Texts in Conversation
Exodus promises that God will strike Egypt with wonders and force Israel’s release. Micah asks God to show those same wonders again, describing a future exodus that repeats the exodus from Egypt.
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2500 BCE
1000+ CE
Exodus 3:20
Hebrew Bible
19 But I know that the king of Egypt will not let you go, not even under force. 20 So I will extend my hand and strike Egypt with all my wonders that I will do among them, and after that he will release you. 21 “I will grant this people favor with the Egyptians, so that when you depart you will not leave empty-handed.
Micah 7:15
Hebrew Bible
14 Shepherd your people with your rod, the flock that belongs to you, the one that lives alone in a thicket, in the midst of a pastureland. Allow them to graze in Bashan and Gilead, as they did in the old days. 15 “As in the days when you departed from the land of Egypt, I will show you miraculous deeds.” 16 Nations will see this and be disappointed by all their strength; they will put their hands over their mouths and act as if they were deaf.
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Notes and References
... and verse 15 continues the theme of divine action: “Like the days of your coming forth (יצא) from the land of Egypt, Show us wonders” (7:15). The beginning phrase in verse 15 appears to be a poetic reinforcement of the last phrase of verse 14, where Yhwh is implored to shepherd his flock “like the days of old.” Yhwh’s coming forth from Egypt is thus portrayed as another example from the past in which he acted on behalf of his people. The verb יצא (Qal) is used of Yhwh’s coming from Egypt rather than for his bringing out (Hiphil) Israel from Egypt, as is common with the exodus formula. Yhwh’s coming forth is likely the image of a warrior king at the head of his forces (Judges 5:4; 2 Samuel 5:24; Psalm 60:12[10]). The noun “wonders” (נפלאות) is also associated with the traditions of the exodus, where Yhwh demonstrates his mastery over Egypt (Exodus 3:20; Judges 6:13; compare Psalm 78:12). ...
Dearman, J. Andrew
Did I Not Bring Israel out of Egypt? Some Observations on the Exodus and Wilderness Traditions in the Books of Amos and Micah
(p. 267) Eisenbrauns, 2003
* The use of references are not endorsements of their contents. Please read the entirety of the provided reference(s) to understand the author's full intentions regarding the use of these texts.
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