All Powerful God

 In the book of Exodus, the LORD (Yahweh) displayed His awesome power and almighty hand through signs and wonders, so that the evil Pharaoh would know that the God of the Hebrews is the only true King and God of heaven and earth.^[1] Moses and Aaron repeatedly went to the wicked Pharaoh, who was the king of Egypt, to demand that Pharaoh release and free the Israelites (Hebrews) from slavery, or Pharaoh would experience God’s wrath and punishment. The evil Pharaoh became increasingly defiant against the living Sovereign LORD God and his servants Moses and Aaron, and he refused to release the Israelites (Hebrews) from their brutal slavery. Even more, the evil Pharaoh increased the Israelites’ labor and made them work even harder.^[2]The evil Pharaoh and his taskmasters and overseers continued to beat and demand that the Hebrews continue their heavy labor building Pithom and Raamses for Egypt, while also accusing the Israelites of being weak and lazy, who did not want to work.^[3]

 

Therefore, the living Sovereign LORD God of heaven and earth demonstrated His mighty power to the evil Pharaoh and the Egyptians through signs and wonders, as He sent ten plagues.^[4] These divine plagues were unprecedented in the history of Egypt.^[5] The plagues of Egypt are often called “signs,” just as Christ Jesus’s miracles in the New Testament were called “signs” as Christ Jesus’ ministry was filled with divine signs and mighty deeds.^[6] The Holy Bible warns that Satan and his evil workers, who are filled with lies, darkness, and greed, can also perform signs and wonders to lead people away from wholehearted faithfulness and allegiance to the living Sovereign LORD God.^[7] In the book of Exodus, the evil Pharaoh’s magicians and sorcerers performed similar signs and wonders as Moses and his brother Aaron, but God’s power defeated and overpowered these evil demons' signs and wonders.^[8] The evil Pharaoh’s magicians realized they had no true power, and the plagues were the “finger of God.”^[9]

 

In the first plague, the living Sovereign LORD God, through His servant Moses, turned all the waters into blood, including the canals, ponds, and rivers of Egypt, as well as the Egyptian Nile.^[10] Then, the living Sovereign LORD God released frogs throughout the whole land of Egypt.^[11] However, the evil Pharaoh refused to submit and obey the LORD (Yahweh). So, the living Sovereign LORD God sent more plagues throughout Egypt including pesky gnats and swarming flies, turning all the animals and livestock of Egypt sick, giving the Egyptians and the animals festering skin boils with painful sores, bringing destroying hailstorms with thunder and lightning flashes, and then He sent swarms of locusts (grasshoppers) throughout Egypt that ate all the Egyptians crops leaving Egypt in devastation and ruins.^[12]

 

With the divine plagues, the evil Pharaoh begged Moses to intercede and pray to the living Sovereign LORD God to take God’s punishment and wrath away from Egypt, and then he would release Israel from slavery.^[13]So, the living Sovereign LORD God listened to Moses’ prayers and removed the plagues from the land of Egypt.^[14] Moses was learning the role of intercessor that would become an important part of his life in his service to the living God.^[15] Despite Moses’ intercessory prayers, the evil Pharaoh continued his stubbornness and refused to release Israel from slavery so they could worship the living Sovereign LORD God.^[16] Moses was considered a very great man in the land of Egypt, and he was respected by Pharaoh’s officials and the Egyptian people.^[17]

 

Despite the numerous plagues, the evil Pharaoh lied and continued sinning against the living Sovereign LORD God by refusing to obey Him.^[18] The evil Pharaoh’s heart, who the living Sovereign LORD God controlled, remained stubborn, obstinate, and hardened, and he refused to release the Israelites from slavery so they could worship the LORD (Yahweh).^[19] However, the living Sovereign LORD God protected and shielded His people with His abiding peace from the harmful plagues, including the firstborn’s death, by passing over the Israelites’ homes.^[20] The Sovereign LORD God’s purpose of the Exodus was to reveal the God of the Hebrews, who is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as the only true God of heaven and earth with all power, glory, and superiority over everything, and to lead everyone to worship and honor Him as LORD and King.^[21]

 

Sometime later, the living Sovereign LORD God sent the ninth plague of darkness, bringing complete darkness over all of Egypt so that the evil Pharaoh would release Israel from slavery.^[22] After feeling the darkness, the evil Pharaoh agreed to release the Israelites from slavery, but once again, the wicked Pharaoh lied and refused to submit to the LORD (Yahweh) by releasing Israel from slavery.^[23] Then, the living Sovereign LORD God sent His tenth plague and final angry blow upon Egypt by destroying and killing all the Egyptians' firstborn sons living in every family, including Pharaoh’s firstborn son, and killing the firstborn of all the Egyptian male animals and livestock.^[24] The living Sovereign LORD God’s tenth and final plague was to strike and execute judgment against all the gods of Egypt so the Egyptians would know the LORD (Yahweh) is the only true God of heaven and earth.^[25] However, the living Sovereign LORD God announced to the evil Pharaoh that there would be peace and safety over God’s people.^[26]

