Classes - Pentateuch - Introduction to Exodus

Introduction to Exodus

A study series on book of Exodus

Learn how you can use the guide here.

The book of Exodus is a story of God’s jealous love to deliver His people out of bondage and into a new life. It is commonly divided into two parts:

Chapters 1-18: The Exodus

Chapters 19-40: Preparation and Consecration for the Promised Land

The book of Exodus is so important because it is not just a story of how Israel became a nation and God’s possession, but because it is also our story. As we explore the book of Exodus, we will see a common thread of how we are not too different from the people of Israel. We were once in bondage, but are now delivered, and God’s work in our lives does not stop there. God is fully committed to removing “Egypt” from the Israelites, as He is fully committed to transforming us through sanctification until we reach the Promised Land of glorification when we finally dwell with Him.

Summary

Author: The author is not identified. Traditionally, the author has always been assumed to have been Moses. There is no conclusive evidence to deny the Mosaic authorship of Genesis.

Date of Writing: The date of authorship is likely between 1446-1437 B.C. during the exodus period.

Purpose of Writing: Exodus recounts one of the greatest events recorded in the Bible, the miraculous departure of the Israelites from Egypt. Not only did God liberate his people from slavery, but in the process, he demonstrated his mighty power over the pagan gods of Egypt. Afterward, He guided the Israelites toward the promised land. As you read, notice how God unfolded His plans through Moses. Study Moses’ faith journey in gaining trust in God, who demonstrated miraculous power in Egypt, during the Red Sea crossing and beyond. Observe the people’s responses to God after each miracle and how their hearts turned to idol worship. Yet God forgave them and gave instructions for building his tabernacle – his earthly dwelling place among his people.

Main Themes of the Book

Deliverance – Through the deliverance of his people from Egypt, God revealed his involvement in human activity. Exodus reveals God’s power and compassionate love for His people.
The covenant – The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17) and the Covenant (Exodus 19:1-24:18) reveal God’s justice and righteousness, peoples’ choice and responsibility (obedience brings blessing; disobedience leads to punishment / negative consequences), and God’s heart for the poor, helpless and oppressed.
The Tabernacle – God’s desire to be present among His people is revealed in the construction of the tabernacle. The regulations pertaining to the tabernacle emphasise God’s holiness.
Moses – the central character of the book, is the mediator between God and His people. Moses points ahead to Christ, our perfect mediator (1 Timothy 2:5 and Hebrews 9:15).