Overview Title and Author: The book of Exodus, the second book of the Bible, derives its name from the Greek word "Exodos," meaning "departure" or "exit," reflecting the central event of the Israelites' departure from Egypt. Traditionally, conservative Christian scholars attribute the authorship of Exodus to Moses, as supported by both internal biblical references and historical Jewish tradition. Moses is believed to have written Exodus during the Israelites' wilderness wanderings, around the 15th century BC.Historical Context: Exodus is set in a period when the Israelites were enslaved in Egypt, likely during the New Kingdom era. The narrative begins with the Israelites' oppression under a new Pharaoh who did not know Joseph and extends through their miraculous deliverance, the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai, and the construction of the Tabernacle. This period is crucial for understanding the formation of Israel as a nation under God's covenant. Audience: The primary audience of Exodus was the Israelites, who were being formed into a covenant community. The book was intended to remind them of their identity as God's chosen people and to instruct them in His laws and ways. It also serves as a foundational text for future generations, providing a historical and theological framework for understanding God's relationship with His people. Purpose: The purpose of Exodus is multifaceted: it recounts the historical deliverance of Israel from Egyptian bondage, establishes the covenant relationship between God and Israel, and provides the legal and moral framework for the nation. It also reveals God's power, faithfulness, and holiness, setting the stage for the unfolding narrative of redemption throughout the Bible. Genre and Style: Exodus is a historical narrative interwoven with legal and liturgical texts. It combines storytelling with direct divine instruction, using a straightforward and authoritative style. Key People 1. Pharaoh (Exodus 1:8) - The king of Egypt who enslaves the Israelites and orders the killing of Hebrew male infants. He is a central antagonist in the early chapters of Exodus. 2. Shiphrah (Exodus 1:15) - One of the Hebrew midwives who defies Pharaoh's order to kill Hebrew male infants at birth. 3. Puah (Exodus 1:15) - Another Hebrew midwife who, alongside Shiphrah, disobeys Pharaoh's command to kill newborn Hebrew boys. 4. Moses (Exodus 2:2) - A Hebrew born in Egypt who is saved from Pharaoh's decree by being placed in a basket on the Nile. He becomes the leader of the Israelites and God's chosen prophet to lead them out of Egypt. 5. Moses' Mother (Jochebed) (Exodus 2:2) - The mother of Moses, who hides him for three months and then places him in a basket on the Nile to save him from Pharaoh's decree. 6. Moses' Sister (Miriam) (Exodus 2:4) - The sister of Moses, who watches over him as he floats down the Nile and later plays a significant role in the Exodus narrative. 7. Pharaoh's Daughter (Exodus 2:5) - The daughter of Pharaoh who discovers Moses in the basket and raises him as her own son. 8. Moses' Father (Amram) (Exodus 2:1) - The father of Moses, mentioned in the genealogy of Moses and Aaron. 9. Reuel (Jethro) (Exodus 2:18) - The priest of Midian and father of Zipporah, Moses' wife. He becomes Moses' father-in-law and later advises him on governance. 10. Zipporah (Exodus 2:21) - The wife of Moses and daughter of Reuel. She plays a crucial role in saving Moses' life during their journey back to Egypt. 11. Gershom (Exodus 2:22) - The first son of Moses and Zipporah, named by Moses to reflect his status as a foreigner in a strange land. 12. Aaron (Exodus 4:14) - The brother of Moses, who becomes his spokesperson and assists him in leading the Israelites out of Egypt. 13. Pharaoh's Servants (Exodus 5:15) - The officials and servants of Pharaoh who interact with Moses and Aaron during their appeals to let the Israelites go. 14. Joshua (Exodus 17:9) - A young leader who becomes Moses' assistant and later leads the Israelites into the Promised Land. He first appears in the battle against the Amalekites. 15. Hur (Exodus 17:10) - A leader among the Israelites who, along with Aaron, supports Moses' arms during the battle against the Amalekites. Key Places 1. Egypt (Exodus 1:1)- Egypt is where the Israelites are enslaved under Pharaoh. It serves as the backdrop for the initial chapters of Exodus, detailing the oppression of the Israelites and the rise of Moses. 