 

Finally, the evil Pharaoh released the Israelites from slavery after experiencing the strong wrath and mighty power of the living Sovereign LORD God, so Israel could worship the LORD (Yahweh).^[27] The evil Pharaoh released the Israelites from slavery, and Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt as a strong and great army, with the living Sovereign LORD God as Israel’s Commander-in-Chief leading the way through His Glory Cloud—a fiery cloud that provided protection and guidance to Israel.^[28] The Israelites endured 430 years of brutal slavery and oppression as the living Sovereign LORD God warned Abraham in Genesis 15, so Israel would receive the Promised Land of God - Israel-Palestine, which flows with milk and honey, that He promised Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.^[29] Even more, the living Sovereign LORD God gave His people favor amongst the Egyptians, and Israel plundered and stripped the Egyptians of their wealth as they were leaving slavery.^[30]

 

From the events of Exodus, the living Sovereign LORD God established the beginning of the New Year (Abib, later called by the Babylonians Nisan), the LORD’s Passover celebration meal of the spotless Passover animal (lamb or goat), and the Festival of Unleavened Bread (celebration of seven days eating bread without yeast).^[31] The living Sovereign LORD God commanded the Israelites to take some of the Passover animal’s blood and smear it over their home’s doorframe, and then He would pass over their home during His final plague of death.^[32] Thus, the Passover meal and the Festival of Unleavened Bread are annual spring festivals that celebrate God’s eternal laws, marking the living Sovereign LORD God’s redemption and deliverance of His people, Israel, from the evil of Egyptian slavery and death.^[33]

 

The New Testament states that Christ Jesus celebrated the annual Jewish Passover during His public ministry on earth.^[34] Notably, Christ Jesus’ sacrificial death and resurrection are closely linked in the New Testament to the Passover season.^[35] Christ Jesus’ last supper with His disciples on Thursday evening before His sacrificial death at Calvary on Friday was the Passover meal celebration (Seder meal).^[36] Christ Jesus is the sacrificial Passover Lamb of God, who gave His spotless life as a ransom Passover Lamb, to redeem and free everyone through faithful obedience to Him from Satan’s evil bondage and bring us into God’s Kingdom family and new life.^[37] In fact, the Apostle Paul in the New Testament draws a comparison between the Passover of the Exodus and the sacrifice of Christ Jesus our Lord, to be celebrated with sincerity and truth.^[38] In essence, Christ Jesus’s sacrificial death transformed the traditional annual Passover with reference to His own sacrificial death as the Passover Lamb of God.^[39]

 

The living Sovereign LORD God controls all the world by His mighty hand as the only true God and King of the nations.^[40] There is NO ONE like the LORD (also known as Yahweh or the Great I AM) in all the heavens and earth, as all the earth belongs to the LORD.^[41] Nothing is too hard for the God of the Hebrews - the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.^[42] The living Sovereign LORD God as King of the Universe controls light and darkness, life and death, and all the forces of the heavens.^[43] The teachings of Exodus reveal why EVERYONE must humbly obey, submit, fear, and importantly wholeheartedly love the living Sovereign LORD God with their whole hearts, souls, and minds because He is God Almighty (El Shaddai) and He cares for His people.^[44] The God of the Hebrews is the Creator of everything, and He is the LORD of Heaven’s Armies (Sabaoth or the LORD of Hosts) as the Commander of all heavenly forces and powers.^[45] Although the living Sovereign LORD God is Almighty, He is also the God of mercy and grace, slow to anger, and filled with unfailing love, truth, and faithfulness.^[46]

 

Here is more Good News. The living Sovereign LORD God of heaven and earth has sent His Son Christ Jesus as the Redeemer and Liberator who sets all humanity free from Satan and his dark living through our faithful obedience to Christ Jesus.^[47] Christ Jesus is our Lord and Savior who delivers us from Satan’s bondage to sin and evildoing.[48] Jesus is the LORD!

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^[1] Exodus 6:7; see also Exodus 7:5, 17; Exodus 8:10, 19, 22; Exodus 9:13-14, 29; Exodus 10:2; Exodus 11:7; Exodus 15:11; Exodus 18:11; Deuteronomy 4:35, 39; Deuteronomy 6:4-6; Psalm 47:2, 7; Isaiah 41:14: Isaiah 43:1; Isaiah 44:6, 8; Isaiah 45:5, 21; Isaiah 46:9; Acts 14:15; Acts 17:23-28; 1 Corinthians 8:4, 6.

^[2] Exodus 5:6-11; see also Genesis 15:13; Exodus 1:11, 13-14. 

^[3] See Exodus 5:12-19. Notably, archaeologists digging and researching in Egypt discovered three kinds of sun-dried bricks - some made of good straw, some containing mere roots and bits of straw, and then some with no straw - confirming Exodus 5:10 of the Israelites building in Egypt without straw (see New Student Bible, Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1992, p. 89). 

