Exodus

Nephi’s familiarity with the Exodus story is paralleled by his apparent familiarity with the exodus cycle as a literary pattern. The final testimony of the exodus of the last days is the same as the testimony of the exodus from Egypt and the exodus from Jerusalem: “All flesh shall know that I, the Lord, am thy Savior and thy Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.”

-Liahona, February 1988

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We've been reading about the Israelites and the exodus from Egypt. We've read of the plagues, of Moses needing to hold his hands up in the air for the Israelites to win their battles, of manna and of Moses delegating his responsibilities so that he won't wear out. There are many, many lessons that can be learned from these chapters, many details that are so neat to think about and ponder. But because I only have a few minutes to blog (as usual), I'll just write about the whole exodus and compare it to others exoduses in church history.

I find it interesting that the Nephites also had an exodus, although on a much smaller basis. When Lehi was commanded to leave Jerusalem, that was an exodus for the Book of Mormon people. The people were familiar with the Bible's account of leaving the land of Egypt, and saw the symbolism.

The Jaredites also had an exodus when they escaped from the people involved in the tower of Babel. They too came to a new land to worship freely.

And, of course, the pioneers left Nauvoo to follow Brigham Young in an attempt to find a land to worship freely. We've all heard the stories of sacrifice and hardship they went through, but also the blessings because they did so.

The theme of leaving one place to find another, guided by the hand of the Lord, is common throughout church history. I believe that many of us also go through our own individual exodus, to find our place in the world, our testimony, and our place to worship how we feel is right. I'm glad the Lord allows us the freedom to choose, but also guides and directs us if we choose to follow Him. I love Him and trust in Him with my whole heart.