| Date | Version | Reading Plan |
|---|---|---|
| January 26, 2026 | ESV (2016) | ESV Life Journal Plan – 2026 |
Exodus 14-16
Observation & Interpretation
Exod. 14:1-4 – The LORD instructed Moses to encamp between Migdol and the sea—facing Baal-Zephon by the sea—and told him that He would Pharaoh’s heart such that Pharaoh would pursue them and that the Egyptians would know that He is the LORD. The LORD provided Moses with how He would make known to the Egyptians that He is LORD of all.
- Yahweh moves Pharaoh to change his mind and pursue Israelites, so that He (Yahweh) may show Himself triumphant. This decision leads to the decimation of Egypt’s army…(FSB)
Exod. 14:12 – The people claimed to have said that it would have been better to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.
- Terror turned Israelite elation and triumph into sarcasm and accusation. They considered Moses responsible for their impending doom, and themselves helpless victims. Their assessment gave not thought to any third option besides death or servitude in Egypt. By not considering the Lord’s involvement, the Israelites resembled faithless Pharaoh. (CSB Notes)
Exod. 14:19-20 – The angel of God and the pillar of cloud moved to between the Israelites and the Egyptians. God moved to a position of protection between the Israelites and the pursuing Egyptians.
- Besides showing the way to go, day or night, the pillar of cloud prevented a clash between the Egyptian and Israelite forces. (CSB Notes)
Exod. 16:4 – The LORD would rain bread from heaven and the people would have a day’s portion every day. This He did to test them, whether they would walk in His law or not. The manna was God’s provision for His people but was administered in a way to test their faithfulness.
- In addition to satisfying the people’s hunger, God sends manna (Exod. 16:15) to test their character. The test foreshadows Sabbath regulations that will be outlined in the commandments given at Sinai (ch. 20) and ensuing case laws. See Deut 8:2-3. (FSB)
Exod. 16:20, 27 – The people were disobedient in both trying to save some manna for the next day on days it was provided (v. 20) and also in trying to gather manna on the Sabbath day when it would not be provided (v. 27).
Acts 2
Observation & Interpretation
Acts 2:46-47 – Day by day, the believers were attending the temple together, breaking bread in their homes, received their food with glad and generous hearts and praised God and had favor with all the people. The gratitude expressed by these people strikes a stark contrast with the Israelites in the wilderness from the Exodus chapters above. The believers received their food with glad and generous hearts whereas the Israelites responded with questioning and disobedience.
Resources
- J. I. Packer et. al, The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016)
- Colin Hansen (Editor in Chief), TGC Bible Commentary (Columbia, MO: The Gospel Coalition, 2022)
- Iain M. Duguid (Series Editor), ESV Expository Commentary (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2018-2025)
- Faithlife Study Bible (Lexham Press, 2016)
- Believer’s Bible Commentary (Thomas Nelson, 2016)
- CSB Study Bible Notes (Holman Bible Publishers, 2017)
- The New American Commentary (Brentwood, TN: Holman Reference)
- Lane T. Dennis and Wayne Grudem (Editors), ESV Study Bible, Crossway, 2008.
