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THE EXODUSMOVEMENT

Sabbath School LessonsSenior Division

Third Quarter 1989

THE EXODUS MOVEMENT

Lesson Title Page

1 Israel in Bondage 5

2 Moses.......... . 7

3 A Message of Deliverance 11

4 Moses and Aaron Before Pharaoh 14

5 The Plagues 17

6 The Plagues (continued) ...•.•••••••. 20

7 The Passover 24

8 The Exodus 28

9 The Exodus (continued) ......•..••••• 31

10 Israel at Marah and Elim 34

11 The Manna 37

12 New Experience at Rephidim 40

13 The Visit of Jethro 44

14 The Law of God 47

The Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, The Exodus Movement, for July-September1989, is published by the Seventh Day Adventist Reform Movement General Con­ference, Sabbath School Department. It is printed and distributed by ReformationHerald Publishing Association, P.O. Box 7240, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-0240, U.S.A.

PRINTED IN U.S.A.

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FOREWORDDuring the third and fourth quarters of 1989 we will study a series of lessons

based on "The Exodus Movement." These lessons contain both positive andnegative pictures which have been preserved for our instruction, "that wethrough patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope."

"The history of the wilderness life of Israel was chronicled for the benefitof the Israel of God to the close of time."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 293.

"The murmurings of ancient Israel and their rebellious discontent, as wellas the mighty miracles wrought in their favor and the punishment of theiridolatry and ingratitude, are recorded for our benefit. The example of ancientIsrael is given as a warning to the people of God, that they may avoid unbeliefand escape His wrath. If the iniquities of the Hebrews had been omitted fromthe Sacred Record, and only their virtues recounted, their history would fail toteach us the lesson that it does."-Testimonies, vol. 4, p. II.

"God would have His people in these days review with a humble heart andteachable spirit the trials through which ancient Israel passed, that they may beinstructed in their preparation for the heavenly Canaan."-Patriarchs and Proph·ets, p. 293.

The first part of this course of studies begins with the bondage of Israel andthe birth of Moses. It is not easy to determine exactly the length of time that thechildren of Israel lived in Egypt. The Hebrew text of Exodus 12:40 reads: "Thesojourning of the children of Israel, which they dwelt in Egypt, was four hun­dred and thirty years." The Septuagint and the Samaritan Pentateuch, how­ever, read, "in Egypt and in the land of Canaan." This reading is confirmed bythe apostle Paul in Galatians 3:17, where the giving of the law is referred to ashaving occurred 430 years after the covenant made with Abraham. This view isborne out by the genealogies. According to Genesis 15:16, the enslaved peopleshould return to Canaan "in the fourth generation."

. The oppression of the Israelites in Egypt and the Exodus may be connectedwith the Eighteenth Dynasty, according to some Egyptologists. If this view iscorrect, then Thutmose I (1525-1508 B. C.) was the Pharaoh of the oppressionand Hatshepsut, his daughter, was the foster mother of Moses. Thutmose III(1482-1450 B. C.), his grandson, was the Pharaoh from whom Moses fled, andAmenhotep II, son of Thutmose III, who occupied the throne for 25 years(1450-1425 B. C.) must have been the Pharaoh of the Exodus.

We pray and hope that the brethren will, on the one hand, take advantagefrom the examples of incredulity and disobedience, and that, on the other hand,they will see examples worthy of imitation where there was faith and obe­dience. The precious opportunities forfeited by the Egyptians and the defiantattitude taken by Pharaoh, and the terrible consequences of their wrong course

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of action, will certainly be taken for a warning. The consequences suffered by thepeople of Israel because they yielded to the influence of Egypt, will also be seen as awarning to professed Christians today. But there is also a bright side to be considered-victories full of encouraging lessons. Take, for example, the good work of Jochebedand that of Moses.

The Egyptians - "The sin of the Egyptians was that they had refused the lightwhich God had so graciously sent to them through Joseph."-The SDA Bible Commen­tary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 1, p. 1098.

Pharaoh - "Pharaoh saw the mighty working of the Spirit of God; he saw themiracles which the Lord performed by His servant; but he refused obedience to God'scommand. The rebellious king had proudly inquired, 'Who is the Lord, that I shouldobey his voice to let Israel go? ... [Ex. 5:2].' And as the judgments of God fell moreand more heavily upon him, he persisted in stubborn resistance. By rejecting lightfrom heaven, he became hard and unimpressible. The providence of God was reveal­ing His power, and these manifestations, unacknowledged, were the means of har­dening Pharaoh's heart against greater light. Those who exalt their own ideas abovethe plainly specified will of God, are saying as did Pharaoh, 'Who is the Lord, that Ishould obey His voice?' Every rejection of light hardens the heart and darkens theunderstanding; and thus men find it more and more difficult to distinguish betweenright and wrong, and they become bolder in resisting the will of God." -Ibid., pp. 1099,1100.

The Jews in Egypt - "In their bondage the Israelites had to some extent lost'the knowledge of God's law, and they had departed from its precepts."-Patriarchs andProphets, p. 258. "The task of Moses would have been much less difficult had not manyof the Israelites become so corrupted that they were unwilling to leave Egypt." -Ibid.,p.260.

Jochebed - "During all the years of servitude in Egypt, there had been amongthe Israelites some who adhered to the worship of Jehovah."-Ibid., p. 259. Theparents of Moses were among these faithful few. His mother, a God-fearing woman,knew how to bring up her son. "The whole future life of Moses, the great missionwhich he fulfilled as the leader of Israel, testifies to the importance of the work of theChristian mother."-Ibid., p. 244.

Moses - "Moses was fitted to take pre-eminence among the great of the earth,to shine in the courts of its most glorious kingdom, and to sway the scepter of itspower. His intellectual greatness distinguishes him above the great men of all ages .. . . Yet with the world before him, he had the moral strength to refuse the flatteringprospects of wealth and greatness and fame."-Ibid., p. 246. Moses renounced thethrone of Egypt, "choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than toenjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproach of Christ greaterriches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the re­ward." Hebrews 11:25, 26.

As history has a tendency to repeat itself, and as similar causes still producesimilar results, let us bear in mind that every failure in the past experience of God'speople is a warning to us, and that every success contains an important lesson for us.

May the Lord bless our brethren as they study these lessons!

The General Conference Sabbath School Department

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Lesson 1 Sabbath, July 1, 1989

ISRAEL IN BONDAGE

Pharaoh "ranked them [the children of Israel] with the Egyptians who hadsold themselves with their possessions to the kingdom. Soon taskmasterswere set over them, and their slavery became complete."-Patriarchs andProphets, p. 242.

KEY TEXT: "And the Egyptians made the children of Israel to serve with rigour:and they made their lives bitter with hard bondage." Exodus 1:13, 14.

ISRAEL IN EGYPTo Sunday

June 25

1. What were the names of the sons of Jacob who went to Egypt with him? Ex­odus 1:1-4.

2. How large was the family of Jacob when they settled down in Egypt? Exodus1:5.

•THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL MULTIPLY

o MondayJune 26

3. What is written about the new king that came to power in Egypt? Exodus1:8. In what sense was it said that he "knew nothing about Joseph"?

"But as time rolled on, the great man to whom Egypt owed so much, and thegeneration blessed by his labors, passed to the grave. And 'there arose up a new kingover Egypt, which knew not Joseph.' Not that he was ignorant of Joseph's services tothe nation, but he wished to make no recognition of them, and, so far as possible, tobury them in oblivion." -Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 241.

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4. How greatly did the Israelites multiply in Egypt? Exodus 1:7. What policydid they follow in the land of their adoption?

"Under Joseph's fostering care, and the favor of the king who was then ruling,they [the Jews] had spread rapidly over the land. But they had kept themselves adistinct race, having nothing in common with the Egyptians in customs or religion."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 242.

SUSPICION AND FEAR.0 Tuesday

June 27

5. What did. the new king of Egypt begin to fear in connection with the Jews?Exodus 1:9, 10 (last part).

"[T]heir increasing numbers now excited the fears of the king and his people, lestin case of war they should join themselves with the enemies of Egypt. Yet policy for­bade their banishment from the country."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 242.

6. In view of the fact that the Jews were becoming too numerous, what did theking propose to his counselors and to the people? Exodus 1:10 (first part).

OPPRESSIONo Wednesday

June 28

7. What was the first step that was taken to slow down the rapid multiplicationof the children of Israel? What cities did they build for Pharaoh? Exodus1:11.

"Many of them were able and understanding workmen, and they added greatly tothe wealth of the nation; the king needed such laborers for the erection of his magnifi­cent palaces and temples. Accordingly he ranked them with the Egyptians who hadsold themselves with their possessions to the kingdom. Soon taskmasters were setover them, and their slavery became complete. "-Patliarchs and Prophets, p. 242.

8. What happened in spite of the hardships borne by them? Exodus 1:12.

OPPRESSION (continued)o Thursday

June 29 •

9. How did the king of Egypt increase the suffering of the Jewish people? Ex­odus 1:13, 14.

"The king and his counselors had hoped to subdue the Israelites with hard labor,and thus decrease their numbers and crush out their independent spirit. Failing to ac­complish their purpose, they proceeded to more cruel measures."-Patriarchs andProphets, p. 242.

10. How does the psalmist describe the experience of Israel during the latterpart of their stay in Egypt? Psalm 105:24, 25.

(Continued on page 10)

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Lesson 2

MOSES

Sabbath, July 8, 1989

"The strength of Moses was his connection with the Source of all power, theLord God of hosts. He rises grandly above every earthly inducement, andtrusts himself wholly to God." - The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Com­ments), vol. 1, p. 1098.

KEY TEXT: "By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called theson of Pharaoh's daughter; choosing rather to suffer affliction with thepeople of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season." He­brews 11:24, 25.

PHARAOH'S CRUEL ORDERSD Sunday

July 2

1. When Pharaoh saw that hard slave labor was not bringing the expectedresults, what measures did he take in order to prevent the people of Israelfrom multiplying? Exodus 1:15, 16. How did the midwives act in spite of theinstructions received from the king? Exodus 15:17.

"Orders were issued to the women whose employment gave them opportunity forexecuting the command, to destroy the Hebrew male children at their birth. Satanwas the mover in this matter. He knew that a deliverer was to be raised up among theIsraelites; and by leading the king to destroy their children he hoped to defeat thedivine purpose."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 242.

2. In his disappointment, how did the king speak to the midwives and what wasf their answer? Exodus 15:18, 19. As the midwives obeyed God rather than

men, how did the Lord manifest His approval to them?

SATAN HOPES TO DEFEAT GOD'S PURPOSED Monday

July 3

3. When Pharaoh saw that the midwives were not cooperative, what instruc­tion did he give to the people, to destroy the male children of Israel? Exodus1:22; Acts 7:18, 19.

"The king, angry at the failure of his design, made the command more urgent andextensive. The whole nation was called upon to hunt out and slaughter his helplessvictims."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 242.

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4. What parallel can be seen in the plan of Satan followed in the days of Israel'soppression in Egypt and 1,500 years later? Matthew 2:12-16. Why were theJews, to a great extent, responsible for the calamity that came upon themwhen Christ was born?

"This calamity the Jews had brought upon themselves. If they had been walkingin faithfulness and humility before God, He would in a signal manner have made thewrath of the king harmless to them. But they had separated themselves from God bytheir sins, and had rejected the Holy Spirit, which was their only shield. They had notstudied the Scriptures with a desire to conform to the will of God. They had searchedfor prophecies which could be interpreted to exalt themselves, and to show how Goddespised all other nations. It was their proud boast that the Messiah was to come as aking, conquering His enemies, and treading down the heathen in His wrath. Thusthey had excited the hatred of their rulers. Through their misrepresentation ofChrist's mission, Satan had purposed to compass the destruction of the Saviour; butinstead of this, it returned upon their own heads."-The Desire of Ages, pp. 65, 66.

o TuesdayPRAYER, FAITH, AND COURAGE July 4

5. Who was Moses and who were his parents? Exodus 2:1; 6:20. What didMoses' mother do to save his life? Exodus 2:2-4; Hebrews 11:23.

"While this decree was in full force a son was born to Amram and Jochebed,devout Israelites of the tribe of Levi. The babe was 'a goodly child'; and the parents,believing that the time of Israel's release was drawing near, and that God would raiseup a deliverer for His people, determined that their little one should not be sacrificed.Faith in God strengthened their hearts, 'and they were not afraid of the king's com­mandment.' "-Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 242, 243.

6. How did the plan of Moses' mother succeed? Exodus 2:5-10; Acts 7:20, 21.In what sense was she his first and most important teacher?

"She [Moses' mother] felt confident that he had been preserved for some greatwork, and she knew that he must soon be given up to his royal mother, to be sur­rounded with influences that would tend to lead him away from God. All this renderedher more diligent and careful in his instruction than in that of her other children. Sheendeavored to imbue his mind with the fear of God and the love of truth and justice,and earnestly prayed that he might be preserved from every corrupting influence.She showed him the folly and sin of idolatry, and early taught him to bow down andpray to the living God, who alone could hear him and help him in every emergency.

