Blog Post: Liberation Thematic Study #2 Exodus 6:1-12

As one commentator puts it, the central redemptive act in the Old Testament is the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt (Greidanus 223). The events in the early chapters of Exodus are vital to the sweeping meta-narrative of Scripture and the unique relationship between Yahweh and His people. To understand the true nature of this act of liberation is to perhaps understand the basis for much of the Old Testament that follows it. The Israelites are constantly reminded to look back upon the Exodus, emphasising its importance in their covenantal relationship with Yahweh. In beginning this thematic study, Exodus 6:1-12 will act as a significant starting point:

Literary Context

How does this passage fit into its wider literary context of Exodus 1-15?

Exodus 6:1-12 sits at an important turning point in the Exodus narrative. Yahweh’s renewed call to Moses signals the beginning of the conflict in the narrative and acts as a significant turning point in the account.

The scene is set in chapter 1, with the author offering a transition from Joseph’s story in Genesis to the current situation for the Israelites in Egypt. The Israelite population was growing, but instead of this leading to success as a nation it actually led to severe oppression. The Israelites were forced into slave labour and the tense relationship between Egypt and Israel develops; the more the people were oppressed the more they multiplied and the more fearful the Egyptians became and thus, the more they oppressed the Israelite people. A cycle of injustice begins and this battle between the two nations creates a setting that forms an important foundation for the rest of the narrative.

In chapter 2 the lens of the author narrows down to one particular Israelite family. The character of Moses is introduced and the miracle of his rescue indicates to the readers that he is going to be of considerable importance in dealing with the oppression that chapter 1 described.

As the story develops the readers are taking on quite an emotional journey. Moses’ murder of the Egyptians shows the reader that the man has not forgotten his Israelite roots but also creates a sense of disappointment; how can this murderer and runaway become a leader that could rescue the people of God from oppression?

The narrative builds up with the call of Moses and his return to Egypt. It is here also that the character of Yahweh is introduced more noticeably into the story. Moses still appears as an unlikely hero, offering excuses and detailing his weaknesses and inability to complete the task. The readers would perhaps begin here to see the contrast between the power of Yahweh and the weakness of man. Yahweh is the true liberator and Moses simply the hands He chooses to use. 

However, the development of conflict in the narrative begins when Moses is unsuccessful in his attempts with Pharaoh; the people’s oppression again worsens. Futility overwhelms. Moses, in 5:22-23, turns and points the finger of blame at Yahweh. It could be that the power of Yahweh against Pharaoh seems in question. Is Yahweh really able to rescue His people, is He worth putting their trust in?

Here enters the turning point of the narrative. Yahweh makes it more than clear that He is able to free the people. He promises victory. He IS going to rescue His people. He is going to be victorious over Pharaoh and in doing so He will demonstrate His mighty power. The passage in 6:1-12 signifies the change from oppression to liberation, from weakness to power. The transition from people in the hands of Pharaoh and to the mighty hand of God begins.

This power is then demonstrated in the succession of plagues that ensued from chapter 7-12, arguably climaxing in the Passover. There is no question that Yahweh’s hand is at work. The doubt of chapter 5 (of both the Israelites in Moses, and Moses in Yahweh) is replaced by confidence in chapter 12 as the Israelites carry out the commands of Yahweh given through Moses.

Resolution is provided in the exciting overnight release of the Israelites and their escape through the Red Sea. Yahweh’s power is fully established, as He not only frees the Israelites but destroys their oppressors in the waves of the sea. Chapter 15 details the celebration of the Israelites as they embrace being the people of a loving God. The moaning of earlier chapters is replaced with songs of overflowing praise.