Seeing Exodus In Revelation
EXPOSITORY ARTICLE | Sean Cavender | Bald Knob, Arkansas
Interest in the book of Revelation has heightened over the past several decades, perhaps popularized by the authors of the Left Behind series. They and many other writers present the symbols in Revelation as literal, futuristic, cataclysmic events, leading up to the second coming of Christ. There are a lot of conspiracy-type theories and approaches to the book of Revelation. Many people think they have unearthed “the” single key to help unlock all of the book’s hidden and secret meanings. Media (TV, movies, news) sensationalize the book of Revelation. It is beyond the scope of this article to deal with all the erroneous approaches to the book – suffice it to say we need to teach the book of Revelation.
Sadly, many Christians are afraid of the book of Revelation. The over-zealous, sensational approaches to the book of Revelation creates in many people a sense of dysphoria and confusion. Instead, Revelation should give Christians a sense of hope and confidence; it should not lead people to confusion. There certainly are challenges to the book of Revelation, but it is not impossible to understand.
Problems abound in interpreting the book of Revelation because many people misunderstand apocalyptic literature. People assume apocalyptic literature means it contains predictive prophecy about the end of the world and the return of Jesus. This assumption misses out on the nature and purpose of apocalyptic writings. Again, this would be beyond the purview of our study, but apocalyptic literature was an ancient genre of writing that described historical and contemporary (at the time of the writing) events in an other-worldly way. Apocalyptic literature gives a “sneak peek” and “behind the scenes” look at how the events of this world are related to our spiritual purpose.
The goal of this article is to show how the book of Revelation fits within a biblical paradigm, or a mold – offering a point of comparison with something very familiar, and that is relatively easy to understand. When we study the Bible, we will often see connections between books of the Bible. For example, the book of Hebrews can be challenging if we are unfamiliar with the book of Leviticus and the old covenant sacrificial system.
The same is true for the book of Revelation. As the Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament states, “It is generally recognized that Revelation contains more OT references than does any other NT book, although past attempts to tally the total amount have varied…” (p. 1082). Some suggest the Old Testament is referenced a couple of hundred times in the book of Revelation; others count up to 1,000 references in the text. Seeing the OT in the book of Revelation is helpful and points us in the right direction, but it does not give us a clear picture of the function and usage of the Old Testament references.
In spite of its difficulty, Revelation can be understood, and it does not have to be as challenging as we make it seem. I believe the Exodus story with Moses and the children of Israel down in Egypt is especially helpful in understanding what is going on in the book of Revelation. I am not suggesting that I know everything there is to know about the book of Revelation. Neither am I suggesting this is the only way (or even the best way) that Revelation must be read and understood. I do believe this is helpful for me, and I think it can be beneficial to you as well. I am trying to show how a familiar story may help us as a jumping-off point to a clearer understanding of the book of Revelation.
Exodus: Establishing A Paradigm
The book of Exodus begins by telling how the descendants of Jacob were treated in Egypt. They had been enslaved by the Egyptians, who were building their empire at the time. Pharaoh had become afraid of the vast number of Hebrew people, so through slavery, he was able to dominate them. The Egyptian king was so fearful of the population growth of the Hebrews, he determined that every male child born among them was to be killed. The family of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were feeling the pressure of intense wickedness and persecution bearing down on them.
The Egyptians were whole-heartedly involved in idolatry. They served a pantheon of gods. Pharaoh was considered to be one of their gods. After the death of the Pharaoh who had commanded the male children to be killed, the children of Israel cried out to God in desperation. The Scripture reads, “Now it came about in the course of those many days that the king of Egypt died. And the sons of Israel sighed because of the bondage, and they cried out; and their cry for help because of their bondage rose up to God” (Exodus 2:23; NASB95). God heard their cries, and then He called Moses to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt.
Before they were able to leave Egypt, God demonstrated His great power and might against the Egyptian empire, their Pharaoh, and their gods. God promised His wrath and judgment would come against Egypt for the way they had treated His people (Exodus 7:3-6). The Lord fulfilled His promise by turning the Nile River to blood, covering the land with frogs, sending lice and flies across the land, bringing about the death of cattle, causing boils, hail, locusts, darkness, and finally the death of the firstborn. Through all these plagues, God demonstrated His power against the Egyptians and Pharaoh. Yet throughout the plagues the children of Israel were protected. When all of Egypt’s livestock died, the Hebrew’s animals were healthy. God protected His people from the plagues the Egyptians were suffering (Exodus 8:22-23; 9:4-6; 11:7).
