Month: December 2019

Death for Egypt’s Firstborn

1 Then theLordsaid to Moses, “I will strike Pharaoh and the land of Egypt with one more blow. After that, Pharaoh will let you leave this country. In fact, he will be so eager to get rid of you that he will force you all to leave.

2 Tell all the Israelite men and women to ask their Egyptian neighbors for articles of silver and gold.”

3 (Now theLordhad caused the Egyptians to look favorably on the people of Israel. And Moses was considered a very great man in the land of Egypt, respected by Pharaoh’s officials and the Egyptian people alike.)

4 Moses had announced to Pharaoh, “This is what theLordsays: At midnight tonight I will pass through the heart of Egypt.

5 All the firstborn sons will die in every family in Egypt, from the oldest son of Pharaoh, who sits on his throne, to the oldest son of his lowliest servant girl who grinds the flour. Even the firstborn of all the livestock will die.

6 Then a loud wail will rise throughout the land of Egypt, a wail like no one has heard before or will ever hear again.

7 But among the Israelites it will be so peaceful that not even a dog will bark. Then you will know that theLordmakes a distinction between the Egyptians and the Israelites.

8 All the officials of Egypt will run to me and fall to the ground before me. ‘Please leave!’ they will beg. ‘Hurry! And take all your followers with you.’ Only then will I go!” Then, burning with anger, Moses left Pharaoh.

9 Now theLordhad told Moses earlier, “Pharaoh will not listen to you, but then I will do even more mighty miracles in the land of Egypt.”

10 Moses and Aaron performed these miracles in Pharaoh’s presence, but theLordhardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he wouldn’t let the Israelites leave the country.

—https://api-cdn.youversionapi.com/audio-bible-youversionapi/6/32k/EXO/11-fcc8f527ab547c5a3d1fe60b04b97018.mp3?version_id=116—

The First Passover

1 While the Israelites were still in the land of Egypt, theLordgave the following instructions to Moses and Aaron:

2 “From now on, this month will be the first month of the year for you.

3 Announce to the whole community of Israel that on the tenth day of this month each family must choose a lamb or a young goat for a sacrifice, one animal for each household.

4 If a family is too small to eat a whole animal, let them share with another family in the neighborhood. Divide the animal according to the size of each family and how much they can eat.

5 The animal you select must be a one-year-old male, either a sheep or a goat, with no defects.

6 “Take special care of this chosen animal until the evening of the fourteenth day of this first month. Then the whole assembly of the community of Israel must slaughter their lamb or young goat at twilight.

7 They are to take some of the blood and smear it on the sides and top of the doorframes of the houses where they eat the animal.

8 That same night they must roast the meat over a fire and eat it along with bitter salad greens and bread made without yeast.

9 Do not eat any of the meat raw or boiled in water. The whole animal—including the head, legs, and internal organs—must be roasted over a fire.

10 Do not leave any of it until the next morning. Burn whatever is not eaten before morning.

11 “These are your instructions for eating this meal: Be fully dressed,wear your sandals, and carry your walking stick in your hand. Eat the meal with urgency, for this is theLord’s Passover.

12 On that night I will pass through the land of Egypt and strike down every firstborn son and firstborn male animal in the land of Egypt. I will execute judgment against all the gods of Egypt, for I am theLord!

13 But the blood on your doorposts will serve as a sign, marking the houses where you are staying. When I see the blood, I will pass over you. This plague of death will not touch you when I strike the land of Egypt.

14 “This is a day to remember. Each year, from generation to generation, you must celebrate it as a special festival to theLord. This is a law for all time.

15 For seven days the bread you eat must be made without yeast. On the first day of the festival, remove every trace of yeast from your homes. Anyone who eats bread made with yeast during the seven days of the festival will be cut off from the community of Israel.

16 On the first day of the festival and again on the seventh day, all the people must observe an official day for holy assembly. No work of any kind may be done on these days except in the preparation of food.

17 “Celebrate this Festival of Unleavened Bread, for it will remind you that I brought your forces out of the land of Egypt on this very day. This festival will be a permanent law for you; celebrate this day from generation to generation.

18 The bread you eat must be made without yeast from the evening of the fourteenth day of the first month until the evening of the twenty-first day of that month.

19 During those seven days, there must be no trace of yeast in your homes. Anyone who eats anything made with yeast during this week will be cut off from the community of Israel. These regulations apply both to the foreigners living among you and to the native-born Israelites.

