The Second Book of Moses Called

Exodus

“Exodus” is a Greek word that literally means “exit,” “departure,” or “going out.” The Septuagint (an ancient Greek translation of the Old Testament) uses this word to describe the book by its key event (see 19:1, “gone out”). In Luke 9:31 and in 2 Peter 1:15, the word exodus speaks of physical death (of both Jesus and Peter), thus echoing Exodus’s theme of redemption through death.

Exodus records Israel’s birth as a nation. During their time in Egypt, one Hebrew family of seventy persons rapidly multiplies. At the right time and accompanied by severe birth pains, an infant nation numbering between two and three million persons comes into the world, where God protects, feeds, and nurtures it.

The key figure in the Book of Exodus is Moses, a man who greatly doubted his ability to lead God’s people but who nevertheless remained steadfast in his commitment to God. Although Moses was born into the home of a Levite couple, he grew up in an Egyptian household with all the advantages of royalty. After a failed attempt to deliver God’s people from Egyptian bondage by his own strength, he spent forty years in a wilderness exile, where he received a thorough divine education.

To show Moses the seriousness of His plan, God called him from the midst of a burning bush that somehow did not burn up. In that remarkable encounter, God tasked a reluctant Moses with delivering His people from the Egyptians. So in Exodus, Moses sets out to fulfill his special calling: to lead the people of God out of harsh bondage.

Theme: The Book of Exodus demonstrates twin themes of divine redemption and deliverance. These themes are wonderfully demonstrated in Moses’ calling to lead the people of Israel and in the ten plagues sent upon Egypt when Pharaoh refused to set the Israelites free (7–11).

Author: Moses

Time: The Book of Exodus covers a period from the birth of Moses (about 1525 B.C.) to the construction of the tabernacle, about 1446 B.C. Most scholars date the Exodus from Egypt to around 1447 B.C.

Structure: The Book of Exodus begins with an account of Egyptian oppression (1:7–22), then moves to the early years of Moses’ life (2:1–21), followed by Moses’ calling and his demand to Pharaoh to release his people from captivity (3:1–12:30), then describes the exodus from Egypt and the Israelites’ journey to Mount Sinai (12:31–18:27). The remainder of the book covers the giving of the Law and the establishment of Hebrew culture.

As you read Exodus, watch for several life principles that play an important role in this book:

5. God does not require us to understand His will, just obey it, even if it seems unreasonable. See Exodus 12:1–28.

11. God assumes full responsibility for our needs when we obey Him. See Exodus 14:1–31.

13. Listening to God is essential to walking with God. See Exodus 15:26.

2. Obey God and leave all the consequences to Him. See Exodus 19:5.