1 Samuel 12:8

When Jacob went to Egypt, your fathers cried out to the LORD, and He sent them Moses and Aaron, who brought your fathers out of Egypt and settled them in this place.

Study Bible

When Jacob went to Egypt
This phrase refers to the migration of Jacob and his family to Egypt, as recorded in Genesis 46. This event was precipitated by a severe famine in Canaan, which led Jacob to relocate his family to Egypt, where his son Joseph had risen to power. This move was part of God's providential plan to preserve the Israelites and fulfill His promise to Abraham about making his descendants a great nation (Genesis 12:2). Egypt, at this time, was a powerful and prosperous nation, providing a fertile ground for the Israelites to grow in number.

your fathers cried out to the LORD
The Israelites' cry to the LORD signifies their plea for deliverance from the oppression they faced in Egypt. This is detailed in Exodus 2:23-25, where the Israelites groaned under slavery and God remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This cry is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, where God's people call upon Him in times of distress, demonstrating their dependence on His mercy and power.

and He sent them Moses and Aaron
God's response to the Israelites' cry was to send Moses and Aaron as deliverers. Moses, raised in Pharaoh's household, was uniquely prepared to confront the Egyptian ruler, while Aaron, his brother, served as his spokesperson. This divine appointment is recorded in Exodus 3-4. Moses is a type of Christ, as both are deliverers of God's people—Moses from physical bondage and Christ from spiritual bondage.

who brought your fathers out of Egypt
This phrase highlights the Exodus, a foundational event in Israel's history, where God, through Moses and Aaron, led the Israelites out of Egyptian slavery. The Exodus is a powerful demonstration of God's sovereignty and faithfulness, fulfilling His promise to Abraham. It is also a foreshadowing of the ultimate deliverance through Jesus Christ, who leads believers out of the bondage of sin.

and settled them in this place
The "place" refers to the Promised Land, Canaan, which God had sworn to give to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The settlement in Canaan, as described in the books of Joshua and Judges, represents the fulfillment of God's promises and His faithfulness to His covenant. This settlement is a type of the eternal rest and inheritance believers have in Christ, as mentioned in Hebrews 4:8-10.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jacob
The patriarch whose migration to Egypt with his family set the stage for the Israelites' eventual enslavement and subsequent exodus.

2. Egypt
The land where the Israelites were enslaved for 400 years before God delivered them through Moses and Aaron.

3. The LORD
The covenant God of Israel who hears the cries of His people and acts on their behalf.

4. Moses and Aaron
The leaders chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage and lead them to the Promised Land.

5. The Exodus
The pivotal event of deliverance where God led the Israelites out of Egypt, symbolizing salvation and freedom.

Teaching Points

God Hears and Responds
Just as God heard the cries of the Israelites, He hears our prayers today. We can trust that He is attentive to our needs and will act according to His perfect will.

Divine Deliverance
The Exodus is a powerful reminder of God's ability to deliver us from bondage, whether physical, spiritual, or emotional. We should seek His deliverance in our lives.

Leadership and Obedience
Moses and Aaron exemplify obedience to God's call. We are encouraged to be faithful in the roles God assigns us, trusting Him to equip us for His purposes.

Remembering God's Faithfulness
Reflecting on past deliverances strengthens our faith. We should regularly recount God's faithfulness in our lives and share these testimonies with others.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of Jacob's journey to Egypt and the subsequent Exodus illustrate God's faithfulness to His promises?

2. In what ways can we cry out to God in our current situations, and how can we be assured of His response?

3. How do Moses and Aaron's roles in the Exodus inspire us to respond to God's calling in our own lives?

4. What are some modern-day "Egypts" from which we need deliverance, and how can we seek God's intervention?

5. How can we cultivate a habit of remembering and sharing God's past faithfulness in our lives with others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 2-14
These chapters detail the Israelites' enslavement in Egypt, their cries to God, and the subsequent deliverance through Moses and Aaron.

Genesis 46
Describes Jacob's journey to Egypt, setting the stage for the events that would lead to the Exodus.

Psalm 105
Celebrates God's faithfulness in delivering Israel from Egypt, highlighting His mighty works and covenant promises.

Hebrews 11:23-29
Reflects on the faith of Moses and the Israelites during the Exodus, emphasizing trust in God's promises.