EXODUS

Name: The name we use for this book comes from the Greek Septuagint (LXX). It means "going out" or "departure." The Hebrew name for the book is taken from the opening words of the book. It is called "we'elleh shemoth" which means "and these are the names."

Author: Moses

Date: During the period of the wandering in the wilderness.

Purpose: Norman Geisler gives three purposes for the book. The historical to show the development of Israel into a nation; the doctrinal which teaches redemption and deliverance, and obedience and faithfulness, and the Christological purpose which depicts Christ in the events of the exodus as the great deliverer (Deut. 18:15), the passover lamb, the tabernacle, and the high priest.

Theme: The overall theme of the book is redemption.

I. A Liberator for Israel 1:1-4:31

A. The Need for a Liberator 1:1-22

1. Genealogy of Jacob 1:1-7 (see also Gen. 35:22-26;

46:27)

a. The death of Joseph v. 5

2. A New Administration 1:8-10

a. The new king "did not know Joseph" he did

not accept Joseph as a legitimate ruler over

Egypt because he was not Egyptian.

3. The Oppressive Pharaoh's Measures against Israel 1:11-22

a. Slavery and hard labor

b. Extinction of the Male Children 1:15-22

(1) The Hebrew Midwives vv. 15-21

These are Hebrew names: Shiphrah = "beautiful"

Puah = "splendor" or "One who cries out"

(2) The Egyptian multitudes v. 22

B. The Birth and Preparation of the Liberator : A Picture of Divine Providence 2:1-22

1. The Preservation of Moses in Infancy 2:1-6

a. Mother Jochebed (Yehwah is glorious) 6:20

b. Father Amram 6:20

c. They are from the tribe of Levi, the priestly tribe.

2. The Establishment of Ethnic Solidarity 2:7-9

3. The Privilege of the Royal Court 2:10

a. Well educated Acts 7:22

b. Acts may also indicate that he was a soldier

Josephus says that he was a general and defeated

the Ethiopians. (Antiquities of the Jews, ch. 10, p.57.)

4. The Murder of the Egyptian 2:11-15a

5. Flight to Midian 2:15b-22

a. Midian was a son of Abraham Gen. 25:2

b. Moses was 40 yrs old Acts 7:23,24

C. The Call of the Liberator 2:23-3:10

1. Continued oppression by the Egyptians 2:23-25

2. The Burning Bush 3:1-6

a. Mt. Horeb also called Mt. Sinai (Deut. 5:2)

b. "the angel of the Lord" This is a reference to the Lord God Himself (v. 4; also see Gen. 15:10)

c. "holy ground" v.5 (see Stephen's defense in

Acts 7 to show that wherever God was at work with

His people was holy land, not just in Israel.

3. The Purpose of God 3:7-10

a. God appoints Moses as the Liberator 3:10

D. The Excuses of Moses and the Response of God 3:11-4:31

1. The first excuse - Who am I? 3:11-12

2. The second Excuse - Who are You? 3:13-22

a. "I AM" = Yahweh I am who I have always b. "plundering the Egyptians" fulfillment of

Gen. 15:14 (see also Ex. 12:31-36)

3. The third excuse - Who will listen to me? 4:1-9

a. Three signs 4:2-9

4. The fourth excuse - I cannot speak 4:10-17

E. The Liberator returns to Egypt 4:18-31

1. Moses was 80 years of Age according to Acts 7: 30

2. Moses had not followed the rite of circumcision that had

been given to Abraham 4:24-26

3. Aaron and Moses before the people 4:27-31

II. Encounters with the Pharaoh 5:1-15:21

A. An Increase in the Oppression of Israel 5:1-23

1. The first audience with the Pharaoh 5:1-5

(1) Pharaoh questions the sovereignty of God v. 2.

