Chapter 11

1 And the LORD said unto Moses, Yet will I bring one plague more upon Pharaoh, and upon Egypt; afterwards he will let you go hence: when he shall let you go, he shall surely thrust you out hence altogether.

1a The LORD said to Moses that he would bring a last plague on Pharaoh’s land. It will be so powerful that he will let my people go and take anything you ask with you. Not wanting to deal with you ever again.

2 Speak now in the ears of the people, and let every man borrow of his neighbour, and every woman of her neighbour, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold.

2a GOD told Moses to tell all his people to borrow riches from all the Egyptians with whom they were close.

3 And the LORD gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians. Moreover the man Moses was very great in the land of Egypt, in the sight of Pharaoh’s servants, and in the sight of the people.

3a And the LORD caused the Egyptians to trust them with their riches. And they respected Moses and his GOD.

4 And Moses said, Thus saith the LORD, About midnight will I go out into the midst of Egypt:

4a Moses explained to the LORD that he would travel to Egypt after dark.

5 And all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sitteth upon his throne, even unto the firstborn of the maidservant that is behind the mill; and all the firstborn of beasts.

5a The LORD told Moses that at midnight, he would cause all the Egyptians’ firstborns to die from Pharaoh to the maidservant. Also, all the animals.

6 And there shall be a great cry throughout all the land of Egypt, such as there was none like it, nor shall be like it any more.

6a How it would be weeping from all over the land of Egypt. Like never heard before.

7 But against any of the children of Israel shall not a dog move his tongue, against man or beast: that ye may know how that the LORD doth put a difference between the Egyptians and Israel.

7a That not even a dog will bark at the Hebrew children or animals. That’s how much they are protected from this plague.

8 And all these thy servants shall come down unto me, and bow down themselves unto me, saying, Get thee out, and all the people that follow thee: and after that I will go out. And he went out from Pharaoh in a great anger.

8a Every Egyptians servants will bow down to me, praying for mercy. Begging to travel with the Hebrew children out of the land. Take all that will go with my people and leave. After Moses relayed this message to Pharaoh, Moses left Pharaoh’s home in frustration.

9 And the LORD said unto Moses, Pharaoh shall not hearken unto you; that my wonders may be multiplied in the land of Egypt.

9a Yet, Father GOD told Moses that Pharaoh would not listen until he saw the LORD’S POWER.

10 And Moses and Aaron did all these wonders before Pharaoh: and the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart, so that he would not let the children of Israel go out of his land.

10a Moses and Aaron did exactly what GOD commanded of them, and as the LORD had said, Pharaoh’s heart was hardened by God, and he still would not let the Hebrews leave Egypt.

Chapter 12

1 And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying,

1a GOD spoke with Moses and Aaron while still in Egypt.

2 This month shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the first month of the year to you.

2a He explained that the month and date that day would be forever remembered

3 Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house:

3a Let all the men of Israel’s house keep this tenth day of this month and make sure every man’s house has a lamb. On this day.

4 And if the household be too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbour next unto his house take it according to the number of the souls; every man according to his eating shall make your count for the lamb.

4a GOD commanded that no man should be left without a lamb and no lamb should be wasted. The lamb represented Jesus Christ. Share it with every man, leaving no man out. Don’t have any lamb left. Share it until it’s gone.

5 Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats:

5a Make sure you get a male lamb that is firstborn.

6 And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening.

6a Nurse it for two weeks, starting on the 14th. Then, gather all the house of Israel. Afterwards, sacrifice the lamb before all the children.

7 And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it.

7a Each house shall share the blood of the lamb. Place it on their doorpost and feast on the lamb. This is anointing with the blood, which is what we know today as Holy Oil.

8 And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it.

8a They should consume the lamb that same night. It should be roasted, seasoned, and eaten with unleavened bread. No time for rising.

9 Eat not of it raw, nor sodden at all with water, but roast with fire; his head with his legs, and with the purtenance thereof.

9a Do not eat it raw or boiled. The entire lamb should be cooked over a fire and roasted whole.

10 And ye shall let nothing of it remain until the morning; and that which remaineth of it until the morning ye shall burn with fire.

10a Any lamb leftovers shall be destroyed by fire.

11 And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the LORD’S passover.

11a Eat it fast and make sure you are fully dressed and have your staff in your hand. Know this as the LORD your GOD PASSOVER.

12 For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD.

12a GOD said his spirit would pass through the streets that night. Each firstborn, either man or beast, would be put down. This would demonstrate Father God’s power.

13 And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.

13a GOD explained that the lamb is a symbol of Jesus and his blood. Where this is represented on the house post, he will not remove the firstborn from that house.

14 And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever.

14a Keep this day as a remembrance. With lots of food for years and years to come. Make it a law.

15 Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread; even the first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses: for whosoever eateth leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel.

15a For one solid week, you should eat unleavened bread. Make sure all leavened bread is out of the home. If anyone eats leavened bread this week, they will be removed.

16 And in the first day there shall be an holy convocation, and in the seventh day there shall be an holy convocation to you; no manner of work shall be done in them, save that which every man must eat, that only may be done of you.

16a On the first day, have a large holy celebration. On the seventh day, there shall be a spiritual celebration. No one should do any work. Only food and rest.

17 And ye shall observe the feast of unleavened bread; for in this selfsame day have I brought your armies out of the land of Egypt: therefore shall ye observe this day in your generations by an ordinance for ever.

17a Make sure you keep this day a forever Celebration and eat only unleavened bread. And this shall be remembered as the day I led you out of Egypt. So, remember this day for generations to come and keep this order forever.

18 In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month at even, ye shall eat unleavened bread, until the one and twentieth day of the month at even.

18a Every 14th day of this month, during the afternoon, eat only unleavened bread. Eat this until the evening of the 20th day.

19 Seven days shall there be no leaven found in your houses: for whosoever eateth that which is leavened, even that soul shall be cut off from the congregation of Israel, whether he be a stranger, or born in the land.

19a For 7 days, you should remove all leaven from your houses. If anyone eats leavened bread of any kind within those 7 days, they will not be considered part of the congregation of Israel. Doesn’t matter if they are blood or travelers.

