Exodus

The Israelites, descendants of Jacob, multiplied in Egypt but were oppressed by a new pharaoh who feared their growing population. God called Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, and after a series of plagues, including the death of every firstborn son, Pharaoh finally let them go. The Israelites left Egypt in haste, taking their livestock and plundering the Egyptians, and were led out of Egypt by the Lord on the same day they had entered 430 years earlier. The Lord then gave the Israelites the Ten Commandments and instructed them to build a sanctuary where He could dwell among them. The Israelites constructed the tabernacle, its furnishings, and the holy garments for Aaron and his sons, using materials contributed by the people. After completing the work, Moses set up the tabernacle, anointed the altar and its utensils, and consecrated Aaron and his sons as priests. The glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle, and the cloud's presence guided the Israelites' journeys.