96. What ‘Serve’ Really Means in Exodus: Hebrew analysis with explanation (Pt 1 Exodus 1-14)

What does it really mean to “serve” in the book of Exodus? In this episode, Matthew Delaney and Dr. Nathan French explore how a single Hebrew word weaves through the early chapters of Exodus—from Israel’s oppression under Pharaoh to their calling to worship Yahweh. By tracing this vocabulary across key moments in Exodus 1–14, we uncover a powerful theme: the Exodus is not just about escaping slavery—it’s about being set free to worship. Along the way, we also explore fascinating connections with Genesis, the meaning of Passover, and how this theme shapes our understanding of purpose, identity, and calling today.

Chapters

0:00-2:58 Intro
2:59-6:53 Hebrew “service” in Exodus
6:54-10:05 Vocabulary Connections in Genesis
10:06-16:34 The Problem in Exodus: Tracing “service” vocabulary from Exodus 1–2
16:35-31:48 Purpose in Exodus: Tracing “service” vocabulary from Exodus 3–4
31:49-43:06 Pharaoh’s Response: Tracing “service” vocabulary from Exodus 5
43:07-48:25 That they may serve/worship me: Tracing “service” vocabulary from Exodus 7–10
48:26-1:03:41 Passover as Worship: Tracing “service” vocabulary from Exodus 12–13
1:03:42-1:07:37 Escaping Egypt: Tracing “service” vocabulary in Exodus 14

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