The Book Of Exodus Essay
Student Number: 201423787
Course: GradDip
Unit: OT501D: Old Testament Foundations
Title: What is the theological function of the plague narratives within the book of Exodus?
Word limit: 2000
Word count: 1927
Date due: 16/4/2014
Date submitted: 15/4/2014
Disclaimer:
The following essay, of which I have kept a copy, is entirely the work of the undersigned and all sources of ideas and expressions are duly acknowledged in footnotes or endnotes.
Signed: Daniel Chieng Date: 15/4/14
ABSTRACT
The main theological function of the plague narratives in Exodus is to bring about recognition of God to the Egyptians and the Israelites. The author of Exodus has wonderfully used a well-structured literary style to emphasize that the plagues are not just random events but in fact an act of God. Throughout each plague, the nature and character God are being revealed progressively. Pharaoh is merely an object God uses to display His power and His sovereignty. The hardening of his heart allows God to continue to flaunt His ‘signs and wonders’ before the Egyptians. We also see that God is in fact God of Israel by exempting them from the plagues. Furthermore, the liberation of Israel from slavery leads them to a deeper understanding and knowledge of God which in turn, inspires worship. The author wrote this narrative with the intention that it will be passed down to the future generations of Israel, that they might know God as well. It also challenges the contemporary readers to put their faith in the Creator and the Liberator, Yahweh.
The book of Exodus, as we know, records one of the most well-known stories in the bible – the redemption of Israel from the Egyptian bondage. This event is all orchestrated by our mighty God, Yahweh. One way God used to save Israel, as part of His plans, is through the ten plagues. But what is the purpose of going through ten plagues? Why didn’t God just make one catastrophic plague that
Course: GradDip
Unit: OT501D: Old Testament Foundations
Title: What is the theological function of the plague narratives within the book of Exodus?
Word limit: 2000
Word count: 1927
Date due: 16/4/2014
Date submitted: 15/4/2014
Disclaimer:
The following essay, of which I have kept a copy, is entirely the work of the undersigned and all sources of ideas and expressions are duly acknowledged in footnotes or endnotes.
Signed: Daniel Chieng Date: 15/4/14
ABSTRACT
The main theological function of the plague narratives in Exodus is to bring about recognition of God to the Egyptians and the Israelites. The author of Exodus has wonderfully used a well-structured literary style to emphasize that the plagues are not just random events but in fact an act of God. Throughout each plague, the nature and character God are being revealed progressively. Pharaoh is merely an object God uses to display His power and His sovereignty. The hardening of his heart allows God to continue to flaunt His ‘signs and wonders’ before the Egyptians. We also see that God is in fact God of Israel by exempting them from the plagues. Furthermore, the liberation of Israel from slavery leads them to a deeper understanding and knowledge of God which in turn, inspires worship. The author wrote this narrative with the intention that it will be passed down to the future generations of Israel, that they might know God as well. It also challenges the contemporary readers to put their faith in the Creator and the Liberator, Yahweh.
The book of Exodus, as we know, records one of the most well-known stories in the bible – the redemption of Israel from the Egyptian bondage. This event is all orchestrated by our mighty God, Yahweh. One way God used to save Israel, as part of His plans, is through the ten plagues. But what is the purpose of going through ten plagues? Why didn’t God just make one catastrophic plague that
References: Beale, GK. An exegetical and theological consideration of the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart in Exodus 4-14 and Romans 9, Trinity Journal 5 NS (1984): 129-154. Birch, BC., Walter B, Terence F and David LP. A Theological Introduction to the Old Testament. Nashville: Abingdon, 1999. Carpenter, E. Exodus. Evangelical Exegetical Commentary. Bellingham: Lexham Press, 2012. [electronic resource] Ford, WA. God, Pharaoh, and Moses. Paternoster Biblical Monographs. Waynesboro, GA: Paternoster, 2006. Ford, WA. Whose explanation? Which context? : a narrative theological study of the rationale for divine action in the Exodus plagues narrative. Durham University. No pages. Cited 30 March 2014. Online: http://ethese.dur.ac.uk/1773/. Gastiss, L. ‘The significance of the plagues in the narrative of Exodus’, The Theologian. No pages. Cited 29 March 2014. Online: http://www.theologian.org.uk/bible/plagues.html#_ftn9. Hoffmeier, JK. The Arm of God versus the Arm of Pharaoh in the Exodus Narratives. Biblica 67 (1986): 378-387. Mack, J. ‘Strike the water of the Nile and it will be turned into blood’, Jay Mack Teaching Ministry. No Pages. Cited 30 March 2014. Online: http://jaymack.net/exodus-commentary/Bk-Strike-the-Water-of-the-Nile-and-It-Will-Be-Turned-into-Blood.asp. Sarna, NM. Exodus Commentary. The Jewish Publication Society Torah commentary. Philadelphia: The Jewish Publication Society, 1991. [electronic resource] Wenham, G. Exploring the Old Testament. Great Britain: Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, 2003.