Soon after the final plague (the death of the firstborn), Pharaoh conceded and allowed Moses to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt. God’s mighty hand was with them and protected them. God parted the Red Sea so Israel was able to cross on dry ground. After getting rid of Pharaoh’s army, the children of Israel sang a song of praise to God (Exodus 15). Under God’s guidance and Moses’ leadership, the Hebrew people went to Mt. Sinai, where God gave them a law (Exodus 19:1) and renewed His covenant with them (Exodus 19:4-6). Israel would become a kingdom of priests to God. He gave them the Ten Commandments, which above all, demanded absolute loyalty and allegiance to God. If they would be faithful to God, then He promised His love and commitment to Israel for a thousand generations (Exodus 20:6).
The last 15 chapters of Exodus provide the details concerning the construction of the tabernacle, which provided the children of Israel a place to worship God. At the end of the book of Exodus, God’s glory filled the tent. Eventually, God told Moses to number the Israelites and take a census, and then they would begin their journey to the promised land (Numbers 1:2).
Reading Revelation As An Exodus Story
Familiarity with the Exodus story above can help us understand the overall message of the book of Revelation. Comparing Exodus with Revelation can indeed be advantageous to us so that we will no longer be fearful of the message of Revelation.
Just as the children of Israel were persecuted at the hands of wicked Pharaoh (murdering of innocent babies and slavery), in the book of Revelation, the Lord’s church is facing persecution. The persecution has led to the spilling of blood and martyrdom. It is stated from the outset of the book, “I, John, your brother and fellow partaker in the tribulation and kingdom and perseverance which are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus” (Revelation 1:9, NASB95). One of the most potent visions in the entire book is when the souls who had been slain and were underneath the altar cry out for God’s vengeance (Revelation 6:9-11). Remember when Israel cried out to God because of the harsh treatments that Egypt had forced them to endure? God remembered the covenant and then unleashed plagues on Egypt. Well, the book of Revelation shows us something similar.
The faithful and obedient saints faced persecution and martyrdom. God revealed His judgments and plagues against those who were causing such oppression to the church. The seven seals, seven trumpets, and seven bowls all contain a series of plagues against those who are wicked, rebellious, and refuse to repent. Notably, in these judgments and plagues, there are correlations with the plagues God brought upon Egypt: hail (Revelation 8:7); water becoming blood (Revelation 8:8-9); darkness (Revelation 8:12); locusts (Revelation 9:7); and frogs (Revelation 16:13). God protected Israel from the plagues in Egypt; He also offers His protection for His people who have the seal of God (Revelation 7:1-8).
In the book of Revelation, Satan is ultimately the one who is wreaking havoc in the churches. When the dragon is unable to defeat Christ, he turns against the covenant people of God (pictured as the woman and her children who keep God’s commandments, Revelation 12:17). God offered protection for the church, His covenant people who have been sealed, by delivering them on the wings of a great eagle (Revelation 12:14). The wilderness becomes a symbol of refuge and covenant renewal in the book of Revelation (Revelation 12:6). Revelation promises that God’s people will ultimately be brought to a place of safety and refuge.
Following the children of Israel’s exodus from Egypt, they were taken through the wilderness to Mt. Sinai where they received the Law of God and entered a covenant with God. The Lord reminded them of His great power: “‘You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings, and brought you to Myself” (Exodus 19:4, NASB95).
Revelation 14 is a beautiful picture of the saints who have overcome the ploys and plots of the evil one. They have been faithful to God, even to the point of death. They did not turn to serve idols or succumb to the pressures of persecution. They did not compromise their convictions – they served God and Him alone. Therefore, they are blessed to enjoy rest from their labors (Revelation 14:13). So they stand by the sea singing the song of Moses and song of the Lamb — a poignant scene that reminds us of the children of Israel singing and praising God after they saw pharaoh’s army defeated and drowned in the Red Sea. Then the tabernacle of heaven is opened, and the glory of the Lord is seen (Revelation 15:5-6), reminding us of the closing chapter of Exodus.
In Revelation 17 & 18, Babylon the great falls. Babylon is symbolic of a world empire which, similar to Egypt, had conquered the children of Israel and deported them out of Jerusalem and Judea. God brought judgment upon ancient Babylon. Eventually, Jews have a second “exodus story.” Ezra led the Jews back home. The importance of “Babylon” in Revelation is that the world empire that is persecuting God’s people will be destroyed. God would judge the idolatrous worship and the wickedness that was so prominent because of the impenitence of heart (Revelation 9:20-21).
Ultimately, the book of Revelation shows us that God’s people will be victorious. Just as Israel looked defeated at the beginning of the book of Exodus, it ended with them worshiping God in the wilderness — out of Egypt. The book of Revelation offers a similar picture. There is hope, victory, and vindication for those who remain pure and firm in their conviction. Our allegiance is to be given to God and Him alone. If we are found faithful, then we are will reign with Christ and dwell before God’s throne (Revelation 20-22).
The message in the book of Revelation is one that encourages faithfulness. It should not lead us to fear; instead, we should find confidence in the victory God has promised to those who are faithful to Him. God will give us the crown of life if we remain loyal and devoted to Him!
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January 2020 | GROW magazine
