The birth and upbringing of Moses: Exodus chapters 1-2
Chapter 1 – oppression of the Hebrews
How realistic do the events in this chapter seem to you?
- Hebrews outnumbering the Egyptians.
- Enslaving the Hebrews.
- The midwives disobeying orders.
- Identifying the Hebrews as a separate race.
Why do you think this story of oppression is included in the account?
What does this tell you about the Israelite/Jewish attitude towards the Egyptians?
What do you understand by ‘the midwives feared God . . .’?
Do you think it has any consequences for the distant future?
Chapter 2:1-10 – The birth of Moses
Can you think of other biblical references to rescue in/from water?
How does this part of the story present the attitudes of the Egyptian women?
Chapter 2:11-25 – Moses flees to Midian (see map)
How do verses 11-16 present the character of Moses?
How does verse 17 present his character?
Moses married a Midianite woman. How much intermarriage do you think had previously taken place between Hebrews and Egyptians?
What does verse 24 suggest about the Jewish (ca 500 BCE) concept of God?