400 years have passed since the adventures of Joseph and his brothers and the end of the Book of Genesis. Their descendants, the people of Israel, are still in Egypt, but things are not going well for them. The Book of Exodus begins by telling us, ‘Then a new king, to whom Joseph meant nothing, came to power in Egypt.’ (Exodus 1:8).
The Israelites have become slaves. They have increased and multiplied and are no longer honoured guests. In fact, they are being exploited by their Egyptian overlords. Exodus chapter 1 recounts the story of their slavery and persecution. And just when it seems that things couldn’t get any worse, a new Pharaoh has plans to eliminate the nation – through the murder of all the male children. This brings us to the account of the birth of Moses, his discovery by Pharaoh’s daughter and his adoption into the Egyptian royal family. Upon reaching adulthood, and realising his ethnic origin, he murders an Egyptian soldier who is ill-treating a Hebrew slave, and is forced to flee for his life. Out in the Sinai Peninsula, he encounters God in a burning bush, and agrees to go back to Egypt to lead his people to freedom.
After nearly four hundred years, the children of Israel are ready for freedom. They are longing to leave behind the chains of slavery and seek a new homeland. Exodus tells of the redeeming work of a sovereign God, outlining the formation of the nation of Israel: Moses goes to Pharaoh, with the constant refrain, ‘Let my people go!’. The ten plagues bring judgement upon the Egyptians, until finally Pharaoh relents, and the journey begins: out of Egypt, into the Sinai desert, where God gives the Law to Moses. The figure of Moses dominates the entire narrative.
The word Exodus means ‘Exit’, ‘Departure’, or ‘Going Out’. It is full of stories of God’s powerful acts on behalf of His oppressed people. It moves from the groaning of the people to the glory of God. God fulfils His promise made to Abraham centuries before.
The book divides into two main sections. Chapters 1 - 18 relate to the exodus from bondage in Egypt, as far as Mount Sinai. Chapters 19 - 40 record the instructions given by God on Mount Sinai, to direct the life and worship of the nation. These sections can be subtitled Redemption from Egypt and Revelation from God.
Part 1: REDEMPTION FROM EGYPT (CHAPTERS 1 - 18)
Therefore, say to the Israelites: `I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment. I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God, who brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. (Exodus 6: 6-7)
God has prepared Moses and commissioned him at the burning bush (chapter 3) to be the advocate for Israel.
God reveals Himself through a series of ten plagues, which grow in severity, until the tenth plague brings the death of the firstborn of every household in Egypt. Israel is saved by means of the Passover lamb. Faith in God becomes the basis of national redemption. As they leave Egypt, God guides His people with a pillar of fire and smoke, saving them from Egypt’s pursuing army through the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea. In the wilderness, God protects and sustains them with such miracles as ‘water from the rock’ and ‘manna from heaven’ throughout their journeys.
The Key Chapters of this first section of Exodus are 12 - 14: the salvation of Israel through blood (the Passover) and through power (the Red Sea). The Exodus is the foundational event of the Jewish faith, and mirrors the way that the Cross is the central event of the New Testament. The imagery of the Passover pre-figures the passion of Christ. John 1:29, 36 and 1 Corinthians 5:7 make it clear that Christ is our slain God and our Passover Lamb.
The next day John saw Jesus coming towards him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! (John 1:29)
Get rid of the old yeast that you may be a new batch without yeast - as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Therefore let us keep the Festival, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and wickedness, but with bread without yeast, the bread of sincerity and truth. (1 Cor 5:7-8)
THE NEED FOR REDEMPTION
Chapter 1 depicts the bondage of the people in Egypt; in spiritual terms, here is a picture of our bondage to sin.
PREPARATION FOR REDEMPTION
Chapters 2 – 4 offer a vivid narrative: Moses - the early years: his childhood; his flight into the wilderness; his encounter with God at the burning bush; his opposition to God’s plans; his return to Egypt.