20 During those days you must not eat anything made with yeast. Wherever you live, eat only bread made without yeast.”

21 Then Moses called all the elders of Israel together and said to them, “Go, pick out a lamb or young goat for each of your families, and slaughter the Passover animal.

22 Drain the blood into a basin. Then take a bundle of hyssop branches and dip it into the blood. Brush the hyssop across the top and sides of the doorframes of your houses. And no one may go out through the door until morning.

23 For theLordwill pass through the land to strike down the Egyptians. But when he sees the blood on the top and sides of the doorframe, theLordwill pass over your home. He will not permit his death angel to enter your house and strike you down.

24 “Remember, these instructions are a permanent law that you and your descendants must observe forever.

25 When you enter the land theLordhas promised to give you, you will continue to observe this ceremony.

26 Then your children will ask, ‘What does this ceremony mean?’

27 And you will reply, ‘It is the Passover sacrifice to theLord, for he passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt. And though he struck the Egyptians, he spared our families.’” When Moses had finished speaking, all the people bowed down to the ground and worshiped.

28 So the people of Israel did just as theLordhad commanded through Moses and Aaron.

29 And that night at midnight, theLordstruck down all the firstborn sons in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn son of Pharaoh, who sat on his throne, to the firstborn son of the prisoner in the dungeon. Even the firstborn of their livestock were killed.

30 Pharaoh and all his officials and all the people of Egypt woke up during the night, and loud wailing was heard throughout the land of Egypt. There was not a single house where someone had not died.

Israel’s Exodus from Egypt

31 Pharaoh sent for Moses and Aaron during the night. “Get out!” he ordered. “Leave my people—and take the rest of the Israelites with you! Go and worship theLordas you have requested.

32 Take your flocks and herds, as you said, and be gone. Go, but bless me as you leave.”

33 All the Egyptians urged the people of Israel to get out of the land as quickly as possible, for they thought, “We will all die!”

34 The Israelites took their bread dough before yeast was added. They wrapped their kneading boards in their cloaks and carried them on their shoulders.

35 And the people of Israel did as Moses had instructed; they asked the Egyptians for clothing and articles of silver and gold.

36 TheLordcaused the Egyptians to look favorably on the Israelites, and they gave the Israelites whatever they asked for. So they stripped the Egyptians of their wealth!

37 That night the people of Israel left Rameses and started for Succoth. There were about 600,000 men,plus all the women and children.

38 A rabble of non-Israelites went with them, along with great flocks and herds of livestock.

39 For bread they baked flat cakes from the dough without yeast they had brought from Egypt. It was made without yeast because the people were driven out of Egypt in such a hurry that they had no time to prepare the bread or other food.

40 The people of Israel had lived in Egyptfor 430 years.

41 In fact, it was on the last day of the 430th year that all theLord’s forces left the land.

42 On this night theLordkept his promise to bring his people out of the land of Egypt. So this night belongs to him, and it must be commemorated every year by all the Israelites, from generation to generation.

Instructions for the Passover

43 Then theLordsaid to Moses and Aaron, “These are the instructions for the festival of Passover. No outsiders are allowed to eat the Passover meal.

44 But any slave who has been purchased may eat it if he has been circumcised.

45 Temporary residents and hired servants may not eat it.

46 Each Passover lamb must be eaten in one house. Do not carry any of its meat outside, and do not break any of its bones.

47 The whole community of Israel must celebrate this Passover festival.

48 “If there are foreigners living among you who want to celebrate theLord’s Passover, let all their males be circumcised. Only then may they celebrate the Passover with you like any native-born Israelite. But no uncircumcised male may ever eat the Passover meal.

49 This instruction applies to everyone, whether a native-born Israelite or a foreigner living among you.”

50 So all the people of Israel followed all theLord’s commands to Moses and Aaron.

51 On that very day theLordbrought the people of Israel out of the land of Egypt like an army.

—https://api-cdn.youversionapi.com/audio-bible-youversionapi/6/32k/EXO/12-d2326dd9c51450ae104eefdff0831f74.mp3?version_id=116—

Dedication of the Firstborn

1 Then theLordsaid to Moses,

2 “Dedicate to me every firstborn among the Israelites. The first offspring to be born, of both humans and animals, belongs to me.”

3 So Moses said to the people, “This is a day to remember forever—the day you left Egypt, the place of your slavery. Today theLordhas brought you out by the power of his mighty hand. (Remember, eat no food containing yeast.)

