(c. 1275 B.C. to 33 A.D.)
God’s plan of deliverance was announced by the prophet Moses. Egypt was humbled by God through ten plagues. These plagues demonstrated Creator God’s power over the idols and false gods of Egypt. Defeated by God, Pharoah gave the children of Israel great wealth and sent them out of Egypt and back to God’s promised land.
Regretting his decision, Pharoah attempted to stop the Israelites at the Red Sea. God parted the waters of the Red Sea for the Israelites to pass through on dry ground. As Pharoah attempted to pursue them, God caused the waters to engulf his army, completing Egypt’s defeat.
Moses led the people of Israel to Mount Sinai in the desert. There, God reintroduced Himself to His children. But, their faith was very weak even after seeing the mighty miracles of their deliverance. God used another covenant to help Israel come to know Him again.
This covenant was clearly explained by new laws. The first ten of these new laws are known as the Ten Commandments. This covenant was an agreement of laws that would help Israel understand the nature and holiness of Creator God.
The covenant of the Era of Moses would govern the children of Israel for over 1400 years. The family of Aaron, Moses’ brother, would serve as priests to intercede between the people and God. Worship and sacrifice would be conducted by the priests, first, at the Tabernacle, or special tent of meeting. Later, this worship would continue at the Temple of God in Jerusalem which was built by King Solomon, King David’s son and heir.
God would raise up prophets and judges —like Joshua, Deborah and Samuel—to communicate His will to His children. Later prophets, including Isaiah and Jeremiah, would announce God’s punishment for his rebellious children, for sin was still at work in the world.