Moses is a man who doesn’t want the job. He feels entirely unworthy:
I am not worthy. (3:11)
I don’t know who you are (3:13)
They won’t believe me (4:1)
I am a poor talker (4:10)
Yet God repeatedly reassures Moses. The message is clear: ‘I, the Lord, am with you. You gain your strength from Me.’
THE REDEMPTION OF ISRAEL
Chapters 5 - 15:21
Moses and Aaron come to Pharaoh ‘let my people go’; The story of the Passover is the foundational event of the Jewish faith. Here we discover how God engineered the deliverance of the nation.
Note the promises that God offers:
· I will free you (6:6)
· I will take you as my own people. (6:7)
· You will know that I am the Lord your God. (6:7)
· I will bring you to the land (6:8) For the Hebrews, this is a physical land – the Promised Land, but it is more than just a place to live. It is a place to live a certain kind of life before God - living in equality, freedom and justice as God’s people.
Here are four promises that lie at the heart of the OT message. And they speak directly across the centuries to us.
Of course, Pharaoh’s heart is hardened; the Lord re-affirms his covenant with the people; Moses confronts Pharaoh with miracles; Moses confronts Pharaoh with ten plagues: blood, frogs, lice, flies, disease on beasts, boils, hail, locusts, darkness, death announced; the Lord initiates the Passover, followed by the departure from Egypt; the crossing of the Red Sea; Miriam’s song of deliverance.
PRESERVATION IN THE WILDERNESS
Chapters 15:21 – 18:27 continue the story. Once the people are on their journey, God is with them, to care for them, and lead them. He preserves them from thirst; He preserves them from hunger; He preserves them from thirst again; He preserves them from defeat; He preserves them from chaos. Although Moses gets good support from his family – Aaron and Miriam, from his soldiers, led by Joshua, and some sensible advice from his father-in-law – Jethro, this is a story of how God led the people, and delivered them from their enemies.
Part 2: REVELATION FROM GOD CHAPTERS 19 - 40
Having reached Mount Sinai, the emphasis of the book changes. The people have experienced God’s deliverance, guidance, and protection. Now they are ready to be taught to live as God’s people: people of the covenant, not just living by God’s law, but in relationship with God. The redeemed people must be set apart to walk with God. The text moves from narrative to legislation. On Mount Sinai, Moses receives God’s moral code, civil and ceremonial laws, as well as the pattern for the tabernacle to be built in the wilderness (which in turn will become the prototype for the Temple in Jerusalem). But this is still a story. The Law is given within the context of the story. The mistakes of the people are certainly not glossed over. God judges the people for their worship of the golden calf, and poor old Moses has to climb the mountain a second time to receive the Law again, before the tabernacle can be constructed and consecrated. It reveals much about the person of God and the way of redemption.
THE LAW
In Chapter 20, Moses, whilst on the top of Mount Sinai, is given the Law - the Ten Commandments. These commandments, which concern relationships between humanity and God, as well as relationships within the family and human society, provide the basis upon which the whole of the Law and Hebrew society is based. Such is the impact of these commandments, that still today, they continue to provide a foundation for religious and relational law in countless societies around the world.
The content of the Law can be categorised in the following way:
Exodus 20 The Top Ten Commandments – the basis for the Law
Exodus 21:1 - 22:15 Social Regulations:
Exodus 22:16 - 23:9 Moral Regulations:
Exodus 23: 10 -19 Religious Regulations:
Exodus 23: 20 - 33 Conquest Regulations
Exodus 24: 1 – 18 The Ratification of the Covenant:
THE TABERNACLE
Moses is given very specific details for the building of the tabernacle. Through its structure, God taught the people how they were to worship Him. As we read these instructions, we can see how the building of this old Covenant tabernacle pre-figures the saving work of Christ in the New Covenant. In its materials, colours, furniture and arrangements, the tabernacle speaks of the person of Christ and the way of redemption that he brings to us. It is theology in a physical form. It progresses from suffering, blood and death, to beauty, holiness and the glory of God. It teaches us that God is dwelling with the people (25:8).
The tabernacle (Exodus 26: 1 – 37): is a moveable dwelling place that can travel with the nation during its wilderness wanderings and becomes the prototype for the Temple. Literally, it is the dwelling place of God with the people and points forwards to the time when God will give the Holy Spirit to dwell in the lives of all believers.
