The book of Exodus recounts several highly significant events in the story of the nation, Israel. First, God redeemed his people out of their slavery. He accomplished this deliverance through the mounting tension of the ten plagues and the escape of the people through God's opening the Red Sea. Secondly, once free from Egypt's clutches, God gave his law to Moses on Mt. Sinai. The law told the people what he wanted them to do and how he wanted them to worship him.
Exodus begins with the people Israel making bricks in Egypt. It closes with the same people constructing a beautiful tabernacle where God himself would dwell among them. Exodus demonstrates that God is the God who delivers his people from bondage.
What does it say?
The book of Exodus records two major events in Israel's life as a nation. The first is God's deliverance of Israel out of Egypt. After roughly four hundred years of captivity in Egypt, God's chosen people "exit" through a miraculous and dramatic series of events. The second major event is God's revelation of his Law. God met with Moses on top of Mount Sinai and revealed his designs for this infant nation. In Exodus, we see God redeeming his people and then expressing his desire for how they should live as redeemed and grateful people.
Chapters 1-18 depict Israel's exodus from their bondage in Egypt, while chapters 19-40 record God's instructions regarding their life and worship. Woven throughout these two activities of God we discover Israel grumbling, testing God, and committing idolatry.
Faces & Places
The primary human character in the book of Exodus is Moses. Early in the book, we are introduced to this character as an infant and watch him mature past age 80. Moses is a man who struggles with God, with the Pharaoh, and even with the Israelites. However, he proves to be a great man and a great leader.
Other significant characters include Aaron, Moses' older brother. Aaron serves as Moses' spokesman and support. We also gain glimpses of a young man named Joshua, who also assists Moses. The Pharaoh looms throughout the first 14 chapters as the dark and sinister tyrant who stands in the way of God's plan.
Other individuals that play a part include the Hebrew midwives, Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, the Pharaoh's magicians, Moses' sister Miriam, and the two skilled workers Bezalel and Oholiab.
Among the significant places found in Exodus are Egypt (the place of bondage), the Red Sea (through which the people of Israel escape from their captors), and Mount Sinai (the location where God revealed his will for them).
Key Verses & Themes
Redemption:
Exodus 6:6 "Therefore say to the Israelites: 'I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment.'"
Obedience:
Exodus 19:5-6 "Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation."
Worship:
Exodus 25:1-2; 8 "The Lord said to Moses, 'Tell the Israelites to bring me an offering. You are to receive the offering for me from each man whose heart prompts him to give.' . . . Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell with them."
So what?
The thrilling account of the Israelites' deliverance ought to inspire us to reflect on the redemption we have in Christ and the revelation we have in the Bible. Have I experienced God's deliverance from sin in my life? If so, am I grateful for God lifting me out of the kingdom of darkness and placing me in his kingdom of light? (1 Peter 2:9)
Following his redemption of Israel, God desired and expected their obedience. Yet several times, they stubbornly chose to disobey. Where do I find difficulty in responding obediently to God? Where do I grumble against God? Where do I "test" him? (Exodus 17:7)
