FROM FAMILY TO NATION
Exodus begins by listing the descendants of Jacob who came to Egypt. What larger group do these descendants eventually become?
B’nei Yisrael / the nation of Israel.
What is Pharaoh afraid B’nei Yisrael will do if Egypt goes to war?
Join Egypt’s enemies and fight against Egypt.
Exodus 2:11 states: “He saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew man.”
What does Moses do after witnessing this? (3 parts)
1. He looks this way and that way and sees that there is no man.
2. He strikes the Egyptian
3. Buries him in the sand.
Where does Moses encounter the burning bush?
Mount Horeb/Sinai.
Who chases B’nei Yisrael to the sea after they leave Egypt?
Pharaoh and the Egyptian army.
In Exodus 1:9, Pharaoh says:
“Look, the people of Israel are more numerous and stronger than we.”
What new term does Pharaoh use to describe B’nei Yisrael, and why is it significant?
He calls them a “people” or “nation,” showing the shift from family to nationhood.
What is Pharaoh’s first strategy for weakening B’nei Yisrael?
Forced labor and slavery.
Question:
What character trait does Moses display when defending the Hebrew slave?
Justice, courage, compassion, impulsiveness, or moral outrage.
Describe some of Moses' actions at the Burning Bush
Takes off sandals
Turns away
Doubts and questions his ability to lead
How do B’nei Yisrael react when they see the Egyptian army approaching?
They panic, complain, and fear death.
Exodus 1:7 states:
“The Israelites were fertile and prolific; they multiplied and increased very greatly.”
What concern does this create for Pharaoh?
He fears they will become too powerful and threaten Egypt.
Exodus 1:16 records Pharaoh’s command:
“If it is a boy, kill him.”
Who is Pharaoh giving this order to?
The Hebrew midwives - Shifrah & Puah
Before killing the Egyptian, Moses “looked this way and that way.” What might this suggest about Moses?
1. He knows the act is dangerous or wrong / he is acting cautiously.
2. He is waiting for someone else to step up and do something.
3. How else can you read it?
What is the name God reveals to Moses during the Burning Bush?
Ehyeh asher Ehyeh. I am that I am. I will be what I will be.
In Exodus 14:13, Moses tells the people:
“Stand firm and see the salvation of God.”
Why does Moses say this?
To calm and reassure the frightened Israelites so they witness God's miracle.
According to Rashi on Exodus 1:7, what does the Torah emphasize by describing the rapid growth of B’nei Yisrael?
That they multiplied extraordinarily quickly. 6 children per birth.
According to Chizkuni, why were the Hebrew boys specifically targeted?
Because they would eventually grow up and fight against Egypt.
Why is Moses’ killing of the Egyptian a morally complicated moment?
Because he acts against injustice but also commits violence.
According to Rashi and Ramban, what characteristics of God are emphasized at the burning bush?
Mercy, compassion, attentiveness, and understanding.
In Exodus 19:6, God calls B’nei Yisrael:
“A kingdom of priests and a holy nation.”
What does this suggest about Israel’s role?
They have a special covenantal responsibility and mission.
Why is the transformation from “family” to “nation” an important theme in Exodus?
It marks the beginning of a shared national identity, covenant, and destiny.
According to Rashi, why does Pharaoh fear a Hebrew baby boy?
His astrologers predicted a Hebrew boy would become Israel’s deliverer.
why might the Torah include this story before Moses becomes leader of B’nei Yisrael?
Answer:
To show his humanity, flaws, passion for justice, and growth into leadership.
In Exodus 3:7, God says: “I have seen the suffering of My people… and heard their cry.”
What does this reveal about God?
God is aware of and responsive to human suffering.
Exodus 14:31 states that the people “believed in God and in Moses.” What changed for B’nei Yisrael after the sea split? Bonus points if you can quote Friedman's commentary
Answer:
Their faith and trust in God and Moses increased.
Friedman: "Knowing" God vs. "believing" in God