Israel in Egypt: Understanding Suffering Through God’s Perspective

 

"Understanding Suffering Through God’s Perspective"

Scripture Focus: Exodus 1:8–14; Exodus 2:23–25; Romans 8:18

Why would a good and loving God allow His people to suffer? Why did He let the Hebrews remain in Egypt under oppression for so long? These are age-old questions that have stirred the hearts of believers for generations. Today, we wrestle with the mystery of divine timing, the weight of national suffering, and the hope found in God’s ultimate plan.

Why Were the Hebrews in Egypt?

The Hebrews were in Egypt because of God’s providence. In Genesis, God used Joseph’s suffering and rise to power to preserve not only Egypt, but also Jacob's family during a famine. God turned what others meant for evil into good (Gen. 50:20). Egypt became a place of provision.

But over time, Egypt turned from refuge into a prison. A new Pharaoh rose who did not know Joseph, and fear led to oppression. The people of Israel were enslaved, burdened, and beaten.

So, why did God allow it?

• To fulfill His promise to Abraham: In Genesis 15:13, God foretold that Abraham’s descendants would be strangers in a land not their own and would be enslaved for 400 years—yet He promised deliverance.

• To multiply and forge a nation: Egypt was the crucible in which a family became a nation. They entered as 70 people; they left as over a million. Suffering forged their identity and dependence on God.

• To reveal His glory through deliverance: Without suffering, there would be no exodus. Without bondage, no Red Sea miracle. God often uses our lowest moments to display His highest power.

Why Did God Wait So Long to Intervene?

From our human perspective, it feels like God was silent. But Exodus 2:24–25 tells us:

“God heard their groaning and He remembered His covenant… God saw the Israelites and was concerned about them.”

God wasn’t indifferent. He was waiting for the right moment—His moment. Sometimes, the delay is not about apathy, but preparation:

• God was preparing Moses in Midian.

• God was shaping a people who would cry out to Him.

• God’s timing is about eternal purposes, not just temporary relief.

What feels like delay to us is often preparation in the hands of God.

The Importance of Perspective in Suffering

It’s true that the Israelites as a nation suffered for centuries. But each person suffered only within the span of their own life. While the collective suffering was long, each individual's burden was not endless.

Why is this distinction important?

• It helps us understand human suffering in the light of eternity. Our trials may be lifelong, but they are still temporary when compared with the eternal glory God promises.

• Romans 8:18 reminds us:

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”

God deals with generations and nations, but He never forgets individuals. His delays are not denials. His silence is not absence. And His purposes, though often hidden, are always good.

How This Speaks to Us Today

We live in a world still full of oppression, injustice, and unanswered questions. Like the Israelites, we may cry out and wonder, “How long, O Lord?” But God still hears. He still sees. And He still delivers—in His time.

Takeaways:

• God allows trials to accomplish deeper purposes.

• He may delay, but He never forgets.

• Every tear, every cry, every moment of pain is seen by God.

• What we endure is temporary, but His redemption is eternal.

The story of Israel in Egypt is not just a story of suffering—it’s a story of hope, timing, and God's unfailing covenant. Let us hold fast to the truth that even in our darkest hours, God is at work. He hears. He sees. And He remembers His promises.

Lord, help us to trust You when we do not understand. In times of waiting and suffering, give us faith to believe You are working behind the scenes. May we find comfort in knowing that You see us, love us, and will redeem every moment for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

More: EXODUS Sabbath School Lesson 1 - Oppression: The Background and the Birth of Moses

Moses: When Plans Break, God Prevails

 

"When Plans Break, God Prevails"

Scripture Reading: Exodus 2:11–25; Romans 8:28

Life can change in a moment. One decision, one action, can completely shift the course of our lives. In Exodus 2:11–25, we see Moses—a prince in Egypt—make a rash decision that alters everything. But what appears to be a failure or detour in human eyes becomes a critical part of God's larger plan.

Moses’ Turning Point (Exodus 2:11–15)

Moses, though raised in Pharaoh’s palace, was deeply aware of his Hebrew identity. When he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew slave, he acted on impulse and killed the Egyptian. Thinking no one saw him, he buried the body—but the next day, he realized his deed was known. Fearing for his life, Moses fled to Midian.

What changed Moses’ life?

• One act of misplaced justice.

• A desire to help, but using human strength instead of divine wisdom.

• The realization that his identity was not truly Egyptian, but Hebrew.

This moment shattered Moses' former life. He went from prince to fugitive, from palace to wilderness.

Lessons from the Detour

Was it God’s plan for Moses to kill the Egyptian?
Most likely not. God does not delight in violence or rashness. But God can and does use even our mistakes. This is the beauty of divine sovereignty. The killing of the Egyptian was a human error, but God used it to begin preparing Moses for something far greater.

Lessons we can learn:

1. God uses broken people: Moses failed. He lost everything. But it was in Midian, not in Egypt, where God would shape his heart.