"She kept the boy as long as she could, but was obliged to give him up when hewas about twelve years old. From his humble cabin home he was taken to the royalpalace, to the daughter of Pharaoh, 'and he became her son.' Yet even here he did notlose the impressions received in childhood. The lessons learned at his mother's sidecould not be forgotten. They were a shield from the pride, the infidelity, and the vicethat flourished amid the splendor of the court."-Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 243, 244.

o WednesdayAT THE COURT OF PHARAOH July 5

7. Why was it in the plan of God that Moses should be educated also in theschools of Pharaoh? Acts 7:22. (Notes.) With whom did he join himself-withthe Egyptians or with the Hebrews? Hebrews 11:24,25.

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"The very decree condemning the Hebrew children to death had been overruledby God for the training and education of the future leader of His people. "-Patriarchsand Prophets, p. 245.

"Moses was fitted to take pre-eminence among the great of the earth, to shine inthe courts of its most glorious kingdom, and to sway the scepter of its power. His in­tellectual greatness distinguishes him above the great men of all ages. As historian,poet, philosopher, general of armies, and legislator, he stands without a peer. Yetwith the world before him, he had the moral strength to refuse the flattering pros­pects of wealth and greatness and fame, 'choosing rather to suffer affliction with thepeople of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season.'

"Moses had been instructed in regard to the final reward to be given to the hum­ble and obedient servants of God, and worldly gain sank to its proper insignificance incomparison. The magnificent palace of Pharaoh and the monarch's throne were heldout as an inducement to Moses; but he knew that the sinful pleasures that make menforget God were in its lordly courts. He looked beyond the gorgeous palace, beyond amonarch's crown, to the high honors that will be bestowed on the saints of the MostHigh in a kingdom untainted by sin. He saw by faith an imperishable crown that theKing of heaven would place on the brow of the overcomer. This faith led him to turnaway from the lordly ones of earth, and join the humble, poor, despised nation thathad chosen to obey God rather than to serve sin."-Ibid., p. 246.

8. How did Moses try to help the Israelites? Exodus 2:11, 12; Acts 7:23-25.Under what circumstances did he have to leave Egypt when he saw that hisown people did not understand his intentions? Exodus 2:13-15; Acts7:26-29.

"In slaying the Egyptian, Moses had fallen into the same error so often commit­ted by his fathers, of taking into their own hands the work that God had promised todo. It was not God's will to deliver His people by warfare, as Moses thought, but byHis own mighty power, that the glory might be ascribed to Him alone. Yet even thisrash act was overruled by God to accomplish His purposes. Moses was not preparedfor his great work. He had yet to learn the same lesson of faith that Abraham andJacob had been taught-not to rely upon human strength or wisdom, but upon thepower of God for the fulfillment of His promises."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 247.

D ThursdayIN THE LAND OF MIDIAN July 6

9. Where and how did Moses find a home in the land of Midian? Exodus2: 16~20.Who became Moses' wife and what were the names of his two sons?Exodus 2:21, 22; 18:2-4.

10. What was Moses' occupation in the land of Midian and how long did he staythere? Exodus 3:1; Acts 7:30. In what sense was his change of environment anew school to him, and what results did it accomplish? Numbers 12:3.

"[T]here were other lessons that, amid the solitude of the mountains, Moses wasto receive. In the school of self-denial and hardship he was to learn patience, totemper his passions. Before he could govern wisely, he must be trained to obey. Hisown heart must be fully in harmony with God before he could teach the knowledge ofHis will to Israel. By his own experience he must be prepared to exercise a fatherlycare over all who needed his help.

"Man would have dispensed with that long period of toil and obscurity, deemingit a great loss of time. But Infinite Wisdom called him who was to become the leader

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of his people to spend forty years in the humble work of a shepherd. The habits ofcaretaking, of self-forgetfulness and tender solicitude for his flock, thus developed,would prepare him to become the 'compassionate, long-suffering shepherd of Israel.No advantage that human training or culture could bestow, could be a substitute forthis experience.

"Moses had been learning much that he must unlearn. The influences that hadsurrounded him in Egypt-the love of his foster mother, his own high position as theking's grandson, the dissipation on every hand, the refinement, the subtlety, and themysticism of a false religion, the splendor of idolatrous worship, the solemn grandeurof architecture and sculpture-all had left deep impressions upon his developing mindand had molded, to some extent, his habits and character. Time, change of surround­ings, and communion with God could remove these impressions."-Patriarchs and Proph­ets, pp. 247, 248.

REVIEW AND THOUGHT QUESTIONSo Friday

July 7

a. What was the main reason why the Jews in Egypt contributed to the wealthof the nation? Why were they cruelly oppressed?

b. What paraHel can be seen in the plan of Satan when a comparison is madebetween Exodus 1:22 and Matthew 2:16?

c. What gave Moses' parents the needed courage to disregard the king's com­mandment?

d. Specify the training that Moses received in each of the three schools that heattended.

e. What must a man learn before he can become an efficient leader?

* * * * * * *(Continued from page 6)

REVIEW AND THOUGHT QUESTIONS

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D FridayJune 30

a. What was God's purpose in preparing a dwelling-place for His people inEgypt? Read Genesis 45:5, 7; 50:20.

b. Would the Isrealites have had an equally good chance of becoming a great na­tion in some other area, if they had not been placed, providentially, under theprotection of Egypt? Read Deuteronomy 26:5.

c. What did the king of Egypt mean when he proposed that the people of Israelshould be dealt with "wisely"?

d. In what sense were the Egyptians "grieved because of the children ofIsrael"?

e. How do we understand the statement that the Israelites became strongerthan the Egyptians?

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Lesson 3 Sabbath, July 15, 1989

A MESSAGE OF DELIVERANCE

"The time for Israel's deliverance had come. But God's purpose was to be ac­complished in a manner to pour contempt on human pride. The delivererwas to go forth as a humble shepherd, with only a rod in his hand; but Godwould make that rod the symbol of His power."- Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 251.

KEY TEXT: "And thou shalt take this rod in thine hand, wherewith thou shalt dosigns." Exodus 4:17.

GOD'S COVENANTD Sunday

July 9

1. What news came to Moses while he was tending Jethro's flocks? Exodus2:23. What covenant did God remember while the Israelites were sighingand crying in seemingly hopeless bondage to the Egyptians? Exodus 2:24,25.

2. Who appeared to Moses in a burning bush? Describe the experience. Exodus3:1-5. What lesson should we learn from this experience? Habakkuk 2:20.

"Leading his flocks one day near Horeb, 'the mountain of God,' Moses saw abush in flames, branches, foliage, and trunk, all burning, yet seeming not to be con­sumed. He drew near to view the wonderful sight, when a voice from out of the flamecalled him by name. With trembling lips he answered, 'Here am I.' He was warnednot to approach irreverently....

"Humility and reverence should characterize the deportment of all who come intothe presence of God. In the name of Jesus we may come before Him with confidence,but we must not approach Him with the boldness of presumption, as though He wereon a level with ourselves."-Patriarchs and Prophets, pp.251, 252.

THE CALL OF MOSESD Monday

July 10

3. What was the Lord about to do in behalf of His people? Exodus 3:7-9.

4. What commission did God give Moses in line with His plan? Exodus 3:10. Ashe felt unqualified to obey the call, what excuses did he make? Exodus 3:11;4:1.

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"Moses thought of the difficulties to be encountered, of the blindness, ignorance,and unbelief of his people, many of whom were almost destitute of a knowledge ofGod."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 252.

MOSES RECEIVES GOD'S ASSURANCED Tuesday

July 11

5. What assurance did the Lord give Moses in connection with the call extendedto him? Exodus 3:12. In whose name was Moses to speak to the people ofIsrael and what message was he to give them? Exodus 3: 13-22.

"Moses was forewarned that Pharaoh would resist the appeal to let Israel go. Yetthe courage of God's servant must not fail; for the Lord would make this the occasionto manifest His power before the Egyptians and before His people....

"The Egyptians had been enriched by the labor unjustly exacted from theIsraelites, and as the latter were to start on the journey to their new home, it was rightfor them to claim the reward of their years of toil. They were to ask for articles ofvalue, such as could be easily transported, and God would give them favor in the sightof the Egyptians. The mighty miracles wrought for their deliverance would strike ter­ror to the oppressors, so that the requests of the bondmen would be granted."-Pat­riarchs and Prophets, p. 253.

6. How did the Lord show Moses that he was not going to act in his own might?What miracles did the Lord give him power to perform, and for what pur-pose? Exodus 4:2-9. .

"By these signs the Lord assured Moses that His own people, as well as Pharaoh,should be convinced that one mightier than the king of Egypt was manifest amongthem." -Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 254.

MOSES IS FURTHER ENCOURAGEDD Wednesday

July 12

7. What shows that Moses was still unwilling to obey the call? Exodus 4:10-13.How did the Lord, in His great patience, finally convince His hesitant ser­vant? Exodus 4:14-17.

"The divine command given to Moses found him self-distrustful, slow of speech,and timid. He was overwhelmed with a sense of his incapacity to be a mouthpiece forGod to Israel. But having once accepted the work, he entered upon it with his wholeheart, putting all his trust in the Lord. The greatness of his mission called into exer­cise the best powers of his mind. God blessed his ready obedience, and he became elo­quent, hopeful, self-possessed, and well fitted for the greatest work ever given toman. This is an example of what God does to strengthen the character of those whotrust Him fully, and give themselves unreservedly to His commands.

"A man will gain power and efficiency as he accepts the responsibilities that Godplaces upon him, and with his whole soul seeks to qualify himself to bear them aright.However humble his position or limited his ability, that man will attain true greatnesswho, trusting to divine strength, seeks to perform his work with fidelity. Had Mosesrelied upon his own strength and wisdom, and eagerly accepted the great charge, hewould have evinced his entire unfitness for such a work. The fact that a man feels his

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weakness is at least some evidence that he realizes the magnitude of the work ap­pointed him, and that he will make God his counselor and his strength."-Patriarchsand Prophets, p. 255.

8. How was Moses further encouraged to obey God's call and speak to the peo­ple of Israel and to Pharaoh? Exodus 4: 18-23.

MOSES RETURNS TO EGYPTD Thursday

July 13

9. Why was Moses reproved by the Lord and how did he narrowly escape beingkilled? Exodus 4:24-26.

"On the way from Midian, Moses received a startling and terrible warning of theLord's displeasure. An angel appeared to him in a threatening manner, as if he wouldimmediately destroy him. No explanation was given; but Moses remembered that hehad disregarded one of God's requirements; yielding to the persuasion of his wife, hehad neglected to perform the rite of circumcision upon their youngest son. He hadfailed to comply with the condition by which his child could be entitled to the bless­ings of God's covenant with Israel; and such a neglect on the part of their chosenleader could not but lessen the force of the divine precepts upon the people. Zipporah,fearing that her husband would be slain, performed the rite herself, and the angelthen permitted Moses to pursue his journey. In his mission to Pharaoh, Moses was tobe placed in a position of great peril; his life could be preserved only through the pro­tection of holy angels. But while living in neglect of a known duty, he would not besecure; for he could not be shielded by the angels of God."-Patriarchs and Prophets,pp. 255, 256.

10. Who met Moses on his way to Egypt? Exodus 4:27,28. What did Moses andAaron do upon their arrival in Egypt and how did the afflicted Israelitesreceive the message of deliverance? Exodus 4:29-31.

REVIEW AND THOUGHT QUESTIONSD Friday

July 14

a. When the Lord called to Moses out of the midst of the burning bush, what didHe say to him? What lesson should we learn from that event?

b. On what grounds was Moses unwilling to accept the call of the Lord?

c. What lesson is taught by the fact that Moses' rod became a symbol of God'spower?

d. How can the fact be explained that there was no more fear or hesitation inMoses after he accepted the call?

e. Why did the angel of the Lord refrain from giving Moses any explanationwhen he threatened to kill him? •

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Lesson 4 Sabbath, July 22, 1989

MOSES AND AARON BEFORE PHARAOH

"Pharaoh sowed obstinacy, and he reaped obstinacy. He himself put thisseed into the soil. There was no more need for God by some new power to in­terfere with its growth, than there is for Him to interfere with the growth ofa grain of corn."-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments), vol. 1,p.lI00.

KEY TEXT: "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth,that shall he also reap." Galatians 6:7.

D SundayPHARAOH REFUSES OBEDIENCE TO GOD'S COMMAND July 16

1. When Moses and Aaron were received in audience by the king of Egypt, whatrequest did they present to him? Exodus 5:1, 3.

2. How did the king defy the God of heaven? Exodus 5:2. What warning shouldwe take from Pharaoh's rebellion? Galatians 6:7.

