Sabbath School - Meat In Due Season Advanced Commentary - SS25-Q3-L1 - Oppression: The Background and the Birth of Moses

Sabbath School - Meat In Due Season Advanced Commentary

SS25-Q3-L1-Oppression: The Background and the Birth of Moses

June 28-July 4, 2025

Sabbath Afternoon–June 28, 2025

Scripture Reading for the Week:

Exod. 1:1-22; Gen. 37:26-28; Gen. 39:2-21; Acts 7:6; Gal. 3:16-17; Exod. 2:1-25

Thought for Meditation

The king and his counselors had hoped to subdue the Israelites with hard labor, and thus decrease their numbers and crush out their independent spirit. Failing to accomplish their purpose, they proceeded to more cruel measures. Orders were issued to the women whose employment gave them opportunity for executing the command, to destroy the Hebrew male children at their birth. Satan was the mover in this matter. He knew that a deliverer was to be raised up among the Israelites; and by leading the king to destroy their children he hoped to defeat the divine purpose. But the women feared God, and dared not execute the cruel mandate. The Lord approved their course, and prospered them. The king, angry at the failure of his design, made the command more urgent and extensive. The whole nation was called upon to hunt out and slaughter his helpless victims. "And Pharaoh charged all his people, saying, Every son that is born ye shall cast into the river, and every daughter ye shall save alive." {PP 242.1}

Memory Verse

And it came to pass in process of time, that the king of Egypt died: and the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage.

And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob.

And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God had respect unto [them]. {Exodus 2:23-25}

Purpose of the Study:

This week’s study aims to deepen our understanding of how God preserves and prepares His people in times of oppression. Through the story of Israel's bondage in Egypt and the miraculous birth and early life of Moses, we trace God’s providence working amid adversity. The lesson highlights divine timing, the courage of the faithful, and the unfolding of prophecy. Drawing from both the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy, this study encourages us to trust God's hand in times of trial and recognize our role in His redemptive plan.

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Outline of the Study

Sunday-June 29, 2025

God's people in Egypt - Exo. 1:1-14

Exodus 1:1-7; Gen. 46:27, Exod. 1:5; Exod. 12:37; Exodus 1:8-11.

Monday-June 30, 2025

The Historical Background

Genesis 46; Gen. 41:41-43; Gen. 37:26-28; Gen. 39:2-21; Gen. 15:13-16; Exod. 12:40-41; Judg. 11:26; 1 Kings 6:1 Acts 7:6; Gal. 3:16-17; 1 Cor. 13:12

Tuesday-July 1, 2025

The Hebrew Midwives

Ps. 50:15; Exodus 1:9-21; Acts 5:29.

Wednesday-July 2, 2025

Moses is Born

Exodus 2:1-10; Exod. 1:22; Gen. 1:4-10, 31; Exod. 2:24-25.

Thursday-July 3, 2025

A Change of Plans

Exodus 2:11-25.

Friday-July 4, 2025

Prophetic Insights and Further Study

Sunday, June 29 – God’s People in Egypt

Readings: Exodus 1:1–14; Genesis 46:27; Exodus 12:37; Exodus 1:8–11

“These are the names of the sons of Israel who went to Egypt with Jacob, each with his family” (Exodus 1:1)

The descendants of Jacob, once honored in Egypt due to Joseph, became objects of suspicion and eventually targets of brutal oppression under a new Pharaoh. Yet in this trial, God was silently preparing a deliverer.