4 On this day in early spring, in the month of Abib,you have been set free.

5 You must celebrate this event in this month each year after theLordbrings you into the land of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Hivites, and Jebusites. (He swore to your ancestors that he would give you this land—a land flowing with milk and honey.)

6 For seven days the bread you eat must be made without yeast. Then on the seventh day, celebrate a feast to theLord.

7 Eat bread without yeast during those seven days. In fact, there must be no yeast bread or any yeast at all found within the borders of your land during this time.

8 “On the seventh day you must explain to your children, ‘I am celebrating what theLorddid for me when I left Egypt.’

9 This annual festival will be a visible sign to you, like a mark branded on your hand or your forehead. Let it remind you always to recite this teaching of theLord: ‘With a strong hand, theLordrescued you from Egypt.’

10 So observe the decree of this festival at the appointed time each year.

11 “This is what you must do when theLordfulfills the promise he swore to you and to your ancestors. When he gives you the land where the Canaanites now live,

12 you must present all firstborn sons and firstborn male animals to theLord, for they belong to him.

13 A firstborn donkey may be bought back from theLordby presenting a lamb or young goat in its place. But if you do not buy it back, you must break its neck. However, you must buy back every firstborn son.

14 “And in the future, your children will ask you, ‘What does all this mean?’ Then you will tell them, ‘With the power of his mighty hand, theLordbrought us out of Egypt, the place of our slavery.

15 Pharaoh stubbornly refused to let us go, so theLordkilled all the firstborn males throughout the land of Egypt, both people and animals. That is why I now sacrifice all the firstborn males to theLord—except that the firstborn sons are always bought back.’

16 This ceremony will be like a mark branded on your hand or your forehead. It is a reminder that the power of theLord’s mighty hand brought us out of Egypt.”

Israel’s Wilderness Detour

17 When Pharaoh finally let the people go, God did not lead them along the main road that runs through Philistine territory, even though that was the shortest route to the Promised Land. God said, “If the people are faced with a battle, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.”

18 So God led them in a roundabout way through the wilderness toward the Red Sea.Thus the Israelites left Egypt like an army ready for battle.

19 Moses took the bones of Joseph with him, for Joseph had made the sons of Israel swear to do this. He said, “God will certainly come to help you. When he does, you must take my bones with you from this place.”

20 The Israelites left Succoth and camped at Etham on the edge of the wilderness.

21 TheLordwent ahead of them. He guided them during the day with a pillar of cloud, and he provided light at night with a pillar of fire. This allowed them to travel by day or by night.

22 And theLorddid not remove the pillar of cloud or pillar of fire from its place in front of the people.

—https://api-cdn.youversionapi.com/audio-bible-youversionapi/6/32k/EXO/13-25463e079cb5afcc51e8a78962fb43f0.mp3?version_id=116—

1 Then theLordgave these instructions to Moses:

2 “Order the Israelites to turn back and camp by Pi-hahiroth between Migdol and the sea. Camp there along the shore, across from Baal-zephon.

3 Then Pharaoh will think, ‘The Israelites are confused. They are trapped in the wilderness!’

4 And once again I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and he will chase after you.I have planned this in order to display my glory through Pharaoh and his whole army. After this the Egyptians will know that I am theLord!” So the Israelites camped there as they were told.

The Egyptians Pursue Israel

5 When word reached the king of Egypt that the Israelites had fled, Pharaoh and his officials changed their minds. “What have we done, letting all those Israelite slaves get away?” they asked.

6 So Pharaoh harnessed his chariot and called up his troops.

7 He took with him 600 of Egypt’s best chariots, along with the rest of the chariots of Egypt, each with its commander.

8 TheLordhardened the heart of Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, so he chased after the people of Israel, who had left with fists raised in defiance.

9 The Egyptians chased after them with all the forces in Pharaoh’s army—all his horses and chariots, his charioteers, and his troops. The Egyptians caught up with the people of Israel as they were camped beside the shore near Pi-hahiroth, across from Baal-zephon.

10 As Pharaoh approached, the people of Israel looked up and panicked when they saw the Egyptians overtaking them. They cried out to theLord,

11 and they said to Moses, “Why did you bring us out here to die in the wilderness? Weren’t there enough graves for us in Egypt? What have you done to us? Why did you make us leave Egypt?

12 Didn’t we tell you this would happen while we were still in Egypt? We said, ‘Leave us alone! Let us be slaves to the Egyptians. It’s better to be a slave in Egypt than a corpse in the wilderness!’”

13 But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch theLordrescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again.

