Exodus

Why this book was written

Exodus, likely compiled during or after the monarchy, was written to memorialize God's deliverance of Israel from bondage, to reaffirm the Sinai covenant, and to instruct a new generation on how to live as God's people before a holy God. The author's aim is to strengthen faith by presenting God's redemptive plan, covenant faithfulness, and holiness throughout Israel's history.

Structure

1. 1–4Israel's Oppression and Moses' Call
2. 5–18The Plagues, Exodus, and Red Sea Crossing
3. 19–24The Sinai Covenant and Law
4. 25–31Instructions for the Tabernacle and Worship
5. 32–34The Golden Calf and Moses' Intercession
6. 35–40Construction of the Tabernacle and Glory Filling It

Major themes

How it points to Christ

Exodus points to Christ: the Passover lamb prefigures Christ as our sacrifice (1 Cor 5:7); the Red Sea deliverance prefigures baptism and rescue from sin; Moses as mediator points to Christ as mediator of a better covenant; the mercy seat in the tabernacle prefigures redemption through Christ's blood; the manna and living water in the wilderness prefigure Christ as the Bread of Life and source of living water.

Key verses

• 3:14God reveals His name 'I AM WHO I AM,' showing His eternal, self-existent nature.
• 12:13The Passover lamb's blood shelters Israel, foreshadowing redemption through Christ's blood.
• 14:14'The LORD will fight for you,' showing God as the Deliverer.
• 19:5–6Israel as a kingdom of priests and a holy nation, revealing the identity and mission of God's people.
• 20:3'No other gods before Me'—the first commandment, foundation of the covenant.
• 25:8'Let them make a sanctuary that I may dwell among them,' revealing God's presence.
• 32:32Moses offers to bear the punishment for the people, showing mediator-like intercession.
• 33:18–19Moses asks to see God's glory; God proclaims His mercy and grace.

Films & series on Exodus

Each has a guide: scripture sources, where it departs from the Bible, discussion questions, and where to watch

The Prince of Egypt

Film · 1998

The strong bond between two Royal Egyptian brothers is challenged when their chosen responsibilities set them at odds, with extraordinary consequences.

Prime Video · RentApple TV · Rent

The Ten Commandments

Film · 1956

Escaping death, a Hebrew infant is raised in a royal household to become a prince. Upon discovery of his true heritage, Moses embarks on a personal quest to reclaim his destiny as the leader and liberator of the Hebrew people.

Prime Video · RentApple TV · Rent

Exodus: Gods and Kings

Film · 2014

The defiant leader Moses rises up against the Egyptian Pharaoh Ramses, setting 400,000 slaves on a monumental journey of escape from Egypt and its terrifying cycle of deadly plagues.

Apple TV · RentAmazon · Rent

Reflections on Exodus

People in this book

Questions for reflection

• ·What attributes of God are revealed in Israel's deliverance, and how do they deepen your understanding of His nature?
• ·How does Moses' intercession in the golden calf event reflect Christ's role as our intercessor?
• ·Which commandment do you find most challenging, and how can you rely on God's grace to obey it?
• ·God wanted the tabernacle so He could dwell with Israel. How does God dwell in us today?
• ·Israel often grumbled in the wilderness. What does this warn us about in our own faith journey?

Where Exodus fits in the Bible's storyline

This book appears in the 12-stop storyline at:

• Stop 4 · Exodus and the Law

Where to start reading the Bible? See the full 12-stop storyline