20 Ye shall eat nothing leavened; in all your habitations shall ye eat unleavened bread. hyssop

20a No one should eat leavened. Yet, all your houses shall eat unleavened bread.

21 Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel, and said unto them, Draw out and take you a lamb according to your families, and kill the passover.

21a Moses told the Elders of each Israel house exactly what the LORD had spoken. For each house to pick a lamb that will feed the household. Use this lamb for Passover.

22 And ye shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the bason, and strike the lintel and the two side posts with the blood that is in the bason; and none of you shall go out at the door of his house until the morning.

22a GOD told the households to take a small bushy aromatic plant. Dip it in the tub of the drained blood and wipe it on the posts outside of the house. Do not leave the house until the next day.

23 For the LORD will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the LORD will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you.

23a That day the LORD will pass over the houses with the marked post as he takes the life of all the firstborns from the Egyptians’ houses.

24 And ye shall observe this thing for an ordinance to thee and to thy sons for ever.

24a And this shall be done as a lifetime ordinance for your generation and the generations after you.

25 And it shall come to pass, when ye be come to the land which the LORD will give you, according as he hath promised, that ye shall keep this service.

25a When you have left the Egyptians’ land and go into the land GOD has set for you. Remember to continue this practice.

26 And it shall come to pass, when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this service?

26a And when your children ask why is this done

27 That ye shall say, It is the sacrifice of the LORD’S passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he smote the Egyptians, and delivered our houses. And the people bowed the head and worshipped.

27a You shall answer, ” This is the Passover of the Lord’s sacrifice. He passed over all the houses of Israel where the blood was on the doors. This prevented any firstborns from being destroyed when the children were in Egypt. Then all the people worshipped the LORD.

28 And the children of Israel went away, and did as the LORD had commanded Moses and Aaron, so did they.

28a The children of Israel all went away and did as the LORD commanded. Moses and Aaron also went away.

29 And it came to pass, that at midnight the LORD smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that was in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle.

29a At exactly twelve o’clock midnight, the Lord killed all the firstborn in the land of Egypt. From the first of Pharaoh’s house, prisons, and all the firstborn of his servants and his cattle

30 And Pharaoh rose up in the night, he, and all his servants, and all the Egyptians; and there was a great cry in Egypt; for there was not a house where there was not one dead.

30a The next day, there were cries from all the land of Egypt, from Pharaoh’s house to all the houses in Egypt.

31 And he called for Moses and Aaron by night, and said, Rise up, and get you forth from among my people, both ye and the children of Israel; and go, serve the LORD, as ye have said.

31a That night, Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron to come for the Hebrews and gather them away from his land. Take the children of Israel and go to serve your LORD.

32 Also take your flocks and your herds, as ye have said, and be gone; and bless me also.

32a Take all the livestock you say that is yours and leave. Make sure you remove this curse and bless the land.

33 And the Egyptians were urgent upon the people, that they might send them out of the land in haste; for they said, We be all dead men.

33a The Egyptians rushed the Hebrew children away feeling if they stayed any longer, all of the Egyptians would die.

34 And the people took their dough before it was leavened, their kneadingtroughs being bound up in their clothes upon their shoulders.

34a The children of the LORD took all their unleavened bread and mixing bowls, wrapped it in cloth, and carried it upon their shoulders.

35 And the children of Israel did according to the word of Moses; and they borrowed of the Egyptians jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment:

35a The Israel children did exactly as Moses asked them to do and borrowed the silver, gold, and raiment of the Egyptians’ wealth.

36 And the LORD gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they lent unto them such things as they required. And they spoiled the Egyptians.

36a And father GOD caused the Egyptians to allow the children of Israel to be worthy, and they gave unto them all they asked.

37 And the children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand on foot that were men, beside children.

37a There were 6000 Israelites who traveled from Rameses to Succoth with men carrying as many children.

38 And a mixed multitude went up also with them; and flocks, and herds, even very much cattle.

38a Many Egyptians, as well as other tribes, traveled with the Israelites along with their herds of cattle.

39 And they baked unleavened cakes of the dough which they brought forth out of Egypt, for it was not leavened; because they were thrust out of Egypt, and could not tarry, neither had they prepared for themselves any victual.

39a They also baked unleavened bread in the wilderness because they were not given the time to prepare it for fleeing from Egypt so abruptly.

40 Now the sojourning of the children of Israel, who dwelt in Egypt, was four hundred and thirty years.

40a The Israelites traveled from the land of Egypt after being in captivity for 430 years.

41 And it came to pass at the end of the four hundred and thirty years, even the selfsame day it came to pass, that all the hosts of the LORD went out from the land of Egypt.

41a At the end of the 430 years, all the multitudes of the LORD left the land of Egypt.

42 It is a night to be much observed unto the LORD for bringing them out from the land of Egypt: this is that night of the LORD to be observed of all the children of Israel in their generations.

42a That same day that the LORD removed his Children from the land of Egypt shall be remembered and celebrated for generations to come.

43 And the LORD said unto Moses and Aaron, This is the ordinance of the passover: There shall no stranger eat thereof:

43a Which the LORD presented to Moses and Aaron, to observe this day as the Passover, and let no strangers participate with your house on this day.

44 But every man’s servant that is bought for money, when thou hast circumcised him, then shall he eat thereof.

44a Let all servants that has been circumcised and welcomed into your homes eat of the Passover feast.

45 A foreigner and an hired servant shall not eat thereof.

45a No strangers or hired servants shall be allowed to eat of the Passover Lamb.

46 In one house shall it be eaten; thou shalt not carry forth ought of the flesh abroad out of the house; neither shall ye break a bone thereof.

46a All the Meat shall stay in the home, and let no one share any from his house.

47 All the congregation of Israel shall keep it.

47a And all the children of Israel shall observe this day.

48 And when a stranger shall sojourn with thee, and will keep the passover to the LORD, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as one that is born in the land: for no uncircumcised person shall eat thereof.

48a When any stranger wants to join in the festivities, he will not participate unless he agrees to be circumcised and promise to keep this day of the Passover forever. He and his house will then be recognized as one of the children born in the land that came out of Egypt.