"Those who exalt their own ideas above the plainly specified will of God, are say­ing as did Pharaoh, 'Who is the Lord, that I should obey His voice?' Every rejection oflight hardens the heart and darkens the understanding; and thus men find it more andmore difficult to distinguish between right and wrong, and they become bolder in re­sisting the will of God."-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments]. vol. 1,p.1100.

PHARAOH INCREASES THE ISRAELITES' BONDAGED Monday

July 17

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3. What accusation did the king bring against Moses and Aaron? Exodus 5:4, 5.

"In their bondage the Israelites had to some extent lost the knowledge of God'slaw, and they had departed from its precepts. The Sabbath had been generally disre­garded. and the exactions of their taskmasters made its observance apparently im­possible. But Moses had shown his people that obedience to God was the first condi­tion of deliverance; and the efforts made to restore the observance of the Sabbath hadcome to the notice of their oppressors."-Patriarchs and Prophets. p. 258.

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4. What was the result of that interview? Exodus 5:6-18.

"The king, thoroughly roused, suspected the Israelites of a design to revolt fromhis service. Disaffection was the result of idleness; he would see that no time was leftthem for dangerous scheming. And he at once adopted measures to tighten theirbonds and crush out their independent spirit. The same day orders were issued thatrendered their labor still more cruel and oppressive. The most common buildingmaterial of that country was sun-dried brick; the walls of the finest edifices weremade of this, and then faced with stone; and the manufacture of brick employed greatnumbers of the bondmen. Cut straw being intermixed with the clay, to hold ittogether, large quantities of straw were required for the work; the king now directedthat no more straw be furnished; the laborers must find it for themselves, while thesame amount of brick should be exacted."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 258.

GOD RENEWS HIS PROMISED Tuesday

July 18

5. With what reproach did the officers of the children of Israel come to Mosesand Aaron? Exodus 5:19-21. Why did not the Lord deliver Israel directly?What lesson should we learn from this fact? Acts 14:22 (last part).

"The Hebrews had expected to obtain their freedom without any special trial oftheir faith, or any real suffering or hardship. But they were not yet prepared for deliv­erance. They had little faith in God, and were unwilling patiently to endure their af­flictions until He should see fit to work for them. Many were content to remain inbondage, rather than meet the difficulties attending removal to a strange land; andthe habits of some had become so much like those of the Egyptians that they pre­ferred to dwell in Egypt. Therefore the Lord did not deliver them by the firstmanifestation of His power before Pharaoh. He overruled events more fully todevelop the tyrannical spirit of the Egyptian king, and also to reveal Himself to Hispeople. Beholding His justice, His power, and His love, they would choose to leaveEgypt and give themselves to His service. The task of Moses would have been muchless difficult, had not many of the Israelites become so corrupted that they were un­willing to leave Egypt."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 260.

6. To whom did Moses turn when new trials came upon Israel? Exodus 5:22,23. What was the Lord's answer to Moses? Exodus 6:1-8.

•DISCOURAGEMENT

D WednesdayJuly 19

7. When Moses spoke to the children of Israel the second time, how did theyreceive the message of the Lord? Exodus 6:9. What distinction existed be­tween two classes of Israelites in Egypt?

"The Egyptians, being informed of what was reported among their bondmen,derided their expectations, and scornfully denied the power of their God. Theypointed to their situation as a nation of slaves, and tauntingly said, 'If your God is justand merciful, and possesses power above that of the Egyptian gods, why does He notmake you a free people?' They called attention to their own condition. They wor-

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shiped deities termed by the Israelites false gods, yet they were a rich and powerfulnation. They declared that their gods had blessed them with prosperity, and hadgiven them the Israelites as servants, and they gloried in their power to oppress anddestroy the worshipers of Jehovah. Pharaoh himself boasted that the God of theHebrews could not deliver them from his hand.

"Words like these destroyed the hopes of many of the Israelites. The case ap­peared to them very much as the Egyptians had represented. It was true that theywere slaves, and must endure whatever their cruel taskmasters might choose to in­flict. Their children had been hunted and slain, and their own lives were a burden.Yet they were worshiping the God of heaven. If Jehovah were indeed above all gods,surely He would not thus leave them in bondage to idolaters. But those who were trueto God understood that it was because of Israel's departure from Him-because oftheir disposition to marry with heathen nations, thus being led into idolatry-that theLord had permitted them to become bondmen; and they confidently assured theirbrethren that He would soon break the yoke of the oppressor."-Patriarchs and Proph­ets, pp. 259, 260.

8. With what argument did Moses try to excuse himself when the Lord told himto speak to Pharaoh again? Exodus 6:10-12,30.

PHARAOH'S HEART IS HARDENEDD Thursday

July 20

9. Encouraging Moses to return to Pharaoh, what did the Lord say He wouldmultiply in Egypt? Exodus 7:1-4. What would the Egyptians finally realizein the presence of the wonderful works of God? Exodus 7:5.

"Before the infliction of each plague, Moses was to describe its nature and ef­fects, that the king might save himself from it if he chose. Every punishment rejectedwould be followed by one more severe, until his proud heart would be humbled, andhe would acknowledge the Maker of heaven and earth as the true and living God. TheLord would give the Egyptians an opportunity to see how vain was the wisdom oftheir mighty men, how feeble the power of their gods, when opposed to the com­mands of Jehovah. He would punish the people of Egypt for their idolatry, and silencetheir boasting of the blessings received from their senseless deities. God wouldglorify His own name, that other nations might hear of His power and tremble at Hismighty acts, and that His people might be led to turn from their idolatry and renderHim pure worship."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 263.

10. What miracle did Aaron perform before Pharaoh by the power of God? Ex­odus 7:8-10. What did Pharaoh's sorcerers do by the power of Satan? Exodus7:11, 12. What was Satan's purpose in trying to counterfeit the work of God?

"Satan trembled for his power. By counterfeiting the work of God throughMoses, he hoped not only to prevent the deliverance of Israel, but to exert an in­fluence through future ages to destroy faith in the miracles of Christ. Satan is con­stantly seeking to counterfeit the work of Christ, and to establish his own power andclaims. He leads men to account for the miracles of Christ by making them appear tobe the result of human skill and power. In many minds he thus destroys faith in Christas the Son of God, and leads them to reject the gracious offers of mercy through theplan of redemption."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 265.

(Continued on page 23)

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Lesson 5 Sabbath, July 29, 1989

THE PLAGUES

"Pharaoh declared that Moses and Aaron were impostors, and could ac­complish no more than his magicians. Said Moses and Aaron to Pharaoh,that Jehovah whom thou pretendest not to know, will convince thee that Heis more powerful than all gods." -Spiritual Gifts, vol. 3, p. 206.

KEY TEXT: "Thus saith the Lord, In this thou shalt know that I am the Lord:behold, I will smite with the rod that is in mine hand upon the waterswhich are in the river, and they shall be turned to blood." Exodus7:17.

THE FIRST PLAGUE - BLOODo Sunday

July 23

1. What warning did Moses transmit to Pharaoh before the river was turned in­to blood? Exodus 7:14-18.

2. What were Moses and Aaron instructed to do as Pharaoh would not listen tothe warning of God? And what happened when they did just as the Lord hadcommanded? Exodus 7:19-21.

"Moses and Aaron were directed to visit the riverside next morning, where theking was accustomed to repair. The overflowing of the Nile being the source of foodand wealth for all Egypt, the river was worshiped as a god, and the monarch camethither daily to pay his devotions. Here the two brothers again repeated the messageto him, and then they stretched out the rod and smote upon the water. The sacredstream ran blood, the fish died, and the river became offensive to the smell."-Patri­archs and Prophets, p. 265.

THE FIRST PLAGUE - BLOOD (continued)o Monday

July 24

3. When Pharaoh saw that his magicians were able to imitate the plague, whatwas his response? Exodus 7:22, 23. Give the names of the chief magicians ofEgypt in the time of Moses. 2 Timothy 3:8.

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"Satan assisted his servants to resist the work of the Most High, in order todeceive the people, and encourage them in their rebellion. Pharaoh would grasp at theleast evidence he could obtain to justify himself in resisting the work of God, performedby Moses and Aaron. He told these servants of God that his magicians could do allthese wonders. The difference between the work of God and that of the magicianswas, one was of God, and the other of Satan. One was true, the other false."- The SDABible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 1, p. 1100.

4. What was the duration of the plague, and how did the Egyptians obtain fresh "water while the plague lasted? Exodus 7:24, 25.

THE SECOND PLAGUE - FROGS

5. What was the second plague? Exodus 8:1-6.

D TuesdayJuly 25

"During the plagues on Egypt Pharaoh was punctual in his superstitious devotionto the river, and visited it every morning, and as he stood upon its banks he offeredpraise and thanksgiving to the water, recounting the great good it accomplished, andtelling the water of its great power; that without it they could not exist; for their landswere watered by it, and it supplied meat for their tables."- The SDA Bible Commentary[E.G. White Comments], vol. 1, pp. 1100, 1101.

6. Although the magicians were permitted to imitate the second plague also,how did Pharaoh react? Exodus 8:7,8. What shows that Pharaoh was notreally inclined to let the people of Israel go? Exodus 8:9-15.

"The magicians had appeared to produce frogs, but they could not remove them.Upon seeing this, Pharaoh was somewhat humbled. He sent for Moses and Aaron,and said, 'Entreat the Lord, that He may take away the frogs from me, and from mypeople; and I will let the people go, that they may do sacrifice unto the Lord.' Afterreminding the king of his former boasting, they requested him to appoint a time whenthey should pray for the removal of the plague. He set the next day, secretly hopingthat in the interval the frogs might disappear of themselves, and thus save him fromthe bitter humiliation of submitting to the God of Israel. The plague, however, con­tinued till the time specified, when throughout all Egypt the frogs died, but theirputrid bodies, which remained, polluted the atmosphere."-Patriarchs and Prophets,pp. 265, 266.

THE THIRD PLAGUE - LICE

7. Describe the third plague. Exodus 8:16, 17.

D WednesdayJuly 26

8. What restriction was put on the magicians under the third plague? What didthey say to Pharaoh, and what was his attitude? Exodus 8:18, 19.

"At the command of God, Aaron stretched out his hand, and the dust of the earthbecame lice throughout the land of Egypt. Pharaoh called upon the magicians to dothe same, but they could not. The work of God was thus shown to be superior to thatof Satan. The magicians themselves acknowledged, 'This is the finger of God.' Butthe king was still unmoved."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 266.

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THE FOURTH PLAGUE - FLIESo Thursday

July 27

9. What warning did the Lord send to Pharaoh after the third plague? Exodus8:20,21.

10. How did the Lord mark the distinction between the Egyptians and theIsraelites under the fourth plague? Exodus 8:22-24. How did Pharaoh againact deceitfully toward the people of Israel? Exodus 8:25-32. Why did notGod place upon the throne of Egypt a more lenient king?

"The animals which the Hebrews would be required to sacrifice were amongthose regarded as sacred by the Egyptians; and such was the reverence in whichthese creatures were held, that to slay one, even accidentally, was a crime punishablewith death. It would be impossible for the Hebrews to worship in Egypt without giv­ing offense to their masters. Moses again proposed to go three days' journey into thewilderness. The monarch consented, and begged the servants of God to entreat thatthe plague might be removed. They promised to do this, but warned him against deal­ing deceitfully with them. The plague was stayed, but the king's heart had becomehardened by persistent rebellion, and he still refused to yield."-Patriarchs and Prophets,pp. 266, 267.

"The disposing of events is of God's providence. He could have placed upon thethrone a more merciful king, who would not have dared to withstand the mighty man­ifestations of divine power. But in that case the Lord's purposes would not have beenaccomplished. His people were permitted to experience the grinding cruelty of theEgyptians, that they might not be deceived concerning the debasing influence ofidolatry. In His dealing with Pharaoh, the Lord manifested His hatred of idolatry andHis determination to punish cruelty and oppression."-Ibid., p. 268.

REVIEW AND THOUGHT QUESTIONS

a. In what did Pharaoh's daily devotions consist?

o FridayJuly 28

b. What deception encouraged Pharaoh and the Egyptians in their rebellionagainst God under the first plague?

c. What distinction between the work of God's servants and that of the magi­cians was humiliating to Pharaoh under the second plague?

d. What happened under the third plague?

e. Although he was further humiliated under the fourth plague, how didPharaoh deal with the Hebrews? •

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Lesson 6 Sabbath, August 5, 1989

THE PLAGUES{continued}

•

"Here [in the way the people responded to the warning] was an opportunityto test the exalted pride of the Egyptians, and to show the number whosehearts were really affected by the wonderful dealings of God with His peo­ple, whom they had despised and cruelly entreated."- The SDA Bible Commen-tary [E.G. White Comments]. vol. 1, p. 1101. .

KEY TEXT: "He that feared the word of the Lord among the servants of Pharaohmade his servants and his cattle flee into the houses: And he that re­garded not the word of the Lord left his servants and his cattle in thefield." Exodus 9:20, 21.