2. Nile River (Exodus 1:22) - The Nile River is a significant geographical feature in Egypt. Pharaoh orders the Hebrew male infants to be thrown into the Nile, setting the stage for Moses' early life. 3. Midian (Exodus 2:15) - After fleeing Egypt, Moses settles in Midian, where he marries Zipporah and encounters God in the burning bush on Mount Horeb. 4. Mount Horeb (Sinai) (Exodus 3:1) - Also known as the Mountain of God, this is where Moses encounters the burning bush and receives his mission to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. 5. Goshen (Exodus 8:22) - Goshen is the region in Egypt where the Israelites live. During the plagues, it is often spared from the devastation affecting the rest of Egypt. 6. Succoth (Exodus 12:37) - The first stop for the Israelites after leaving Egypt. It marks the beginning of their journey to the Promised Land. 7. Etham (Exodus 13:20) - Located on the edge of the wilderness, Etham is the second encampment of the Israelites after leaving Egypt. 8. Pi Hahiroth (Exodus 14:2) - Situated near the Red Sea, this is where the Israelites camp before crossing the sea, and where Pharaoh's army is ultimately defeated. 9. Marah (Exodus 15:23) - Known for its bitter waters, Marah is where God instructs Moses to throw a piece of wood into the water to make it drinkable. 10. Elim (Exodus 15:27) - A place of rest with twelve springs and seventy palm trees, providing respite for the Israelites after the hardships of the desert. 11. Wilderness of Sin (Exodus 16:1) - A desert area where the Israelites grumble about the lack of food, leading to the provision of manna and quail. 12. Rephidim (Exodus 17:1) - Here, the Israelites face a lack of water, and Moses strikes a rock to provide it. It is also the site of the battle with the Amalekites. 13. Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:1) - The mountain where Moses receives the Ten Commandments and the Israelites enter into a covenant with God. Key Events 1. The Oppression of the Israelites in Egypt (Exodus 1:8-14)- A new Pharaoh, who did not know Joseph, comes to power in Egypt and enslaves the Israelites, fearing their growing numbers. 2. The Birth and Early Life of Moses (Exodus 2:1-10) - Moses is born to a Hebrew family and is hidden for three months. When he can no longer be hidden, he is placed in a basket on the Nile and discovered by Pharaoh's daughter, who raises him as her own. 3. Moses Flees to Midian (Exodus 2:11-15) - After killing an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew, Moses flees to Midian to escape Pharaoh's wrath. 4. The Burning Bush (Exodus 3:1-6) - God appears to Moses in a burning bush on Mount Horeb and calls him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. 5. God Commissions Moses (Exodus 3:7-22) - God instructs Moses to go to Pharaoh and demand the release of the Israelites, promising to be with him and perform wonders. 6. Moses Returns to Egypt (Exodus 4:18-31) - Moses returns to Egypt with his brother Aaron, who will speak on his behalf, and they gather the elders of Israel to share God's plan. 7. The First Encounter with Pharaoh (Exodus 5:1-5) - Moses and Aaron approach Pharaoh to request the Israelites' release, but Pharaoh refuses and increases their labor. 8. The Ten Plagues (Exodus 7:14-12:30) - God sends ten plagues upon Egypt to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites, culminating in the death of the firstborn. 9. The Passover (Exodus 12:1-28) - God institutes the Passover, instructing the Israelites to mark their doorposts with lamb's blood so the angel of death will pass over their homes. 10. The Exodus from Egypt (Exodus 12:31-42) - Pharaoh finally relents, and the Israelites leave Egypt, beginning their journey to the Promised Land. 11. Crossing the Red Sea (Exodus 14:1-31) - God parts the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground, and then closes the waters over the pursuing Egyptian army. 12. The Song of Moses and Miriam (Exodus 15:1-21) - Moses and the Israelites sing a song of praise to God for their deliverance from Egypt. 13. Provision of Manna and Quail (Exodus 16:1-36) - In the wilderness, God provides manna and quail to sustain the Israelites. 14. Water from the Rock (Exodus 17:1-7) - God instructs Moses to strike a rock at Horeb, and water miraculously flows out to quench the people's thirst. 