Why the Story of Exodus Still Matters Today (A testament to God’s power and faithfulness)
When most people hear about the Old Testament, they might think of ancient laws, miracles, or big characters like Moses and David. But there’s another way to read these old stories—a way that helps us see how they speak up for people who are left out, oppressed, or pushed to the margins—and how they warn us about the risks of misusing power.
The Heart of Exodus: A Story for the Dispossessed
At the center of the Hebrew Bible is the story of Exodus, where the Israelites are freed from slavery in Egypt. It’s not just a tale of escape or miracle; it’s about real people who lost their homes, their freedom, and their dignity. They didn’t choose to be slaves, but their story is about how God saw them and brought them into a new relationship—a covenant—in the wilderness.
This isn’t just old history. For the Israelites, remembering the pain of slavery was key to their identity. Their laws and prayers often say things like, “Do not mistreat foreigners, because you were once foreigners in Egypt.” In other words, their suffering wasn’t forgotten—it became the reason to stand up for others who are struggling.
Exile: A Warning for Those in Power
Exodus isn’t just about victims; it’s also a warning for those who hold power. Over and over again, the Old Testament shows that when the powerful forget where they came from—or misuse their position—bad things happen. The prophets, like Amos and Jeremiah, criticize Israel not just for mistakes, but for failing to be just and compassionate once they had power. Their own suffering in exile (being forced out of their land) is seen as a direct result of not listening to God’s call for justice.
Take Amos, for example: he tells the Israelites that God cares about all nations, not just theirs. The message is clear—God isn’t interested in playing favorites with the powerful. When Israel forgot to treat people fairly, exile was the consequence.
Why Diversity in the Bible Matters
The Old Testament isn’t just one story told by one kind of person. It’s packed with tales from people in all sorts of situations—kings and slaves, insiders and outsiders, rich and poor. The variety is on purpose. It reminds us that God’s concern isn’t boxed in by national borders or cultural boundaries.
When we pay attention to ethnicity and culture in these stories, new meanings pop out. Think about Joseph, who was sold into slavery but later helped save his family. Or Ruth, a foreign widow whose loyalty and courage placed her at the center of Israel’s future. These aren’t “side characters”—they’re essential to what the Bible is really saying about belonging and redemption.
Beware of Exclusivism—and Listen for Justice
Sometimes, people have twisted Bible stories to support exclusion, racism, or abuse of power. That’s not what these ancient texts were meant for. The prophets constantly warn against ignoring the poor, the foreigner, or anyone who’s outside the circle. If we read Scripture without noticing the marginalized, we’re missing the main point.
The Bible’s diversity—including voices that question or challenge power—shows that God’s call is always toward justice, not favoritism. Modern readers, especially those who have privilege, are challenged to hear the stories of the dispossessed, not erase them.
Conclusion: What the Margins Teach Us
In the end, reading the Old Testament through the lens of the marginalized isn’t about rewriting history—it’s about hearing it more honestly. The story of Exodus, and so many others, remind us to pay attention: to remember those who suffer, to heed warnings when power is misused, and to use whatever influence we have for the good of all.
Whether it’s the story of a freed slave, an immigrant, or a prophet criticizing the nation, the message is the same: God calls us to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly—especially alongside those at the edges. The Old Testament isn’t just old news. It’s a living challenge to build a community where the marginalized matter, and where power is always used as a trust, not a prize.
Minister A Francine Green
August 2025
afrancinegreen.com 