Exodus

The Israelites, descendants of Jacob, were oppressed in Egypt, but God heard their cry and sent Moses to lead them out. Moses encountered God in a burning bush and was instructed to demand that Pharaoh let the Israelites go, but Pharaoh refused, leading to a series of plagues that devastated Egypt. The tenth plague, the death of every firstborn son, was averted for the Israelites by the application of lamb's blood to their doorframes, and they were finally allowed to leave Egypt. The Israelites traveled to Mount Sinai, where God gave them the Ten Commandments and established a covenant with them. Moses received instructions for building the tabernacle, a sanctuary where God would dwell among the Israelites, and the people contributed materials and skills to its construction. The tabernacle was completed, and Moses set it up according to God's instructions, anointing and consecrating Aaron and his sons as priests. The glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle, signifying God's presence among the Israelites, and the cloud served as a guide for their travels.