Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Exodus, Day 2 Readings

The Passover and Crossing the Red Sea

Today's first reading tells the last plague that God spreads upon the Egyptians, the death of the eldest male offspring.  It also says how the Hebrews can save the lives of their oldest sons, by placing the blood of unblemished animals on their doorways.  This will lead to the passover of the Lord (and the angel of death), an event still cherished and celebrated by Jews today.

Read Exodus 11:1-12:20  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

The second selection tells how the Hebrews, released from slavery, are suddenly pursued by the Egyptians.  Backed up against the Red Sea, and fearing annihilation, God miraculously parts the water, allowing the Hebrews to walk through the sea on dry land, and then swallows the pursuing Egyptians.

Read Exodus 14:1-31  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Exodus 9-16 today.