15. The Battle with the Amalekites (Exodus 17:8-16) - The Israelites defeat the Amalekites with God's help as Moses holds up his hands in prayer. 16. Jethro's Advice (Exodus 18:13-27) - Moses' father-in-law, Jethro, advises him to appoint judges to help govern the people, easing Moses' burden. 17. The Covenant at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:1-25) - The Israelites arrive at Mount Sinai, where God establishes a covenant with them and gives the Ten Commandments. 18. The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17) - God delivers the Ten Commandments to Moses on Mount Sinai, outlining the moral and religious laws for the Israelites. 19. The Golden Calf (Exodus 32:1-35) - While Moses is on Mount Sinai, the Israelites create and worship a golden calf, leading to God's anger and Moses' intercession. 20. The Renewal of the Covenant (Exodus 34:1-28) - After the incident with the golden calf, God renews the covenant with the Israelites and gives Moses new stone tablets. 21. The Construction of the Tabernacle (Exodus 35:1-40:38) - The Israelites construct the Tabernacle according to God's instructions, providing a place for His presence to dwell among them. Themes 1. Deliverance and Redemption - Description: The central theme of Exodus is God's deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. This act of redemption is foundational to their identity as God's chosen people. - First Occurrence: "I have surely seen the affliction of My people in Egypt, and I have heard their cry..." (Exodus 3:7). 2. Covenant Relationship - Description: God establishes a covenant with the Israelites, reaffirming His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and setting the terms of His relationship with His people. - First Occurrence: "I will take you as My own people, and I will be your God." (Exodus 6:7). 3. Law and Commandments - Description: The giving of the Law at Mount Sinai, including the Ten Commandments, is a pivotal moment where God provides guidelines for living in a covenant relationship with Him. - First Occurrence: "And God spoke all these words..." (Exodus 20:1). 4. God’s Sovereignty and Power - Description: Through the plagues and the parting of the Red Sea, God demonstrates His supreme power over creation and the gods of Egypt, affirming His sovereignty. - First Occurrence: "But I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, so that I may multiply My signs and wonders in the land of Egypt." (Exodus 7:3). 5. Worship and Idolatry - Description: The narrative emphasizes the importance of worshiping God alone and the dangers of idolatry, as seen in the incident of the golden calf. - First Occurrence: "You shall have no other gods before Me." (Exodus 20:3). 6. God’s Presence - Description: The presence of God among His people is a recurring theme, symbolized by the pillar of cloud and fire, and later, the Tabernacle. - First Occurrence: "And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of cloud..." (Exodus 13:21). 7. Faith and Obedience - Description: The Israelites' journey is marked by tests of faith and calls to obedience, highlighting the importance of trusting and following God’s commands. - First Occurrence: "If you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant..." (Exodus 19:5). 8. Leadership and Mediation - Description: Moses emerges as a key leader and mediator between God and the Israelites, exemplifying the role of a prophet and intercessor. - First Occurrence: "Come, I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring My people, the Israelites, out of Egypt." (Exodus 3:10). 9. Judgment and Mercy - Description: The narrative balances themes of divine judgment, as seen in the plagues, with mercy, as God provides for and forgives His people. - First Occurrence: "But I will spare the land of Goshen, where My people live..." (Exodus 8:22). Titles and Types for Jesus 1. The Passover Lamb (Exodus 12:3-13)- Type: The Passover lamb is a type of Christ, symbolizing His sacrificial death. Just as the blood of the lamb protected the Israelites from the plague, Jesus' sacrifice offers protection from sin and death. "Your lamb must be an unblemished male, a year old. You may take it from the sheep or the goats." (Exodus 12:5) 2. The Mediator (Exodus 19:16-19) - Type: Moses acts as a mediator between God and the Israelites, prefiguring Jesus as the ultimate mediator between God and humanity. "Moses spoke, and God answered