The foundation for the exodus was very interesting to me this time around. Beginning with the Hebrew midwives:But the midwives feared God, and did not do as the king of Egypt had commanded them, but let the boys live. Exodus 1:17 (NASB95)
and God's reaction:
So God was good to the midwives, and the people multiplied, and became very mighty. Because the midwives feared God, He established households for them. Exodus 1:20-21 (NASB95)
The fear of God was stronger than the fear of the powerful human ruler, thought to be god on earth. Sometimes I underestimate how strong the people of the Old Testament were. And it is eye opening to remember that the move to "let God's people go" was kicked off not by a big named prophet in a big event but by mid-wives fearing God.
Another interesting few passages are found in chapter 2:
Now it came about in the course of those many days that the king of Egypt died. And the sons of Israel sighed because of the bondage, and they cried out; and their cry for help because of their bondage rose up to God. So God heard their groaning; and God remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God saw the sons of Israel, and God took notice of them. Exodus 2:23-25 (NASB95)
The heart cry of God's people seems to show their utter desperation, but also their firm belief that only God could bring them salvation. Once again God's promises can be counted on, He will not forget His word.
Also a thought; Moses was a great man of God and at the same time so unwilling. Is this humility on the part of Moses. Did he see God in a way that we as ministers don't today. Is being a "spokesman" for God something that should put fear into our hearts?
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