^[4] Exodus 7:8-11:10; see also Psalm 78:43. The land of Egypt is also called the land of Ham, who are descendants of Noah’s son Ham (see Genesis 10:1, 6; Psalm 78:51).  

^[5] See e.g., Exodus 9:18, 23-24; Exodus 10:14.

^[6] See e.g., Exodus 7:3-5; Exodus 10:1-2; cf. Luke 24:19; John 2:23; John 3:2; John 11:47; John 12:37; Acts 2:22; Acts 10:38.

^[7] See e.g., Deuteronomy 13:1-3; Matthew 24:24; John 8:41; 2 Thessalonians 2:9.

^[8] See e.g., Exodus 7:10-12, 22; Exodus 8:7-8, 18-19.  

^[9] See Exodus 8:19.

^[10] Exodus 7:14-25; see also Psalm 78:44; Psalm 105:29.

^[11] Exodus 8:1-15; see also Psalm 78:45; Psalm 105:30.

^[12] Exodus 8:16-10:20; see also Psalm 78:45-48; Psalm 105:31-35.

^[13] See Exodus 8:8-12, 28; Exodus 9:27-30; Exodus 10:16-17.

^[14] Exodus 8:13; see also Exodus 8:29-30; Exodus 9:33; Exodus 10:18-19.

^[15] See e.g., Exodus 32:11-13, 30-32; Numbers 14:13-19.

^[16] See Exodus 8:15, 32.

^[17] Exodus 11:3: see also Deuteronomy 34:10-12.

^[18] See e.g., Exodus 8:29; Exodus 9:27, 34-35; Exodus 10:16-17.

^[19] See e.g., Exodus 7:14, 16, 22; Exodus 8:15, 19-20, 32; Exodus 9:7, 12; Exodus 10:1-2, 20, 27; Exodus 11:9-10; cf. Exodus 4:21, 23; Exodus 14:4, 8; Proverbs 21:1.

^[20] See e.g., Exodus 8:21-23; Exodus 9:3-4, 6-7, 25-26; Exodus 10:22-23; Exodus 11:7. 

^[21] See e.g., Exodus 3:16-18; Exodus 4:23; Exodus 5:1; Exodus 7:16; Exodus 8:1, 20, 27; Exodus 9:1, 14-16; Exodus 10:2-3, 9; Exodus 11:7; Exodus 14:4, 17; cf. Romans 9:17.

^[22] Exodus 10:21-23; see also Deuteronomy 28:29; Psalm 105:28.

^[23] See Exodus 10:24-29.

^[24] Exodus 11:4-6; Exodus 12:12, 28-30; Exodus 13:15; see also Psalm 78:49-51; Psalm 105:36; Psalm 135:8-9; Psalm 136:10.

^[25] Exodus 12:12; see also Exodus 6;6; Numbers 33:4. 

^[26] Exodus 11:7; see also Exodus 8:22-23, Exodus 9:6, 26; Exodus 10:23. 

^[27] Exodus 12:31-33; Exodus 13:3, 14-16; see also Exodus 8:8, 25; Exodus 10:7; Exodus 11:1.

^[28] Exodus 12:37, 50-51; Exodus 13:18, 20-22; Exodus 14:19-20, 24; Exodus 33:9-10; see also Numbers 9:15-23; Psalm 105:39; 1 Corinthians 10:1.

^[29] See e.g., Exodus 1:11; Exodus 3:8, 17; Exodus 12:25-26; 40-41; Exodus 13:5; cf. Genesis 12:7; Genesis 13:14-17; Genesis 15:7, 13-21; Genesis 17:8; Genesis 46:3-4; Genesis 48:3-4; Acts 7:6.

^[30] Exodus 12:36; see also Genesis 15:14; Exodus 3:21-22.

^[31] Exodus 12:1-30, 39; Exodus 13:4; Exodus 23:14-15; Exodus 34:18; see also Leviticus 23:4-8; Numbers 9:1-14; Numbers 28:16-25; Deuteronomy 16:1-8; Nehemiah 2:1; Esther 3:7; cf. 1 Peter 1:18-19.

^[32] Exodus 12:5-7, 11-13, 21-23; see also Hebrews 11:28.

^[33] See Exodus 12:14, 17, 24-27; Exodus 13:3-10; Exodus 34:18. Sadly, many Jews did not obey the LORD and carry out the Passover celebration (see e.g., 2 Kings 23:21-23; 1 Chronicles 35:1, 18-19). Notably, the LORD has restricted the Passover celebration only to native-born Israelites and not foreigners and outsiders (see Exodus 12:43-49).

^[34] John 2:13; John 6:4; John 11:55; John 13:1; see also John 5:1.

^[35] See e.g., Matthew 26:2; John 1:29, 36; 1 Peter 1:19. 

^[36] See Matthew 26:17-30; Mark 14:12-26; Luke 22:7-23; John 13:1-30; cf. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26.