him in the thunder." (Exodus 19:19) 3. The Bread from Heaven (Exodus 16:4) - Type: The manna provided in the wilderness is seen as a type of Jesus, the "bread of life," who sustains spiritual life. "Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Behold, I will rain down bread from heaven for you.'" (Exodus 16:4) 4. The Rock (Exodus 17:6) - Type: The rock that Moses strikes to provide water is a type of Christ, who provides living water. "Behold, I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb. And when you strike the rock, water will come out of it for the people to drink." (Exodus 17:6) 5. The Tabernacle (Exodus 25:8-9) - Type: The tabernacle is a type of Christ, representing God's dwelling among His people. Jesus is seen as the ultimate fulfillment of God's presence with humanity. "And they are to make a sanctuary for Me, so that I may dwell among them." (Exodus 25:8) 6. The High Priest (Exodus 28:1) - Type: Aaron, the high priest, is a type of Christ, who is the ultimate High Priest, mediating between God and humanity. "And bring near to you your brother Aaron and his sons from among the Israelites to serve Me as priests." (Exodus 28:1) Key Prophecies 1. Prophecy of Deliverance from Egypt - Prophecy: God promises to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. - "I have surely seen the affliction of My people in Egypt, and I have heard their cry because of their taskmasters, for I know their sufferings. So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey..." (Exodus 3:7-8). - Fulfillment: The Israelites are freed from Egypt after the ten plagues and the crossing of the Red Sea. - "That day the LORD saved Israel from the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the shore." (Exodus 14:30). 2. Prophecy of the Plagues - Prophecy: God foretells the plagues that will strike Egypt to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites. - "But I know that the king of Egypt will not let you go unless a mighty hand compels him. So I will stretch out My hand and strike the Egyptians with all the wonders I will perform among them. After that, he will let you go." (Exodus 3:19-20). - Fulfillment: The ten plagues occur, culminating in the death of the firstborn, leading to the Israelites' release. - Detailed accounts of the plagues are found in Exodus chapters 7-12. 3. Prophecy of Pharaoh's Heart Hardening - Prophecy: God predicts that He will harden Pharaoh's heart, making him resistant to letting the Israelites go. - "But I will harden his heart so that he will not let the people go." (Exodus 4:21). - Fulfillment: Pharaoh repeatedly hardens his heart despite the plagues, as described throughout the narrative. - "But the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said to Moses." (Exodus 9:12). 4. Prophecy of the Passover - Prophecy: God institutes the Passover, predicting the death of the firstborn in Egypt and the protection of the Israelites. - "For I will pass through the land of Egypt that night and strike down every firstborn male, both man and beast, and I will execute judgment against all the gods of Egypt. I am the LORD." (Exodus 12:12). - Fulfillment: The firstborn of Egypt are struck down, while the Israelites are spared, leading to their release. - "At midnight the LORD struck down every firstborn male in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sat on his throne to the firstborn of the captive who was in the dungeon, and the firstborn of all the livestock as well." (Exodus 12:29). 5. Prophecy of Provision in the Wilderness - Prophecy: God promises to provide for the Israelites in the wilderness. - "Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Behold, I will rain down bread from heaven for you. Each day the people are to go out and gather enough for that day.'" (Exodus 16:4). - Fulfillment: God provides manna and quail for the Israelites in the wilderness. - "When the Israelites saw it, they asked one another, 'What is it?' For they did not know what it was. So Moses told them, 'It is the bread that the LORD has given you to eat.'" (Exodus 16:15). Outline 1. Israel in Egypt ( 1:1–2:25 ) a. Israel Multiplies ( 1:1–7 ) b. Israel is Oppressed ( 1:8–22 ) c. Moses in Egypt ( 2:1–25 ) i. Birth and Adoption of Moses ( 2:1–10 ) ii. The Rejection and Flight of Moses ( 2:11–25 ) 2. God's Deliverance of Israel ( 3:1–18:27 ) a. The Burning Bush ( 3:1–4:31 ) i. God calls Moses ( 3:1–22 ) ii. The