Exodus

Introduction

Exodus (from the Greek exodos, meaning "departure" or "way out"; Hebrew: Shemot, "Names") is the second book of the Bible and the foundational narrative of Israel's identity as a nation. Written by Moses, it tells the story of how God delivered His people from slavery in Egypt, entered into covenant with them at Mount Sinai, and gave them instructions for building the tabernacle — the dwelling place where He would live among them. If Genesis is the book of beginnings, Exodus is the book of redemption.

The book addresses the Israelites who experienced the exodus and the generations that followed, establishing the theological framework for understanding God as redeemer, lawgiver, and covenant Lord. The themes of Exodus resonate throughout the rest of Scripture: the Passover lamb anticipates Christ's sacrifice, the deliverance from Egypt becomes the paradigm for all divine salvation, the giving of the Law at Sinai defines Israel's covenant obligations, and the tabernacle reveals God's desire to dwell with His people. The New Testament writers repeatedly return to Exodus to explain the work of Christ — Paul calls Christ "our Passover lamb" (1 Corinthians 5:7), and the book of Hebrews reads the entire tabernacle system as a shadow of heavenly realities.

Structure

Exodus divides naturally into three major sections:

Part 1: Deliverance from Egypt (Chapters 1-18)

God rescues Israel from slavery through mighty acts of judgment and grace:

• Oppression and the birth of Moses (1-2) — Israel multiplies in Egypt, a new Pharaoh oppresses them, and Moses is born, raised, and exiled
• The call of Moses (3-4) — God appears in the burning bush and commissions Moses to deliver Israel
• Confrontation with Pharaoh (5-11) — Moses and Aaron demand Israel's release; God sends ten plagues upon Egypt
• The Passover and exodus (12-13) — The final plague, the institution of the Passover, and Israel's departure
• The Red Sea and wilderness journey (14-18) — The parting of the sea, the song of victory, and provision in the wilderness

Part 2: The Covenant at Sinai (Chapters 19-24)

God establishes His covenant with Israel and gives them His law:

• Theophany at Sinai (19) — God descends on the mountain in fire and thunder
• The Ten Commandments (20) — The foundational law of the covenant
• The Book of the Covenant (21-23) — Civil, social, and religious laws that apply the Ten Commandments to daily life
• Covenant ratification (24) — The covenant is sealed with blood and a meal in God's presence

Part 3: The Tabernacle (Chapters 25-40)

God gives instructions for His dwelling place among Israel:

• Tabernacle instructions (25-31) — Detailed plans for the tabernacle, its furnishings, the priesthood, and worship
• The golden calf (32-34) — Israel's apostasy, Moses' intercession, and the renewal of the covenant
• Tabernacle construction (35-40) — The people build the tabernacle, and God's glory fills it

Chapter Summaries

1. 1Israel multiplies in Egypt; a new Pharaoh who does not know Joseph enslaves them and orders the killing of Hebrew baby boys.
2. 2Moses is born, hidden in a basket, adopted by Pharaoh's daughter, kills an Egyptian, and flees to Midian where God hears Israel's cry.
3. 3God appears to Moses in a burning bush at Horeb and commissions him to deliver Israel from Egypt.
4. 4God gives Moses three signs, appoints Aaron as his spokesman, and Moses returns to Egypt.
5. 5Moses and Aaron confront Pharaoh, who increases Israel's labor by demanding bricks without straw.
6. 6God reaffirms His covenant promises to Moses and reveals His name YHWH; a genealogy of Moses and Aaron follows.
7. 7God hardens Pharaoh's heart; Aaron's staff swallows the magicians' staffs; the first plague turns the Nile to blood.
8. 8The second plague (frogs), third plague (gnats), and fourth plague (flies) strike Egypt.
9. 9The fifth plague (livestock disease), sixth plague (boils), and seventh plague (hail) devastate Egypt.
10. 10The eighth plague (locusts) and ninth plague (darkness) come upon Egypt; Pharaoh still refuses to let Israel go.
11. 11God announces the tenth and final plague — the death of every firstborn in Egypt.
12. 12God institutes the Passover; the tenth plague strikes; Pharaoh releases Israel; the exodus begins.
13. 13God commands the consecration of the firstborn and the Feast of Unleavened Bread; a pillar of cloud and fire leads Israel.
14. 14Pharaoh pursues Israel; God parts the Red Sea and Israel crosses on dry ground; the Egyptian army is destroyed.
15. 15Moses and Israel sing a song of triumph; Miriam leads the women in praise; the bitter waters of Marah are made sweet.
16. 16God provides manna from heaven and quail for the Israelites in the wilderness.
17. 17God provides water from a rock at Rephidim; Israel defeats the Amalekites while Moses holds up his hands.
18. 18Jethro visits Moses, praises God for the deliverance, and advises Moses to appoint judges to share the burden of leadership.
19. 19Israel arrives at Sinai; God descends on the mountain in fire, smoke, and thunder, and commands the people to consecrate themselves.
20. 20God speaks the Ten Commandments from Mount Sinai; the people tremble and ask Moses to mediate.
21. 21Laws concerning Hebrew servants, personal injuries, and liability for harm.
22. 22Laws concerning property, theft, social responsibility, and treatment of the vulnerable.
23. 23Laws concerning justice, sabbath rest, the three annual feasts, and the promise of an angel to guide Israel into Canaan.
24. 24The covenant is ratified with blood; Moses, Aaron, and the elders see God on the mountain; Moses ascends for forty days.
25. 25God instructs Moses to collect offerings and gives plans for the Ark of the Covenant, the table of showbread, and the golden lampstand.
26. 26Instructions for the tabernacle curtains, frames, and the veil separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place.
27. 27Instructions for the bronze altar of burnt offering, the courtyard, and the oil for the lampstand.
28. 28Instructions for the priestly garments — the ephod, breastpiece, robe, and turban for Aaron and his sons.
29. 29Instructions for the consecration of priests and the daily burnt offerings.
30. 30Instructions for the altar of incense, the census tax, the bronze basin, the anointing oil, and the sacred incense.
31. 31God appoints Bezalel and Oholiab as master craftsmen; the Sabbath is established as a covenant sign; Moses receives the stone tablets.
32. 32Israel makes a golden calf; Moses intercedes, breaks the tablets, and the Levites execute judgment on the idolaters.
33. 33God commands Israel to leave Sinai; Moses meets with God in the tent of meeting and asks to see God's glory.
34. 34God renews the covenant, reveals His character in the proclamation of His name, and gives Moses new stone tablets; Moses' face shines.
35. 35Moses commands Sabbath observance and calls for contributions and skilled workers for the tabernacle.
36. 36The people bring more than enough material; construction of the tabernacle curtains and frames begins.
37. 37Bezalel constructs the Ark, the mercy seat, the table of showbread, the lampstand, and the altar of incense.
38. 38Construction of the bronze altar, the bronze basin, and the courtyard; an inventory of materials used.
39. 39The priestly garments are made; Moses inspects and approves all the completed work.
40. 40The tabernacle is erected on the first day of the first month; the glory of the LORD fills the tabernacle.