49 One law shall be to him that is homeborn, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among you.

49a The stranger and the children of the land shall keep the same laws.

50 Thus did all the children of Israel; as the LORD commanded Moses and Aaron, so did they.

50a And all the children of Israel did as Moses and Aaron commanded them from the LORD.

51 And it came to pass the selfsame day, that the LORD did bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt by their armies.

51a That same day, the LORD did bring all the Children out from Egypt by the droves.

Chapter 13

1 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

1a The LORD spoke to Moses and said,

2 Sanctify unto me all the firstborn, whatsoever openeth the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and of beast: it is mine.

2a God told all of his children of Israel that any firstborn child or beast belonged to him.

3 And Moses said unto the people, Remember this day, in which ye came out from Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand the LORD brought you out from this place: there shall no leavened bread be eaten.

3a Moses told the children of Israel to remember that day and keep it in their hearts that they were released from the Egyptians’ power. Keep in mind how GOD did this by the power of his strength. On this day, no leavened bread will be eaten. This will forever be Passover.

4 This day came ye out in the month Abib.

4a In the year of Green Harvest or Golden ears of Corn, it is this day you shall remember.

5 And it shall be when the LORD shall bring thee into the land of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, which he sware unto thy fathers to give thee, a land flowing with milk and honey, that thou shalt keep this service in this month.

5a When you enter the land of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Hivites, and Jebusites, which he promises to the fathers to give unto you. A land full of milk and honey, where you shall continue this same tradition.

6 Seven days thou shalt eat unleavened bread, and in the seventh day shall be a feast to the LORD.

6a Eat unleavened bread for seven days during this time, and on the seventh day have a great feast unto the LORD.

7 Unleavened bread shall be eaten seven days; and there shall no leavened bread be seen with thee, neither shall there be leaven seen with thee in all thy quarters.

7a All the houses shall have unleavened bread for seven days with no leavened bread anywhere.

8 And thou shalt shew thy son in that day, saying, This is done because of that which the LORD did unto me when I came forth out of Egypt.

8a You shall be an example to your sons on this day. This is the same thing the LORD did for me when I left Egypt.

9 And it shall be for a sign unto thee upon thine hand, and for a memorial between thine eyes, that the LORD’S law may be in thy mouth: for with a strong hand hath the LORD brought thee out of Egypt.

9a Not only for your sons but also as a sign to you, giving honor to me in your eyes. Keeping my law and teaching it. Always remember what you went through to come out of Egypt.

10 Thou shalt therefore keep this ordinance in his season from year to year.

10a You will do this every year.

11 And it shall be when the LORD shall bring thee into the land of the Canaanites, as he sware unto thee and to thy fathers, and shall give it thee,

11a This is a reminder of the promise the LORD has given unto his people. That the Land of the Canaanites shall be given to you.

12 That thou shalt set apart unto the LORD all that openeth the matrix, and every firstling that cometh of a beast which thou hast; the males shall be the LORD’S.

12a You shall practice this ordinance before every soul born from your house or that you come within contact with. During this time, all the firstborn males of the beast shall belong to the LORD.

13 And every firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb; and if thou wilt not redeem it, then thou shalt break his neck: and all the firstborn of man among thy children shalt thou redeem.

13a Every donkey you are blessed with shall be paid for with a lamb. If you will not present a lamb, you will redeem the labor with all your firstborn males.

14 And it shall be when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What is this? that thou shalt say unto him, By strength of hand the LORD brought us out from Egypt, from the house of bondage:

14a And when your male children ask why they do not have a donkey. You shall tell them that they are using their strength to represent the work of the LORD, bringing the Children out of Egypt.

15 And it came to pass, when Pharaoh would hardly let us go, that the LORD slew all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of man, and the firstborn of beast: therefore I sacrifice to the LORD all that openeth the matrix, being males; but all the firstborn of my children I redeem.

15a Teach them about the hard times when Pharaoh refused your departure and the LORD took every soul of the firstborn males of man and of beast, as a sacrifice to him. Therefore, I did not redeem the Lamb but the firstborn of my male children.

16 And it shall be for a token upon thine hand, and for frontlets between thine eyes: for by strength of hand the LORD brought us forth out of Egypt.

16a I paid with the strength of my male sons as a redemption by me, and as a payment in the eyes of the LORD.

17 And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt:

17a Now, when Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them through the land of the Philistines. This land was near, yet God wanted no temptation of retreat from his children. This battle could send them back to Egypt.

18 But God led the people about, through the way of the wilderness of the Red sea: and the children of Israel went up harnessed out of the land of Egypt.

18a But instead, God led them in packs towards the Red Sea. Through the unknown.

19 And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him: for he had straitly sworn the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you; and ye shall carry up my bones away hence with you.

19a Moses, as promised, carried the bones of Joseph from the land of Egypt.

20 And they took their journey from Succoth, and encamped in Eham, in the edge of the wilderness.

20a They traveled through the land from Succoth and stayed in Eham on the edge of the wilderness.

21 And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night:

21a And the LORD guided them by the sun in the day and the moon by night.

22 He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.

22a The LORD led them that way throughout the whole journey

Chapter 14

1 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

1a The LORD spoke to Moses and said

2 Speak unto the children of Israel, that they turn and encamp before Pihahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, over against Baalzephon: before it shall ye encamp by the sea.

2a Let the children of Israel know that they will settle in Pihahiroth between Migdo and the Red Sea. The area near Baalzephon.

3 For Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel, They are entangled in the land, the wilderness hath shut them in.

3a Pharaoh will convince the children of Israel that they will be lost in the land and will not escape.

4 And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, that he shall follow after them; and I will be honoured upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host; that the Egyptians may know that I am the LORD. And they did so.

4a And the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he did  follow after them. They saw the Lord’s power and respected him. Then all of the Egyptians knew that  the Lord was the real GOD.

5 And it was told the king of Egypt that the people fled: and the heart of Pharaoh and of his servants was turned against the people, and they said, Why have we done this, that we have let Israel go from serving us?