14 TheLordhimself will fight for you. Just stay calm.”

Escape through the Red Sea

15 Then theLordsaid to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the people to get moving!

16 Pick up your staff and raise your hand over the sea. Divide the water so the Israelites can walk through the middle of the sea on dry ground.

17 And I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they will charge in after the Israelites. My great glory will be displayed through Pharaoh and his troops, his chariots, and his charioteers.

18 When my glory is displayed through them, all Egypt will see my glory and know that I am theLord!”

19 Then the angel of God, who had been leading the people of Israel, moved to the rear of the camp. The pillar of cloud also moved from the front and stood behind them.

20 The cloud settled between the Egyptian and Israelite camps. As darkness fell, the cloud turned to fire, lighting up the night. But the Egyptians and Israelites did not approach each other all night.

21 Then Moses raised his hand over the sea, and theLordopened up a path through the water with a strong east wind. The wind blew all that night, turning the seabed into dry land.

22 So the people of Israel walked through the middle of the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on each side!

23 Then the Egyptians—all of Pharaoh’s horses, chariots, and charioteers—chased them into the middle of the sea.

24 But just before dawn theLordlooked down on the Egyptian army from the pillar of fire and cloud, and he threw their forces into total confusion.

25 He twistedtheir chariot wheels, making their chariots difficult to drive. “Let’s get out of here—away from these Israelites!” the Egyptians shouted. “TheLordis fighting for them against Egypt!”

26 When all the Israelites had reached the other side, theLordsaid to Moses, “Raise your hand over the sea again. Then the waters will rush back and cover the Egyptians and their chariots and charioteers.”

27 So as the sun began to rise, Moses raised his hand over the sea, and the water rushed back into its usual place. The Egyptians tried to escape, but theLordswept them into the sea.

28 Then the waters returned and covered all the chariots and charioteers—the entire army of Pharaoh. Of all the Egyptians who had chased the Israelites into the sea, not a single one survived.

29 But the people of Israel had walked through the middle of the sea on dry ground, as the water stood up like a wall on both sides.

30 That is how theLordrescued Israel from the hand of the Egyptians that day. And the Israelites saw the bodies of the Egyptians washed up on the seashore.

31 When the people of Israel saw the mighty power that theLordhad unleashed against the Egyptians, they were filled with awe before him. They put their faith in theLordand in his servant Moses.

—https://api-cdn.youversionapi.com/audio-bible-youversionapi/6/32k/EXO/14-e130abae90f8d5134e44a7d10ca3a659.mp3?version_id=116—

A Song of Deliverance

1 Then Moses and the people of Israel sang this song to theLord:

“I will sing to theLord,

for he has triumphed gloriously;

he has hurled both horse and rider

into the sea.

2 TheLordis my strength and my song;

he has given me victory.

This is my God, and I will praise him—

my father’s God, and I will exalt him!

3 TheLordis a warrior;

Yahwehis his name!

4 Pharaoh’s chariots and army

he has hurled into the sea.

The finest of Pharaoh’s officers

are drowned in the Red Sea.

5 The deep waters gushed over them;

they sank to the bottom like a stone.

6 “Your right hand, OLord,

is glorious in power.

Your right hand, OLord,

smashes the enemy.

7 In the greatness of your majesty,

you overthrow those who rise against you.

You unleash your blazing fury;

it consumes them like straw.

8 At the blast of your breath,

the waters piled up!

The surging waters stood straight like a wall;

in the heart of the sea the deep waters became hard.

9 “The enemy boasted, ‘I will chase them

and catch up with them.

I will plunder them

and consume them.

I will flash my sword;

my powerful hand will destroy them.’

10 But you blew with your breath,

and the sea covered them.

They sank like lead

in the mighty waters.

11 “Who is like you among the gods, OLord—

glorious in holiness,

awesome in splendor,

performing great wonders?

12 You raised your right hand,

and the earth swallowed our enemies.

13 “With your unfailing love you lead

the people you have redeemed.

In your might, you guide them

to your sacred home.

14 The peoples hear and tremble;

anguish grips those who live in Philistia.

15 The leaders of Edom are terrified;

the nobles of Moab tremble.

All who live in Canaan melt away;

16 terror and dread fall upon them.

The power of your arm

makes them lifeless as stone

until your people pass by, OLord,

until the people you purchased pass by.

17 You will bring them in and plant them on your own mountain—

the place, OLord, reserved for your own dwelling,

the sanctuary, O Lord, that your hands have established.