2. God works through detours: Moses probably thought he had ruined everything. But God was not finished with him. The detour was the training ground.

3. God's timing is perfect: Moses was not ready to lead at 40. He needed 40 more years in the wilderness to learn humility, patience, and dependence on God.

God’s Providence Unfolds (Exodus 2:16–25)

In Midian, Moses finds a new life. He marries, has a son, and becomes a shepherd—learning the very skills he would later use to guide Israel through the desert. Meanwhile, the cries of the Israelites continue in Egypt. God hears. God remembers. God sees. God is preparing.

Exodus 2:24–25 says:

“And God heard their groaning, and God remembered His covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. God looked on the Israelites and was concerned about them.”

Even when Moses thought he was forgotten, God was working.

God Can Redeem Any Situation (Romans 8:28)

Romans 8:28 says:

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

This verse doesn’t say all things are good. Moses’ murder wasn’t good. His fear and flight weren’t ideal. But God works all things together for good.

For us today:

• Your past mistakes don’t disqualify you from God’s purpose.

• The wilderness you’re in may be part of your preparation.

• God is sovereign—even over our failures.

Moses thought his life was over after one mistake. But God was just getting started. When we surrender our brokenness to God, He turns it into a masterpiece. Just as Moses was called from a burning bush after years in hiding, so God calls us out of our regrets into His purpose.

Let this story remind you: God doesn't waste anything—not even our worst days.

Closing Prayer:

Lord, thank You that even when we fail, You remain faithful. Teach us to trust in Your timing and providence. Help us to see that nothing is beyond Your ability to redeem. Like Moses, may we learn to walk humbly, knowing You are always working behind the scenes. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

More: EXODUS Sabbath School Lesson 1 - Oppression: The Background and the Birth of Moses

The Providence and Protection of God in the Birth of Moses

 

The Providence and Protection of God in the Birth of Moses

Text: Exodus 2:1–10

Today we turn our attention to one of the most powerful stories of divine providence in all of Scripture—the birth of Moses. In Exodus 2:1–10, we are introduced to a child born into danger, yet preserved by God for a divine purpose. This passage is more than a history lesson; it is a reminder that even in times of oppression, God's hand is at work behind the scenes, weaving together His redemptive plan.

Historical Background

The story of Moses begins during a dark time in Israel’s history. The descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had grown numerous in Egypt—so numerous that the new Pharaoh, who did not know Joseph, saw them as a threat (Exodus 1:8–10). In an attempt to control them, Pharaoh enslaved the Israelites and, eventually, ordered the death of every Hebrew boy born (Exodus 1:22).

It was in this climate of fear and oppression that Moses was born. He came from the tribe of Levi, the priestly tribe, and his parents, Amram and Jochebed, were people of faith (Hebrews 11:23). Though Pharaoh decreed death for baby boys, God had a plan for Moses. His very survival was an act of divine protection.

God’s Providence in Moses’ Birth (Exodus 2:1–10)

The hand of God is evident in every detail of Moses’ early life:

• His parents hid him for three months, risking their own lives. Their faith and courage were instruments of God’s will.

• The basket placed among the reeds of the Nile was no accident—it echoes the Hebrew word tebah, also used for Noah’s ark. Just as Noah was saved through water, so was Moses, pointing us to God's pattern of salvation.

• Pharaoh’s daughter found the child and, moved with compassion, chose to adopt him—even though he was Hebrew. Here we see God using the very house of Pharaoh to protect and raise the one who would later confront that throne with God's authority.

• Moses’ own mother was hired to nurse him, meaning he was nurtured with both Hebrew faith and Egyptian education.

This story reveals that God can use even the plans of the enemy to fulfill His own purposes. The Nile River, a symbol of death for the Hebrew infants, became a path to life for Moses. Pharaoh’s palace, a place of tyranny, became a sanctuary of safety.

The Meaning of the Name Moses

In Exodus 2:10, Pharaoh’s daughter named him Moses, saying, “Because I drew him out of the water.” In Hebrew, Moshe means “drawn out.” But there's more here—Egyptian scholars note that ms or mes in Egyptian names (like Thutmosis or Ramses) also means “born of” or “son.” So Moses’ name may have been divinely multi-layered: both a Hebrew pun meaning “drawn out” and an Egyptian name implying “born.” God’s providence is again evident—even his name bridges the cultures he would one day mediate between.

From the Nile to the Deliverer of Israel

After being raised in Pharaoh’s house, Moses’ story takes a dramatic turn when he kills an Egyptian and flees to Midian. There, he spends 40 years in obscurity, learning humility and shepherding—a fitting preparation for leading God’s flock.

Then, from the burning bush, God calls Moses to deliver Israel. The boy saved from the water would part the waters of the Red Sea. The man raised in Pharaoh’s palace would challenge Pharaoh with the words, “Let my people go.” The child nurtured by both Hebrew and Egyptian worlds would become the bridge between God and His people, the lawgiver, and the prophet.