^[37] See e.g., Matthew 20:28; Matthew 26:28; Mark 10:45; John 1:12-13, 29; 36; John 3:3-8, 15-18, 36; John 8:31-36; John 10:10; John 19:14; 1 Corinthians 5:6-8; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21; Galatians 3:26-29; Hebrews 4:15, Hebrews 7:26, Hebrews 9:14, 28; 1 Peter 1:19; 1 Peter 2:21-24; cf. Isaiah 53:7, 9.

^[38] See e.g., 1 Corinthians 5:7-8. 

^[39] See e.g., John 1:29, 36; Acts 8:32-35; 1 Corinthians 5;7; 1 Peter 1:19; Revelation 5:1-14; cf. Exodus 12:3;  Isaiah 53:7-8.

^[40] See e.g., Exodus 11:4-5; Exodus 12:12, 23; Numbers 33:4; Deuteronomy 32:39; cf. Psalm 10:16; Psalm 29:10; Psalm 93:1-2; Jeremiah 10:7, 10; Hebrews 11:27-28; 1 Timothy 6:17; Revelation 15:3-5.

^[41] Exodus 9:29; Exodus 15:11-12; see also Genesis 17:1; 1 Kings 8:22-23; Psalm 24:1; Psalm 86:8-10; Isaiah 6:3; Isaiah 44:6, 8; Jeremiah 10:6; 1 Corinthians 8:4 1 Corinthians 10:26.

^[42] See e.g., Genesis 18:14; Jeremiah 32:17, 27; Matthew 19:26; Mark 10:27; Luke 1:37; Luke 18:27.

^[43] See e.g., Genesis 1:4-5; Deuteronomy 32:39; 1 Samuel 2:6; Psalm 18:28; Psalm 50:22; Isaiah 45:7; Jeremiah 10:13; cf. Mark 4:39.

^[44] Exodus 20:2-6; see also Genesis 17:1; Deuteronomy 4:32-39; Deuteronomy 6:4-6; Deuteronomy 10:12-13; Deuteronomy 33:26-27; Job 28:28; Proverbs 1:7; Proverbs 9:10; Matthew 6:33; Matthew 22:37; Mark 12:29-30; Luke 10:27.

^[45] See e.g., Genesis 1:1-2:4; Jeremiah 10:12-13, 16; Jeremiah 51:15-16. 

^[46] See e.g., Exodus 34:5-7; Numbers 14:18; Nehemiah 9:17; Psalm 25:6; Psalm 51:1; Psalm 86:15; Psalm 103:8; Psalm 145:8; Joel 2:12-13; Jonah 4:2; Romans 2:4; 1 John 4:7, 16.

^[47] See e.g., John 3:16-17, 36; John 8:31-36; John 14:15-17, 21-23; John 15:10; Romans 6:4-6; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21; Hebrews 2:14-18; Hebrews 3:1-6; 1 John 3:8-12.

[48] See e.g., Luke 2:10-11; Romans 10:9; Philippians 2:11.

God's Protection

 The living Sovereign LORD God of heaven and earth defeated all the gods of Egypt by His great power with signs and wonders, and He brought His people Israel as a mighty army with boldness from Egyptian slavery, with Moses leading the way.^[1] As Israel was leaving Egypt, the living Sovereign LORD God by His grace covered, guided, and protected Israel underneath His wings in a pillar of cloud by day, and during the night, He went ahead of Israel in a pillar of fire.^[2] This amazing pillar of cloud and pillar of fire was the Glory Cloud, and the Glory Cloud of God is seen throughout the Holy Bible, including at Mount Sinai, as the living God’s Presence - a Theophany.^[3]

 

As Israel was leaving Egypt, the living Sovereign LORD God led the Israelites to the edge of the Red Sea.^[4]However, the evil Pharaoh once again became stubborn and hardhearted, refusing to submit with repentance to the LORD (Yahweh), and he and his fellow Egyptians pursued the Israelites so Israel could return to slavery and bondage.^[5] So, the evil Pharaoh and the Egyptians took their elite military men with fighting chariots and pursued the Israelites so they could return them to Egyptian slavery.^[6] However, the living Sovereign LORD God was controlling the evil Pharaoh by hardening his heart, so He could display and reveal His power and glory to the evil Pharaoh and the Egyptians, making Himself known as the only true God and King of heaven and earth.^[7] In the New Testament, Christ Jesus also noted that His Holy Father allowed certain events, such as the blind man receiving his sight and Lazarus rising from the dead, for God’s glory and honor.^[8] Moreover, the LORD knew the evil Pharaoh would be hardhearted and stubborn because the evil Pharaoh believed he was mightier and stronger than the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob - the Great I AM (Yahweh).^[9]

 

