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Books of the Torah
1. Genesis
2. Exodus
3. Leviticus
4. Book of Numbers
5. Deuteronomy
Old Testament


The book of Exodus deals with Israel's departure (or 'exodus') from Egypt and draws out in detail God's relationship with this nation. It can be broken up by geographical arrangement:

  • Israel in Egypt (Ex. 1:1 - 12:36) Exodus 1:1
  • Israel in the desert (Ex. 12:37 - 18:27) Exodus 12:37
  • Israel at Mount Sinai (Ex. 19 - 40) Exodus 19:1

Exodus begins with Israel's captivity in the land of Egypt (1:9-14). Jacob has just moved his decendants to this land and they quickly find themselves under the bondage of Pharaoh. They cry out to God, and he answers them by raising up a prophet, Moses. Throughout Exodus God reveals Himself more fully through Moses (cf. Ex. 3:14) to Israel.

Moses tells Pharaoh to let the Israelites go, and after ten plagues they are finally released (Ex. 11:1; 12:31). After the Passover, the Israelites leave Egypt and cross the Red Sea on their journey to Mount Sinai. Here, God reveals his law through the Ten Commandments and his plans to build the tabernacle.

Exodus and the New Testament[]

In relation to the New Testament, it is interesting to note Moses' words in Exodus 24:8, "This is the blood of the covenant." Upon a reading of Matthew 26:28, a connection can be made with the words of Jesus when he says, "this is my blood of the covenant." Furthermore, there is an interesting, yet speculative connection between Luke's choice of the Greek exodos, meaning "exodus" or "departure". Here, at the Transfiguration, Peter, James, and John speak of Jesus' "departure". Theologians have made note of this, understanding the salvation that Jesus brings to those who are exiled. Jesus' departure, or exodus to the cross will bring such salvation just as God saved Israel through Moses in their Exodus (Arnold & Beyer, p. 111).

See also[]

References[]

  • Bill T. Arnold and Bryan E. Beyer (eds.), Encountering the Old Testament. (Baker, 1999)
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