5a When Pharaoh informed the kingdom of Egypt that the children of Israel had gone away, they became angry and asked their King, why did he allow their slaves to depart.

6 And he made ready his chariot, and took his people with him:

6a Pharaoh gathered his chariots alone with all his people to join him to make war against the children of Israel.

7 And he took six hundred chosen chariots, and all the chariots of Egypt, and captains over every one of them.

7a Pharaoh chose six hundred of his strongest horses, and all the Egyptians who owned chariots, to follow his guidance to go and bring the children of Israel back to Egypt.

8 And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued after the children of Israel: and the children of Israel went out with an high hand.

8a The LORD again put rebellion into Pharaoh’s mind, giving him the illusion that he was the almighty. Then Pharaoh went charging to turn back the children of Israel. As they walked out, they joyfully greeted each other with a high-five.

9 But the Egyptians pursued after them, all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, and his horsemen, and his army, and overtook them encamping by the sea, beside Pihahiroth, before Baalzephon.

9a All the Egyptians of Pharaoh’s army went after God’s chosen and came upon them at the sea near Pihahiroth, and Baalzephon.

10 And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto the LORD.

10a When Pharaoh approached the children of Israel, they recognized him and his army of Egyptians; they were scared yet willing to return.

11 And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt?

11a The children of Israel began to question Moses. They wanted to know if he had led them into the wilderness to die by the hands of Pharaoh.

12 Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness.

12a Now did we not ask you, Moses, to let us be? We would have been better off serving the Egyptians than being killed in the wilderness.

13 And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.

13a Moses explained to the children that the LORD would take care of the Egyptians once and for all, and that they would never lay eyes on them again.

14 The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.

14a Explaining that they should not worry and bear their tongues.

15 And the LORD said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward:

15a The LORD spoke to Moses, asking what all the cries were about. Assure the children that they will indeed continue their journey.

16 But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea.

16a The LORD then told Moses to hold the rod he carried over the Red Sea, causing it to open up to dry land so the children of Israel could walk through the Sea .

17 And I, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall follow them: and I will get me honour upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen.

17a Father God explained that he would continue to harden Pharaoh’s heart and allow him and his followers, on their horses & chariots, to follow him through the opening of the Red Sea.

18 And the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I have gotten me honour upon Pharaoh, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen.

18a Letting everyone of them know that he is the LORD and all praises go to him.

19 And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them:

19a Then the angel of GOD appeared at the camp of Israel in a cloud, and the cloud followed before them.

20 And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness to them, but it gave light by night to these: so that the one came not near the other all the night.

20a The darkness of the cloud hovered over the Egyptians, not giving them light to see. Yet, the Israelis were given full sunlight to travel. This caused the Egyptian to stay stationed in the darkness, unable to follow the Israelites.

21 And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.

21a Moses then stretched out his hand with his rod over the Red Sea, and the LORD opened a split in the waters, which was like a tunnel on dry land to travel by.

22 And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.

22a Then the children of Israel walked on dry land through the Sea with the waters held up on the right and left sides of them.

23 And the Egyptians pursued, and went in after them to the midst of the sea, even all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen.

23a The Egyptians saw them in the middle of the Sea walking on dry land and went in after the Israelites.

24 And it came to pass, that in the morning watch the LORD looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians,

24a That morning, the LORD watched the Egyptians go into the open sea and made it very demanding.

25 And took off their chariot wheels, that they drave them heavily: so that the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the LORD fighteth for them against the Egyptians.

25a As they pursued after the children of the LORD, all of the wheels from their chariots became hard to move on dry land. They began to speak to one another that they should turn back from following the Israelites.

26 And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the sea, that the waters may come again upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen.

26a The LORD commanded Moses to stretch his hand over the Red Sea so that the waters would cover the Egyptians and their chariots, and the horsemen.

27 And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to his strength when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it; and the LORD overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea.

27a After Moses pointed his Rod over the Red Sea, the waters returned to normal, and the Egyptians were engulfed by the waters.

28 And the waters returned, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, and all the host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them; there remained not so much as one of them.

28a The waters took everyone who followed after the Israelites under.

29 But the children of Israel walked upon dry land in the midst of the sea; and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.

29a The Israel children walked in the middle of the waters, and they were not harmed. The waters were like walls to them on both sides.

30 Thus the LORD saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea shore.

30a No waters overtook the Israelites, and they could see all the dead Egyptians that washed ashore on the banks.

31 And Israel saw that great work which the LORD did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the LORD, and believed the LORD, and his servant Moses.

31a The Israelites witnessed the strength of the LORD and feared all his work and respected Moses.

Chapter 15

1 Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the LORD, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.

1a The children sang unto the LORD with Moses. Saying, I will sing unto the LORD for he triumphed over all the Egyptians which followed in after us. This is the “Song of Moses,” which is revealed in ( Revelation) that will be sung during the coming of the Lord.

2 The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father’s God, and I will exalt him.

2a These are the words to the song, meaning: The LORD is my strength – Philippians 4:13“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” He is my savior. I shall live in him and he in me. I am as my fathers Abramham, Issac & Jacob did love and praise him forever.

3 The LORD is a man of war: the LORD is his name.

3a For the LORD is a man of vengeance, and his name is the LORD.

4 Pharaoh’s chariots and his host hath he cast into the sea: his chosen captains also are drowned in the Red sea.

4a Pharaoh’s chariots and all his men were swallowed up in the sea. Even his mighty men all went down in the Red Sea.

5 The depths have covered them: they sank into the bottom as a stone.

5a The waves of the tides took them down to the bottom of the Sea.

6 Thy right hand, O LORD, is become glorious in power: thy right hand, O LORD, hath dashed in pieces the enemy.

6a By the LORD’S right hand and strong power, he destroyed my enemy.

7 And in the greatness of thine excellency thou hast overthrown them that rose up against thee: thou sentest forth thy wrath, which consumed them as stubble.

7a In the strength of thy greatness. Thou hast overtaken the Egyptians that came against the Children. Because of Father God’s anger, they were cut down like grass.

8 And with the blast of thy nostrils the waters were gathered together, the floods stood upright as an heap, and the depths were congealed in the heart of the sea.