As the evil Pharaoh and his army drew near, the Israelites panicked and became afraid as they cried out to the LORD.^[10] Also, the Israelites became discouraged, succumbing to fear and not faith in the living LORD, as well as becoming angry with Moses, wanting to return to Egyptian slavery.^[11] Moses declared his confidence and faith in the living LORD and assured the people not to be afraid nor discouraged because the LORD (Yahweh) was with them as a Divine Warrior, and He would fight and protect them against the Egyptians.^[12]In one of the greatest statements of faith in the Holy Bible, Moses told the people, “Do not be afraid…. stand still and watch the LORD rescue you today…. The LORD Himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.”^[13] The story of the Red Sea is a reminder that although Israel was “ready for battle” and marching out of Egypt boldly, the victory would be won by the LORD alone.^[14] Significantly, the living Sovereign LORD God revealed His great almighty power to save and shield His people who call upon Him and His Holy Name by faith.^[15] The great Name of the LORD - Yahweh has wonder-working power to save and protect when you believe and trust in Him by faith.^[16]

 

Then, the living Sovereign LORD God commanded Moses to put his faith into action by raising his staff (rod) over the Red Sea so the Israelites could cross the Red Sea on dry ground.^[17] Then, the mighty Angel of God and the Glory Cloud, who traveled and went before Israel, came between God’s people to shield and protect them from Pharaoh’s army.^[18] The living Sovereign LORD God protected and shielded His people with His Glory Cloud.^[19] Moses obeyed the living Sovereign LORD God’s command, and he raised his staff over the Red Sea. Then, the Sovereign LORD God sent His mighty wind from His nostrils to divide and push back the sea to create a safe path for His people to safely cross on dry land, protected in the midst of the sea.^[20]Moses and the Israelites followed the dry path through the Red Sea to the other side. Israel’s baptism and escape through the Red Sea was one of the greatest climactic rescues in human history.^[21]

 

Then, the living Sovereign LORD God looked upon the Egyptian army from His Glory Cloud with grace, and He began fighting for Israel by bringing trouble and confusion to the Egyptian army and even jamming the wheels of the Egyptian military chariots.^[22] The Egyptians realized the living Sovereign LORD God was fighting for the Israelites as Israel’s Divine Warrior.^[23] After the Israelites safely crossed the Red Sea on dry land, the living Sovereign LORD God commanded Moses to stretch out his staff (rod) over the Red Sea so the waters would return to flow back over evil Pharaoh and the Egyptian army.^[24] Pharaoh’s army pursued the Israelites through the Red Sea, but the living Sovereign LORD God continued fighting for Israel by blowing the winds from His nostrils to return the sea waters to punish and overthrow the Egyptians in the midst of the Red Sea and completely drown the Egyptians' elite military men and fighting chariots.^[25] At the Red Sea, the living Sovereign LORD God revealed His awesome glory and mighty power by destroying the Egyptians as promised and saving Israel with His mighty hand and strong power.^[26] Then, the Israelites feared and honored the living Sovereign LORD God and placed their trust in Him and in Moses, who was God’s servant.^[27]

 

Moses and all of Israel celebrated their “exodus” from Egypt and honored the living Sovereign LORD God for their deliverance and salvation with singing, dancing, and laughter to the LORD.^[28] Israel was free - Independence Day! The living Sovereign LORD God saved and gave Israel victory over the great Egyptian army as He promised Father Abraham in the book of Genesis.^[29] Moses and the Israelites declared that the LORD (Yahweh) is a mighty Warrior and Defender who fights and protects His people from their enemies and harm with His incredible power and authority.^[30] Then, Miriam the prophetess, who was the sister of Moses and Aaron, led the women of Israel with singing, dancing, and praises to the living Sovereign LORD God for His triumphant deliverance over Egypt and salvation of Israel.^[31] Amazingly, the Holy Bible celebrates Israel’s deliverance from Egyptian slavery and salvation at the Red Sea as a way of describing the living Sovereign LORD God’s mighty power and hand as the Great I AM who brought Israel out of Egypt.^[32]  

 

The living Sovereign LORD God revealed to the Egyptians and all the world that the God of the Hebrews is the only true God of heaven and earth with all authoritative power, glory, and superiority as the mighty LORD and great King of the Universe.^[33] Israel’s deliverance and salvation from Egypt displayed the living Sovereign LORD God’s supernatural control and miraculous power over the forces of nature, including winds and the sea, as well as Egypt’s human forces and military weapons to protect and fight for His people.^[34] The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is forever good and holy, and He is the eternal and reigning God of gods and Lord of lords over all creation, and there is no other god like Him.^[35] The LORD reigns and lives forever and ever over all nations as King, and He is our wonderful Savior.^[36]

 

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^[1] Exodus 12:12, 37, 41-42, 51; Exodus 13:3, 9, 14, 16; see also Exodus 6:6; Exodus 20:2-3; Leviticus 26:13; Numbers 33:3-4; Deuteronomy 4:20, 34-35; Deuteronomy 5:6-7; Deuteronomy 6:12, 20-23; Deuteronomy 7:8; Deuteronomy 9:29; Psalm 136:11-12; Acts 7:35-36; Acts 13:17. 

^[2] Exodus 13:21-22; Exodus 14:19, 24; Exodus 19:4; Exodus 33:9-10; see also Numbers 10:34; Deuteronomy 1:33; Nehemiah 9:12, 19-20; Psalm 78:14; Psalm 105:39; 1 Corinthians 10:1.

