Exodus - Introduction

Exodus

Introduction

The Exodus is the foundational event in the history of the nation of Israel. Many of the Jewish Festivals, especially the Passover, look back to the Exodus, and the event is pivotal in the sense of nationhood for Israel. Of course, theologically we need to look back to Genesis, and in particular to God’s choosing of Abraham.

Traditionally the book is believed to have been written by Moses, and there are several sections within the book which indicate that he wrote certain sections of the book. Jesus also attributes various passages to Moses.

The date of the Exodus cannot be decided beyond doubt, with estimates varying between about 1446 BC, and around 1280 BC. The exact route of the Exodus is also a matter of debate. The “Red Sea” is probably not what we now know as the Red Sea

Cole in his commentary highlights that Exodus covers a multitude of theological themes, namely:

• The God who controls history

• I am YHWH

• The God who is holy

• The God who remembers

• The God who acts in salvation

• The God who acts in judgement

• The God whose anger may be averted

• The God who speaks

• The God who is transcendent

• The God who lives among His people

So let’s begin our walk through the book of Exodus.

Bibliography

Exodus Tyndale Old Testament Commentary, R.A. Cole, IVP, Kindle Edition 2015.