THE FIFTH PLAGUE - MURRAINo Sunday

July 30

1. What severe disease came upon the cattle when the fifth plague was pouredout? Again, what distinction did the Lord make between the Egyptians andthe Israelites? Exodus 9:1-6.

"A more terrible stroke followed-murrain upon all the Egyptian cattle that werein the field. Both the sacred animals and the beasts of burden-kine and oxen andsheep, horses and camels and asses-were destroyed. It had been distinctly statedthat the Hebrews were to be exempt; and Pharaoh, on sending messengers to thehome of the Israelites, proved the truth of this declaration of Moses. 'Of the cattle ofthe children of Israel died not one.' Still the king was obstinate."-Patriarchs and Proph­ets, p. 267.

2. What effect did the fifth plague have upon Pharaoh? Exodus 9:7.

"God destroys no man. Everyone who is destroyed will have destroyed himself.Everyone who stifles the admonitions of conscience is sowing the seeds of unbelief,and these will produce a sure harvest. By rejecting the first warning from God,Pharaoh of old sowed the seeds of obstinacy, and he reaped obstinacy. God did notcompel him to disbelieve. The seed of unbelief which he sowed produced a harvest ofits kind."-Christ's Object Lessons, pp. 84, 85.

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•

THE SIXTH PLAGUE - BOILSD Monday

July 31

•

3. What painful attack came upon man and beast with the sixth plague? Exodus9:8-10. How restricted was the power of the magicians in the presence ofthis plague? Exodus 9:11.

"As the ashes were sprinkled toward heaven, the fine particles spread over all theland of Egypt, and wherever they settled, produced boils 'breaking forth with blainsupon man and upon beast.' The priests and magicians had hitherto encouragedPharaoh in his stubbornness, but now a judgment had come that reached even them.Smitten with a loathsome and painful disease, their vaunted power only making themcontemptible, they were no longer able to contend against the God of Israel. Thewhole nation was made to see the folly of trusting in the magicians, when they werenot able to protect even their own persons."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 267.

4. What was Pharaoh's reaction? Exodus 9:12.

THE SEVENTH PLAGUE - HAILD Tuesday

August 1

•

5. For what purpose did the Lord keep sending plagues upon Egypt? Exodus9: 13-17. How was the coming of the seventh plague announced? Exodus9:18, 19. What was sent upon Egypt besides the hail that rained upon theland? Exodus 9:23, 24.

"Ruin and desolation marked the path of the destroying angel. The land ofGoshen alone was spared. It was demonstrated to the Egyptians that the earth isunder the control of the living God, that the elements obey His voice, and that the on­ly safety is in obedience to Him."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 269.

6. What merciful provision did the Lord make in behalf of His people and of theEgyptians who believed in His word and accepted the warning? Exodus 9:20,21, 25, 26. What effect did this judgment have upon Pharaoh? Exodus9:27-35. What warning should we take from Pharaoh's stubbornness?

"Those who are quieting a guilty conscience with the thought that they canchange a course of evil when they choose, that they can trifle with the invitations ofmercy, and yet be again and again impressed, take this course at their peril. Theythink that after casting all their influence on the side of the great rebel, in a moment ofutmost extremity, when danger compasses them about, they will change leaders. Butthis is not so easily done. The experience, the education, the discipline of a life of sin­ful indulgence, has so thoroughly molded the character that they cannot then receivethe image of Jesus. Had no light shone upon their pathway, the case would have beendifferent. Mercy might interpose, and give them an opportunity to accept her over­tures; but after light has been long rejected and despised, it will be finally withdrawn."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 269.

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THE EIGHTH PLAGUE - LOCUSTSo Wednesday

August 2

7. With what questions and warnings were Moses and Aaron sent to Pharaohafter the seventh plague? Exodus 10:3-6. How did Pharaoh's servants try tobring the king to reason? Exodus 10:7.

"The counselors of Pharaoh stood aghast. The nation had sustained great loss inthe death of their cattle. Many of the people had been killed by the hail. The forestswere broken down, and the crops destroyed. They were fast losing all that had beengained by the labor of the Hebrews. The whole land was threatened with starvation."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 271.

8. With what unacceptable restrictions would Pharaoh allow the Israelites togo and what care did he now pretend to have for the little children? Exodus10:8-11. (Note.) What happened right after Moses and Aaron had been drivenout from before Pharaoh? Exodus 10:12-15. How was the plague stopped?Exodus 10:16-19.

"The king shows his contempt of God's command by his answer to Moses andAaron. Let your God require this of you if he will, for you to take your little ones, Iwill not let you go. Your little children are not needed in your journey. Does your Godthink I will do this thing, and let you go with your wives and little children into thewilderness upon so dangerous an expedition to them? I will not do this, but only youthat are men shall go to serve the Lord. This hard-hearted, oppressive king wouldnow pretend to the Hebrews that he had a special interest in their welfare, and atender care for their little ones. He had tried to destroy the Israelites with hard labor;but now, to serve his own purpose, professes to have a very special care for them, andplainly declares to Moses and Aaron that God, who would require such a thing as forthem to go with their families into the wilderness, should not be obeyed; for he wouldonly lead them out to destroy them, and their bodies would certainly lie in the wilder­ness."-·Spiritual Gifts, vol. 3, pp. 217, 218.

,

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THE NINTH PLAGUE - DARKNESSo Thursday

August 3

9. As Pharaoh still refused to let the children of Israel go, what judgment cameupon Egypt in the ninth plague? Exodus 10:20-23. Who were protectedagainst the plague? Exodus 10:23 (last part).

10. Describe the interview that Moses had with Pharaoh during the plague ofdarkness. Exodus 10:24-29. How do we understand the fact that "Godhardened Pharaoh's heart"? Romans 9:17, 18.

"God speaks to men through His servants, giving cautions and warnings, and re­buking sin. He gives to each an opportunity to correct his errors before they becomefixed in the character; but if one refuses to be corrected, divine power does not inter­pose to counteract the tendency of his own action. He finds it more easy to repeat thesame course. He is hardening the heart against the influence of the Holy Spirit. A fur­ther rejection of light places him where a far stronger influence will be ineffectual tomake an abiding impression.

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"He who has once yielded to temptation will yield more readily the second time.Every repetition of the sin lessens his power of resistance, blinds his eyes, and stiflesconviction. Every seed of indulgence sown will bear fruit. God works no miracle toprevent the harvest. 'Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.' Galatians6:7. He who manifests an infidel hardihood, a stolid indifference to divine truth, is butreaping the harvest of that which he has himself sown. It is thus that multitudes cometo listen with stoical indifference to the truths that once stirred their very souls. Theysowed neglect and resistance to the truth, and such is the harvest which they reap."­Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 268, 269.

REVIEW AND THOUGHT QUESTIONS

a. What happened under the fifth plague?

b. How were even the magicians humbled under the sixth plague?

c. What came upon Egypt under the seventh plague?

o FridayAugust 4

d. How did Pharaoh, under the eighth plague, pretend to be mindful of thewelfare of the Jewish people?

e. When Pharaoh, under the ninth plague, said that all the Hebrews could goand serve the Lord, but that their cattle should remain behind, what didMoses answer? •

* * * * * * *

(Continued from page 16)

l

REVIEW AND THOUGHT QUESTIONSo Friday

July 21

a. How do men lose their ability to distinguish between right and wrong, and of­fer bold resistance to the will of God?

b. What suspicion and fear on the part of Pharaoh led him to make the Israel­ites' bondage more oppressive?

c. Why did the Lord allow the oppression to increase more and more before Hewould bring His people out of the land of Egypt?

d. What led many Israelites to give up hope when their deliverance was draw­ing nigh?

e. How did Satan try to destroy faith in Christ and His work in the days ofMoses and down the centuries? •

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Lesson 7 Sabbath, August 12, 1989

THE PASSOVER

"The followers of Christ must be partakers of His experience. They mustreceive and assimilate the word of God so that it shall become the motivepower of life and action. By the power of Christ they must be changed intoHis likeness, and reflect the divine attributes. They must eat the flesh anddrink the blood of the Son of God, or there is no life in them." - Patriarchs andProphets, p. 278.

KEY TEXT: "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son ofman, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you." John 6:53.

THE TENTH PLAGUE ANNOUNCEDD Sunday

August 6

1. How was Moses regarded by the Egyptians? Exodus 11:3 (last part). Whatpunishment would be sent in the tenth plague, and what would Pharaoh andhis servants do? Exodus 11:1,4-8; 12:12.

"The judgment of which Egypt had first been warned, was to be the last visited.God is long-suffering, and plenteous in mercy. He has a tender care for the beingsformed in His image. If the loss of their harvests and their flocks and herds hadbrought Egypt to repentance, the children would not have been smitten; but the na­tion had stubbornly resisted the divine command, and now the final blow was about tofall. "-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 273.

2. According to an existing prophecy (Genesis 15:14), what were the Israelitesinstructed to request of the Egyptians before leaving the country? Exodus11:2, 3 (first part).

THE PASSOVER INSTITUTEDD Monday

August 7

3. What feast did the Lord command the Israelites to celebrate before Hebrought the last plague upon Egypt? Exodus 12:2-6, 14-20. Who only werepermitted to eat the Passover lamb? What provision was made in behalf ofthe strangers that should turn to the Lord? Exodus 12:43, 48, 49.

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"Before the execution of this sentence the Lord through Moses gave direction tothe children of Israel concerning their departure from Egypt, and especially for theirpreservation from the coming judgment." -Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 274.

4. What were they instructed to do with the blood and what was the purpose ofthat instruction? Exodus 12:7, 13,22,23.

"Before obtaining freedom, the bondmen must show their faith in the great deliv­erance about to be accomplished. The token of blood must be placed upon theirhouses, and they must separate themselves and their families from the Egyptians,and gather within their own dwellings. Had the Israelites disregarded in any par­ticular the directions given them, had they neglected to separate their children fromthe Egyptians, had they slain the lamb, but failed to strike the doorpost with blood, orhad any gone out of their houses, they would not have been secure. They might havehonestly believed that they had done all that was necessary, but their sincerity wouldnot have saved them. All who failed to heed the Lord's directions would lose theirfirst-born by the hand of the destroyer.

"By obedience the people were to give evidence of their faith. So all who hope tobe saved by the merits of the blood of Christ should realize that they themselves havesomething to do in securing their salvation. While it is Christ only that can redeem usfrom the penalty of transgression, we are to turn from sin to obedience. Man is to besaved by faith, not by works; yet his faith must be shown by his works. God has givenHis Son to die as a propitiation for sin, He has manifested the light of truth, the way oflife, He has given facilities, ordinances, and privileges; and now man must cooperatewith these saving agencies; he must appreciate and use the helps that God has pro­vided-believe and obey all the divine requirements."-Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 278,279.

THE PASSOVER INSTITUTED (continued)o Tuesday

August 8

.iQ

5. How were the Israelites to eat the lamb and the other provisions of thePassover feast? Exodus 12:8-11. What change took place after they had set­tled down in their own land?

"At the time of their deliverance from Egypt, the children of Israel ate the Pass­over supper standing, with their loins girded, and with their staves in their hands,ready for their journey. The manner in which they celebrated this ordinance har­monized with their condition; for they were about to be thrust out of the land ofEgypt, and were to begin a painful and difficult journey through the wilderness. Butin Christ's time the condition of things had changed. They were not now about to bethrust out of a strange country, but were dwellers in their own land. In harmony withthe rest that had been given them, the people then partook of the Passover supper in areclining position. Couches were placed about the table, and the guests lay uponthem, resting upon the left arm, and having the right hand free for use in eating."- The Desire of Ages, p. 653.

6. How were they to answer their children's questions concerning the meaningof the Passover? Exodus 13:3-10; 12:26,27.

"The Passover was to be both commemorative and typical, not only pointing backto the deliverance from Egypt, but forward to the greater deliveqlnce which Christ

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was to accomplish in freeing His people from the bondage of sin. The sacrificial lambrepresents 'the Lamb of God,' in whom is our only hope of salvation. Says the apostle,'Christ our passover is sacrificed for us.' 1 Corinthians 5:7. It was not enough that thepaschal lamb be slain; its blood must be sprinkled upon the doorposts; so the merits ofChrist's blood must be applied to the soul. We must believe, not only that He died forthe world, but that He died for us individually. We must appropriate to ourselves thevirtue of the atoning sacrifice."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 277.

THE SYMBOL AND THE SUBSTANCEo Wednesday

August 9

7. Of whom was the Passover lamb a type? John 1:29; 6:53, 63; Revelation ~

13:8. Who was symbolized by the bread? John 6:47, 48; 1 Corinthians 5:7, 8.