^[3] See e.g., Exodus 16:10; Exodus 19:18; Exodus 24:16-17; Exodus 33:7-11; Exodus 34:5; Exodus 40:34-38; Numbers 9:15-23; Numbers 11:25; Numbers 12:5; Numbers 16:42; Deuteronomy 31:15; 1 Kings 8:11; 2 Chronicles 7:1-2; Matthew 17:5. One day, Christ Jesus our Lord will appear in the Glory Cloud at His great return (see e.g., Matthew 24:30; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Thessalonians 4:17-18; Revelation 1:7; Revelation 14:14-16; cf. Daniel 7:13-14).

^[4] See Exodus 13:17-18; Exodus 14:1-3.

^[5] Exodus 14:4-5; see also Exodus 7:13-14, 22; Exodus 8:15, 19, 32; Exodus 9:7, 34-35; Psalm 105:23-25. 

^[6] See Exodus 14:6-9.

^[7] Exodus 14:4, 8, 17-18; see also Exodus 4:21; Exodus 6:2-3, 7; Exodus 7:5, 17; Exodus 8:10, 22; Exodus 9:12, 14, 16, 29; Exodus 10:1-2, 20, 27; Exodus 11:9-10; Exodus 29:46; cf. Nehemiah 9:10; Proverbs 21:1; Romans 9:17, 22-23.

^[8] See e.g., John 9:3-6; John 11:4, 40-44. 

^[9] See e.g., Exodus 3:14-16, 19; Exodus 6:2-8; Exodus 8:15, 19, 32. Here is more Good News: Christ Jesus is One with His Holy Father - the living Sovereign LORD God - also as the Great I AM (see John 4:26; John 5:19; John 8:24, 28, 58; John 10:36-38; John 14:9-11; cf. Exodus 3:14-15).

^[10] Exodus 14:10; see also Nehemiah 9:9; Psalm 77:1.

^[11] Exodus 14:11-12; see also Exodus 6:9; Exodus 15:24; Psalm 106:7-8.

^[12] Exodus 14:13-14, 30; Exodus 15:2-3; see also Numbers 14:9; Deuteronomy 1:29-30; Deuteronomy 3:22; Deuteronomy 31:6; Joshua 10:25; 2 Chronicles 20:17, 29; Isaiah 41:10, 13-14; Romans 8:31, 37; 1 Corinthians 15:57; 1 John 5:4.

^[13] Exodus 14:13-14; see also Psalm 46:10-11.

^[14] Exodus 14:14; Exodus 15:3; see also Exodus 13:18; Exodus 14:8; Deuteronomy 3:22; Deuteronomy 20:4; Joshua 10:14; Joshua 23:3, 10.

^[15] See e.g., 1 Samuel 17:45-47; 2 Chronicles 20:15-17, 20; 2 Chronicles 32:7-8; Psalm 9:10; Acts 16:30-31; Romans 10:9-13.

^[16] See e.g., Exodus 3:13-15; Psalm 20:1; Psalm 54:1; Psalm 99:6-7; Proverbs 18:10; Zephaniah 3:17; Acts 2:21. 

^[17] See Exodus 14:15-16.

^[18] Exodus 14:19-20; see also Isaiah 63:9.

^[19] Exodus 14:20; see also Exodus 8:22-23; Exodus 9:4-7, 25-26; Exodus 10:22-23; Exodus 11:7; Exodus 12:13, 23, 27; Numbers 33:4.

^[20] Exodus 14:21-29; see also Exodus 15:8, 19; Joshua 3:14-16; Nehemiah 9:11; Psalm 66:5-6; Psalm 74:13; Psalm 77:16-20; Psalm 78:13, 52-53; Psalm 106:9; Psalm 114:5; Psalm 136:13-14; Isaiah 63:11-13; Acts 7:36.

^[21] Exodus 14:15-31; see also 1 Corinthians 10:1-2.

^[22] Exodus 14:24-25; see also Exodus 7:5; Exodus 13:21; Jeremiah 15:20.

^[23] Exodus 14:25; see also Exodus 15:3-5.

^[24] Exodus 14:26-27; see also Exodus 15:1, 21; Psalm 78:53; Psalm 106:9-11. 

^[25] Exodus 14:27-28; see also Exodus 15:4, 9-10, 12, 19, 21; Psalm 78:53, Psalm 136:15.

^[26] Exodus 14:17-18, 30-31; see also Exodus 3:19-20; Exodus 6:1; Exodus 7:4-5; Exodus 15:6-7; Deuteronomy 6:20-23; Joshua 2:9-11; Joshua 24:17; Psalm 58:10; Psalm 77:11-20; Psalm 106:8-12; Isaiah 63:11-13.

^[27] See Exodus 14:31.

^[28] Exodus 15:1-2; see also Psalm 18:2-3, 46-50; Psalm 106:12; Isaiah 12:1-6; Habakkuk 3:18; Revelation 15:3-4.

