Bible Commentaries

Exodus 12:37-39 — The record of Israel’s sojourn in the wilderness really begins here. "Rameses" is probably the same city as "Raamses," also called Avaris (Exodus 12:37; cf. Exodus 1:11). Many critical scholars date the Exodus in the thirteenth

Exodus 14:15-25 — The strong east wind that God sent (Exodus 14:21) recalls the wind from God that swept over the face of the primeval waters in creation (Genesis 1:2). The cloud became a source of light to the fleeing Israelites but darkness to the pursuing Egyptians

Exodus 14:26-31 — This miraculous deliverance produced fear (reverential trust) in Yahweh among the Israelites (Exodus 14:31). Their confidence in Moses as well as in God revived (cf. Exodus 14:10-12). ". . . whenever confidence in Moses increases, as here and at

Exodus 14:5-14 — This is the first of Israel’s many complaints against Moses and Yahweh that Moses recorded in Scripture. It is the first of ten that culminated in God’s judgment of them at Kadesh Barnea (Exodus 14:11; Numbers 14:22-23). "This is the

Exodus 18:24-27 — Moses allowed the people to nominate wise, respected men from their tribes whom he appointed as judges (Exodus 18:25; cf. Deuteronomy 1:12-18). These men handled the routine disputes of the Israelites, and this kept Moses free to resolve the major problems. Jethro

Exodus 9:13-29 — 6. The seventh, eighth, and ninth plagues 9:13-10:29 Moses announced the purpose of the following plagues to Pharaoh "in the morning" (cf. Exodus 7:15; Exodus 8:20). This purpose was twofold: that Pharaoh personally might know God’s power (Exodus 9:14) and that the whole world might know it (Exodus 9:16; cf. Romans 9:17).

2 Kings 17:7-23 — The reasons for the captivity 17:7-23 In this section the writer catalogued Israel’s transgressions of God’s Word that resulted in her going into captivity. Ironically, Israel’s last king had sought help from Egypt, from which Israel

Psalms 106:7-12 — The Israelites did not learn from the plagues that God could and would take care of them. Consequently, when there appeared to be no escape at the Red Sea, they complained rather than trusting and waiting (Exodus 14:11-12). Nevertheless Yahweh saved them from the pursuing Egyptian soldiers for His reputation’s sake. He led them safely across and drowned Pharaoh’s soldiers (Exodus 14:26-30). This salvation moved His people to praise Him (Exodus 15).

Psalms 86:1-17 — Psalms 86 On the basis of God’s goodness, David asked the Lord to demonstrate His strength by opposing the proud who exalted themselves against him. This is the only psalm ascribed to David in Book 3 (Psalms 73-89). It is an individual lament

Isaiah 9:4 — God would deliver them from their enemies, primarily physical but also spiritual enemies. The Assyrians would impose a yoke on the Israelites, but God would break that yoke off (cf. Exodus 1:11; Exodus 2:11; Exodus 3:7-8; Exodus 5:4-7; Exodus 5:10-14; Exodus 6:6-7; Leviticus 26:13; Matthew 11:29-30). This deliverance would be entirely of God and against overwhelming odds, as when God broke the yoke of Midian (Judges 6-7, cf. especially Judges 6:35; Isaiah 7:2-14; Isaiah 7:20).

Jeremiah 21:5-6 — The Lord promised that not only the Babylonians but He, too, would fight against the city. He would bring His strong arm against Jerusalem in anger and would strike down its inhabitants (cf. Deuteronomy 4:34; et al.). Normally the Divine Warrior fought for His people, but now He would fight against them. Humans and animals would die from the sword and from diseases, a curse for breaking covenant (cf. Jeremiah 14:12; Jeremiah 32:24; Exodus 5:3; Exodus 9:15; Numbers 14:12).

Jeremiah 31:2 — When the Israelites would seek rest from the attacks of their enemies (cf. Jeremiah 6:16; Exodus 33:14; Deuteronomy 3:20; Joshua 1:13; Joshua 1:15; Joshua 22:4; Isaiah 63:14), they would find it in the wilderness (cf. Jeremiah 2:2; Revelation 12:14-16).

Joel 2:26-27 — The people would have plenty to eat and would feel satisfied physically. They would also be full spiritually and praise Yahweh their God for working wonders for them (cf. Exodus 3:15; Exodus 15:11; Exodus 34:10; Joshua 3:5; Judges 6:13; Psalms 77:14).

Numbers 14:13-19 — Moses’ intercession for the people 14:13-19 Moses interceded again, much as he had done at Sinai (cf. Exodus 32:11-13). Moses based his appeal on God’s reputation among the Egyptians (Numbers 14:13-14) and the other nations (Numbers 14:15-16). He also cited God’s promise that He would be patient (Numbers 14:17-18) and His past loyal love to Israel (Numbers 14:19). Moses’ words proved effective (Numbers 14:20).

Numbers 14:20-38 — God’s punishment of the people 14:20-38 The fact that God granted the people pardon in response to Moses’ intercession is another indication of His grace (Numbers 14:20-21). The failure of the Israelites would not frustrate God’s purpose

Zechariah 12:8 — As part of His defense of them, the Lord would strengthen the feeble among the people so they would be as strong as David, the mighty warrior. The Davidic rulers would also receive supernatural strength and would be like God, as the angel of the Lord who would go before them (cf. Exodus 14:19; Exodus 23:20; Exodus 32:34; Exodus 33:2; Exodus 33:14-15; Exodus 33:22; 1 Samuel 29:9; 2 Samuel 14:17; 2 Samuel 14:20; 2 Samuel 19:27).

Zechariah 14:3 — Yahweh would then take the role of the divine warrior and fight for His people Israel (cf. Zechariah 1:3; Zechariah 9; Zechariah 10:4-5; Zechariah 12:1-9). He had done this previously in the Exodus and on numerous other occasions (cf. Exodus 14:13-14;

Mark 6:49-50 — Mark noted that all the disciples saw Jesus, and they all thought He was a phantom (Gr. phantasma). Jesus told them to take courage and stop fearing (cf. Isaiah 41:10; Isaiah 41:13-14; Isaiah 43:1; Isaiah 44:2). Some interpreters believe the reference

Joshua 7:6-9 — Even Joshua had lost the divine perspective temporarily. His complaining lament sounds like Israel’s murmuring in the wilderness (cf. Exodus 16:3; Numbers 14:2-3; et al.). However, he also had a concern for the continuing honor of Yahweh (Joshua

Revelation 9:20 — These three severe judgments (fire, smoke, and brimstone, Revelation 9:17-18) will not move the remaining unbelievers as a whole to repent (cf. Exodus 7:13; Exodus 7:23; Exodus 8:15; Exodus 8:19; Exodus 8:32; Exodus 9:7; Exodus 9:12; Exodus 9:35; Exodus