18 TheLordwill reign forever and ever!”

19 When Pharaoh’s horses, chariots, and charioteers rushed into the sea, theLordbrought the water crashing down on them. But the people of Israel had walked through the middle of the sea on dry ground!

20 Then Miriam the prophet, Aaron’s sister, took a tambourine and led all the women as they played their tambourines and danced.

21 And Miriam sang this song:

“Sing to theLord,

for he has triumphed gloriously;

he has hurled both horse and rider

into the sea.”

Bitter Water at Marah

22 Then Moses led the people of Israel away from the Red Sea, and they moved out into the desert of Shur. They traveled in this desert for three days without finding any water.

23 When they came to the oasis of Marah, the water was too bitter to drink. So they called the place Marah (which means “bitter”).

24 Then the people complained and turned against Moses. “What are we going to drink?” they demanded.

25 So Moses cried out to theLordfor help, and theLordshowed him a piece of wood. Moses threw it into the water, and this made the water good to drink.

It was there at Marah that theLordset before them the following decree as a standard to test their faithfulness to him.

26 He said, “If you will listen carefully to the voice of theLordyour God and do what is right in his sight, obeying his commands and keeping all his decrees, then I will not make you suffer any of the diseases I sent on the Egyptians; for I am theLordwho heals you.”

27 After leaving Marah, the Israelites traveled on to the oasis of Elim, where they found twelve springs and seventy palm trees. They camped there beside the water.

—https://api-cdn.youversionapi.com/audio-bible-youversionapi/6/32k/EXO/15-101373ff175250eda57d40a346dd36de.mp3?version_id=116—

Manna and Quail from Heaven

1 Then the whole community of Israel set out from Elim and journeyed into the wilderness of Sin,between Elim and Mount Sinai. They arrived there on the fifteenth day of the second month, one month after leaving the land of Egypt.

2 There, too, the whole community of Israel complained about Moses and Aaron.

3 “If only theLordhad killed us back in Egypt,” they moaned. “There we sat around pots filled with meat and ate all the bread we wanted. But now you have brought us into this wilderness to starve us all to death.”

4 Then theLordsaid to Moses, “Look, I’m going to rain down food from heaven for you. Each day the people can go out and pick up as much food as they need for that day. I will test them in this to see whether or not they will follow my instructions.

5 On the sixth day they will gather food, and when they prepare it, there will be twice as much as usual.”

6 So Moses and Aaron said to all the people of Israel, “By evening you will realize it was theLordwho brought you out of the land of Egypt.

7 In the morning you will see the glory of theLord, because he has heard your complaints, which are against him, not against us. What have we done that you should complain about us?”

8 Then Moses added, “TheLordwill give you meat to eat in the evening and bread to satisfy you in the morning, for he has heard all your complaints against him. What have we done? Yes, your complaints are against theLord, not against us.”

9 Then Moses said to Aaron, “Announce this to the entire community of Israel: ‘Present yourselves before theLord, for he has heard your complaining.’”

10 And as Aaron spoke to the whole community of Israel, they looked out toward the wilderness. There they could see the awesome glory of theLordin the cloud.

11 Then theLordsaid to Moses,

12 “I have heard the Israelites’ complaints. Now tell them, ‘In the evening you will have meat to eat, and in the morning you will have all the bread you want. Then you will know that I am theLordyour God.’”

13 That evening vast numbers of quail flew in and covered the camp. And the next morning the area around the camp was wet with dew.

14 When the dew evaporated, a flaky substance as fine as frost blanketed the ground.

15 The Israelites were puzzled when they saw it. “What is it?” they asked each other. They had no idea what it was.

And Moses told them, “It is the food theLordhas given you to eat.

16 These are theLord’s instructions: Each household should gather as much as it needs. Pick up two quartsfor each person in your tent.”

17 So the people of Israel did as they were told. Some gathered a lot, some only a little.

18 But when they measured it out,everyone had just enough. Those who gathered a lot had nothing left over, and those who gathered only a little had enough. Each family had just what it needed.

19 Then Moses told them, “Do not keep any of it until morning.”

20 But some of them didn’t listen and kept some of it until morning. But by then it was full of maggots and had a terrible smell. Moses was very angry with them.

21 After this the people gathered the food morning by morning, each family according to its need. And as the sun became hot, the flakes they had not picked up melted and disappeared.

22 On the sixth day, they gathered twice as much as usual—four quartsfor each person instead of two. Then all the leaders of the community came and asked Moses for an explanation.

