Exodus & Moses: Key Vocabulary

• Key vocabulary is essential to understanding Exodus & Moses

Covenant

• A covenant is a solemn agreement between God and His people.
• It establishes a relationship built on mutual commitments.
• Notable Old Testament covenants include the Noahic Covenant, the Abrahamic Covenant, and the Mosaic Covenant.
• Each covenant outlines specific obligations and blessings for faithfulness to God.

Torah

• It's a central reference for Judaism, consisting of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.
• It is often referred to as "the Law"
• It contains laws and teachings that guide Jewish life and practice
• It is considered sacred scripture by Jews and is foundational to understanding their faith.

Oppression

• It refers to prolonged cruel or unjust treatment or control over a group.
• In Exodus, Pharaoh oppressed the Israelites through forced labor and harsh conditions.
• The suffering serves as a backdrop for God’s intervention to liberate them.

Liberation

• It means being set free from bondage or oppression.
• The liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt is a central theme in Exodus.
• This symbolizes physical freedom and spiritual redemption as they are called to worship God.

Exodus

• The term refers to the Israelite's departure from slavery in Egypt.
• It comes from a Greek word meaning "going out" or "departure."
• It describes God's deliverance of the Israelites from oppression under Pharaoh.

The Book of Exodus

• It's the second book of the Old Testament and part of the Torah.
• The story tells how Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt.
• Key events include the ten plagues, the Passover, and the Red Sea crossing.
• It contains laws and commandments given to Moses on Mount Sinai.

Mosaic Laws

• The laws were given to Moses on Mount Sinai as part of the Mosaic Covenant.
• They include moral, ceremonial, and civil laws.
• These laws are foundational for Jewish identity, ethical behavior, and community life.

Pentateuch

• It refers to the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, attributed to Moses.
• Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy are the books.
• They include creation narratives, genealogies, laws, and instructions for worship.
• "Pentateuch" comes from Greek words meaning "five" and "scrolls."

Pharaoh

• It was the title given to ancient Egyptian kings with absolute power.
• Pharaoh represents political authority and resistance against God’s will.
• Refusal to free the Israelites despite witnessing signs and wonders caused resistance.

Plague

• In Exodus, it relates to ten divine punishments inflicted upon Egypt by God.
• These were meant to persuade Pharaoh to release the Israelites from slavery.
• Each plague demonstrated God's power over Egyptian gods.
• This culminated in the death of every firstborn son in Egypt.

Explore key vocabulary for understanding Exodus and Moses, including covenant, Torah, oppression, and liberation. Understand the definitions and significance of these terms within the biblical narrative. Grasp the historical and theological context of these concepts.