8a With his strength of one nostril, God consumed all the waters back to its orginal form, and the deepest location was in the middle of the sea.

9 The enemy said, I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; my lust shall be satisfied upon them; I will draw my sword, my hand shall destroy them.

9a The Egyptians thought they would capture the Hebrews, overtake them, and their richest & divide their wealth by threatening them with their swords to kill them.

10 Thou didst blow with thy wind, the sea covered them: they sank as lead in the mighty waters.

10a With one blow of the wind from GOD, the Red Sea consumed them, and they went to the bottom of the ocean.

11 Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?

11a Who is like the LORD? Unlike any other god idol. None is as holy, fearful, or can do wonders.

12 Thou stretchedst out thy right hand, the earth swallowed them.

12a By his right hand, the earth consumed all the Egyptians down under.

13 Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed: thou hast guided them in thy strength unto thy holy habitation.

13a GOD showed love to his people and protected them from the Egyptians as he led them to the holy place for worship.

14 The people shall hear, and be afraid: sorrow shall take hold on the inhabitants of Palestina.

14a The children will hear of the threats of Palestine and shall be frightened. Yet, sadness will consume them from their mission.

15 Then the dukes of Edom shall be amazed; the mighty men of Moab, trembling shall take hold upon them; all the inhabitants of Canaan shall melt away.

15a The dukes of Edom, who are the descendants of Esau, were surprised. The Moabs, who are the sons of Lot, will hold them off. The Canaanites will not be a problem.

16 Fear and dread shall fall upon them; by the greatness of thine arm they shall be as still as a stone; till thy people pass over, O LORD, till the people pass over, which thou hast purchased.

16a God will bring fear upon all the Hebrew enemies, and they shall travel through the land with which they bought with no harm.

17 Thou shalt bring them in, and plant them in the mountain of thine inheritance, in the place, O LORD, which thou hast made for thee to dwell in, in the Sanctuary, O Lord, which thy hands have established.

17a They will travel in and take shelter in the mountains in the location that the LORD gave them to live.

18 The LORD shall reign for ever and ever.

18a Father GOD will be with them forever.

19 For the horse of Pharaoh went in with his chariots and with his horsemen into the sea, and the LORD brought again the waters of the sea upon them; but the children of Israel went on dry land in the midst of the sea.

19a God’s power was shown when Pharaoh and his army traveled after the Hebrew children as they traveled on dry land. Yet, Pharaoh and his men were consumed by the sea waters.

20 And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances.

20a Miriam, the sister of Aaron & Moses, beat on a hand-held timbrel, and all the women of Israel danced with hand held timbering.

21 And Miriam answered them, Sing ye to the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.

21a Miriam explained how the LORD showed his power upon Pharaoh and his army by covering them under the sea water.

22 So Moses brought Israel from the Red sea, and they went out into the wilderness of Shur; and they went three days in the wilderness, and found no water.

22a Moses and the Israelites walked through the Red Sea unto Shur, the community of Noah’s son Shur. They traveled three days without water.

23 And when they came to Marah, they could not drink of the waters of Marah, for they were bitter; therefore the name of it was called Marah.

23a When they approached the valley of Marah, the water was contaminated.

24 And the people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink?

24a As the children did complain to Moses, asking what they should drink?

25 And he cried unto the LORD; and the LORD shewed him a tree, which when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet: there he made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there he proved them,

25a Father GOD commanded Moses to take a tree branch and cast it in the water, and the water became good to drink. This became a Statute & Ordinance to the LORD.

26 And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee.

26a GOD explained to Moses, as long as he followed the commands of his voice and listened and did everything he said, they would not face any of the plagues that he put on the Egyptians.

27 And they came to Elim, where were twelve wells of water, and threescore and ten palm trees: and they encamped there by the waters.

27a As they traveled to Elim, they saw 12 wells of water and 60 trees for shade, and this is where they rested.

Chapter 16

1 And they took their journey from Elim, and all the congregation of the children of Israel came unto the wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after their departing out of the land of Egypt.

1a On January 15th, after leaving Egypt and traveling from Elim, the children of Israel came to Sin, near Sinai.

2 And the whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness:

2a All the children of Israel spoke against Moses and Aaron behind their backs.

3 And the children of Israel said unto them, Would to God we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh pots, and when we did eat bread to the full; for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger.

3a The Israelites feared GOD had kept them fed and healthy to lead them out of Egypt, but to have them die from hunger in the wilderness.

4 Then said the LORD unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no.

4a GOD explained to Moses that he would rain food from heaven. They would have plenty to eat to prove to them just how powerful he is. Rather, they lived for him or not.

5 And it shall come to pass, that on the sixth day they shall prepare that which they bring in; and it shall be twice as much as they gather daily.

5a And on the sixth day, the children eat what they find daily, and it shall be twice as much as they had before.

6 And Moses and Aaron said unto all the children of Israel, At even, then ye shall know that the LORD hath brought you out from the land of Egypt:

6a Moses and Aaron explained to the children that that evening they would know that GOD had delivered them from Egypt

7 And in the morning, then ye shall see the glory of the LORD; for that he heareth your murmurings against the LORD: and what are we, that ye murmur against us?

7a The LORD could hear their complaints against him. As Moses explained, It doesn’t matter what you say about my brother or me.

8 And Moses said, This shall be, when the LORD shall give you in the evening flesh to eat, and in the morning bread to the full; for that the LORD heareth your murmurings which ye murmur against him: and what are we? your murmurings are not against us, but against the LORD.

8a Moses explained how the LORD would feed the children meat for dinner and as much bread as they wanted for breakfast, and how he heard their anger against him.

9 And Moses spake unto Aaron, Say unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, Come near before the LORD: for he hath heard your murmurings.

9a Moses asked Aaron to gather the Israelites for a meeting and let them know the LORD would address their anger.

10 And it came to pass, as Aaron spake unto the whole congregation of the children of Israel, that they looked toward the wilderness, and, behold, the glory of the LORD appeared in the cloud.

10a When the children sat down to listen, they saw the LORD appear in a cloud.