23 He told them, “This is what theLordcommanded: Tomorrow will be a day of complete rest, a holy Sabbath day set apart for theLord. So bake or boil as much as you want today, and set aside what is left for tomorrow.”

24 So they put some aside until morning, just as Moses had commanded. And in the morning the leftover food was wholesome and good, without maggots or odor.

25 Moses said, “Eat this food today, for today is a Sabbath day dedicated to theLord. There will be no food on the ground today.

26 You may gather the food for six days, but the seventh day is the Sabbath. There will be no food on the ground that day.”

27 Some of the people went out anyway on the seventh day, but they found no food.

28 TheLordasked Moses, “How long will these people refuse to obey my commands and instructions?

29 They must realize that the Sabbath is theLord’s gift to you. That is why he gives you a two-day supply on the sixth day, so there will be enough for two days. On the Sabbath day you must each stay in your place. Do not go out to pick up food on the seventh day.”

30 So the people did not gather any food on the seventh day.

31 The Israelites called the food manna.It was white like coriander seed, and it tasted like honey wafers.

32 Then Moses said, “This is what theLordhas commanded: Fill a two-quart container with manna to preserve it for your descendants. Then later generations will be able to see the food I gave you in the wilderness when I set you free from Egypt.”

33 Moses said to Aaron, “Get a jar and fill it with two quarts of manna. Then put it in a sacred place before theLordto preserve it for all future generations.”

34 Aaron did just as theLordhad commanded Moses. He eventually placed it in the Ark of the Covenant—in front of the stone tablets inscribed with the terms of the covenant.

35 So the people of Israel ate manna for forty years until they arrived at the land where they would settle. They ate manna until they came to the border of the land of Canaan.

36 The container used to measure the manna was an omer, which was one-tenth of an ephah; it held about two quarts.

—https://api-cdn.youversionapi.com/audio-bible-youversionapi/6/32k/EXO/16-33a76f554cda986b5f515ccbfbf8a035.mp3?version_id=116—

Water from the Rock

1 At theLord’s command, the whole community of Israel left the wilderness of Sinand moved from place to place. Eventually they camped at Rephidim, but there was no water there for the people to drink.

2 So once more the people complained against Moses. “Give us water to drink!” they demanded.

“Quiet!” Moses replied. “Why are you complaining against me? And why are you testing theLord?”

3 But tormented by thirst, they continued to argue with Moses. “Why did you bring us out of Egypt? Are you trying to kill us, our children, and our livestock with thirst?”

4 Then Moses cried out to theLord, “What should I do with these people? They are ready to stone me!”

5 TheLordsaid to Moses, “Walk out in front of the people. Take your staff, the one you used when you struck the water of the Nile, and call some of the elders of Israel to join you.

6 I will stand before you on the rock at Mount Sinai.Strike the rock, and water will come gushing out. Then the people will be able to drink.” So Moses struck the rock as he was told, and water gushed out as the elders looked on.

7 Moses named the place Massah (which means “test”) and Meribah (which means “arguing”) because the people of Israel argued with Moses and tested theLordby saying, “Is theLordhere with us or not?”

Israel Defeats the Amalekites

8 While the people of Israel were still at Rephidim, the warriors of Amalek attacked them.

9 Moses commanded Joshua, “Choose some men to go out and fight the army of Amalek for us. Tomorrow, I will stand at the top of the hill, holding the staff of God in my hand.”

10 So Joshua did what Moses had commanded and fought the army of Amalek. Meanwhile, Moses, Aaron, and Hur climbed to the top of a nearby hill.

11 As long as Moses held up the staff in his hand, the Israelites had the advantage. But whenever he dropped his hand, the Amalekites gained the advantage.

12 Moses’ arms soon became so tired he could no longer hold them up. So Aaron and Hur found a stone for him to sit on. Then they stood on each side of Moses, holding up his hands. So his hands held steady until sunset.

13 As a result, Joshua overwhelmed the army of Amalek in battle.

14 After the victory, theLordinstructed Moses, “Write this down on a scroll as a permanent reminder, and read it aloud to Joshua: I will erase the memory of Amalek from under heaven.”

15 Moses built an altar there and named it Yahweh-Nissi (which means “theLordis my banner”).

16 He said, “They have raised their fist against theLord’s throne, so nowtheLordwill be at war with Amalek generation after generation.”

—https://api-cdn.youversionapi.com/audio-bible-youversionapi/6/32k/EXO/17-873e00ca5dd5adc720073ab85ecc21c7.mp3?version_id=116—

Jethro’s Visit to Moses

1 Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian, heard about everything God had done for Moses and his people, the Israelites. He heard especially about how theLordhad rescued them from Egypt.

