoman of noble character, trustworthy, hardworking, disciplined and who fears the Lord and lives with wisdom, diligence, and kindness
Key Verse 4: “It is not for kings, O Lemuel, to guzzle wine. Rulers should not crave alcohol.” NLT

CONCLUSION
We have finally come to the end of this year’s Proverbs Challenge. As we have gathered throughout this month, the book of Proverbs is a timeless guide to living a life grounded in wisdom, righteousness, and understanding. It is the roadmap for navigating through life as we interact with the world around us. It teaches that true wisdom begins with reverence for God and is reflected in our words, actions, and relationships. Throughout its thirty-one chapters, Proverbs emphasizes the importance of humility, self-control, integrity, and discernment. By applying these principles, we can navigate life’s challenges, honor God, and cultivate a life of moral and spiritual excellence.

Contributor: Adewale Abiona

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to our first bible study of the year. Our prayer is that as you walk with God this year, you will never be put to shame. As we begin our study with the proverb challenge, we trust God to open our eyes and give us the listening ear and a teachable heart in Jesus’ name.
The Book of Proverbs is packed with wisdom and guidance and offers timeless advice for navigating life’s challenges. In our study of Chapters 1-15 today, we will look at some of the key points from each chapter and in some cases just an overview of the chapter.
We encourage us to take time to read the whole chapter in our own personal time.

CHAPTER 1: Verses 3-4, 7-9, 10, 20-23, 24-30
Those who cling to Gods word will receive knowledge and wisdom to navigate life and to handle complex in situations. Making right judgement call. This book will give great skill to teach the immature and make them wise.
To fear God is to honour and reverence Him, to obey His command and to follow godly counsel. Do not envy sinners. Don’t look at what they have and don’t join their quest.
Wisdoms warns us to turn away from foolishness - 2 Timothy 4:3 NLT
Vs24-30: Highlights the challenges those who refused godly counsel will be faced with.

CHAPTER 2: Verses 1-4, 7-11, 12-19, 20-22
If we accept God’s wisdom, follow His principles and listen to His voice, then we will walk in His fear and truly understand who God is. As we honour Him with our life, He will give us sound wisdom and guide our decisions. When we embrace God’s wisdom (His counsel), our heart will be filled with divine revelation. This will give our soul pleasure because fear and worries will be far from us. We will make right judgement that will deliver us from the patch of the wicked and saves our life.
Godly understanding will help us to stay on the right path, with godly people.

CHAPTER 3: Verses 1-2, 5-6, 9-10 & 11-12.
Keeping the Lord’s command will give us long life and peace. We are encouraged to trust in the Lord with all your heart and acknowledge Him in all our ways, rather than relying on one’s own understanding. If we want an overflowing blessing, then we must honour God with all that we have and the first part of our harvest. Do not reject the Lord’s discipline, and don’t be angry when you are corrected. The Lord corrects the one He loves, just as a father corrects a child he cares about.

CHAPTER 4: Verses 1-5, 14-19, 23.
In this King chapter king Solomon emphasised the importance of receiving wisdom from the elders and encourages us to follow his example and pursue wisdom as the supreme thing (vs3-4). It also gives various commands to avoid the paths of the wicked, and to stay on the path of the righteous, which is like the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day. He told us to guard our heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life.

CHAPTER 5: Verses 3-4, 7-20
This chapter warns us (especially those who are married) about the dangers and consequences of adultery, which is portrayed as a seductive woman whose words are sweet, but whose end is bitter. The Proverb appeals to men to be faithful to their own wife, and to rejoice in the love of marriage. Keep away from adulterous woman and rejoice in the wife of your youth. The youth can as well take lesson about not getting entangle with a stranger when making marriage decision. Vs 9-12, Amos 3:3, 2 Corinthians 6:14-18.

CHAPTER 6: Verses 1-5, 6-11, 12-16, 16-19
This chapters warns of the danger of being a guarantor to a stranger. (Someone you don’t know, with and questionable character). Lazy people should take lesson from the ants. Lazy people will get poorer and will be a burden to others. The mischief of the troublemakers is that disaster will strike, and they will be destroyed. Vs 16-19 listed seven things that the hates:
1. Eyes that show pride,
2. Tongues that tell lies,
3. Hands that kill innocent people,
4. Hearts that plan evil things to do,
5. Feet that run to do evil,
6. Witnesses in court who tell lies, and
7. Anyone who causes family members to fight.

CHAPTER 7: Verses 6-25 (ERV)
This chapter repeats the warning against adultery in chapter 5, but with more emphasis on young man falling victim of an adulterous woman. It shows how a crafty and brazen woman lures a young and naive man into her house. The Proverb paint the picture a seduction scene and thought it was a movie and the fatal outcome of the affair.
It ends with a plea to a young man to listen to wisdom and avoid the path of the adulteress, which leads to death.

