Exodus means exit or departure. The book of Exodus tells the story of what Israel suffered in Egyptian bondage and how God set them free. It is a picture of how we were in bondage and Jesus set us free.

And I have also heard the groaning of the children of Israel, whom the Egyptians keep in bondage; and I have remembered my covenant. Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments: And I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God: and ye shall know that I am the Lord your God, which bringeth you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. Exodus 6:5-7 (KJV)

The people of Israel were not God’s people until God chose them. Likewise, according to Ephesians 1:4, we were not God’s people until He chose us. They were slaves and in bondage to an Egyptian king, who ruled over them. Before we were saved, satan ruled over us, and we were in bondage to him. Egypt means house of bondage. We were of the household of satan. They were in cruel bondage with no way to escape, and we were too.

God stepped in by His mighty hand and outstretched arm, rescuing and delivering them by signs and wonders. Jesus reached out to us, saving us to the uttermost. They ate the Passover lamb and applied the blood to their homes for protection. We receive and apply Christ’s blood to our lives, and as our Passover Lamb, He saves and protects us from the destroyer. Pharaoh was a type of satan, who had to let Israel go. Jesus delivered us from the devil’s dominion.

As God defeated Israel’s enemies, Jesus defeated our enemies. Israel spoiled the Egyptians, taking their wealth with them. They were paid back for 430 years of bondage and work. Christ has spoiled satan and restored and blessed us.

Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ…. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light; I Peter 2:5, 9 (KJV)

Israel became the people of God as noted in Exodus 6:7 and Deuteronomy 4:20. As New Testament believers, we belong to God. Just as God called Israel to worship Him, we are now called to worship God.

I hope that, by this point, you have seen the parallel between the nation of Israel in the Old Testament and New Testament believers. God is still our Deliverer and Keeper, just as He was for Israel. Let’s worship Him for His mighty deliverance and our salvation!