11 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

11a GOD spoke to Moses.

12 I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel: speak unto them, saying, At even ye shall eat flesh, and in the morning ye shall be filled with bread; and ye shall know that I am the LORD your God.

12a Explaining how he listened to the children cry. Telling Moses to speak to them and say that that evening they will eat meat, and in the morning he will give them bread, and they will know that he is the LORD their God.

13 And it came to pass, that at even the quails came up, and covered the camp: and in the morning the dew lay round about the host.

13a And that evening, as the LORD had stated, quail meat covered the grounds as they lay in the morning dew.

14 And when the dew that lay was gone up, behold, upon the face of the wilderness there lay a small round thing, as small as the hoar frost on the ground.

14a When the dew dried up, the indent of all the quails was imprinted upon a small round item.

15 And when the children of Israel saw it, they said one to another, It is manna: for they wist not what it was. And Moses said unto them, This is the bread which the LORD hath given you to eat.

15a When the children of Israel saw it, they did not know what it was. Then Moses explained to them that it was manna, a bread that the LORD had promised.

16 This is the thing which the LORD hath commanded, Gather of it every man according to his eating, an omer for every man, according to the number of your persons; take ye every man for them which are in his tents.

16a The LORD commanded that every man take enough food to feed only his household and everyone in it.

17 And the children of Israel did so, and gathered, some more, some less.

17a The Israelites listened to what the LORD commanded. Yet, some children gathered more than needed, and many gathered less.

18 And when they did mete it with an omer, he that gathered much had nothing over, and he that gathered little had no lack; they gathered every man according to his eating.

18a When it was time to eat, the children did as the LORD had commanded, gathered just enough food for their household, and had enough food to eat. Yet, the children who gathered more than enough did not have enough to feed their families.

19 And Moses said, Let no man leave of it till the morning.

19a Moses requested that no one gather enough for the next day.

20 Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto Moses; but some of them left of it until the morning, and it bred worms, and stank: and Moses was wroth with them.

20a Not doing as Moses warned, the Israelites who took food for the next day found that it had rotted.

21 And they gathered it every morning, every man according to his eating: and when the sun waxed hot, it melted.

21a From that day on, every man ate every morning, but the sun would burn up the food in the evening.

22 And it came to pass, that on the sixth day they gathered twice as much bread, two omers for one man: and all the rulers of the congregation came and told Moses.

22a On the sixth day again, some gathered twice as much as needed, and the rulers reported them to Moses.

23 And he said unto them, This is that which the LORD hath said, To morrow is the rest of the holy sabbath unto the LORD: bake that which ye will bake to day, and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning.

23a Moses explained to the children that the Sabbath would be the next day. To prepare for it, they would gather all they needed for the next day but not consume it until the next morning.

24 And they laid it up till the morning, as Moses bade: and it did not stink, neither was there any worm therein.

24a They did as they were told; it did not rot the following day.

25 And Moses said, Eat that to day; for to day is a sabbath unto the LORD: to day ye shall not find it in the field.

25a Moses explained eat that what you gathered today, tomorrow there will not be any in the field, for it will be the sabbath, which will be a rest for the LORD.

26 Six days ye shall gather it; but on the seventh day, which is the sabbath, in it there shall be none.

26a Six days, you will find it in the field. Yet, this will be the sabbath to the LORD on the seventh day.

27 And it came to pass, that there went out some of the people on the seventh day for to gather, and they found none.

27a Many of the people ignored this and went to gather on the seventh day, but no food was available.

28 And the LORD said unto Moses, How long refuse ye to keep my commandments and my laws?

28a How long will the children ignore my commands or my laws?

29 See, for that the LORD hath given you the sabbath, therefore he giveth you on the sixth day the bread of two days; abide ye every man in his place, let no man go out of his place on the seventh day.

29a Moses explained that the LORD gives us food every day, even more on the sixth day. Please, no man, leave your house on the seventh day, for it belongs to the LORD.

30 So the people rested on the seventh day.

30a The children started to rest on the seventh day.

31 And the house of Israel called the name thereof Manna: and it was like coriander seed, white; and the taste of it was like wafers made with honey.

31a From that day on, the Israelites named the food Manna, which tasted like golden wafers.

32 And Moses said, This is the thing which the LORD commandeth, Fill an omer of it to be kept for your generations; that they may see the bread wherewith I have fed you in the wilderness, when I brought you forth from the land of Egypt.

32a Moses explained that this was a command from the LORD for generations to come. Continue this by keeping grain in something to remind you how you were brought out of Egypt and fed this Manna.

33 And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a pot, and put an omer full of manna therein, and lay it up before the LORD, to be kept for your generations.

33a Moses told Aaron to find a pot, fill it with Manna, and offer it before the LORD to remain suitable for future generations..

34 As the LORD commanded Moses, so Aaron laid it up before the Testimony, to be kept.

34a Aaron did as Moses asked and offered it to the LORD as a testimony.

35 And the children of Israel did eat manna forty years, until they came to a land inhabited; they did eat manna, until they came unto the borders of the land of Canaan.

35a The Israelites ate Manna for 40 years while wandering in the wilderness until they came to Canaan.

36 Now an omer is the tenth part of an ephah.

36a An omer was about ten dry cups of one liter.

Chapter 17

1 And all the congregation of the children of Israel journeyed from the wilderness of Sin, after their journeys, according to the commandment of the LORD, and pitched in Rephidim: and there was no water for the people to drink.

1a The LORD commanded Moses to lead the Israelites in the wilderness to Sin. When they came to Rephidim, they set up tents, but there was no water to drink.

2 Wherefore the people did chide with Moses, and said, Give us water that we may drink. And Moses said unto them, Why chide ye with me? wherefore do ye tempt the LORD?

2a The Israelites spoke angrily to Moses because they had no water to drink. Moses warned them not to upset the LORD.

3 And the people thirsted there for water; and the people murmured against Moses, and said, Wherefore is this that thou hast brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our cattle with thirst?

3a The children of Israel thirsted for water, and they complained to Moses, asking if he had led them out of Egypt to have them, their children, and their cattle die of thirst.