2 Earlier, Moses had sent his wife, Zipporah, and his two sons back to Jethro, who had taken them in.

3 (Moses’ first son was named Gershom,for Moses had said when the boy was born, “I have been a foreigner in a foreign land.”

4 His second son was named Eliezer,for Moses had said, “The God of my ancestors was my helper; he rescued me from the sword of Pharaoh.”)

5 Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, now came to visit Moses in the wilderness. He brought Moses’ wife and two sons with him, and they arrived while Moses and the people were camped near the mountain of God.

6 Jethro had sent a message to Moses, saying, “I, Jethro, your father-in-law, am coming to see you with your wife and your two sons.”

7 So Moses went out to meet his father-in-law. He bowed low and kissed him. They asked about each other’s welfare and then went into Moses’ tent.

8 Moses told his father-in-law everything theLordhad done to Pharaoh and Egypt on behalf of Israel. He also told about all the hardships they had experienced along the way and how theLordhad rescued his people from all their troubles.

9 Jethro was delighted when he heard about all the good things theLordhad done for Israel as he rescued them from the hand of the Egyptians.

10 “Praise theLord,” Jethro said, “for he has rescued you from the Egyptians and from Pharaoh. Yes, he has rescued Israel from the powerful hand of Egypt!

11 I know now that theLordis greater than all other gods, because he rescued his people from the oppression of the proud Egyptians.”

12 Then Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, brought a burnt offering and sacrifices to God. Aaron and all the elders of Israel came out and joined him in a sacrificial meal in God’s presence.

Jethro’s Wise Advice

13 The next day, Moses took his seat to hear the people’s disputes against each other. They waited before him from morning till evening.

14 When Moses’ father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he asked, “What are you really accomplishing here? Why are you trying to do all this alone while everyone stands around you from morning till evening?”

15 Moses replied, “Because the people come to me to get a ruling from God.

16 When a dispute arises, they come to me, and I am the one who settles the case between the quarreling parties. I inform the people of God’s decrees and give them his instructions.”

17 “This is not good!” Moses’ father-in-law exclaimed.

18 “You’re going to wear yourself out—and the people, too. This job is too heavy a burden for you to handle all by yourself.

19 Now listen to me, and let me give you a word of advice, and may God be with you. You should continue to be the people’s representative before God, bringing their disputes to him.

20 Teach them God’s decrees, and give them his instructions. Show them how to conduct their lives.

21 But select from all the people some capable, honest men who fear God and hate bribes. Appoint them as leaders over groups of one thousand, one hundred, fifty, and ten.

22 They should always be available to solve the people’s common disputes, but have them bring the major cases to you. Let the leaders decide the smaller matters themselves. They will help you carry the load, making the task easier for you.

23 If you follow this advice, and if God commands you to do so, then you will be able to endure the pressures, and all these people will go home in peace.”

24 Moses listened to his father-in-law’s advice and followed his suggestions.

25 He chose capable men from all over Israel and appointed them as leaders over the people. He put them in charge of groups of one thousand, one hundred, fifty, and ten.

26 These men were always available to solve the people’s common disputes. They brought the major cases to Moses, but they took care of the smaller matters themselves.

27 Soon after this, Moses said good-bye to his father-in-law, who returned to his own land.

—https://api-cdn.youversionapi.com/audio-bible-youversionapi/6/32k/EXO/18-245022c7d8122d2e8dd07fa5f6a74ea3.mp3?version_id=116—

The Lord Reveals Himself at Sinai

1 Exactly two months after the Israelites left Egypt,they arrived in the wilderness of Sinai.

2 After breaking camp at Rephidim, they came to the wilderness of Sinai and set up camp there at the base of Mount Sinai.

3 Then Moses climbed the mountain to appear before God. TheLordcalled to him from the mountain and said, “Give these instructions to the family of Jacob; announce it to the descendants of Israel:

4 ‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians. You know how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself.

5 Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the peoples on earth; for all the earth belongs to me.

6 And you will be my kingdom of priests, my holy nation.’ This is the message you must give to the people of Israel.”

7 So Moses returned from the mountain and called together the elders of the people and told them everything theLordhad commanded him.

8 And all the people responded together, “We will do everything theLordhas commanded.” So Moses brought the people’s answer back to theLord.

9 Then theLordsaid to Moses, “I will come to you in a thick cloud, Moses, so the people themselves can hear me when I speak with you. Then they will always trust you.”

