Book introduction
The book of Exodus
Exodus tells how God rescued Israel from slavery in Egypt. He calls Moses, sends the plagues, leads the people through the sea, and gives them his law at Mount Sinai. The book ends with God’s presence filling the tabernacle among them.
Read Exodus 3Start at chapter 1
Who wrote Exodus?
Jewish and Christian tradition names Moses as the author of the first five books, and the books themselves say Moses wrote down laws and songs. Many scholars think the five books were gathered from older written and spoken sources and reached their final form later, around the time of the exile in Babylon or after it. Some Christians hold to Mosaic authorship; others accept a longer process of writing and editing.
When was it written?
The exodus is usually dated to about 1446 BC or about 1260 BC; scholars disagree. The writing is dated from Moses’ lifetime to the 500s BC.
Main themes
- God hears and rescues
- He sees his people’s suffering and acts to set them free.
- God’s name
- At the burning bush God names himself “I am who I am.”
- Covenant and law
- At Sinai, God gives the Ten Commandments and binds himself to Israel.
- God lives among his people
- The long tabernacle chapters are about God’s presence in the camp.
Outline of Exodus
- Chapters 1–6Slavery in Egypt and the call of Moses
- Chapters 7–12The plagues and the Passover
- Chapters 13–18Through the sea and into the wilderness
- Chapters 19–24The covenant and the Ten Commandments at Sinai
- Chapters 25–31Plans for the tabernacle
- Chapters 32–34The golden calf and the covenant renewed
- Chapters 35–40The tabernacle built and filled with God’s glory
Key verses
God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” Then he said, “This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I Am has sent me to you.’”
Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Take your stand and watch the salvation that Yahweh will accomplish for you today. The Egyptians you are looking at today—you will not see them again, ever. Yahweh will fight for you, and you are to keep quiet.”
I am Yahweh your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of slaves. Do not have any other gods before me.
Yahweh passed by in front of him and called out, Yahweh, Yahweh, a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and rich in steadfast love and faithfulness,
Quoted from the Lumin Translation.
Where to start
Chapter 3, the burning bush, is where Moses’ story turns. Read on through chapter 14.
How well do you know Exodus?
Ten questions on the book of Exodus, from “Where did Moses’ mother hide her baby?” on. Each answer shows its verse.
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Questions about Exodus?
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