CHAPTER 8: Verses 1-9, 10-11, 13, 32 (ERV)
This chapter is about the need to embrace wisdom. Whoever finds wisdom finds life. Wisdom will not say anything that is wrong but the truth. Vs 5-6: You who are ignorant, learn to be wise. You who are foolish, get some common sense. Listen, I have something important to say, and I am telling you what is right. Vs10-11: Choose discipline over silver and knowledge over the finest gold. Wisdom is better than pearls, and nothing you desire compares with wisdom. Vs 13: To respect the Lord means to hate evil. I hate pride and boasting, evil lives and hurtful words.
Vs 32: Now, children, listen to me, if you follow my ways, you will be happy.

CHAPTER 9: Verses 1-6, 7-9, 10 (ERV)
This chapter shows the difference between the two invitations, and the results of accepting or rejecting them. It distinguishes between the wise and the foolish, and how they respond to instruction and correction. The chapter ends with a reminder in Vs10 that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and that knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. It once again stress that foolishness (described as a woman) is loud, stupid, and knows nothing.

CHAPTER 10: Verses 1, 11-12, 19, 30 (ERV)
This chapter shows compares the righteous and the wicked, the wise and the foolish, the diligent and the lazy, and other aspects of human conduct and character.
A wise son makes his father happy; a foolish one makes his mother sad. Love covers all offences. With many words, sin is not lacking. The righteous will never be uprooted.

CHAPTER 11 Verses 1, 3
Vs. 1: “The Lord detests the use of dishonest scales, but He delights in accurate weights.”
Vs 3: “Honesty guides good people; dishonesty destroys treacherous people.”
Here we see the benefits of righteousness and the pitfalls of wickedness in various aspects of life (vs 6-7). Vs 21 talks about beauty without discretion is like gold in the snout of a pig. Vs 25 explained that the generous will prosper and be refreshed, just as their good deed is refreshing to others.
The actions of the godly leave a positive impact on the people and in the community but the wicked is not so, people rejoice at their demise. (vs 10-11, 29-31)

CHAPTER 12
Whosoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid(vs1).
The diligent will get the reward they deserve(vs24). Hash words break relationship, but a careful and a thoughtful word brings healing(vs18).
This chapter present the difference in character of the wise and the foolish. The wise are those that are disciplined and happy when corrected. It shows the contrast in the behaviour of the wicked and the righteous and what will be their end. One important thing and an encouragement for everyone who stand for the truth is that lies will soon be exposed(vs19). It also highlights the importance of a godly wife(vs5).

CHAPTER 13
In this chapter we see more of the consequences of our choices. If we are going to get the best out of life and fit into God’s plan and purpose for our life, we are encouraged to follow path of the righteous. Godliness guards the path of the blameless, but the evil ones are misled by sin(vs6). The rich can pay a ransom for their lives, but the poor won’t even get threatened. The life of the godly is full of light and joy, but the light of the wicked will be snuffed out (vs8-9). Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble(vs20).

CHAPTER 14
When we look at this chapter, it is very clear that the mouth of the fool is a rod that beats them(vs3). Laughter can conceal a heavy heart, but when the laughter ends, the grief remains(vs13). In other words, pain the ungodly might be hiding with a big smile, you may not understand. Vs19 goes further to say, “Evil people will bow before good people; the wicked will bow at the gates of the godly”, that is evil will never prevail.
In vs26-27 is a clear distinction of what those who fear the Lord get compared to the ungodly. “Those who fear the Lord are secure; he will be a refuge for their children. Fear of the Lord is a life-giving fountain; it offers escape from the snares of death”.

CHAPTER 15
In this chapter, we can see the impacts of the godly (wise) and the ungodly (foolish), wherever they are, in the family, community fellowship or the nation at large. Godly people are a treasure, bringing peace and harmony while the ungodly brings trouble. There is treasure in the house of the godly, but the earnings of the wicked bring trouble (vs6). Vs3 The Lord is watching everywhere, keeping his eye on both the evil and the good, and in vs8 it says The Lord reject the sacrifice of the wicked and honour the prayer of the upright. Vs 17 sum it all up for us, it is better to dwell where love is than where riches abound with wickedness. “A bowl of vegetables with someone you love is better than steak with someone you hate”.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, there is wisdom for everyday living, covering every aspect of our life. The choice is ours, to be wise and be saved or to be fools and reap the consequence that comes with it.
If you reject wisdom, you must embrace folly. This was described in Chapter 9:13-18 (TPT) “There is a way that people think is right, but it leads only to death” 14:12 – ERV.
You can rationalize it all you want and justify the path of error you have chosen, but you’ll find out in the end that you took the road to destruction 14:12 – TPT.