4 And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, What shall I do unto this people? they be almost ready to stone me.

4a Moses asked the LORD what he should do. The people were acting as though they were ready to stone him.

5 And the LORD said unto Moses, Go on before the people, and take with thee of the elders of Israel; and thy rod, wherewith thou smotest the river, take in thine hand, and go.

5a The LORD commanded Moses to gather the elders of Israel. Take them to the river and touch it with the rod in his hand.

6 Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel.

6a I will be with you there. Take the rod and hit the rock in Horeb. Then water shall come from it. Do this in front of the elders.

7 And he called the name of the place Massah, and Meribah, because of the chiding of the children of Israel, and because they tempted the LORD, saying, Is the LORD among us, or not?

7a Moses called the name where they stood Massah and Meribah because of their complaints and tempting the LORD.

8 Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim.

8a The Amalek is a Hebrew term referring to a nomadic tribe and nation that opposed the Israelites. The Amalekites made war with the Israelites in Rephidim.

9 And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: to morrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand.

9a Moses explained to Joshua to go and meet the men. Fight with the Amaleks, and I will stand on the mountain with the rod of God in my hand.

10 So Joshua did as Moses had said to him, and fought with Amalek: and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill.

10a Joshua did as Moses said, and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went to the top of the hill.

11 And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.

11a And as Moses said, when he held up his hand, the Israelites defeated the Amalekites. Yet, when he let down his rod, the Amaleks took control.

12 But Moses’ hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.

12a Moses’ hands became weak, and he dropped the rod. Then Aaron and Hur held up each of his arms and sat him down on a rock to rest.

13 And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.

13a Then Joshua destroyed the Amaleks and all his people with the sharpest part of his sword.

14 And the LORD said unto Moses, Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven.

14a The LORD explained to Moses, “Keep this as a memorial on a pad. Keep this reminder to Joshua, and keep it as a remembrance of the defeat of the Amalekites that it came from heaven.”

15 And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovahnissi:

15a Moses then made an altar and named it Jehovahnissi.

16 For he said, Because the LORD hath sworn that the LORD will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.

16a Moses explained that the LORD promised there would never be more trouble from the Amaleks again.

Chapter 18

1 When Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses’ father in law, heard of all that God had done for Moses, and for Israel his people, and that the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt;

1a When the news got to Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses’ father-in-law. How God led Moses to guide Israel out of Egypt..

2 Then Jethro, Moses’ father in law, took Zipporah, Moses’ wife, after he had sent her back,

2a Jethro called Zipporah, his daughter and Moses’ wife, to take her back after he had sent her to stay with him.

3 And her two sons; of which the name of the one was Gershom; for he said, I have been an alien in a strange land:

3a Also, their two sons, one by the name of Gershom, said he was a stranger in a foreign land.

4 And the name of the other was Eliezer; for the God of my father, said he, was mine help, and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh:

4a The other son’s name was Eliezer, who said God of my father was his help who delivered him from Pharaoh’s sword.

5 And Jethro, Moses’ father in law, came with his sons and his wife unto Moses into the wilderness, where he encamped at the mount of God:

5a Moses, father-in-law of Jethro, went to Moses in the wilderness with his wife and sons, then camped at Mount of God.

6 And he said unto Moses, I thy father in law Jethro am come unto thee, and thy wife, and her two sons with her.

6a Jethro explained to Moses that he came to him and his wife and their two sons,

7 And Moses went out to meet his father in law, and did obeisance, and kissed him; and they asked each other of their welfare; and they came into the tent.

7a Moses went to meet his father-in-law, kneeled down, and kissed him. As they entered Moses’ tent, they asked how the other was doing.

8 And Moses told his father in law all that the LORD had done unto Pharaoh and to the Egyptians for Israel’s sake, and all the travail that had come upon them by the way, and how the LORD delivered them.

8a Moses gave him an update on all the LORD had done, leading the Israelis out of Egypt.

9 And Jethro rejoiced for all the goodness which the LORD had done to Israel, whom he had delivered out of the hand of the Egyptians.

9a Jethro praised the LORD for all he had done for Israel, delivering them from the Egyptians.

10 And Jethro said, Blessed be the LORD, who hath delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of Pharaoh, who hath delivered the people from under the hand of the Egyptians.

10a Moses’ father-in-law showed his appreciation to the LORD for guiding Moses and the children of Isreal from under the Egyptian’s control.

11 Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods: for in the thing wherein they dealt proudly he was above them.

11a Jethro explained how the Egyptians felt as though they were the highest of them all and how God had shown them who was in charge.

12 And Jethro, Moses’ father in law, took a burnt offering and sacrifices for God: and Aaron came, and all the elders of Israel, to eat bread with Moses’ father in law before God.

12a Jethro offered a burnt offering to God and made sacrifices with Moses, Aaron, and all the Israeli elders as they ate bread with him.

13 And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses sat to judge the people: and the people stood by Moses from the morning unto the evening.

13a The next day, Moses passed judgment on all the people from morning to night as they agreed with his decisions.

14 And when Moses’ father in law saw all that he did to the people, he said, What is this thing that thou doest to the people? why sittest thou thyself alone, and all the people stand by thee from morning unto even?

14a When Jetfro Moses’s father-in-law saw how Moses handled the people, he asked why Moses sat alone and stayed by the people from the morning until the evening.

15 And Moses said unto his father in law, Because the people come unto me to enquire of God:

15a Moses answered that the people came to him to understand God’s requirements for them.

16 When they have a matter, they come unto me; and I judge between one and another, and I do make them know the statutes of God, and his laws.

16a When they have a problem, they come to me for judgment. At that point, I inform them of what God allows.

17 And Moses’ father in law said unto him, The thing that thou doest is not good.

17a Moses’ father-in-law disapproved of their actions.

18 Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is with thee: for this thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone.

18a Moses’ father-in-law felt that this was too much pressure on his son-in-law, and he believed the people would grow tired of this method.

19 Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God:

19a Please listen to what I say. Now, God will guide you. Address your options, but ultimately give the final say to God.

20 And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do.

20a Continue to explain the ordinances and laws of God. They shall keep their faith and good works because faith without work is useless.

