Exodus Chapter 3 describes the moment when God calls Moses to lead Israel out of slavery. This is accomplished through the miracle of the burning bush. The beginning of this dialogue between God and Moses includes messages for both Israel and Pharaoh.

Exodus Chapter 2 provides the birth account of Moses, the story of his exile to Midian as an adult, and the context of the Jews just prior to the call of Moses to free the people.

Exodus Chapter 1 recounts the plight of the Israelites in Egypt after Joseph's death. A new Pharaoh, fearing their growing population, enslaves them and imposes harsh labor. Despite this oppression, the Israelites continue to multiply. Pharaoh orders Hebrew midwives to kill newborn boys, but they defy him out of fear of God, allowing the boys to live. In frustration, Pharaoh decrees that all newborn Hebrew boys must be thrown into the Nile, setting the stage for the dramatic events that follow in the Exodus narrative.

This chapter describes the final steps in the construction and consecration of the tabernacle, as well as the presence of the Lord manifested through the cloud and the glory that fills the tabernacle, guiding the Israelites in their journeys.

1. The Altar of Burnt Offering: - The Israelites make the altar of burnt offering out of acacia wood, overlaying it with bronze. - The altar is square, measuring 5 cubits long and 5 cubits wide, and 3 cubits high. - They make all the utensils for the altar: pots, shovels, basins, meat hooks, and firepans.

1. The People's Generosity - The people bring more than enough materials for the construction of the tabernacle, so Moses has to tell them to stop bringing offerings. - The skilled workers are ready to begin the work.

1. The New Tablets - The Lord commands Moses to cut two new stone tablets, as the first ones were broken. - Moses goes up Mount Sinai, and the Lord descends in a cloud and proclaims His name. 2. The Lord's Proclamation - The Lord declares Himself as the Lord, a merciful and gracious God, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. - He promises to forgive iniquity, transgression, and sin, but will by no means clear the guilty.

1. The Golden Calf - While Moses is on Mount Sinai, the people grow impatient and ask Aaron to make them a god to worship. - Aaron collects gold from the people and fashions a golden calf, which the people declare to be their god who brought them out of Egypt.

Bezalel and Oholiab appointed as craftsmen: - The Lord appoints Bezalel and Oholiab to be the chief craftsmen for the construction of the tabernacle and its furnishings. - They are filled with the Spirit of God, with skill, intelligence, and knowledge in every kind of craft.

1. Instructions for consecrating the priests: Aaron and his sons are to be consecrated as priests to serve the Lord. This includes washing them, dressing them in the priestly garments, and anointing them. 2. Sin offering: A bull is to be brought as a sin offering to make atonement for the tabernacle and altar.