^[29] Exodus 15:2; see also Genesis 15:13-14; Exodus 3:8-10; Exodus 6:6-7; Exodus 12:37, 40-41; 1 Corinthians 15:57-58.

^[30] Exodus 15:3-7; see also Exodus 14:14; Psalm 24:8; Psalm 77:14-15.

^[31] Exodus 15:20-21; see also Numbers 26:59; Deuteronomy 4:34-35; 1 Chronicles 6:3; Psalm 30:11-12; Psalm 150:4; Micah 6:4; cf. Judges 4:4.

^[32] See e.g., Exodus 20:2-3; Deuteronomy 29:2; Joshua 24:5-7; Psalm 106:9-10; Psalm 136:13-14; Isaiah 51:10; Isaiah 63:11-13; Acts 7:36; Hebrews 11:29.

^[33] See e.g., Exodus 3:16-18; Exodus 4:23; Exodus 5:1-2; Exodus 6:3; Exodus 7:16; Exodus 8:1, 20, 27; Exodus 9:1, 14-16, 29; Exodus 10:2-3, 9; Exodus 11:7; Exodus 12:12; Exodus 14:4, 17; Deuteronomy 4:34-35, 39; Joshua 2:10-11; Joshua 4:23-24; 1 Kings 8:59-60; 1 Kings 18:36-39; 2 Kings 5:15; 2 Kings 19:19; 2 Chronicles 20:5-6; Psalm 10:16; Psalm 24:8-10; Psalm 83:18; Psalm 136:26; Jeremiah 10:7-10; Daniel 4:17, 34-37; 1 Timothy 6:17; cf. Genesis 17:1; Romans 9:17.

^[34] Exodus 14:21-31; Exodus 15:7-10; see also Joshua 10:11; Psalm 74:13-17; Psalm 77:11-20; Psalm 89:8-9; Romans 8:31, 37; Hebrews 11:29.

^[35] Exodus 15:11, 18; see also Deuteronomy 10:17; 1 Samuel 2:2; 1 Kings 8:23; 1 Chronicles 16:34;1 Chronicles 29:11-12; 2 Chronicles 25:8; Psalm 89:6-9; Psalm 106:1; Psalm 136:1-3; Isaiah 6:3; Isaiah 57:15; Micah 7:18-19; Nahum 1:7.

^[36] Psalm 15:18; see also Psalm 9:7; Psalm 10:16; Psalm 24:7-10; Psalm 29:10-11; Psalm 47:7-8; Psalm 66:6-7; Isaiah 40:28-31; Isaiah 43:3, 11; Isaiah 66:1-2; Zephaniah 3:17.

Love God and Love People

Jesus taught that the entire Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms can be summarized by FIRST loving the Sovereign LORD God with ALL our hearts, souls, minds, and strength, and SECOND loving our neighbor as ourselves.^[1] Notably, Jesus quoted from the Old Testament in giving the entire Holy Bible's greatest and first commandment. According to Jesus, the first and greatest of all the commandments is to know that the LORD our God is one LORD, and we are to LOVE the LORD our God with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our mind, and with all our strength and energy.^[2] The first and great commandment captures the idea of a total and wholehearted devotion to the covenant Sovereign LORD God and includes the duty to obey God’s commandments.[3] Jesus quoted Deuteronomy when teaching the first and greatest commandment of the Holy Bible.^[4]

 

Next, Jesus taught the second greatest commandment is to love and care for our neighbor as ourselves with all mercy.^[5]Love does not hurt and harm others.[6] Jesus wanted everyone to be good towards one another, even if they were of a different race or a foreigner.^[7] Again, with the second great commandment, Jesus quoted from Leviticus 19:18 of the Old Testament. As taught in the Old Testament, Jesus wanted everyone not to hate nor bear vengeance, bitterness, unforgiveness, and anger against another person in our hearts but to love one another from a pure heart.^[8] True love from heaven above lasts forever.^[9]

 

The Gospel of Mark noted that our wholehearted love, obedience, and passion for the Sovereign LORD God and love for others as we love ourselves are more important than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.^[10] In fact, Jesus taught that those who love God and others are close to entering God’s Kingdom and will have life.^[11] Jesus taught that God wants mercy, compassion, fairness, and forgiveness toward others more than religion and sacrifice.^[12] As a Jewish Rabbi, Jesus’ teaching about mercy and fairness towards others comes directly from the Old Testament prophets and describes what the Sovereign LORD God wants from ALL PEOPLE – Jews and Gentiles.^[13]

 

Since the Old Testament, the covenant Sovereign LORD God announced through His prophets that He required wholehearted faithfulness, love, and obedience to Him and mercy and fairness towards others more than our rituals, religion, tithes, Sabbaths, and sacrifices.^[14] Obedience to the Sovereign LORD God and love for one another are more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices, leading to entrance into God’s Kingdom.^[15] Moreover, the Apostle Paul wrote that loving and caring for others is the best and most excellent way of life.^[16] The Apostle Paul encouraged everyone not to seek one’s own good but seek the good of God and others first.^[17] Even our spiritual gifts from God are for the good of others and to build up the church.^[18]

