9

Exodus 1–10

Scripture Content Outline	Supplementary Study Sources
Exodus 1:1–2:15. A Prophet Was Raised Up Israel was drawn into bondage (see Exodus 1:1–14). The newborn sons of Israel were threatened (see Exodus 1:15–22). Moses was born and was providentially spared (see Exodus 2:1–15).	Religion 301 student manual, 9-1 through 9-8. Acts 7:17–28. How extensive was Moses’ training in Egypt? What event led to his flight into Midian? Hebrews 11:23–27. Why did Moses turn away from the Egyptians?
Exodus 2:16–4:31. Moses Was Prepared for His Mission Moses found refuge in the wilderness of Midian (see Exodus 2:16–25). He was called to be a prophet (see Exodus 3:1–22; 4:1–9; JST, Exodus 3:2). A spokesman was provided for Moses (see Exodus 4:10–17, 27–28). Moses returned to Egypt as instructed by the Lord (see Exodus 4:18–26; 29–31; JST, Exodus 4:21, 24–27).	Religion 301 student manual, A-1 through A-5; 9-9 through 9-18; 9-26. Acts 7:29–36. How long did Moses sojourn in the wilderness before he returned to Egypt? Moses 1. After the incident at the burning bush, how did the Lord prepare Moses for his mission? (see v. 17). D&C 84:6. Who ordained Moses to the priesthood? JC, pp. 36–37. Who appeared to Moses on the holy mount? DS, 1:205. In addition to being a spokesman for Moses, what other calling, or mission, did Aaron have? DS, 3:257. Where did Moses receive the keys of the gathering of Israel?
Exodus 5:1–10:29. The Power of God Was Manifest to the Egyptians The pharaoh rejected Moses’ warnings and increased the burdens upon the Israelites (see Exodus 5). The Lord reaffirmed Moses’ call (see Exodus 6:1–13; JST, Exodus 6:3, 8, 12). The genealogy of the tribe of Levi is recorded (see Exodus 6:14–27; JST, Exodus 6:26–29). The Lord sent the first nine plagues upon Egypt (see Exodus 7–10; JST, Exodus 7:1, 3, 13; 9:12, 17; 10:1, 20, 27).	Religion 301 student manual, 9-19 through 9-25. Romans 9:17–23. Why was the pharaoh raised up? How did his life and actions further God’s purposes? DBY, p. 352. What happens to those who harden their hearts against God? AF, p. 300. How is Moses an example of a revelator? DS, 1:27. A clarification and explanation of Exodus 6:3 is given (see also Religion 301 student manual, 9–21). History of the Church, 4:263–64. What is meant by the statement that the pharaoh’s heart became hardened?

Some Suggestions for Presentation

You are not expected to teach everything in the scripture content outline. Select those concepts that you feel will be the most helpful to your students.

Accepting Calls from the Lord (Section B)

Discuss the fears that Moses had when he was called by the Lord to lead Israel out of bondage (see Exodus 3:11, 13; 4:1, 10, 13). Ask students if they have ever had similar fears when they were considering fulfilling a Church assignment—a mission, for example. Then discuss the Lord’s responses to Moses’ fears (Exodus 3:12; 14–22; 4:2–9, 11–12, 14–17). Will the Lord do the same things for us if we are willing to serve when we are called?

Moses: A Prophet of God (Section B)

The experience of Moses is a powerful example of the role of a prophet of God. List the following scriptures and discuss their messages each provides about a prophet’s responsibility.

Exodus 4:12. “I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.”

Exodus 4:16. “Thou shalt be to him instead of God.” Whom does the prophet represent? For whom does a prophet speak?

Exodus 7:1. “I have made thee a god (JST, Exodus 7:1: ’prophet’) to Pharaoh.”

Now consider the following modern revelation, and discuss the role of the current President of the Church.

Doctrine and Covenants 107:91. “The duty of the President [of the Church] is … to be like unto Moses.”

What words are used in Doctrine and Covenants 107:92 to describe the prophet’s office? “Seer, a revelator, a translator, and a prophet, having all the gifts of God.”

Ask students what their response would have been to Moses if they had been there and had to deal with the challenges of his day?

“In modern revelation the President of the Church is frequently compared to Moses. …

“The discussion of this question among the Saints, led to the following statement in the Times and Seasons (6:992) by John Taylor, then the editor: The President [of the Church] stands in the Church as Moses did to the children of Israel, according to the revelations.’

“The man like unto Moses in the Church [see D&C 103:16] is the President of the Church.” (John A. Widtsoe, Evidences and Reconciliations, p. 248.)

Discuss with students their response to the counsel of the living prophet today. Challenge them to sustain the prophet through their efforts rather than to murmur or reject or ignore his counsel.

The Judgments of God: The Plagues (Section C)

Using transparency 9, review the plagues sent upon the Egyptians and the result of each. Compare the effect the plagues had upon the Israelites.

Note that the magicians of Egypt were limited in their attempts to imitate the power exercised by the prophet (see Exodus 7:22; 8:7; 8:18; 9:11).

Do the judgments upon the Egyptians have any parallel in the latter days? Have the students read the following scriptures and indicate the parallels between the judgments of latter days and those of Moses’ time.

Doctrine and Covenants 29:18. Flies.

Doctrine and Covenants 29:18. Maggots.

Doctrine and Covenants 45:31–32. Desolating sickness (see also D&C 5:19).

Doctrine and Covenants 29:16. Hail.

Doctrine and Covenants 88:90. Thunderings and lightnings.

Doctrine and Covenants 29:14. Sun darkened.

Doctrine and Covenants 89:21. Destroying angel.

How was ancient Israel spared? How will modern Israel be spared the judgments of the latter days? Will modern Israel, even though they are righteous, be spared from the latter-day judgments? (See Joseph Smith, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 162.)