The story of Moses’ birth is a testimony to the quiet but unstoppable providence of God. He preserved Moses for a purpose, protected him from death, and prepared him for leadership. And if God can do that with Moses, then know this: He can do the same for you.

You may not see the full picture now. Like Moses’ mother placing her baby in the river, you may feel you are letting go into the unknown. But God sees. God protects. God provides. And in His perfect timing, God calls.

Let us trust in His providence, even in times of hardship. Because just like Moses, we too are drawn out—for a purpose.

More: EXODUS Sabbath School Lesson 1 - Oppression: The Background and the Birth of Moses

Psalm 24

 

Psalm 24

1 The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.

2 For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.

3 Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place?

4 He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.

5 He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.

6 This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah.

7 Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.

8 Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle.

9 Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.

10 Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.

Deceit and Righteousness? Lies in the Bible and the Ninth Commandment Reconsidered

Deceit and Righteousness? Lies in the Bible and the Ninth Commandment Reconsidered

When we think of sin, lying ranks near the top of the list. And rightly so—truthfulness is a divine attribute. Yet, when we turn to Scripture, we find stories where deceit is not condemned, and in some cases, even honored. How can this be? The answer lies not in the blanket approval of lies, but in a deeper understanding of context, purpose, and the actual wording of the Ninth Commandment.

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1. Shiphrah and Puah: Deceit to Protect Life

In Exodus 1, the Hebrew midwives Shiphrah and Puah were ordered by Pharaoh to kill all Hebrew baby boys. Instead, they spared them and told Pharaoh, “The Hebrew women are not as the Egyptian women; for they are lively, and are delivered ere the midwives come in unto them” (Exodus 1:19).

This was clearly a lie—but God rewarded them: “Therefore God dealt well with the midwives” (v. 20). Their deceit served a higher moral purpose: to preserve innocent life. They feared God more than man, and in doing so, acted in righteousness.

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2. Rahab: A Lie of Faith

In Joshua 2, Rahab the harlot hid the Hebrew spies in Jericho. When soldiers came to find them, she said, “There came men unto me… but I wist not whence they were”—another deliberate lie.

Yet, the New Testament praises her:
“By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not” (Hebrews 11:31). Her lie protected God’s people and was considered an act of faith, not failure.

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3. The Prophet in Disguise: A Divine Ruse

In 1 Kings 20:35–43, a prophet of the Lord disguised himself as a wounded soldier to confront King Ahab. His entire act was deceptive, yet it was sanctioned by God to deliver a moral rebuke. The deception served a prophetic mission, exposing Ahab’s failure to obey God.

Similarly, in 2 Samuel 12, the prophet Nathan told King David a parable—a fictional story—to confront David about his sin with Bathsheba. The story was not factually true, but it served divine truth.

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4. Other Examples of Tactical Deception

• David feigned madness before Achish, king of Gath, to save his life (1 Samuel 21:13).

• Jesus Himself told parables that concealed truth from those not ready to receive it (Matthew 13:10–17).

• Elisha misled the Syrians in 2 Kings 6:19, saying, “This is not the way, neither is this the city,” yet it led to their miraculous deliverance, not harm.

None of these acts are condemned as sinful in Scripture. Instead, they are viewed as part of a higher obedience to God’s will.

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5. Reexamining the Ninth Commandment

Much of our modern discomfort with biblical deceit stems from a misunderstanding of the Ninth Commandment, which reads:

“Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.” – Exodus 20:16

This command is specifically about false testimony—a legal term. It prohibits slander, perjury, and malicious dishonesty that harms another. Over time, it has been generalized to “Thou shalt not lie,” which, though a good moral aim, misses the original context. Not all forms of untruth are equal in Scripture.

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6. The Reality for Modern-Day Missionaries

Today, some missionaries must use discretion or even strategic deceit to bring the gospel into closed countries. They may hide Bibles, disguise their intentions, or enter under non-religious pretenses. Are these lies sinful?

Most Christian ethicists argue that in these rare cases, they follow the example of Rahab—valuing the preservation of souls and the advancement of God’s kingdom in hostile environments. These are not selfish or harmful lies, but protective actions rooted in love and truth.

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7. The Spirit of the Law

The Bible does not celebrate deceit, but it shows that God values motive and context. Lies that protect life, further God’s will, or shield the innocent are viewed differently than lies that exploit, slander, or destroy.

Truth matters deeply to God. But Scripture reminds us that sometimes, the higher truth is justice, mercy, and faith (Matthew 23:23). When Shiphrah, Puah, Rahab, and others acted deceptively, they weren’t violating the heart of God's law—they were upholding it.

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Conclusion: Discerning the Truth

Christians are called to be people of truth. But truth is more than facts—it is rooted in love, righteousness, and the character of God. As we navigate a complex world, especially in the last days where deception abounds and persecution rises, we must seek discernment, not just moral rigidity.

May we be faithful like the midwives, wise like Rahab, and always motivated by a desire to glorify God—even when the path of truth is not simple.