What is the significance of the Exodus experienced by the Ancient Hebrews?

Answer 1

The Exodus is something for which we Jews remain eternally grateful to God. It is one of the reasons given for our observance of God's commands.

1) It was the fulfillment of one of God's promises to Abraham (see Genesis ch.15).

2) It demonstrated God's involvement in this world and in the workings of history.

3) It showed that God's covenant with the Forefathers was still in effect.

4) It was the main preparation for the Giving of the Torah at Sinai several weeks later.

5) It made the Israelites into a distinct nation.

6) In the Exodus, God did miracles for which we remain grateful to this day.

Answer 2

The Exodus is something for which we Jews remain eternally grateful to God. It is one of the reasons given for our observance of God's commands.1) It was the fulfillment of one of God's promises to Abraham (see Genesis ch.15).

2) It demonstrated God's involvement in this world and in the workings of history.

3) It showed that God's covenant with the Forefathers was still in effect.

4) It was the main preparation for the Giving of the Torah at Sinai several weeks later.

5) It made the Israelites into a distinct nation.

6) In the Exodus, God did miracles for which we remain grateful to this day.

On the world stage of history too, the Exodus was significant. Egypt was in turmoil for decades, as we may understand from the Ipuwer papyri (Professor John van Seters, Journal of Egyptian Archaeology no. 50), which mention a number of the Plagues ("Pestilence is throughout the land....the river is blood, death is not scarce...there is no food...neither fruit nor herbs can be found...barley has perished...all is ruin...the statues are burned").

See also the Related Links.

1) Jewish history timeline

2) Archaeology and the Hebrew Bible