Introduction to Exodus

Name

The English title “Exodus” is derived from the transliterated name in the Septuagint which means “a going out.” The title from the Hebrew Bible is weʾēlleh šemôt̠ (“these are the names”), an apt description of the first portion of the book.

Author

The book of Exodus does not explicitly say that Moses is the author. However, scholars have traditionally held that Moses is the author. There are several references to Moses making a record of events (17:14, 24:4, 24:7, and 34:27-28).

Genre

Primarily Narrative History with some Law

Literary Form

Historical Narrative

Time Frame

The Exodus story continues the history from Genesis. It covers a period of approximately 430 years from the death of Joseph to Israelite’s first year in the wilderness.

Emphasis

The book of Exodus emphasizes five major themes about God and the relationship between God and the people of Israel:

1. Yahweh
2. The Ten Plagues
3. The Passover
4. The Ten Commandments
5. The Presence of God

 Outline

1. Oppression of God’s people in Egypt (1:1-11:10)
2. Deliverance of God’s people from Egypt (12:1-14:31)
3. Education of God’s people in the wilderness (15:1-18:27)
4. Consecration of God’s people at Sinai (19:1-34:35)
5. Worship of God’s people in the Tabernacle (35:1-40:38)