Bible Question: I am reading Exodus and it seems that the Israelites were taught by Moses to be frightened of God. That he was a God to be feared and that he was a God that punished all who did not follow him to the letter of the laws given to them by God through Moses. Why did this conception change to a kind and loving God? Did God change his mind? |
Bible Answer: Exodus, as all throughout the Bible, shows us a picture and demonstrates the character of God, our heavenly Father. There are times when He seems strict with His children. There are times when He expresses His concern for Israel in conversation with Moses (Exodus 3:16). The message for believers is to see how God is all the things and more that good father should be in bringing up and raising His children…especially through the example of the nation of Israel in the Old Testament. Yes, He should be feared…feared because we are sinners and He is such a merciful Creator. We can never do enough to repay what He has done for us in Jesus Christ. That is the whole point…we cannot do anything to deserve His favor. That favor is indeed a gift from Him and reflects His grace. As you continue to read Exodus I prayerfully hope that you will see that Israel could never keep all the Law therefore, they needed to cry out to God and seek His mercy. Just as we do today—we cannot work toward gaining our own salvation. In chapters 32-34 of Exodus, God should have killed all of Israel for their disobedience as they made a golden idol but He didn't. But He did send a plague (He "smote" -Exodus 32:35) among the people and also killed 3,000 that day. (Some believe those killed were the leaders of Israel.) Exodus 34:6 will describe to you some additional characteristics of God. This is also where He reiterates His covenant with Israel. Talk about merciful! Our God is that and more indeed! |
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Questions and/or Subjects for Exodus | Author | ||
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CMOORE | ||
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CMOORE | ||
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CMOORE | ||
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rferg | ||
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ireneh | ||
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PJC | ||
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Aspiring Overseer | ||
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FytRobert | ||
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Norrie | ||
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philsull | ||
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Elijahprophet | ||
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Kahari |