PPE Exodus

Moses:

Brother of Aaron and Miriam. Hebrew man, but grew up in Pharaoh's household. Sent down a river in a basket during the oppression of Israel under Pharaoh. From the tribe of Levi. Prophet and priest. Killed an Egyptian man then fled Egypt for 40 years until God called him back. In that time he got married to Zipporah, daughter of Jethro. Called by God at the burning bush, but does not consider himself equipped enough to save the Israelites. Leads communication between God and Pharaoh during the plagues. (King) Leads the people out of Israel, he communicates to the people what God says. (Prophet, priest) Is given the law for Israel by God, including the 10 commandments. Because of his disobedience he will not enter the promised land. Major events include: escaping death in a basket, killing the Egyptian, burning bush encounter, staff to serpent, 10 plagues, parting the red sea, water from the rock, manna from heaven, gaining the laws at Sinai, breaks 10 commandments after golden calf, law is reinstated.

Pharaoh: (bad)

Father didn’t remember Joseph and killed a ton of Hebrew babies, and he followed in his dads footsteps. Was told by Moses to let Israel go, but refuses to listen. His heart is continually hardened by God and his own sinful action. Eventually lets Israel go, but is bitter about it and sends the Egyptian army after them.

Miriam:

Moses and Aaron’s sister. She was a prophetess and after Israel crossed the Red Sea, she led the Israelite women in a song of victory. Saved Moses from dying in the river, connected Moses, pharaoh's daughter, and her mom when Moses was a baby.

Aaron:

Moses and Miriam’s brother. He was the spokesman for Moses and is considered to be both a prophet and a priest (but mainly priest). He helped Moses free Israel from slavery in Egypt by delivering God’s message to Pharaoh and he helped perform many of the miracles during this time. He is later chosen by God to be the first high priest of Israel. Aaron’s role as high priest was to offer sacrifices, manage the sacred rituals, and serve as a spiritual leader. He was the intermediary between God and the people, especially in matters of atonement. Aaron was under pressure by the people of Israel when Moses went up onto Mount Sinai so he made the Golden Calf. Moses rebuked him for leading the people astray and Aaron gave Moses a stupid excuse saying that he put the gold into the fire and the calf just came out of it. It is clear by Aaron that the people of Israel need a perfect priest- not one who will do something as stupid (and sinful) as making a golden calf then lying about it.

Jethro: (Reuel/Hobab/Jeter)

Father in law to Moses. Daughter is Zipporah. Midianite priest. In Exodus 18, Jethro visits Moses and Israel at Mount Sinai and he brings Moses' wife and child to the mountain. He then praises God for all that He had done for Israel and offers a sacrifice to God. Jethro advises Moses to delegate some of his responsibilities to capable men as leaders over groups of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens. This advice helped Moses better manage the people and ensure that the Israelites were governed more efficiently. Jethro is a prophet priest and kinda king- think Melchizidek. An example of God’s faithfulness outside of Israel. He leads Moses in the worship of God in Moses’s tent. Greater priesthood than both Moses and Aaron.

Bezalel:

He is a craftsman who is skilled in working with gold, silver, bronze, wood, stone, and fabric. He was divinely chosen by God to oversee the construction of the Tabernacle. Bezalel was the son of Uri, who was the son of Hur, from the tribe of Judah. Worked with Oholiab. His name means ‘in the shadow of God’.

Oholiab:

He was divinely chosen by God to assist Bezalel in the construction of the Tabernacle. He was from the tribe of Dan. Assistant to Bezalel. Known for his carpentry, weaving, and embroidery skills. Both Oholiab and Bezalel were given the ability to teach others and supervise the craftsmen working on the Tabernacle. His name means ‘father’s tent’ in Hebrew, ironic as he made the Tabernacle.

Levites:

One of the 12 tribes of Israel. Descendents of Levi. Chosen by God for special duties related to worship and the Tabernacle, and later the Temple in Jerusalem. Aaron, Miriam, and Moses are Levites. Had very specific rituals and robes that had to be followed as described in Exodus. Aaron and his sons are the priests. The work of the firstborn is now being done by the Levites.

Shiprah:

She was a Hebrew midwife. Pharaoh instructed the midwives to kill the male babies at birth but to let the female babies live. However, Shiprah and Puah could not get to the babies fast enough, as Hebrew women gave birth quickly. Because they were instructed to kill the babies as they were born, they were not able to kill any because they were born so fast. Shiphrah, along with Puah, feared God more than Pharaoh. When Pharaoh questioned the midwives about why they had disobeyed his command, they responded by explaining that the Hebrew women were vigorous and gave birth before the midwives could arrive (Exodus 1:17-19). The women are noted specifically for fearing God.

Puah: