- Next book: [[Leviticus]] # Author and Historical Context [[Exodus]] continues directly after [[Genesis]], picking up with the descendants of [[Jacob]] settled in [[Egypt]] under a new [[Pharaoh]] who "did not know [[Joseph]]". The family of ~70 has become a nation (the [[Israel]]ites), which fulfills [[God's promises]] to [[Abraham]] about descendants but also sets the stage for oppression. The book is traditionally attributed to [[Moses]], who is raised in [[Egypt]] yet becomes the mediator between [[Yahweh]] and [[Israel]]. The narrative context is a conflict between two rulers: [[Pharaoh]] king of [[Egypt]] and [[Yahweh]] ruler of [[Israel]]. It is not just a political struggle; it is a theological showdown about who truly has authority. # Why the Book Was Written [[Exodus]] is about rescue, but not only rescue. [[Yahweh]] brings [[Israel]] out of slavery **to bring them to himself** and to reveal who he is. The central moment of the book is [[Sinai]] ([[Exodus 19]]) where [[Yahweh]] forms a covenant relationship with his people. Key purposes woven through the narrative: - **Reveal [[Yahweh]]'s identity**: The name "I am" is revealed at the [[Burning Bush]], and the repeated refrain is "then you will know that I am the [[Lord]]" ([[Exodus 6]]:7). - **Keep [[God's promises]]**: The rescue is driven by [[Yahweh]]'s covenant remembrance of [[Abraham]]; it is not driven by [[Moses]]' ability. - **Show [[Yahweh]]'s power over [[Egypt]]**: The plagues and [[Heart hardening]] emphasize that [[Yahweh]] will not share rule with [[Pharaoh]]. - **Form a relationship with his people**: The goal is not simply to reach [[Canaan]], but to dwell with [[Yahweh]] and live under his covenant. # Broad Sweep ## 1–18: [[Yahweh]] brings [[Israel]] to himself at [[Sinai]] | | | | | | ------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------- | ------------------- | ---------------------------- | | [[YHWH]] reveals himself to [[Moses]] | YHWH shows his power over [[Egypt]] | YHWH rescues Israel | Israel puts YHWH to the test | | 1–4 | 5–10 | 11–15a | 15b–18 | ## 19–40: In order to build a relationship with them | | | | | | --------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------ | ----------------------------------------------------- | --- | | YHWH establishes his relationship with Israel | Israel almost jeopardises the relationship | YHWH comes to dwell with them despite their rebellion | | | 19–31 | 32–33 | 34–40 | | # Sources *This overview is compiled from various studies and materials. I don't take credit for the info, but I do take credit for any mistakes in my summarization* - [[2026-01-07 All Souls FG Support Central]] - [[2026-01-11 Exodus 1-7 Leader Study Notes]] - OpenAI Codex 5.2 Medium