OLD TESTAMENT TEXTS

The Old Testament lessons for the Easter Vigil represent a wide sweep of texts that explore the mighty acts of God as both savior and creator. The central text for the Easter Vigil is the account of Israel's salvation at the Reed Sea in  Exodus 14:10-31; 15:20-21. The actions of God in our world—from creation to the full realization of a distant future salvation—are all viewed in light of the reality of Israel's salvation at the sea. This event will also be our lens as we read through the lessons for the Easter Vigil service.

Salvation History
Setting.  There are nine Old Testament lessons for the Easter Vigil, and each has a hymnic response. They include: creation  (Genesis 1:1-2:4a; Psalm 136:1-9, 23-26); God's covenant with the earth after the flood  (Genesis 7:1-5…