"The lamb was to be eaten with bitter herbs, as pointing back to the bitterness ofthe bondage in Egypt. So when we feed upon Christ, it should be with contrition ofheart, because of our sins. The use of unleavened bread also was significant. It wasexpressly enjoined in the law of the Passover, and as strictly observed by the Jews intheir practice, that no leaven should be found in their houses during the feast. In likemanner the leaven of sin must be put away from all who would receive life and nour­ishment from Christ."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 278.

8. What is the relationship between the Passover of the Jews and the Lord'sSupper celebrated by the followers of Jesus? Matthew 26:17-19,26-29.

"As He [Christ] ate the Passover with His disciples, He instituted in its place theservice that was to be the memorial of His great sacrifice. The national festival of theJews was to pass away forever. The service which Christ established was to be ob­served by His followers in all lands and through all ages.

"The Passover was ordained as a commemoration of the deliverance of Israelfrom Egyptian bondage. God had directed that, year by year, as the children shouldask the meaning of this ordinance the history should be repeated. Thus the wonderfuldeliverance was to be kept fresh in the minds of all. The ordinance of the Lord's Sup­per was given to commemorate the great deliverance wrought out as the result of thedeath of Christ. Till He shall come the second time in power and glory, this ordinanceis to be celebrated."-The Desire of Ages, pp. 652, 653.

o ThursdayTHE TENTH PLAGUE - DEATH OF THE FIRSTBORN August 10

9. Describe the last plague. Exodus 12:29, 30.

10. Finally, why and how were the Israelites driven out of the land of Egypt? Ex­odus 12:31-33.

"Throughout the vast realm of Egypt the pride of every household had been laidlow. The shrieks and wails of the mourners filled the air. King and courtiers, withblanched faces and trembling limbs, stood aghast at the overmastering horror.Pharaoh remembered how he had once exclaimed, 'Who is Jehovah, that I shouldobey His voice, to let Israel go? I know not Jehovah, neither will I let Israel go.' Now,his heaven-daring pride humbled in the dust, he 'called for Moses and Aaron by night,

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1

and said, Rise 'up, and get you forth from among my people, both ye and the childrenof Israel; and go, serve the Lord, as ye have said. Also take your flocks and yourherds, as ye have said.... And be gone; and bless me also.' The royal counselors alsoand the people entreated the Israelites to depart 'out of the land in haste; for theysaid, We be all dead men.' "-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 280.

REVIEW AND THOUGHT QUESTIONSo FridayAugust 11

a. What judgment, under the tenth plague, would finally force Pharaoh to letIsrael go without restriction?

b. What were the people of Israel instructed to do for their own protection fromthe coming judgment under the tenth plague?

c. Describe the institution of the Passover and explain its meaning.

d. Explain the relationship between the Passover and the Lord's Supper.

e. Describe the tenth plague and its effects.

•

•

"The directions that Moses gave concerning the Passoverfeast are full of significance, and have an application to parentsand children in this age of the world....

"Let Christian parents resolve that they will be loyal toGod, and let them gather their children into their homes withthem and strike the doorpost with blood, representing Christ asthe only One who can shield and save, that the destroying angelmay pass over the cherished circle of the household. Let theworld see that a more than human influence is at work in thehome. Let parents maintain a vital connection with God, setthemselves on Christ's side, and show by His grace what greatgood may be accomplished through parental agency." - The

Adventist Home, pp. 324, 325.

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Lesson 8 Sabbath, August 19, 1989

THE EXODUS

"And they went out, 'about six hundred thousand on foot that were men,beside children. And a mixed multitude went up also with them.' "-Patriarchsand Prophets, p. 281.

KEY TEXT: "And it came to pass at the end of the four hundred and thirty years,even the selfsame day it came to pass, that all the hosts of the Lordwent out from the land of Egypt." Exodus 12:41.

THE ISRAELITES DEMAND A RECOMPENSED SundayAugust 13

1. What did the Israelites demand for their hard labor and suffering in Egypt?Why were the Egyptians prepared to give them gold and silver? Exodus12:33, 35, 36.

"Before leaving Egypt, the people, by the direction of Moses, claimed a recom­pense for their unpaid labor; and the Egyptians were too eager to be freed from theirpresence to refuse them. The bondmen went forth laden with the spoil of their op­pressors."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 281.

2. After the Israelites had been recompensed by the Egyptians, in what way didthey obey the king's mandate to leave the country? What was the number ofmen in Israel? Who went with them? Exodus 12:37-39.

"There was quite a large number of the Egyptians who were led to acknowledge,by the manifestations of the signs and wonders shown in Egypt, that the God of theHebrews was the only true God. They entreated to be permitted to come to thehouses of the Israelites with their families, upon that fearful night when the angel ofGod should slay the firstborn of the Egyptians. They were convinced that their godswhom they had worshiped were without knowledge, and had no power to save or todestroy. And they pledged themselves to henceforth choose the God of Israel as theirGod. They decided to leave Egypt, and go with the children of Israel to worship theirGod. The Israelites welcomed the believing Egyptians to their houses." - The SDA Bi­ble Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 1, p. 1101.

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END OF SOJOURNING AMONG STRANGERSo Monday

August 14

,;.

3. How long did Abraham and his descendants dwell among strangers? Whatevents marked the beginning and the end of that period of time? Exodus12:40,41; Galatians 3:15-17. How many successive generations did actual­ly sojourn in Egypt? Genesis 15:13-16.

4. What rule did the Lord give to Israel concerning the firstborn and the first­lings of beasts? How was the origin of this rule to be explained to the futuregenerations? Exodus 13:1,2, 11-16; Numbers 3:13.

"Furthermore, the first-born of both man and beast were to be the Lord's, to bebrought back only by a ransom, in acknowledgment that when the first-born in Egyptperished, that of Israel, though graciously preserved, had been justly exposed to thesame doom but for the atoning sacrifice."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 274.

THE ROUTE OF THE EXODUS MOVEMENTD Tuesday

August 15

5. What desire of Joseph did the Israelites fulfill when they departed fromEgypt? Genesis 50:25; Exodus 13:19.

6. Why did they take a long roundabout course instead of being led straight intothe promised land? Exodus 13:17,18.

"Instead of pursuing the direct route to Canaan, which lay through the country ofthe Philistines, the Lord directed their course southward, toward the shores of theRed Sea. 'For God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, andthey return to Egypt.' Had they attempted to pass through Philistia, their progresswould have been opposed; for the Philistines, regarding them as slaves escaping fromtheir masters, would not have hesitated to make war upon them. The Israelites werepoorly prepared for an encounter with that powerful and warlike people. They had lit­tle knowledge of God and little faith in Him, and they would have become terrifiedand disheartened. They were unarmed, and unaccustomed to war, their spirits weredepressed by long bondage, and they were encumbered with women and children,flocks and herds. In leading them by the way of the Red Sea, the Lord revealedHimself as a God of compassion as well as of judgment."-Patriarchs and Prophets,p.282.

THE VISIBLE TOKENS OF GOD'S GUIDANCEo Wednesday

August 16

7. From what place did the children of Israel start their journey? Where didthey make their first stop? And their second stop? Exodus 12:37; 13:20.

8. What did they have to guide them by day and by night? Exodus 13:21,22;14:19, 20, 24. How does Isaiah represent God's care for His people in thefinal conflict? Isaiah 4:5.

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"The standard of their invisible Leader was ever with them. By day the clouddirected their journeyings, or spread as a canopy above the host. It served as a protec­tion from the burning heat, and by its coolness and moisture afforded grateful re­freshment in the parched, thirsty desert. By night it became a pillar of fire, illuminat­ing their encampment, and constantly assuring them of the divine presence."-Patri­archs and Prophets, p. 282.

PHARAOH PURSUES ISRAELD Thursday

August 17

9. What instruction and warning did the Lord send to the Israelites in view oftheir imminent danger? Exodus 14:1-4.

10. What did Pharaoh do when he was informed that the Israelites had fled?With how great a force did he pursue the fugitives and where did he overtakethem? Exodus 14:5-9.

"Pharaoh collected his forces, 'six hundred chosen chariots, and all the chariotsof Egypt,' horsemen, captains, and foot soldiers. The king himself, attended by thegreat men of his realm, headed the attacking army. To secure the favor of the gods,and thus ensure the success of their undertaking, the priests also accompanied them.The king was resolved to intimidate the Israelites by a grand display of his power.The Egyptians feared lest their forced submission to the God of Israel should subjectthem to the derision of other nations; but if they should now go forth with a greatshow of power and bring back the fugitives, they would redeem their glory, as well asrecover the services of their bondmen."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 283.

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REVIEW AND THOUGHT QUESTIONSD FridayAugust 18

a. How do you explain the fact that the Israelites left Egypt "laden with thespoil of their oppressors"?

b. What was the meaning of the rule concerning the firstborn of man and beast?

c. Why is it said that, by leading the people around by the desert road along theRed Sea, the Lord showed compassion and judgment?

d. What gave the Israelites assurance of God's constant presence and watch­care?

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e. With what military force did Pharaoh pursue the people of Israel?

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Lesson 9 Sabbath, August 26, 1989

THE EXODUS{continued}

THE PEOPLE ARE SORE AFRAID

"The mighty hand of Christ rolled back the waters of the Red Sea, so thatthey stood up like a wall. Thus He made a dry passage through the sea, andIsrael passed over dryshod." - The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments),vol. 1, p. 1101.

KEY TEXT: "He rebuked the Red sea also, and it was dried up: so he led themthrough the depths, as through the wilderness." Psalm 106:9.

o SundayAugust 20

1. How did the Israelites express their fears when they saw the sea before themand the host of Pharaoh behind? And what else did they do? Exodus 14:10-12.

"It was not an easy thing to hold the hosts of Israel in waiting before the Lord.Lacking discipline and self-control, they became violent and unreasonable. They ex­pected speedily to fall into the hands of their oppressors, and their wailings andlamentations were loud and deep. The wonderful pillar of cloud had been followed asthe signal of God to go forward; but now they questioned among themselves if itmight not foreshadow some great calamity; for had it not led them on the wrong sideof the mountain, into an impassable way? Thus the angel of God appeared to theirdeluded minds as the harbinger of disaster."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 284.

2. With what words did Moses try to comfort them and quiet their fears? Ex­odus 14: 13, 14.

THE ISRAELITES CROSS THE SEAo Monday

August 21

3. What instruction did God give to Moses in view of the imminent danger? Ex­odus 14:15-18.

4. What help did the Angel of God extend to the Israelites? How was a waymade for them through the sea? Exodus 14:19-22. What lesson should welearn from that experience? Romans 8:31.

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"But now, as the Egyptian host approached them, expecting to make them aneasy prey, the cloudy column rose majestically into the heavens, passed over theIsraelites, and descended between them and the armies of Egypt. A wall of darknessinterposed between the pursued and their pursuers. The Egyptians could no longerdiscern the camp of the Hebrews, and were forced to halt. But as the darkness ofnight deepened, the wall of cloud became a great light to the Hebrews, flooding theentire encampment with the radiance of day."-Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 284, 287.

GOD TROUBLES THE EGYPTIANSo Tuesday

August 22

5. How did the Lord hinder the host of the Egyptians? Exodus 14:23-25 (first •part); Psalm 77:15-18.

"The Egyptians dared to venture in the path God had prepared for His people,and angels of God went through their host and removed their chariot-wheels. Theywere plagued. Their progress was very slow, and they began to be troubled. They re­membered the judgments the God of the Hebrews had brought upon them in Egypt,to compel them to let Israel go, and they thought that God might deliver them all intothe hands of the Israelites. They decided that God was fighting for the Israelites, andthey were terribly afraid."-Spiritual Gifts, vol. 3, p. 235.

6. When the Egyptians saw that they were hindered, what did they say to oneanother? Exodus 14:25 (last part).

THE EGYPTIANS DROWN IN THE SEAo Wednesday

August 23

7. What happened as soon as the Israelites were safely over the sea and Mosesagain stretched out his rod? Exodus 14:26-30.

"The Egyptians were seized with confusion and dismay. Amid the wrath of theelements, in which they heard the voice of an angry God, they endeavored to retracetheir steps and flee to the shore they had quitted. But Moses stretched out his rod,and the piled-up waters, hissing, roaring, and eager for their prey, rushed togetherand swallowed the Egyptian army in their black depths.

"As morning broke it revealed to the multitudes of Israel all that remained oftheir mighty foes-the mail-clad bodies cast upon the shore. From the most terribleperil, one night had brought complete deliverance."-Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 287,288.

8. How did the psalmist describe the passage of the Red Sea by the people ofIsrael? Psalms 77:19, 20; 106:8-11.

A TRIUMPHANT ANTHEM OF THANKSGIVINGo Thursday

August 24

9. How were the Israelites affected by the wonderful deliverance that the Lordhad prepared for them? Exodus 14:31; Psalm 106:12. What lesson does thisexperience teach us?