 

A genuine and loving relationship with the Sovereign LORD God and His Son Jesus demands our wholehearted devotion and faith that yields humble obedience to Him as well as mercy and kindness towards others.^[19] Sacrifices representing repentance and faith could repair a breach caused by sin, but sacrifices are never a substitute for a life lived by obedience to God and His Word.^[20] In summary, the Law of Moses, the Prophets, Psalms, and the New Testament call everyone to FAITH and OBEDIENCE with our whole hearts to the covenant Sovereign LORD God and His commandments.^[21]The covenant Sovereign LORD God calls everyone to be good, forgiving, and truthful towards one another and live for His glory.^[22] Only when we have love and faith in the covenant Sovereign LORD God and love for one another that believers truly fulfill the Law of God and His Son Jesus – the Law of Christ.^[23]

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[1] See e.g., Deuteronomy 6:4-6; Deuteronomy 10:12-13; Leviticus 19:18; Micah 6:6-8; Matthew 7:12; Matthew 22:34-40; Mark 12:28-31; Luke 6:31; Luke 10:25-28; John 13:34-35; John 15:12; Romans 12:9; 1 Thessalonians 4:9; Hebrews 13:1-3, 16; 1 John 3:11, 23.

[2] See Matthew 22:37-38; Mark 12:29-30; John 17:3.

[3] See e.g., John 14:15, 21-23; 1 John 5:3.

[4] Deuteronomy 4:35-39; Deuteronomy 6:4-5, Deuteronomy 10:12, Deuteronomy 30:6; see also Joshua 2:11; Isaiah 55:6.

[5] See e.g., Matthew 5:43; Matthew 7:12; Matthew 19:19; Matthew 22:39; Mark 23:23; Mark 12:31; Luke 6:31; Luke 10:25-37; John 13:34-35; John 15:12-13, 17; Romans 12:9; Galatians 5:14; Colossians 3:14; 1 Thessalonians 4:9; Hebrews 13:1-3, 16; James 2:8; 1 John 4:8, 16.

[6] See e.g., Romans 13:10. 

[7] See e.g., Luke 10:25-37.

[8] Matthew 5:3-12, 21-26, 44-45; Matthew 6:12, 14-15; Mark 11:25; see also Leviticus 19:11, 17-18; Romans 13:8-10; Ephesians 4:24-26; Ephesians 5:1-3; Colossians 3:13; 1 Timothy 1:5; Hebrews 12:15; 1 John 2:9-11; 1 John 3:15, 23-24.

[9] See e.g., 1 Corinthians 13:8.

[10] See Mark 12:33-34.

[11] See Mark 12:34; Luke 10:28. To enter God’s Kingdom also requires our wholehearted love and trust in Jesus, who is One with His Holy Father (see e.g., John 3:16-18; John 14:1, 6, 9-11).

[12] See e.g., Matthew 7:12; Matthew 9:13; Matthew 12:7; Mark 12:33; Luke 6:31; John 7:24.

[13] See e.g., Isaiah 1:16-19; Isaiah 56:1.

[14] See e.g., Deuteronomy 10:12-13; 1 Samuel 15:22-23; Isaiah 1:11-17; Isaiah 57:15; Jeremiah 22:3, 16; Hosea 6:6; Amos 5:4, 6, 14-15; Micah 6:6-8; Habakkuk 2:4; Zechariah 7:9-10; Matthew 9:13; Matthew 23:23; Luke 11:42; James 1:27.

[15] See e.g., Psalm 40:8; Jeremiah 7:22-23; Mark 12:33-34.

[16] See e.g., Romans 15:1-2; 1 Corinthians 10:24; 1 Corinthians 12:31; 1 Corinthians 13:1-3; 1 Corinthians 14:1.

[17] See e.g., Romans 12:9-10; 1 Corinthians 10:24; 1 Corinthians 13:5; Philippians 2:3-4.

[18] See e.g., 1 Corinthians 12:7-11.

[19] See e.g., Exodus 19:5-6; Jeremiah 7:22-23; Micah 6:6-8.

[20] See e.g., 1 Samuel 15:22-23; Psalm 40:6-8; Psalm 51:16-17; Hebrews 10:5-9.

[21] See e.g., Deuteronomy 6:4-6, 17-18; Joshua 1:7-8; Joshua 22:5; Joshua 23:6-8, 11; Luke 8:21; John 14:15, 21, 23-24; John 15:9-10, 14; 1 Corinthians 7:19; 1 John 2:3-5; 1 John 5:3; 2 John 1:6; Revelation 22:14-15.

[22] See e.g., Genesis 17:1; Matthew 7:12; Matthew 22:39; Luke 6:31; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Colossians 3:12-14, 17.

[23] See e.g., Matthew 7:12; Matthew 22:34-40; John 13:34-35; John 15:12; Romans 3:31; Romans 12:9-10; Romans 13:10; Galatians 6:1-2; Hebrews 13:1-3, 16; James 2:8.