“The king and his counselors had hoped to subdue the spirit of the Hebrew people by hard laborr, and thus decrease their numbers and crush out their independent spirit. Failing to accomplish their purpose, they proceeded to more cruel measures. Orders were issued to the women whose employment gave them opportunity for executing the command, to destroy the Hebrew male children at their birth. Satan was the mover in this matter. He knew that a deliverer was to be raised up among the Israelites; and by leading the king to destroy their children he hoped to defeat the divine purpose. But the women feared God, and dared not execute the cruel mandate. The Lord approved their course, and prospered them. The king, angry at the failure of his design, made the command more urgent and extensive. The whole nation was called upon to hunt out and slaughter his helpless victims. "And Pharaoh charged all his people, saying, Every son that is born ye shall cast into the river, and every daughter ye shall save alive." — Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 242

But the more they were oppressed, the more they increased and spread abroad... The Lord permitted them to come into affliction that He might turn their hearts to Him, and that they might call upon Him for deliverance.”

Questions & Short Answers:

How can affliction become a tool for spiritual awakening?
It awakens a sense of dependence on God and leads to earnest prayer.
Is there a situation in your life where God may be permitting hardship to prepare you for something greater?
Yes, many hardships are God's training ground for greater responsibilities or purification.
What does it mean for God's people today to grow “in the land of Egypt”?
It means to flourish spiritually even while surrounded by worldly pressures or hostility.

Despite being under affliction, God’s people began to multiply—fulfilling the promise made to Abraham (Gen. 15:5). The Lord’s providence is never hindered by earthly powers.

Consider the Following

God's people in Egypt (Exodus 1:1-14)

❖ The second book of Moses was called “Exodus” in Latin because of its subject matter. But in Hebrew it is known as “Shemot” (Names), because of its opening words (Ex. 1:1).

❖ These “names” are those of Jacob and his sons. A small group of 70 people (Gen. 46:26-27; Ex. 1:5). Over time, they grew into a people with an army of some 600,000 warriors (Ex. 12:37).

❖ Jacob's son, Joseph, was a minister to a 17th Dynasty pharaoh of Hyksos, not Egyptian, origin. When the Hyksos were defeated, a new dynasty began in Egypt, which "did not know Joseph" (Ex. 1:7-8).

❖ This brought Israel to a difficult situation (Exodus 1:9-14). However, at the end of the book of Exodus, the situation changes completely: Israel worships in freedom, before the very presence of God (Exodus 40:38). The teaching of the book is clear: God is in control; He will save us, even when circumstances make it seem impossible

Monday, June 30 – The Historical Background

Readings: Genesis 46; Gen. 41:41–43; Gen. 37:26–28; Gen. 39:2–21; Gen. 15:13–16; Exod. 12:40–41; Judg. 11:26; 1 Kings 6:1; Acts 7:6; Gal. 3:16–17

“Then the Lord said to him, ‘Know for certain that for four hundred years your descendants will be strangers in a country not their own and that they will be enslaved and mistreated there.’” (Genesis 15:13)

The oppression in Egypt was not a random tragedy—it was foretold (Gen. 15:13–16). The years spent in bondage were part of God's long-range plan to form a nation that would stand distinct among the nations.

Joseph, in the providence of God, was deprived of his happy home and the teachings and example of his God-fearing father, and his lot was cast in a family of dark heathen. There his virtue was severely tested. It is always a critical period in a young man’s life when he is separated from home influences and wise counsels and enters upon new scenes and trying tests. . . . — Christ Triumphant, p. 96.2

“God had permitted Joseph to be sold into slavery, and to be tempted, and tried, that he might prepare the way for His people to be preserved. Through the integrity of Joseph, the life of that whole people was preserved.”

Questions & Short Answers:

How does Joseph's life show God's control over prophecy?
God used even betrayal to fulfill His promise to Abraham and preserve Israel.
Are there areas where pain now may serve a future purpose?
Yes—trials often prepare us for blessings or leadership roles we don’t yet see.
How does knowing God’s timeline help us endure?
It reminds us that God keeps His word and works in due time, building trust.

This background reveals a larger prophetic timeline—from Abraham to Moses—showing that even suffering has a redemptive purpose in God’s plan.