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,

"The great lesson here taught is for all time. Often the Christian life is beset bydangers, and duty seems hard to perform. The imagination pictures impending ruinbefore and bondage or death behind. Yet the voice of God speaks clearly, 'Go for­ward.' We should obey this command, even though our eyes cannot penetrate thedarkness, and we feel the cold waves about our feet. The obstacles that hinder ourprogress will never disappear before a halting, doubting spirit. Those who defer obe­dience till every shadow of uncertainty disappears and there remains no risk of failureor defeat, will never obey at all. Unbelief whispers, 'Let us wait till the obstructionsare removed, and we can see our way clearly;' but faith courageously urges an ad­vance, hoping all things, believing all things."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 290.

10. How did the happy emotion of the people find utterance? Summarize thesong of Moses. Exodus 15:1-21. When, where, and by whom will a similarsong be sung again? Revelation 15:2-4.

"This song and the great deliverance which it commemorates, made an impres­sion never to be effaced from the memory of the Hebrew people. From age to age itwas echoed by the prophets and singers of Israel, testifying that Jehovah is thestrength and deliverance of those who trust in Him. That song does not belong to theJewish people alone. It points forward to the destruction of all the foes of righteous­ness, and the final victory of the Israel of God. The prophet of Patmos beholds thewhite-robed multitude that 'have gotten the victory,' standing on the 'sea of glassmingled with fire,' having 'the harps of God. And they sing the song of Moses the ser­vant of God, and the song of the Lamb.' "-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 289.

REVIEW AND THOUGHT QUESTIONSo FridayAugust 25

a. To what thought, feelings, and behavior did the Israelites give way whenthey saw the Egyptian host behind them?

b. Describe the passage of the Red Sea.

c. What thoughts and feelings controlled the Egyptians when they followed theIsraelites into the sea? Why?

d. What final act, carried out by an offended God, brought complete deliver­ance to His people?

e. What condition will cause obstacles to remain and even grow, blocking theway of progress? How, only, can they be removed? •

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Lesson 10 Sabbath, September 2, 1989

ISRAEL AT MARAH AND ELIM

"Seek the Lord for wisdom in every emergency. In every trial plead withJesus to show you a way out of your troubles, then your eyes will be openedto behold the remedy and to apply to your case the healing promises thathave been recorded in His Word."-Selected Messages, book 2, p. 273.

KEY TEXT: "And he [Moses] cried unto the Lord; and the Lord shewed him a tree,which when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet:there he made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there he provedthem." Exodus 15:25.

•

IN THE WILDERNESS OF SHURo SundayAugust 27

1. How many days did the Israelites travel in the wilderness without findingwater? Exodus 15:22.

2. What was the name of the place where they found water and of what kindwas it? Exodus 15:23. What does "Marah" mean? (Same verse, margin.) (d.Ruth 1:20.)

"Moses, who was familiar with this region, knew what the others did not, that atMarah, the nearest station where springs were to be found, the water was unfit foruse. With intense anxiety he watched the guiding cloud. With a sinking heart heheard the glad shout, 'Water! water!' echoed along the line. Men, women, andchildren in joyous haste crowded to the fountain, when, 10, a cry of anguish burstforth from the host-the water was bitter."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 291.

THE PEOPLE MURMUR FOR WANT OF WATERo Monday

August 28

3. What did the people do when they began to thirst? Exodus 15:24.

"In their horror and despair they reproached Moses for having led them in such away, not remembering that the divine presence in that mysterious cloud had beenleading him as well as them. In his grief at their distress Moses did what they hadforgotten to do; he cried earnestly to God for help."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 291.

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4. How did the psalmist describe the disappointment of the people in connec­tion with this episode? Psalm 106:13.

THE WATERS ARE SWEETENED

5. How did the waters at Marah become sweet? Exodus 15:25.

D TuesdayAugust 29

"For every trial, God has provided help. When Israel in the desert came to the bit­ter waters of Marah, Moses cried unto the Lord. The Lord did not provide some newremedy; He called attention to that which was at hand. A shrub which He had createdwas to be cast into the fountain to make the water pure and sweet. When this wasdone, the people drank of the water and were refreshed. In every trial, if we seekHim, Christ will give us help. Our eyes will be opened to discern the healing promisesrecorded in His word. The Holy Spirit will teach us how to appropriate every blessingthat will be an antidote to grief. For every bitter draft that is placed to our lips, weshall find a branch of healing."- The Ministry of Healing, p. 248.

6. Where and on what other occasion did a similar problem exist? How was itsolved? 2 Kings 2:19-22.

GOD'S PROMISE CONDITIONALD Wednesday

August 30

7. What did the Lord promise to do for His people and on what condition? Ex­odus 15:26; Deuteronomy 7:11, 15; Psalm 105:37.

"These lessons are for us. There are conditions to be observed by all who wouldpreserve health. All should learn what these conditions are. The Lord is not pleasedwith ignorance in regard to His laws, either natural or spiritual. Weare to be workerstogether with God for the restoration of health to the body as well as to the soul.

"And we should teach others how to preserve and to recover health. For the sickwe should use the remedies which God has provided in nature, and we should pointthem to Him who alone can restore. It is our work to present the sick and suffering toChrist in the arms of our faith. We should teach them to believe in the Great Healer.We should lay hold on His promise, and pray for the manifestation of His power. Theevery essence of the gospel is restoration, and the Saviour would have us bid the sick,the hopeless, and the afflicted take hold upon His strength."- The Desire of Ages,pp. 824, 825.

8. What assurance is very important for those who have health problems?Psalm 103:2-5; Matthew 9:2; James 5:15, 16. Nevertheless, what healthrules should be understood and obeyed? 1 Corinthians 3:16, 17; 9:24-27;10:31.

"The paralytic found in Christ healing for both the soul and the body. He neededhealth of soul before he could appreciate health of body. Before the physical maladycould be healed, Christ must bring relief to the mind, and cleanse the soul from sin.This lesson should not be overlooked. There are today thousands suffering fromphysical disease who, like the paralytic, are longing for the message, 'Thy sins are

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forgiven.' The burden of sin, with its unrest and unsatisfied desires, is the foundationof their maladies. They can find no relief until they come to the Healer of the soul.The peace which He alone can impart would restore vigor to the mind and health tothe body.' '-The Ministry of Healing, p. 77.

THE WELLS AT ELIMo Thursday

August 31

9. After the Israelites had left Marah, where did they next encamp? Describethe oasis that they found there. Exodus 15:27.

10. What assurance will be very precious to us in the time of trouble? Isaiah33:16; Psalm 37:19.

"Then will be the time for us to trust wholly in God, and He will sustain us. I sawthat our bread and water will be sure at that time, and that we shall not lack or sufferhunger; for God is able to spread a table for us in the wilderness. If necessary Hewould send ravens to feed us, as He did to feed Elijah, or rain manna from heaven, asHe did for the Israelites."-Early Writings, p. 56.

REVIEW AND THOUGHT QUESTIONS

a. What happened when the people of Israel came to Marah?

o FridaySeptember 1

b. What did Moses do when the people began to murmur against him?

c. What lesson should we learn from God's answer to Moses' prayer?

d. "There are conditions to be observed by all who would preserve health." Ex­plain.

e. "God is able to spread a table for us in the wilderness." Explain with refer-ence to past and future experiences. •

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Lesson 11 Sabbath, September 9, 1989

THE MANNA

"For forty years they [the Israelites) were daily reminded by this miraculousprovision, of God's unfailing care and tender love. In the words of thepsalmist, God gave them 'of the corn of heaven. Man did eat angels'food' - that is, food provided for them by the angels." - Patriarchs and Prophets,p.297.

KEY TEXT: "And the children of Israel did eat manna forty years, until they cameto a land inhabited; they did eat manna, until they came unto theborders of the land of Canaan." Exodus 16:35.

THE PEOPLE MURMUR AGAINo Sunday

September 3

1. Why did the Israelites again murmur when they came to the wilderness ofSin? Exodus 16:1-3.

"They [the Israelites] had not as yet suffered from hunger; their present wantswere supplied, but they feared for the future. They could not understand how thesevast multitudes were to subsist in their travels through the wilderness, and in im­agination they saw their children famishing. The Lord permitted difficulties to sur­round them, and their supply of food to be cut short, that their hearts might turn toHim who had hitherto been their Deliverer. If in their want they would call upon Him,He would still grant them manifest tokens of His love and care."-Patriarchs and Proph­ets, p. 292.

2. What did the Lord promise to send them from heaven? Exodus 16:4 (firstpart). For what purpose should we review the trials through which Israel hadto pass?

"The history of the wilderness life of Israel was chronicled for the benefit of theIsrael of God to the close of time. The record of God's dealings with the wanderers ofthe desert in all their marchings to and fro, in their exposure to hunger, thirst, andweariness, and in the striking manifestations of His power for their relief, is fraughtwith warning and instruction for His people in all ages. The varied experience of theHebrews was a school of preparation for their promised home in Canaan. God wouldhave His people in these days review with a humble heart and teachable spirit the tri­als through which ancient Israel passed, that they may be instructed in their prepara­tion for the heavenly Canaan.

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"Many look back to the Israelites, and marvel at their unbelief and murmuring,feeling that they themselves would not have been so ungrateful; but when their faithis tested, even by little trials, they manifest no more faith or patience than did ancientIsrael. When brought into strait places, they murmur at the process by which God haschosen to purify them. Though their present needs are supplied, many are unwillingto trust God for the future, and they are in constant anxiety lest poverty shall comeupon them, and their children shall be left to suffer. Some are always anticipating evilor magnifying the difficulties that really exist, so that their eyes are blinded to themany blessings which demand their gratitude. The obstacles they encounter, insteadof leading them to seek help from God, the only Source of strength, separate themfrom Him, because they awaken unrest and repining."-Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 293,294.

THE MURMURERS ARE REBUKEDo Monday

September 4

3. For what purpose did the Lord want to test the people through the daily pro­vision of manna? Exodus 16:4 (last part), 5, 27-29. How does the Lord testour obedience in connection with the fourth commandment?

"The Lord is no less particular now in regard to His Sabbath than when He gavethe foregoing special directions to the children of Israel. He required them to bakethat which they would bake, and seethe (that is, boil), that which they would seethe onthe sixth day, preparatory to the rest of the Sabbath. Those who neglect to preparefor the Sabbath on the sixth day, and who cook food upon the Sabbath, violate thefourth commandment, and are transgressors of God's law."-Spiritual Gifts, vol. 3,pp. 253, 254.

4. What did Moses and Aaron do because of the unjustified murmurings of thepeople? Exodus 16:6-10.

"While Aaron was speaking, 'they looked toward the wilderness, and, behold, theglory of the Lord appeared in the cloud.' A splendor such as they had never witnessedsymbolized the divine Presence. Through manifestations addressed to their senses,they were to obtain a knowledge of God. They must be taught that the Most High,and not merely the man Moses, was their leader, that they might fear His name andobey His voice."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 295. .

MANNA AND QUAILSo TuesdaySeptember 5

5. What kind of food did the Lord supply to the Israelites in the evening and inthe morning on one occasion and later for one month? Exodus 16:11-15.

"If the Israelites had been given the diet to which they had been accustomedwhile in Egypt, they would have exhibited the unmanageable spirit that the world isexhibiting today. In the diet of men and women in this age there are included manythings that the Lord would not have permitted the children of Israel to eat. The hu­man family as it is today is an illustration of what the children of Israel would havebeen if God had allowed them to eat the food and follow the habits and customs of theEgyptians."-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. I, p. 1102.

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6. What was manna? What did it look like? What did it taste like? How was itprepared? Exodus 16:31; Numbers 11:8; Psalm 78:23-25.

SPECIFIC DIRECTIONSo Wednesday

September 6

7. What directions did the people receive for gathering manna? Exodus 16:16-26.What practical lessons can be drawn from the supply of manna? 2 Corin­thians 8:13-15.

"Every week during their long sojourn in the wilderness, the Israelites witnesseda threefold miracle, designed to impress their minds with the sacredness of the Sab­bath: a double quantity of manna fell on the sixth day, none on the seventh, and theportion needed for the Sabbath was preserved sweet and pure, when if any were keptover at any other time it became unfit for use.

"In the circumstances connected with the giving of the manna, we have con­clusive evidence that the Sabbath was not instituted, as many claim, when the lawwas given at Sinai. Before the Israelites came to Sinai they understood the Sabbath tobe obligatory upon them. In being obliged to gather every Friday a double portion ofmanna in preparation for the Sabbath, when none would fall, the sacred nature of theday of rest was continually impressed upon them."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 296.

8. How long did the daily supply of manna last? Exodus 16:35. For what pur­pose was a pot of manna kept in the ark of the covenant? Exodus 16:32, 33;Hebrews 9:4.

LESSONS FOR USo ThursdaySeptember 7

9. Of whom was the manna a type? John 6:1, 48-51, 63. In what sense is Godstill supplying "manna" to His people today? Matthew 4:4.

