Exodus Attitudes

Jessica Casebolt Foundations 111 Henkle 9/22/11
Throughout the Bible, we see many different qualities in our God. Several attitudes surface within the events of its history. Throughout time, people have debated these attitudes and their origins because often, like in the books of Exodus, Hosea, and Amos, there are several examples of how God is compassionate and forgiving while He is also vindictive and demanding. So, what kind of God is He? This can be illustrated in the story of the Israelites. We see a very compassionate, loving God in the book of Exodus. Earlier he had released the Israelites from bondage to Egypt, and now He is establishing a promised land, the land of Canaan, for them to live in perfect harmony by and with Him as a reward for keeping their covenant. “…you shall utterly demolish them [your enemies] and break their pillars to pieces. You shall worship the Lord your God and I will bless your bread and your water; and I will take sickness away from among you. No one shall miscarry or be barren in your land; I will fulfill the number of your days.” (23.24-26)
God loves once again in Exodus just after the Israelites had escaped the land of Egypt and camped in Sinai. This is
The Israelites rejoice that the condemnation is not initially falling their way in Amos’ teachings, but they are disappointed as Amos soon thereafter illustrates the sins of their nation and allocates the same punishment to the chosen nation as what was given to their neighbors. "...he said: The Lord roars from Zion and utters his voice from Jerusalem; the pastures of the shepherds wither, and the top of Carmel dries up." (1.2) This told the people that suffering will come, and God has almighty power. They will suffer for their sins because of God’s demanding standards and anger against