Moses told theLordwhat the people had said.

10 Then theLordtold Moses, “Go down and prepare the people for my arrival. Consecrate them today and tomorrow, and have them wash their clothing.

11 Be sure they are ready on the third day, for on that day theLordwill come down on Mount Sinai as all the people watch.

12 Mark off a boundary all around the mountain. Warn the people, ‘Be careful! Do not go up on the mountain or even touch its boundaries. Anyone who touches the mountain will certainly be put to death.

13 No hand may touch the person or animal that crosses the boundary; instead, stone them or shoot them with arrows. They must be put to death.’ However, when the ram’s horn sounds a long blast, then the people may go up on the mountain.”

14 So Moses went down to the people. He consecrated them for worship, and they washed their clothes.

15 He told them, “Get ready for the third day, and until then abstain from having sexual intercourse.”

16 On the morning of the third day, thunder roared and lightning flashed, and a dense cloud came down on the mountain. There was a long, loud blast from a ram’s horn, and all the people trembled.

17 Moses led them out from the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain.

18 All of Mount Sinai was covered with smoke because theLordhad descended on it in the form of fire. The smoke billowed into the sky like smoke from a brick kiln, and the whole mountain shook violently.

19 As the blast of the ram’s horn grew louder and louder, Moses spoke, and God thundered his reply.

20 TheLordcame down on the top of Mount Sinai and called Moses to the top of the mountain. So Moses climbed the mountain.

21 Then theLordtold Moses, “Go back down and warn the people not to break through the boundaries to see theLord, or they will die.

22 Even the priests who regularly come near to theLordmust purify themselves so that theLorddoes not break out and destroy them.”

23 “ButLord,” Moses protested, “the people cannot come up to Mount Sinai. You already warned us. You told me, ‘Mark off a boundary all around the mountain to set it apart as holy.’”

24 But theLordsaid, “Go down and bring Aaron back up with you. In the meantime, do not let the priests or the people break through to approach theLord, or he will break out and destroy them.”

25 So Moses went down to the people and told them what theLordhad said.

—https://api-cdn.youversionapi.com/audio-bible-youversionapi/6/32k/EXO/19-83ace53079055c646192e5e01d3a894d.mp3?version_id=116—

Ten Commandments for the Covenant Community

1 Then God gave the people all these instructions:

2 “I am theLordyour God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery.

3 “You must not have any other god but me.

4 “You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea.

5 You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, theLordyour God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected—even children in the third and fourth generations of those who reject me.

6 But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on thosewho love me and obey my commands.

7 “You must not misuse the name of theLordyour God. TheLordwill not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name.

8 “Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.

9 You have six days each week for your ordinary work,

10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to theLordyour God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you.

11 For in six days theLordmade the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; but on the seventh day he rested. That is why theLordblessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy.

12 “Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land theLordyour God is giving you.

13 “You must not murder.

14 “You must not commit adultery.

15 “You must not steal.

16 “You must not testify falsely against your neighbor.

17 “You must not covet your neighbor’s house. You must not covet your neighbor’s wife, male or female servant, ox or donkey, or anything else that belongs to your neighbor.”

18 When the people heard the thunder and the loud blast of the ram’s horn, and when they saw the flashes of lightning and the smoke billowing from the mountain, they stood at a distance, trembling with fear.

19 And they said to Moses, “You speak to us, and we will listen. But don’t let God speak directly to us, or we will die!”

20 “Don’t be afraid,” Moses answered them, “for God has come in this way to test you, and so that your fear of him will keep you from sinning!”

21 As the people stood in the distance, Moses approached the dark cloud where God was.

Proper Use of Altars

22 And theLordsaid to Moses, “Say this to the people of Israel: You saw for yourselves that I spoke to you from heaven.

23 Remember, you must not make any idols of silver or gold to rival me.

24 “Build for me an altar made of earth, and offer your sacrifices to me—your burnt offerings and peace offerings, your sheep and goats, and your cattle. Build my altar wherever I cause my name to be remembered, and I will come to you and bless you.

25 If you use stones to build my altar, use only natural, uncut stones. Do not shape the stones with a tool, for that would make the altar unfit for holy use.

26 And do not approach my altar by going up steps. If you do, someone might look up under your clothing and see your nakedness.

—https://api-cdn.youversionapi.com/audio-bible-youversionapi/6/32k/EXO/20-73e853746ec56a380f3ef5243cf0ec96.mp3?version_id=116—