The holy place (Exodus 26:33): Behind the veil, is the holiest place of all, where the Ark of the Covenant is kept, which symbolises the presence of God amongst His people. The High Priest entered this place once a year to sprinkle the blood of atonement. We, as Christians, know that Christ Himself is our High Priest and that through his atonement, he has enabled us to enter into the Holy of Holies - the presence of God - at any time with boldness.
The ark (Exodus 25:10-16): This was the box in which the tablets of the Law were kept. This was the ark which affirmed God’s presence with His people. It prefigures the presence of God is the life of all who belong to Him. No longer do we need a physical tabernacle or temple. Paul tells the Corinthians, ‘Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit?’ (1 Corinthians 6:19).
The atonement cover (Exodus 25: 17 – 23): Just as the atonement cover is positioned over the ark, so it reminds the Christian that the death of Christ ‘covers over’ our sin, and grants us our salvation.
The table for the Bread of the Presence (Exodus 25: 23 – 30). Here is a picture that reminds us that Christ is the Bread of life, whose body is broken for us.
The golden candlestick (Exodus 25:31-40) Here is a picture of light, reminding us that Jesus himself asserted: ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’ (John 8:12).
THE OUTER COURT: (Exodus 27:9 – 19), contains the following
The altar of burnt offering (Exodus 27:1 – 8) This altar is located very close to the entrance to the tabernacle. A burnt offering is entirely consumed – a picture of total commitment to God. Christ is our sin-offering. He gave himself ‘totally’ to sacrifice to atone for our sins. Our response must be total commitment to him.
The altar of incense (Exodus 30:1-10) As the place where the High Priest (Aaron) is to make atonement for the sins of the people, here we have a picture of Christ, who makes atonement for our sins, and sits at the right hand of God to make intercession for us. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died – more than that, who was raised to life – is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. (Romans 8:34)
The bronze basin (Exodus 30:18) for the cleansing of the priests before they could enter the holy place to render their service. This washing is a reminder that should seek cleanliness – not just physically but spiritually as God’s people.
THE PRIESTS (Exodus 28:1 - 29:46)
Having described the building, the text moves on to describe the priests – the appointed group who would serve within the tabernacle. We read a comprehensive description of the clothing, consecration, and continual offerings of the priests. We are reminded that Christ is our great High Priest, and that the Old Testament priest foreshadows the ministry of Christ. (Hebrews 4: 14 - 16; 9:11-12, 24-28).
THE RESPONSE OF ISRAEL TO THE COVENANT (CHAPTERS 32 - 40)
Exodus ends with the continuing story of the people of Israel. We read of the bad and the good. First comes the story of the golden calf (32:1–6): the nation’s wilful disobedience to God, followed by Moses’ intercession on behalf of the people (32:7-33), and the wonderful story in which God reveals His glory to Moses (33:12-23). Moses then has to go back up the mountain and chisel out two new tablets with the Ten Commandments (34:1-4).
Then, in a very dramatic episode, God affirms His covenant with the nation (34:5 – 35). We encounter both the love and the holiness of God: ‘And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, ‘The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, 7 maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.’ (34:6-7), prompting Moses to bow down in worship and seek forgiveness for the people. The covenant is renewed and the commandments – the terms of the covenant – re-stated. As Moses came back down the mountain, his face was ‘radiant’ – a consequence of his encounter with God.
Finally, we come to the obedience of the nation, as they settle down and actually make the tabernacle and the priestly vestments, following the instructions given in the previous chapters.
The story of Exodus concludes with a beautiful image of God dwelling with His people and filling the tabernacle with his glory. Here is the covenant being fulfilled. The glory of God is with the people, travelling with them wherever they went.
‘Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. Moses could not enter the tent of meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. In all the travels of the Israelites, whenever the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle, they would set out; but if the cloud did not lift, they did not set out – until the day it lifted. So the cloud of the Lord was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the Israelites during all their travels’ (Exodus 40:34-38).
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