"God has not only revealed to us the doctrine of the atonement, holding out thehope of eternal life, but His words are the manna from heaven for the soul to feedupon and receive spiritual strength. The Bible is the great standard of right andwrong, clearly defining sin and holiness. Its living principles, running through ourlives like threads of gold, are our only safeguard in trial and temptation."-Counsels toParents, Teachers, and Students, p. 422.

"The church is to be fed with manna from heaven and to be kept under the saleguardianship of His grace. Clad in complete armor of light and righteousness, sheenters upon her final conflict. The dross, the worthless material, will be consumed,and the influence of the truth testifies to the world of its sanctifying, ennobling char­acter."- Testimonies to Ministers, pp. 17, 18.

10. What promise belongs to the conquerors in Christ? Revelation 2:17. Whatkinds of food did Sister White see on the table of silver in the New Jerusalem?

"And I saw a table of pure silver; it was many miles in length, yet our eyes couldextend over it. I saw the fruit of the tree of life, the manna, almonds, figs, pomegran­ates, grapes, and many other kinds of fruit."-Early Writings, p. 19.

(Continued on page 43)

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Lesson 12 Sabbath, September 16, 1989

THE PEOPLE STILL MURMUR

NEW EXPERIENCE AT REPHIDIM

"Happy the minister who has a faithful Aaron and Hur to strengthen hishands when they become weary, and to hold them up by faith and prayer.Such a support is a powerful aid to the servant of Christ in his work, and willoften make the cause of truth to triumph gloriously."-Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 531.

KEY TEXT: "But Moses' hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put itunder him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up hishands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and hishands were steady until the going down of the sun." Exodus 17:12.

D SundaySeptember 10

1. For what reason did the children of Israel murmur against Moses when theyarrived at Rephidim? Exodus 17:1-3.

"The Lord directed their course where there was no water, to prove them, to seeif, after receiving so many evidences of His power, they had learned to turn to Him intheir affliction, and had repented of their past rebellious murmurings against Him.They had charged Moses and Aaron with selfish motives in bringing them fromEgypt to kill them and their children with hunger, that they might be enriched withtheir possessions. In doing this the Israelites ascribed to man that which they hadreceived unmistakable evidence was from God alone, whose power is unlimited.These wonderful manifestations of the power of God He would have them ascribe toHim alone, and magnify His name upon the earth. The Lord brought them over thesame ground of trial repeatedly to prove whether they had yet learned His dealingsand repented of their sinful disobedience and rebellious murmurings. In Rephidim,when the people thirsted for water, they were again proud, and showed that they stillpossessed an evil heart of unbelief, or murmuring, of rebellion, which revealed thefact that it would not yet be safe to establish them in the land of Canaan. If they wouldnot glorify God in their trials and adversity, in their travels through the wilderness tothe Canaan in prospect, while God was continually giving them unmistakable evi­dence of His power and glory, and His care for them, they would not magnify Hisname and glorify Him when established in the land of Canaan, surrounded with bless­ings and prosperity. Because the people thirsted for water, they were provoked, sothat Moses feared for his life."- Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 107.

2. What did Moses do after he had heard their complaints? Exodus 17:4.

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WATER FROM THE ROCKo Monday

September 11

3. To what place, and with what specific instructions, did God send Moses forwater? How was water miraculously provided? Exodus 17:5, 6.

"He [Moses] obeyed, and the waters burst forth in a living stream that abundantlysupplied the encampment. Instead of commanding Moses to lift up his rod and calldown some terrible plague, like those on Egypt, upon the leaders in this wicked mur­muring, the Lord in His great mercy, made the rod His instrument to work theirdeliverance."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 298.

4. What other name did Moses give to that place and why did he rename it? Ex­odus 17:7. (Find the meaning of the new names in the margin.)

"In their thirst the people had tempted God, saying, 'Is the Lord among us, ornot?'-'If God has brought us here, why does He not give us water as well as bread?'The unbelief thus manifested, was criminal, and Moses feared that the judgments ofGod would rest upon them. And he called the name of the place Massah, 'temptation,'and Meribah, 'chiding,' as a memorial of their sin."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 298.

THE ROCK AND THE WATER AS SYMBOLS

5. Of whom is the smitten rock a type? 1 Corinthians 10:4.

D TuesdaySeptember 12

"Moses smote the rock, but it was the Son of God who, veiled in the cloudy pillar,stood beside Moses, and caused the life-giving water to flow. Not only Moses and theelders, but all the congregation who stood at a distance, beheld the glory of the Lord;but had the cloud been removed, they would have been slain by the terrible bright­ness of Him who abode therein."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 298.

6. In what sense is Christ the fountain of living water? John 4:10-14; 7:37-39;Revelation 22:17.

BATTLE WITH AMALEKD Wednesday

September 13

7. What danger threatened the people of Israel after they had murmure9 forwater at Rephidim? Exodus 17:8.

"Because of Israel's disobedience and departure from God, they were allowed tobe brought into close places and to suffer adversity; their enemies were permitted tomake war with them, to humble them and lead them to seek God in their trouble anddistress. 'Then came Amalek and fought with Israel in Rephidim.' This took placeimmediately after the children of Israel had given themselves up to their rebelliousmurmurings and to unjust, unreasonable complaints against their leaders whom Godhad qualified and appointed to lead them through the wilderness to the land of Ca­naan."-Testimonies, vol. 2, pp.l06, 107.

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8. How did the leading men in Israel meet the attack of the Amalekites? Exodus17:9-11. How were Moses' hands upheld while he was in prayer? Exodus17:12. What lesson does that event contain for us?

"The history of God's ancient people furnishes us with many encouraging ex­amples of prevailing prayer. When the Amalekites came to attack the camp of Israelin the wilderness, Moses knew that his people were not prepared for the encounter.He sent Joshua with a band of soldiers to meet the enemy, while he himself, withAaron and Hur, took his position on a hill overlooking the battlefield. There the manof God laid the case before Him who alone was able to give them the victory. Withhands outstretched toward heaven, Moses prayed earnestly for the success of the ar­mies of Israel. It was observed that while his hands were reaching upward, Israelprevailed against the foe; but when through fatigue they were allowed to fall, Amalekprevailed. Aaron and Hur stayed up the hands of Moses, until victory, full and com­plete, turned upon the side of Israel and their enemies were driven from the field.

"This instance was to be a lesson to all Israel to the close of time that God is thestrength of His people. When Israel triumphed, Moses was reaching his hands towardheaven and interceding in their behalf; so when all the Israel of God prevail, it is be­cause the Mighty One undertakes their case, and fights their battles for them. Mosesdid not ask or believe that God would overcome their foes while Israel remained inac­tive. He marshals all his forces and sends them out as well prepared as their facilitiescan make them, and then he takes the whole matter to God in prayer. Moses on themount is pleading with the Lord, while Joshua with his brave followers is below, doinghis best to meet and repulse the enemies of Israel and of God."-Testimonies, vol. 4,pp. 530, 531.

AMALEK IS OVERCOMEo ThursdaySeptember 14

9. After the Amalekites had been discomfited, what sentence was pronouncedupon them? Exodus 17:13-16; Deuteronomy 25:17-19

"The Amalekites were not ignorant of God's character or of His sovereignty, butinstead of fearing before Him, they had set themselves to defy His power. Thewonders wrought by Moses before the Egyptians were made a subject of mockery bythe people of Amalek, and the fears of surrounding nations were ridiculed. They hadtaken oath by their gods that they would destroy the Hebrews, so that not one shouldescape, and they boasted that Israel's God would be powerless to resist them. Theyhad not been injured or threatened by the Israelites. Their assault was wholly un­provoked. It was to manifest their hatred and defiance of God that they sought todestroy His people. The Amalekites had long been high-handed sinners, and theircrimes had cried to God for vengeance, yet His mercy had still called them to repent­ance; but when the men of Amalek fell upon the wearied and defenseless ranks ofIsrael, they sealed their nation's doom. The care of God is over the weakest of hischildren. No act of cruelty or oppression toward them is unmarked by Heaven. Overall who love and fear Him, His hand extends as a shield; let men beware that theysmite not that hand; for it wields the sword of justice."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 300.

10. Who represent the modern Amalekites that the people of God have to meet,and what is written of them? 2 Timothy 3:3,5-9; Matthew 5:11.

"As it was a crime for Amalek to take advantage of the children of Israel in theirweakness and weariness, to annoy, perplex, and discourage them, so it was no small

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sin for you to be closely watching to discover the weakness, the haltings, the errorsand sins of God's afflicted people, and expose the same to their enemies. You weredoing Satan's work, not the work of God."-Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 109.

"If God thus punished the cruelty of a heathen nation, how must he regard thosewho, professing to be His people, will make war upon their own brethren who areworn and wearied laborers in His cause?"-Ibid., vol. 5, p. 245.

"I pen these words of God that those who profess to be His children may notreceiv.e the curse pronounced upon Amalek because they have followed the practicesof Amalek."- Testimonies to Ministers, p. 372.

REVIEW AND THOUGHT QUESTIONSo Friday

September 15

a. For what purpose did the Lord direct the course of the Israelites through anarea where there was no water?

b. Why was the unbelief and murmuring of the people at Rephidim regarded asa great sin?

c. Whom did the rock and the water at Rephidim typify?

d. Why did the Lord permit the Amalekites to make war upon the Israelites?

e. What lesson should we learn from the way the enemy was conquered in thatbattle? •

* * * * * * *

(Continued from page 39)

REVIEW AND THOUGHT QUESTIONSo Friday

September 8

a. For what purpose did the Lord permit difficulties to surround His people andtheir supply of food to dwindle?

b. What were the Israelites instructed to do on the day of preparation?

c. What would have happened if the Lord had allowed the Israelites to continuethe same diet to which they had been accustomed in Egypt?

d. How did the supply of manna in the wilderness prove the sacredness of theseventh-day Sabbath and not just anyone day out of seven?

e. Where do we find our regular supply of manna today, and what benefits arewe to derive from it? •

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Lesson 13 Sabbath, September 23, 1989

THE VISIT OF JETHRO

"In His instruction to Moses the Lord very plainly set forth the character of·those who were to fill important positions as counselors." - Testimonies toMinisters, p. 341.

KEY TEXT: "And Moses' father in law said unto him, ... Moreover thou shaltprovide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth,hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers ofthousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers oftens." Exodus 18:17, 21.

o SundayJETHRO September 17

1. After the battle with the Amalekites, who came to visit Moses and whom didhe bring with him? Exodus 18:1-5.

"Not far distant from where the Israelites were now encamped was the home ofJethro, the father-in-law of Moses. Jethro had heard of the deliverance of theHebrews, and he now set out to visit them, and restore to Moses his wife and twosons."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 300.

2. When Jethro sent word to Moses that he was coming (Exodus 18:6), what didMoses do at once? Exodus 18:7.

"The great leader was informed by messengers of their approach, and he wentout with joy to meet them, and, the first greetings over, conducted them to his tent.He had sent back his family when on his way to the perils of leading Israel fromEgypt, but now he could again enjoy the relief and comfort of their society."-Patri­archs and Prophets, p. 300.

MOSES ENTERTAINS JETHRO

3. What did Moses tell his father-in-law? Exodus 18:8.

D MondaySeptember 18

4. How did Jethro receive Moses' report? Exodus 18:9-12 (first part).

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MOSES ENTERTAINS JETHRO (continued)o Tuesday

September 19

5. How did the leaders in Israel celebrate Jethro's visit? Exodus 18:12.

"To Jethro he [Moses] recounted the wonderful dealings of God with Israel, andthe patriarch rejoiced and blessed the Lord, and with Moses and the elders he unitedin offering sacrifice and holding a solemn feast in commemoration of God's mercy."­Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 300.

6. What did Jethro observe concerning the judicial work of Moses? Exodus18:13, 14. What explanation did Moses give? Exodus 18:15, 16.

"As Jethro remained in the camp, he soon saw how heavy were the burdens thatrested upon Moses. To maintain order and discipline among that vast, ignorant, anduntrained multitude was indeed a stupendous task. Moses was their recognizedleader and magistrate, and not only the general interests and duties of the people, butthe controversies that arose among them, were referred to him. He had permittedthis, for it gave him an opportunity to instruct them; as he said, 'I do make them knowthe statutes of God, and His laws.' But Jethro remonstrated against this."-Patriarchsand Prophets, pp. 300, 301.

JETHRO'S ADVICEo Wednesday

September 20

7. What advice did the godly priest give to his son-in-law? Exodus 18:17-23.

8. What were the four main qualifications that the visitor emphasized in theselection of the men who were to share Moses' burdens? Exodus 18:21 (firstpart). What special qualifications did Moses possess? Numbers 12:3.