Consider the Following

From Abraham to Moses (Genesis 15:13; Exodus 1:8)

❖ God had promised to give Abraham the land of Canaan, but warned him of a 400-year delay in fulfilling this plan (Gen. 15:13-16). Moses and Paul add 30 years to this period, taking it back to the call at Haran (Ex. 12:40; Gal. 3:17): — From Abram's call at Haran until Jacob's arrival in Egypt: 215 years — From Jacob's arrival in Egypt until the Exodus: 215 years

❖ And how did Jacob arrive in Egypt? In a completely miraculous way. Despite the fratricidal attempts to kill Joseph, he became prime minister of Egypt. Thanks to his position, he was able to bring his entire family.

❖ When did all this happen? We don't know the exact dates, but we know enough to fit them into known history (which also has inexact dates).

❖ 1 Kings 6:1 says the Exodus occurred 480 years before the 2nd year of Solomon. If this date is accurate and inclusive, it puts us at 1445 BC. If we consider this a “round number,” and take into account the death of Pharaoh, the Exodus took place in 1450 BC. With this data we can determine several moments in Moses’ life.

— Ahmose I (1575/1550). He defeated the Hyksos. He was the pharaoh who "did not know Joseph" and enslaved Israel (Ex. 1:8-12)

— Amenophis I (1550/1530). He continued to oppress Israel (Ex. 1:13-14)

— Thutmose I (1530/1517). He ordered the killing of the Hebrew children (Ex. 1:15-22)

— Moses (1530/1410). He was adopted by the daughter of Thutmose I, Hatshepsut

— Thutmose II (1517/?). During his reign, Moses fled Egypt (1490)

— Hatshepsut (?/1479). He died before his “son” returned to Egypt

— Thutmose III (1479/1450). The pharaoh of the Exodus. His firstborn son was “in charge of the livestock” but never reigned, as he died during the 10th plague

— Amenophis II (1450/1424). Son of Thutmose III, but not his firstborn

Tuesday, July 1 – The Hebrew Midwives

Readings: Psalm 50:15; Exodus 1:9–21; Acts 5:29

“And because the midwives feared God, he gave them families of their own” (Exodus 1:21)

Amid Pharaoh's cruel decree to kill Hebrew male infants, the midwives feared God more than man. Their courage exemplifies faith in action.

Although many of the Israelites had become corrupted by idolatry, yet the faithful stood firm. They had not concealed their faith, but openly acknowledged before the Egyptians that they served the only true and living God. They rehearsed the evidences of God's existence and power from creation down. The Egyptians had an opportunity of becoming acquainted with the faith of the Hebrews and their God. They had tried to subvert the faithful worshipers of the true God, and were annoyed because they had not succeeded, either by threats, the promise of rewards, or by cruel treatment. — The Story of Redemption, p. 113

“The midwives feared God... and God blessed them... It was by the spirit of inspiration that they were moved to resist the mandate of the king and to save the Hebrew children.”

Questions & Short Answers:

What motivates godly civil disobedience?
Loyalty to God above all earthly authority when laws contradict His will.
How can we develop courage to stand?
Through prayer, Scripture study, and daily surrender to God’s authority.
Are you prepared to obey God despite the cost?
Yes, with His strength, obedience is possible even in persecution.

Their defiance wasn't merely civil disobedience; it was a spiritual act of allegiance. God's people are called to uphold righteousness even under threat.

Consider the Following

The Triumph of Faithfulness (Exodus 1:15-22)

❖ The 18th Egyptian dynasty hated foreigners. Moreover, the Israelites were numerous enough to revolt (Ex. 1:9-10). So they gradually subdued them:

— They appointed commissioners to force them to build buildings (Ex. 1:11)

— They tightened their demands, turning them into workers/slaves (Ex. 1:13-14)

— They decreed the death of the males, using midwives (Ex. 1:15-16)

— Finally, they imposed the death of the male children by force (Ex. 1:22)

❖ In the midst of this anguish, the faithfulness of the midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, stands out, (Ex. 1:15-19). Moses omits Pharaoh's name, but gives us their names.