21 Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:

21a Nevertheless, appoint faithful men—honest and trustworthy men over groups of people. Divide them by the thousands, hundreds, and fifties to address their issues before presenting them to you.

22 And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee.

22a After they have judged the minor issues, they will bring the unresolved matters to you. This will help relieve stress and provide a second opinion.

23 If thou shalt do this thing, and God command thee so, then thou shalt be able to endure, and all this people shall also go to their place in peace.

23a If you do it this way, and God allows it, you will be able to handle it. Also, the people will lose worries.

24 So Moses hearkened to the voice of his father in law, and did all that he had said.

24a Moses agreed with his father-in-law and took his advice.

25 And Moses chose able men out of all Israel, and made them heads over the people, rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.

25a Moses appointed only Israelite men over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and even tens to manage.

26 And they judged the people at all seasons: the hard causes they brought unto Moses, but every small matter they judged themselves.

26a his worked out. The men handled the small matters and gave the unresolved issues to Moses.

27 And Moses let his father in law depart; and he went his way into his own land.

27a Jetro left Moses going toward home, and Moses departed to his house.

Chapter 19

1 In the third month, when the children of Israel were gone forth out of the land of Egypt, the same day came they into the wilderness of Sinai.

1a That first March after the Israelites had left Egypt, they went into the wilderness in Sinai.

2 For they were departed from Rephidim, and were come to the desert of Sinai, and had pitched in the wilderness; and there Israel camped before the mount.

2a They had left the Rephidim area and entered the Sinai desert, where they set up tents and stayed near the mountain.

3 And Moses went up unto God, and the LORD called unto him out of the mountain, saying, Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel;

3a When Moses prayed to the Lord. He called Moses from the mountains and said, Speak what I tell you to the descendants of Jacob, saying to the children of Israel,

4 Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles’ wings, and brought you unto myself.

4a Now you have witnessed what happened to the Egyptians, how I freed and ushered you to me

5 Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:

5a I give you my word: if you continue to only listen to me and follow my laws, you will become a unique group of people because I own every single thing on earth.

6 And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.

6a I will address you all as my kingdom of priests and a holy nation. Go now and speak these words to the children of Israel.

7 And Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before their faces all these words which the LORD commanded him.

7a Moses gathered the people and elders and explained what the LORD commanded.

8 And all the people answered together, and said, All that the LORD hath spoken we will do. And Moses returned the words of the people unto the LORD.

8a When all the people agreed to what the LORD had commanded. Moses reported their answers to the LORD.

9 And the LORD said unto Moses, Lo, I come unto thee in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with thee, and believe thee for ever. And Moses told the words of the people unto the LORD.

9a The LORD came to Moses and said. Listen closely. I will return behind a thick cloud to speak with the people so they will believe what I say. Then, Moses let the LORD know what the children had said.

10 And the LORD said unto Moses, Go unto the people, and sanctify them to day and to morrow, and let them wash their clothes,

10a The LORD told Moses to talk with the people and pray for them. Make sure they wash their clothes and wear them the next day.

11 And be ready against the third day: for the third day the LORD will come down in the sight of all the people upon mount Sinai.

11a Tell them to be ready on the third day because the LORD will come down from Mount Sinai.

12 And thou shalt set bounds unto the people round about, saying, Take heed to yourselves, that ye go not up into the mount, or touch the border of it: whosoever toucheth the mount shall be surely put to death:

12a Tell the people not to come near or touch the mountain, or they will have to die.

13 There shall not an hand touch it, but he shall surely be stoned, or shot through; whether it be beast or man, it shall not live: when the trumpet soundeth long, they shall come up to the mount.

13a Whether a man or an animal, whoever touches the mountain will be killed. Listen for the trumpet sound and come near the mountain.

14 And Moses went down from the mount unto the people, and sanctified the people; and they washed their clothes.

14a Then Moses returned to the people and prayed for them, and they departed and went to wash their clothes.

15 And he said unto the people, Be ready against the third day: come not at your wives.

15a Moses instructed all the people to gather and bring their spouses.

16 And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that was in the camp trembled.

16a True enough, a great storm had prevailed on that third day with heavy lightning and thunder. A loud trumpet sounded from the clouds, making the people nervous as the LORD spoke.

17 And Moses brought forth the people out of the camp to meet with God; and they stood at the nether part of the mount.

17a Moses and the people stood at a distance from the mountain as God had commanded.

18 And mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke, because the LORD descended upon it in fire: and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mount quaked greatly.

18a The LORD sent fire upon the mountain, and it was so hot that the mountain started crackling. Smoke arose as the spirit of the LORD touched down.

19 And when the voice of the trumpet sounded long, and waxed louder and louder, Moses spake, and God answered him by a voice.

19a As the trumpet sounded louder and louder. Moses called unto God, and the people heard the voice of the LORD.

20 And the LORD came down upon mount Sinai, on the top of the mount: and the LORD called Moses up to the top of the mount; and Moses went up.

20a As the LORD touched down. The voice of God called Moses near.

21 And the LORD said unto Moses, Go down, charge the people, lest they break through unto the LORD to gaze, and many of them perish.

21a The LORD told Moses to go and make sure to stay back. Don’t try to take any peeks at the LORD, or they will surely die.

22 And let the priests also, which come near to the LORD, sanctify themselves, lest the LORD break forth upon them.

22a Make sure the priests pray before they come near. Or the fire will also devour them.

 

23 And Moses said unto the LORD, The people cannot come up to mount Sinai: for thou chargedst us, saying, Set bounds about the mount, and sanctify it.

23a Moses explained to the LORD that the people wanted him to measure how far they could come near the Mount and make it Holy Ground.

24 And the LORD said unto him, Away, get thee down, and thou shalt come up, thou, and Aaron with thee: but let not the priests and the people break through to come up unto the LORD, lest he break forth upon them.

24a The LORD told Moses to bring Aaron with him. Please do not allow the priest or people to join him because his spirit would devour them.

25 So Moses went down unto the people, and spake unto them.

25a Moses returned to the people and gave them the LORD’s words.

Chapter 20