"Moses was a humble man; God called him the meekest man on earth. He wasgenerous, noble, well-balanced; he was not defective, and his qualities were not mere­ly half developed. He could successfully exhort his fellowmen, because his life itselfwas a living representation of what man can become and accomplish with God as hishelper, of what he taught to others, of what he desired them to be, and of what Godrequired of him. He spoke from the heart and it reached the heart. He was ac­complished in knowledge and yet simple as a child in the manifestation of his deepsympathies. Endowed with a remarkable instinct, he could judge instantly of theneeds of all who surrounded him, and of the things which were in bad condition andrequired attention, and he did not neglect them."- The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G.White Comments], vol. 1, p. 1113.

JETHRO'S ADVICE (continued)o ThursdaySeptember 21

9. How did Moses receive the wise counsel of his father-in-law, and what did hedo after he had listened to him? Exodus 18:24,25.

"The Lord had greatly honored Moses, and had wrought wonders by his hand;but the fact that he had been chosen to instruct others did not lead him to conclude

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that he himself needed no instruction. The chosen leader of Israel listened gladly tothe suggestions of the godly priest of Midian, and adopted his plan as a wise arrange­ment."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 301.

10. What improvement was seen as a result of the recommended delegation ofauthority? Exodus 18:26.

"This counsel was accepted, and it not only brought relief to Moses, but resultedin establishing more perfect order among the people."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 301.

REVIEW AND THOUGHT QUESTIONSo Friday

September 22

a. Who was Jethro and on what occasion did he come to visit the people ofIsrael?

b. What three or four points did Moses emphasize when he told Jethro what theLord had done?

c. What is the evidence that Jethro, a Midianite, was a true worshiper of theGod of Israel?

d. What qualifications enabled Moses to become a successful leader? Accordingto Jethro's recommendation, what qualifications should be required of theother burden bearers?

e. What improvement took place in the administration among the Israelites asa result of Jethro's advice? •

•"The workers whom He is leading may at times be in great

perplexity. It is His plan that many difficulties shall be met andmastered. He inspires the workers with the determination tomake every apparent failure prove a success. They are deter­mined to walk in the light that is shining on their pathway, andalthough they encounter many obstacles, yet they declare, 'Iwill not fail or be discouraged.' "-The Upward Look, p. 116.

•-46-

~",the Special Project Offering.

See details on pages 51 and 52.

Lesson 14 Sabbath, September 30, 1989

THE LAW OF GOD

"When the law was spoken, the Lord, the Creator of heaven and earth, stoodby the side of His Son, enshrouded in the fire and the smoke on the mount."- The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments!. vol. 1, p. 1103.

KEY TEXT: "The Lord talked with you face to face in the mount out of the midstof the fire." Deuteronomy 5:4.

THE ISRAELITES COME TO SINAID Sunday

September 24

1. How long after they had left Egypt did the Israelites come to Mount Sinai?Exodus 19:1,2. What revelation was God about to make to them?

"Between the rocky cliffs rising hundreds of feet on either side, flowed in a livingtide, far as the eye could reach, the hosts of Israel with their flocks and herds. Andnow before them in solemn majesty Mount Sinai lifted its massive front. The cloudypillar rested upon its summit, and the people spread their tents upon the plainbeneath. Here was to be their home for nearly a year. At night the pillar of fireassured them of the divine protection, and while they were locked in slumber, thebread of heaven fell gently upon the encampment.

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"The dawn gilded the dark ridges of the mountains, and the sun's golden rayspierced the deep gorges, seeming to these weary travelers like beams of mercy fromthe throne of God. On every hand vast, rugged heights seemed in their solitarygrandeur to speak of eternal endurance and majesty. Here the mind was impressedwith solemnity and awe. Man was made to feel his ignorance and weakness in thepresence of Him who 'weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance.'Here Israel was to receive the most wonderful revelation ever made by God to men.Here the Lord had gathered His people that He might impress upon them the sacred­ness of His requirements by declaring with His own voice His holy law. Great andradical changes were to be wrought in them; for the degrading influences of servitudeand a long-continued association with idolatry had left their mark upon habits andcharacter. God was working to lift them to a higher moral level by giving them aknowledge of Himself."-Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 301, 302.

2. What instructions did Moses receive from the Lord when he went up into themount? Exodus 19:3-6.

"Moses, the visible leader of the Israelites, was admitted into the secret councilsof the Most High. The people were given evidence that Moses did indeed talk withGod, receiving from Him the instruction given them."-The SDA Bible Commentary[E.G. White Comments], vol. 1, p. 1103.

"The instructions given to Moses for ancient Israel, with their sharp, rigid out­lines, are to be studied and obeyed by the people of God today."-Ibid.

PREPARATION AGAINST THE THIRD DAYo Monday

September 25

3. How did the people respond to the message of the Lord brought by Moses?Exodus 19:7, 8. How would the Lord manifest Himself when speaking toMoses? What is said of the covenant that God made with His people? Exodus19:9.

"Moses returned to the camp, and having summoned the elders of Israel, herepeated to them the divine message. Their answer was, 'All that the Lord hathspoken we will do.' Thus they entered into a solemn covenant with God, pledgingthemselves to accept Him as their ruler, by which they became, in a special sense, thesubjects of His authority. "-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 303.

"The covenant that God made with His people at Sinai is to be our refuge anddefense....

"This is the pledge that God's people are to make in these last days. Their accept­ance with God depends on a faithful fulfillment of the terms of their agreement withHim. God includes in His covenant all who will obey Him."-TheSDA Bible Commentary[E.G. White Comments], vol. 1, p. 1103.

4. What preparation was required of the people for the receiving of the law? Ex­odus 19:10-15.

"Read the directions that were given to Moses to be made known to the childrenof Israel as God was about to come down upon the mount to speak in their hearing Hisholy law. What did He command Moses to have the people do? To be ready againstthe third day; for on the third day, said He, the Lord will come down upon the mountin the sight of all the people. They were to set bounds about the mount. 'And the Lord

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said unto Moses, Go unto the people, and sanctify them today and tomorrow, and letthem wash their clothes.' That great and mighty God who created the beautiful Edenand everything lovely in it, is a God of order; and He wants order and cleanliness withHis people....

"If those who ministered in sacred office should fail to manifest care, and rev­erence for God, in their apparel and their deportment, the people would lose their aweand their reverence for God and His sacred service. If the priests showed greatreverence for God by being very careful and very particular as they came into Hispresence, it gave the people an exalted idea of God and His requirements. It showedthem that God was holy, that His work was sacred, and that everything in connectionwith His work must be holy; that it must be free from everything like impurity anduncleanness; and that all defilement must be put away from those who approach nighto God."-Testimonies, vol. 2, pp. 611, 612.

THE PRESENCE OF GOD UPON THE MOUNTo Tuesday

September 26

5. What spectacle did the people witness as they stood at the base of the moun­tain? Exodus 19:16-20. How was that scene described by Moses? Deutero­nomy 33:2, 3.

"On the morning of the third day, as the eyes of all the people were turned towardthe mount, its summit was covered with a thick cloud, which grew more black anddense, sweeping downward until the entire mountain was wrapped in darkness andawful mystery. Then a sound as of a trumpet was heard, summoning the people tomeet with God; and Moses led them forth to the base of the mountain. From the thickdarkness flashed vivid lightnings, while peals of thunder echoed and re-echoedamong the surrounding heights....

"And now the thunders ceased; the trumpet was no longer heard; the earth wasstill. There was a period of solemn silence, and then the voice of God was heard.Speaking out of the thick darkness that enshrouded Him, as He stood upon themount, surrounded by a retinue of angels, the Lord made known His law. "-Patriarchsand Prophets, p. 304.

6. When Moses was again called to the top of the mountain, what did the Lordsay to him? Exodus 19:21-25.

THE TEN COMMANDMENTSo Wednesday

September 27

7. Who spoke the law on Mount Sinai? Deuteronomy 5:4,5; Acts 7:37, 38. Howmany commandments express our love for God? Quote them. Exodus 20:1-11.

"The ten holy precepts spoken by Christ upon Sinai's mount were the revelationof the character of God, and made known to the world the fact that He had jurisdic­tion over the whole human heritage. That law of ten precepts of the greatest love thatcan be presented to man is the voice of God from heaven speaking to the soul in prom­ise, 'This do, and you will not come under the dominion and control of Satan.' "-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 1, p. 1105.

8. How many commandments express our love for our fellow men? Quote them.Exodus 20:12-17. How do genuine Christians show that they have the loveof God in their hearts? 1 John 5:2, 3; Romans 13:10.

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"The love of Jesus in the soul will banish all hatred, selfishness, and envy; for thelaw ofthe Lord is perfect, converting the soul. There is health in obedience to God'slaw. The affections of the obedient are drawn out after God. Looking unto the LordJesus, we may encourage and serve one another. The love of Christ is shed abroad inour souls, and there is no dissension and strife among us." - The SDA Bible Commentary[E.G. White Comments], vol. 1, p. 1105.

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS (continued)D ThursdaySeptember 28

9. What effect did the proclamation of the law have upon the people? Exodus20:18-20. What lesson should we learn from that experience? Hebrews12:18-29; Romans 3:19.

"The people of Israel were overwhelmed with terror. The awful power of God'sutterances seemed more than their trembling hearts could bear. For as God's greatrule of right was presented before them, they realized as never before the offensivecharacter of sin, and their own guilt in the sight of a holy God. They shrank awayfrom the mountain in fear and awe."-Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 309, 310.

10. Did Jesus introduce a new law or did He vindicate the same old law which HeHimself had proclaimed on Mount Sinai? Matthew 5: 17-19; 22:36-40; Luke16: 17, 18. How are we to be identified as living epistles of Christ in theworld? Jeremiah 31:33; John 15:10; 2 Corinthians 3:3.

"The law was not spoken at this time exclusively for the benefit of the Hebrews.God honored them by making them the guardians and keepers of His law, but it wasto be held as a sacred trust for the whole world. The precepts of the Decalogue areadapted to all mankind, and they were given for the instruction and government of all.Ten precepts, brief, comprehensive, and authoritative, cover the duty of man to Godand to his fellow man; and all based upon the great fundamental principle of love."­Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 305.

"The ten commandments, Thou shalt, and Thou shalt not, are ten promises,assured to us if we render obedience to the law governing the universe. 'If ye love me,keep my commandments.' Here is the sum and substance of the law of God. Theterms of salvation for every son and daughter of Adam are here outlined."- The SDABible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 1, p. 1105.

REVIEW AND THOUGHT QUESTIONSD Friday

September 29

a. What did God do to lift His people to a higher moral level? How are we to doto reach higher ground?

b. What lesson should we learn from the preparation that Israel made to re­ceive the law of God?

c. What description is given of the spectacle at Sinai when the Lord came downupon the mount?

d. Which texts prove that the law of God is the revelation of His character?

e. Show the ten commandments in the New Testament. Where, in the New Testa-ment, is the evidence that the law of God is binding upon all the world? •

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Special Project Offering

for the

Missionary School in the Philippines

The missionary school and farm in Antipolo, Rizal, Philippines, built inMay 1985 by a handful of dedicated pioneers with the support of the General·Conference, is a landmark in the history of the Reformation in the Orient. Inspite of all the obstacles and difficulties the school administrators had to facesince the beginning, the first batch of graduates (seven male students: fivePhilippinos and two Koreans) was turned out, by the grace of God, in April1988.

At present, the school consists of one large, two-story wooden buildingwhich houses the main classroom, library, dormitory, office and chapel.There is a smaller one-story building nearby which serves as the kitchen anddining hall at the same time.

A small diesel generator, installed during the early part of 1988, hasbeen supplying electricity for four hours every night. We thank the brethrenfor the help that they have extended to us for the furtherance of the schoolprogram.

The school has indeed a very good potential if only it can push throughits more urgent development programs. For instance, the grape farm,ricefield and vegetable garden require the installation of a heavy-duty waterpump and irrigation system in order to produce excellent results. There isalso a need to construct a separate building to house female boarders andteachers. Funds are also needed to upgrade the library as well as the kit­chen. We also need to purchase a diesel motor to run the generator, so wewill not have to continue using the farm tractor motor, which is not onlyuneconomical, but also a cause of frequent tractor motor breakdown.

We do not see how all these projects can materialize, since the financialcapabilities of the school and of the local Conference are very limited. Forthis reason we appeal for help from all other Unions and Conferences aroundthe world. We realize that if all our brethren and friends are moved with thesame spirit which moved the Israelites to build the sanctuary, there will beno need for further appeals. Please, brethren, remember that preparingyoung people here for Christian service does not only depend on the work ofthe faculty, but also on the willingness and ability of the brethren to give aspecial offering at the end of this quarter. May the Lord prosper everycheerful donor!

The School Administrators

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The arrow on the map above points to the approximate locationwhere the brethren plan to improve the existing facilities of themissionary school. See page 51 for detailed information.

ERRATA - Page 7

Question 1:Instead of Exodus 15:17 read Exodus 1:17.

Question 2:Instead of Exodus 15:18, 19 read Exodus 1:18, 19.Add Exodus 1:20,21 to the end of the question.