❖ It also records, for our learning, how God blessed them for their faithfulness (Ex. 1:20-21).

Wednesday, July 2 – Moses is Born

Readings: Exodus 2:1–10; Exodus 1:22; Genesis 1:4–10, 31; Exodus 2:24–25

“and she became pregnant and gave birth to a son. When she saw that he was a fine child, she hid him for three months” (Exodus 2:2,)

Born under a death decree, Moses was preserved by God’s hand. From the ark of bulrushes to Pharaoh’s palace, God’s providence guided every detail.

The sister hastened to her mother with the happy news, and without delay returned with her to the presence of Pharaoh's daughter. "Take this child away, and nurse it for me, and I will give thee thy wages," said the princess. {PP 243.3}

God had heard the mother's prayers; her faith had been rewarded. It was with deep gratitude that she entered upon her now safe and happy task. She faithfully improved her opportunity to educate her child for God. She felt confident that he had been preserved for some great work, and she knew that he must soon be given up to his royal mother, to be surrounded with influences that would tend to lead him away from God. All this rendered her more diligent and careful in his instruction than in that of her other children. She endeavored to imbue his mind with the fear of God and the love of truth and justice, and earnestly prayed that he might be preserved from every corrupting influence. She showed him the folly and sin of idolatry, and early taught him to bow down and pray to the living God, who alone could hear him and help him in every emergency. — Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 243

“Angels directed Pharaoh’s daughter to the hiding place of the little babe... God had heard the mother’s prayers; her faith had been rewarded. It was with deep gratitude that she entered upon her now safe and happy task.”

Questions & Short Answers:

What role does parental faith play in a child’s destiny?
A parent’s faith can preserve, shape, and inspire a child’s calling.
How does God work through unlikely people?
He often uses the least expected—like Pharaoh’s daughter—to fulfill His plans.
How might you be a “Pharaoh’s daughter” today?
By being an instrument of compassion and protection for someone in danger.

God's memory of His covenant (Exod. 2:24–25) signals the beginning of deliverance. Moses’ birth was not just the start of a life—it was the beginning of Israel’s salvation.

Consider the Following

The son of the Nile (Exodus 2:1-10)

❖ “Beautiful” falls short of describing Jochebed’s son (Ex. 2:2). The Hebrew term “tob” (good, beautiful, perfect) is the same one God uses to describe the perfection of His creation (Gen. 1:31).

❖ God had special plans for him. The mother took a risk; a young woman was moved; a child spoke with wisdom… and the future deliverer was saved from death (Ex. 2:3-7).

❖ We don't know the name his parents gave him, but we do know the name given to him by his adoptive mother, the daughter of Pharaoh: Hapimosis (son of the god Nile). But he only called himself "son","mosis," Moses (Ex. 2:10).

❖ His mother made good use of the few years she had him in her care (Ex. 2:8-9). She taught him to be a true child of God. What an important task mothers perform in raising their children in the fear of God!

Thursday, July 3 – A Change of Plans

Readings: Exodus 2:11–25
“When Pharaoh heard of this, he tried to kill Moses, but Moses fled from Pharaoh and went to live in Midian, where he sat down by a well” (Exodus 2:15)

Though raised as a prince, Moses’ premature attempt to deliver Israel resulted in exile. God needed to train him, not in the courts of Pharaoh, but in the quietness of Midian.

