Introduction to Exodus

Hi Everyone: This is a little bit late in our reading this year but here it is:

Exodus: This book takes its name from the central event of the book, the exodus of the descendants of Abraham from slavery in Egypt and their initial journey toward the Promised Land. Written during the time of Moses by an unknown author or authors, Exodus tells one of the two defining events of the Old Testament: the deliverance from slavery in Egypt. (The other defining event was the Babylonian captivity and restoration.)

Exodus can be divided into two main sections. Chapters 1 through 18 tell of the enslavement of the descendents of Abraham in Egypt, the call of Moses, and God’s deliverance of the children of Israel. This section can be outlined as follows:

           

·                     Exodus 1 – 4     Moses’ birth and call

·                     Exodus 5 – 11   Moses before Pharaoh and the 10 plagues

·                     Exodus 12 – 18  Institution of The Passover and journey to Mount Sinai

Chapters 19 through 40 present the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai (also called Mount Horeb) and the initial organization of the people of Israel. It can be outlined as follows:         

·               Exodus 19    Israel at Sinai and the covenant

·                     Exodus 20 – 24 The 10 Commandments and other regulations

·                     Exodus 25 – 28 Design and regulations for the Tabernacle

·                     Exodus 29 – 40 Consecration of priests and construction of the Tabernacle

            Vital lessons from Exodus deepen our understanding of the purpose of God by showing that God is forming a people for himself. It is a people that began with Abraham and now continues through the descendents of Israel under the leadership of Moses. We also learn that God’s power can move the hand of leaders at critical times in history.