Overview
God rescues His people from Egyptian slavery through mighty acts, culminating in the Passover and Red Sea crossing. At Mount Sinai, He gives the Law—not to earn salvation (already given!) but to show how a redeemed people should live. The elaborate worship system foreshadows Christ.
The Sign
The Passover
The Promise
Israel will be God's treasured possession, a kingdom of priests, a holy nation. God will dwell among them in the Tabernacle.
The Breaking
Even while Moses receives the Law, Israel worships the golden calf. The history of Israel is one of repeated covenant-breaking, leading eventually to exile.
The Hope
The sacrificial system provides temporary atonement, pointing to a perfect sacrifice to come. God promises a prophet like Moses who will speak God's words (Deuteronomy 18:15).
Why Crimson?
Crimson represents the blood of the Passover lamb, the sacrificial system, and the seriousness of the covenant made at Sinai.
Key Figures
Key Events
God appears to Moses in the burning bush
The ten plagues and hardening of Pharaoh's heart
The Passover lamb and death of the firstborn
Crossing the Red Sea on dry ground
Receiving the Ten Commandments at Sinai
The golden calf incident and Moses' intercession
Building the Tabernacle for God's presence
40 years of wilderness wandering
Moses views the Promised Land but cannot enter
Books to Read
Main Narrative
Supplemental Reading
Catholic Connection
The Passover lamb is a type of Christ, 'the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.' The Eucharist is the new Passover meal. The Tabernacle/Temple prefigures Christ's body and the Church. The Law, while unable to save, reveals sin and our need for grace. Jesus fulfills the Law, not abolishing but completing it (Matthew 5:17).
Quick Overview
Imagine being a slave your whole life, then God rescues you through amazing miracles! That's Israel's story. At Mount Sinai, God gives them rules for living—not to earn His love (He already saved them) but to show them how to be His special people. Many of these rules point forward to Jesus!
In the Liturgy
The Passover is fulfilled in the Eucharist. The Easter Vigil reads the Exodus account. Lent mirrors Israel's 40 years of wilderness testing.