Moses remained at court until he was forty years of age. His thoughts often turned upon the abject condition of his people, and he visited his brethren in their servitude, and encouraged them with the assurance that God would work for their deliverance. Often, stung to resentment by the sight of injustice and oppression, he burned to avenge their wrongs. One day, while thus abroad, seeing an Egyptian smiting an Israelite, he sprang forward and slew the Egyptian. Except the Israelite, there had been no witness to the deed, and Moses immediately buried the body in the sand. He had now shown himself ready to maintain the cause of his people, and he hoped to see them rise to recover their liberty. "He supposed his brethren would have understood how that God by his hand would deliver them; but they understood not." Acts 7:25. They were not yet prepared for freedom. On the following day Moses saw two Hebrews striving together, one of them evidently at fault. Moses reproved the offender, who at once retaliated upon the reprover, denying his right to interfere, and basely accusing him of crime: "Who made thee a prince and a judge over us?" he said. "Intendest thou to kill me, as thou killedst the Egyptian?" — Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 247

“Moses had been learning much that he must unlearn. The influences that had surrounded him in Egypt... had left their impression upon his mind and character... In the school of self-denial and hardship he was to learn patience, to temper his passions.”

Questions & Short Answers:

Have you had a "change of plans" for a higher purpose?
Yes, God often interrupts our plans to redirect us into His better will.
What does God teach in the wilderness?
Patience, humility, and dependence on Him—not on human strength.
How do we balance service and God’s timing?
By waiting prayerfully for His leading while preparing in faith.

Deliverance does not come by might but by surrender to God's timing. Moses' time in the wilderness was not a detour—it was God’s divine preparation.

Consider the Following

The Failed Deliverer (Exodus 2:11-25)

❖ We know little about Moses' youth. As a possible heir to the throne, he would have received an education for it, including military and political expertise (EGW, "Patriarchs and Prophets," p. 223).

❖ We do know that shortly before Moses turned 40, Thutmose II was proclaimed pharaoh due to political intrigue. Moses then believed the time had come to free his people Israel. But he began his liberation by killing an Egyptian. A grave mistake (Ex. 2:11-12). Not even his people considered him their liberator. (Ex. 2:13-14; Acts 7:25).

❖ In just a few days, he went from being a respected member of Pharaoh's court to a fugitive shepherd (Ex. 2:15-22). However, God did not reject Moses; instead, he continued to count on him, despite his mistakes.

Friday, July 4 – Prophetic Insights and Further Study

This week's narrative echoes the great prophetic drama of deliverance—where God's promises are tested, but never fail. Like Israel, the church today faces spiritual Egypts, yet God still raises deliverers.

Truth is an active, working principle, molding heart and life so that there is a constant upward movement, climbing the ladder Jacob saw, to the Lord above the ladder. In every step of climbing, the will is obtaining a new spring of action. . . . The glory of God revealed above the ladder can be appreciated only by the progressive climber, who is ever attracted higher, to nobler aims that Christ reveals. All the faculties of mind and body must be enlisted. . . . — Christ Triumphant, p. 87.2

“In the deliverance of Israel from Egyptian bondage, God would teach a lesson of spiritual deliverance. He would show that He is mighty to save.”

Questions & Short Answers:

How does Egypt’s deliverance reflect ours in Christ?
It prefigures Christ's work to free us from the bondage of sin.
Are we being prepared as modern-day deliverers?
Yes, God is calling us to stand for truth and guide others out of spiritual darkness.
What end-time lessons can we draw from Moses’ story?
God prepares deliverers, calls for faithfulness under trial, and keeps His covenant.

As we review the birth and calling of Moses, we are reminded that God is calling modern-day Moseses—those who will stand in courage, humility, and faith to lead His people out of bondage.

From the Pen of Inspiration

The magnificent palace of Pharaoh and the monarch's throne were held out as an inducement to Moses; but he knew that the sinful pleasures that make men forget God were in its lordly courts. He looked beyond the gorgeous palace, beyond a monarch's crown, to the high honors that will be bestowed on the saints of the Most High in a kingdom untainted by sin. He saw by faith an imperishable crown that the King of heaven would place on the brow of the overcomer. This faith led him to turn away from the lordly ones of earth and join the humble, poor, despised nation that had chosen to obey God rather than to serve sin.” EGW (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 246)

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