Three Signs ( 4:1–9 ) 1. The Staff ( 4:1–5 ) 2. The Leprous Hand ( 4:6–7 ) 3. Water to Blood ( 4:8–9 ) iii. The Appointment of Aaron ( 4:10–17 ) iv. Moses Returns to Egypt ( 4:18–31 ) b. Pharaoh Refuses ( 5:1–6:13 ) i. Bricks and Straw ( 5:1–23 ) ii. God Promises Deliverance ( 6:1–13 ) c. Moses and Aaron ( 6:14–7:13 ) i. The Genealogies of Moses and Aaron ( 6:14–27 ) ii. God Commands Moses and Aaron ( 7:1–7 ) iii. Aaron’s Staff ( 7:8–13 ) d. The Ten Plagues ( 7:14–11:10 ) i. The First Plague: Blood ( 7:14–25 ) ii. The Second Plague: Frogs ( 8:1–15 ) iii. The Third Plague: Gnats ( 8:16–19 ) iv. The Fourth Plague: Flies ( 8:20–32 ) v. The Fifth Plague: Cattle Disease ( 9:1–7 ) vi. The Sixth Plague: Boils ( 9:8–12 ) vii. The Seventh Plague: Hail ( 9:13–35 ) viii. The Eighth Plague: Locusts ( 10:1–20 ) ix. The Ninth Plague: Darkness ( 10:21–29 ) x. The Tenth Plague Announced ( 11:1–10 ) e. The Passover ( 12:1–30 ) i. The Passover Lamb ( 12:1–13 ) ii. The Feast of Unleavened Bread ( 12:14–28 ) iii. The Tenth Plague: Death of the Firstborn ( 12:29–30 ) f. The Exodus from Egypt ( 12:31–13:22 ) i. Pharaoh Lets the People Go ( 12:31–42 ) ii. Instructions for the Passover ( 12:43–51 ) iii. The Dedication of the Firstborn ( 13:1–16 ) iv. The Bones of Joseph ( 13:17–19 ) v. The Pillar of Cloud and Fire ( 13:20–22 ) g. The Red Sea ( 14:1–15:21 ) i. Pharaoh Pursues the Israelites ( 14:1–14 ) ii. The Crossing of the Red Sea ( 14:15–31 ) iii. The Song at the Sea ( 15:1–21 ) h. Journey to Sinai ( 15:22–18:27 ) i. The Bitter Waters of Marah ( 15:22–27 ) ii. The Manna from Heaven ( 16:1–36 ) iii. Water from the Rock ( 17:1–7 ) iv. The Amalekites Attack ( 17:8–16 ) v. Jethro’s Advice ( 18:1–27 ) 3. The Covenant at Sinai ( 19:1–24:18 ) a. God and Israel Meet at Mount Sinai ( 19:1–25 ) b. The Ten Commandments ( 20:1–17 ) c. Moses Mediates Between God and Israel ( 20:18–21 ) d. The Book of the Covenant ( 20:22–23:33 ) i. Idolatry Forbidden ( 20:22–26 ) ii. Legal Prescriptions ( 21:1–22:15 ) 1. Hebrew Servants ( 21:1–11 ) 2. Personal Injury Law ( 21:12–36 ) 3. Property Laws ( 22:1–15 ) iii. Religious, Moral, and Cultic Instructions ( 22:16–23:19 ) 1. Laws of Social Responsibility ( 22:16–31 ) 2. Justice and Mercy ( 23:1–9 ) 3. Sabbath Laws ( 23:10–13 ) 4. The Three Feasts of Pilgrimage ( 23:14–19 ) iv. Epilogue ( 23:20–33 ) e. The Covenant Sealed ( 24:1–18 ) 4. The Wilderness Tabernacle ( 25:1–40:38 ) a. The Instructions for the Tabernacle ( 25:1–31:18 ) i. The Collection of Materials ( 25:1–9 ) ii. Furnishings for the Tabernacle ( 25:10–40 ) 1. The Ark of the Covenant ( 25:10–16 ) 2. The Mercy Seat ( 25:17–22 ) 3. The Table of Showbread ( 25:23–30 ) 4. The Lampstand ( 25:31–40 ) iii. The Tabernacle and Its Courtyard ( 26:1–27:21 ) 1. Curtains and Frames for the Tabernacle ( 26:1–37 ) 2. The Bronze Altar ( 27:1–8 ) 3. Curtains and Posts for the Courtyard ( 27:9–19 ) 4. Oil for the Lamps ( 27:20–21 ) iv. The Tabernacle’s Personnel ( 28:1–29:46 ) 1. The Aaronic Priesthood ( 28:1–5 ) 2. The Priestly Garments ( 28:6–43 ) 3. Consecration of the Priests ( 29:1–46 ) v. Other Elements in the Tabernacle ( 30:1–38 ) 1. The Altar of Incense ( 30:1–10 ) 2. The Census ( 30:11–16 ) 3. The Bronze Basin ( 30:17–21 ) 4. The Anointing Oil ( 32:22–33 ) 5. The Incense ( 30:34–38 ) vi. Bezalel and Oholiab ( 31:1–11 ) vii. Observance of the Sabbath ( 31:12–18 ) b. Israel Rebels ( 32:1–34:35 ) i. The Golden Calf ( 32:1–29 ) ii. Moses Intercedes for the People ( 32:30–35 ) iii. God’s Presence and the Israelites ( 33:1–23 ) iv. The Second Set of Tablets ( 34:1–9 ) v. God Renews the Covenant ( 34:10–35 ) c. The Construction of the Tabernacle ( 35:1–40:38 ) i. The Sabbath Established ( 35:1–3 ) ii. The Collection of Materials ( 35:4–29 ) iii. Bezalel and Oholiab ( 35:30–36:7 ) iv. Curtains and Frames for the Tabernacle ( 36:8–38 ) v. Furnishings for the Tabernacle ( 37:1–29 ) 1. The Ark of the Covenant ( 37:1–5 ) 2. The Mercy Seat ( 37:6–9 ) 3. The Table of Showbread ( 37:10–16 ) 4. The Lampstand ( 37:17–24 ) 5. The Altar of Incense ( 37:25–29 ) vi. The Courtyard ( 38:1–20 ) 1. The Bronze Altar ( 38:1–7 ) 2. The Bronze Basin ( 38:8 ) 3. Curtains and Posts for the Courtyard ( 38:9–20 ) vii. Inventory of Materials ( 38:21–31 ) viii. The Priestly Garments ( 39:1–31 ) ix. Moses Approves the Work ( 39:32–43 ) x. The Inauguration of the Tabernacle ( 40:1–33 ) xi. God’s Presence Fills the Tabernacle ( 40:34–38 ) |