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Home , Book of Exodus

Analysis of

General Much time has passed between the and Exodus. It is apparent that Exodus is a continuation of the story that began in Genesis from its Hebrew title, ‘And these are the names’ (Longman and Dillard, 63)1.

Authorship There is some debate as to who the author is of Exodus, let alone the entire Pentateuch. In regards to Exodus, many conservatives would assign authorship to . This is due to an overwhelming amount of commands given to Moses throughout the book (i.e. 17:4; 34:4, 20:22-23:33; 27-29). Other books of the Pentateuch also record and give evidence to Moses as the author (Numbers 33:2 and Deuteronomy 31:9). Even the , in :26, gives evidence by mentioning Exodus 3:6 and labeling Moses as the author. While there is much evidence to Moses as the author, there are elements in other parts of the Pentateuch that would be hard to assign authorship to Moses. “Thus the conservative view has always been qualified, however subtly, by admitting non-Mosaic elements to the ” (Longman and Dillard, 42). Along with the conservative view there are other views and approaches, for example, the Historical-Critical Approach, the Fragmentary Approach, and the Supplementary Approach. These approaches, to loosely summarize, claim multiple sources as the authors of the Pentateuch (Longman and Dillard, 42-47). In light of the many views and approaches, this analysis agrees with Dillard and Longman on the author of the Pentateuch and more specifically the book of Exodus. Dillard and Longman write: “In the final analysis, it is possible to affirm the substantial of the Pentateuch in line with the occasional internal evidence and the strong external testimony, while allowing for earlier sources as well as later glosses and elaboration” (51).

Date The writing of Exodus would be the same as the whole Pentateuch. With the Mosaic authorship assumed, it is believed to be written between the time of Israel’s deliverance out of and Moses’ ; most likely between 1445 -1400 B.C.

Original Audience Based on the content of Exodus and that it is part of the Pentateuch, the original audience would have been the , the Hebrew people.

1 Tremper Longman III and Raymond B. Dillard, An Introduction to the (2nd Edition), Zondervan. Grand Rapids, MI, 2006. Key Interpretive Issues Key issues in Exodus are: 1) to determine the dating of event (this analysis assumes an “early “date of approximately 1447 B.C., 2) to determine the identity of the pharaoh of Exodus, 3) to explain the hardening of pharaoh’s heart, 4) to understand the significance of the event, 5) to understand the significance of ’s of His people, 6) to grasp the significance of Moses as God’s authoritative spokesman both his words and writings, 7) to understand the state of struggle the Israelites were in as slaves, 8) to read the story naturally and straight forward while also looking forward to New Testament application/comparison, 9) to understand the book’s prophetic and theological history, 10) to recognize its importance in the Pentateuch and , 11) to appreciate God’s love for His people in delivering them but also His holiness and justice in the setting up of the Law and the .

Subject/Purpose Statement The book of Exodus is “prophetic or theological history” written to “inform its readers about God’s great acts in the past” (Longman and Dillard, 72). Moses wrote to tell of God’s deliverance of Israel from Egyptian bondage, the giving of the Law, and the plans for the Tabernacle. This was in order that God’s people would know God was their redeemer-lawgiver, and that He desired to dwell among His people. It continues the fulfillment of God’s covenant with . While the Israelites struggle, even after God delivers them through miraculous means, God continues to show His grace and mercy to them. Moses desired that the people would respond in grateful obedience to God’s Word. In the same way God’s people of every generation would do well to listen to and to obey this man of God’s verbal and written words. We read of God’s grace and what He is capable of doing in all situations.

Outline of Exodus2 I. . (1:1 – 12:32) a. Israel multiplies. (1:1-7) b. Pharaoh oppresses the Israelites. (1:8 – 1:22) c. A leader is chosen. (1:23 – 4:17) d. Moses returns to Egypt to speak to his people. (4:18 – 4:31) e. Moses confronts Pharaoh. (5:1 – 12:32) II. Israel travels to . (12:33 – 18:27) a. Israel departs from Egypt. (12:33 – 42) b. Institution of the Passover, Consecration of the , and The Feast of Unleavened Bread. (12:43 – 13:16)

2 While this outline is laid out more “event” driven, there are other options of outlines that are “context” driven. c. Israel panics at the . (13:17 – 14:14) d. Israel rejoices and fears the LORD after the crossing of the Red Sea. (14:15 – 15:21) e. Israel complains on the way to Mount Sinai. God still provides. (15:22 – 17:16) f. Moses receives advice from . (18:1 – 27) III. Israel at Mount Sinai. (19:1 – 40:38) a. Israel meets with God at the foot of the mountain. (19:1 – 25) b. God delivers The Law. (20:1 – 23:19) c. God confirms His covenant. (23:20 – 24:18) d. God gives instructions for the Tabernacle. (25:1 – 31:18) e. Israel sins against God. (32:1 – 35) f. God renews His covenant. (33:1 – 34:35) g. The Tabernacle is built. (35:1 – 40:38)

Theological Issues Important theological issues include: promise and fulfillment, deliverance, redemption, salvation, character of God, judgment of God, obedience, worship, the dwelling of among His people.

Theological Application The book of Exodus demonstrates to the people of God of every generation that God hears the cries of His people and will redeem them. The deliverance of God’s people from the Egyptians can serve not only as a reminder of God’s power, but also of His salvation. “It is clear that the exodus was God’s greatest act of salvation in the Old Testament” (Longman and Dillard, 72-73). It points towards the salvation given to us through Jesus Christ and God’s desire that people would know Him. Exodus highlights for God’s people that He is the lawgiver and blessings come as we obey His . The Law still remains relevant as a guide, especially Commandments, leading us to the perfect Savior. Exodus demonstrates in vivid details God’s willingness to make His people a holy nation as well as His desire to dwell among a redeemed but sometimes obstinate people. The Tabernacle, the place where God’s presence came to abide and to meet with His people, should encourage every believer. The Tabernacle is no longer needed since God’s presence, the person of the Holy Spirit, abides in each of His children.