2. He increased the burden on the people 5:6-14

3. Israel appeals to the Pharaoh 5:15-19

4. The people accuse Moses 5:20,21

5. Moses questions the Lord 5:22,23

B. God renews His covenant relationship and promise of

deliverance 6:1-12

C. The Genealogy of Moses 6:13-27

D. The Explanation of the Divine Covenant 6:28-7:5

1. The doubt of Moses 6:28-30

2. The recommissioning of Moses and Aaron 7:1-2

3. The Divine Purpose 7:3-5

E. Moses second encounter with Pharaoh 7:5-13

1. "Pharaoh hardened his heart" Ten times it is said that pharaoh hardened his own heart, and ten times that God hardened pharaohs heart. Pharaoh hardens his own heart seven times before God hardens it. This is a paradox, most believe that the meaning can be compared to Paul's message in Rom. 1:24, 26, 28.

F. The First Nine Plagues 7:14-10:29

1. Each of the ten plagues deals with, or is directed towards a specific Egyptian god. The purpose of this is to show that Yehwah is the only true God.

Plague Egyptian god

1. Water to blood 7:14-25 Nilus the river god

2. Frogs 8:1-15 Hekt goddess of reproduction

3. Gnats 8:16-19 Seb god of the earth

4. Flies (beetles) 8:20-32 Kephera the sacared

scarab also is a symbol of the god Ra, who is represented by Pharaoh

5. Murrain plague on cattleApis and Hathor the

9:1-7 sacred bull and cow

6. Boils9:8-12 Typhon the evil-eye

god

7. Hail 9:13-35 Shu the god of the

atmosphere

8. Locusts 10:1-20 Serapis the protector from

locusts

9. Darkness 10:21-29 Ra the sun god

10. Death of the first bornPtah the god of life

11:1-10; 12:29-36

2. In the first plague Pharaoh does not acknowledge that Yahweh is God. After the second plague he begins to acknowledge Him though he does not accept Him.

G. Events of Eternal Significance 11:1-12:42

1. The warning of the last plague 11:1-10

2. The Institution of the Passover 12:1-28

a. Instructions for immediate observance 12:1-13

(1) Two instructions:

[1] to get a lamb v.3,

[2] if a family can't afford a lamb they are

to combine with another family.

(2) Instructions for the sacrifice 12:5-11

[1] Without blemish

[2] It was to be slain

[3] The blood is to be applied

(3) The judgement 12:12-13

b. An annual Memorial 12:14

c. Additional regulations for the practice of the

feast in the future 12:15-20

d. Moses instructions to Israel 12:21-28

(This is the Month of Abib or Nisan the beginning of the religious calendar.)

3. The tenth plague and its aftermath 12:29-36

a. The plundering of the Egyptians v.36

4. The beginning of the Exodus 12:37-42

H. Additional Instructions at Succoth 12:43-13:16

1. The ordinance of the Passover 12:43-51; 13:3-10

2. Consecration of the first born 13:1,2;11,16

I. The Egyptian Pursuit of Israel 13:17-14:31

1. The initial stages of the Exodus 13:17-14:31

a. Joseph's bones carried with them 13:19

b. The pillar of cloud and fire 13:21

c. Pharaoh changes his mind 14:5

d. Israel's terror and Moses' courage 14:9-14

a. Pharaoh overtakes them 14:9

b. The people complain against Moses 14: 11,12

c. The Lord parts the Red Sea 14:15-22

(Yom Suph in Hebrew the Sea of Reeds)

(1) It was done when Moses raised his hand

(2) "the waters were like a wall" an indication

that this was not a natural occurrence of tides.

d. Pharaoh's army downs 14:23-28

1. (see 14:7 for the size of the army)

J. The songs of deliverance 15:1-21 (see Rev.15:1-4)

1. The Song of Moses 15:1-18

a. The introduction to the song 15:1

b. God is the source of strength 15:2-5

c. God is majestic in power 15:6-10

d. God is incomparable 15:11-12

e. God's leadership to the land of promise 15:13-18

2. The Song of Miriam 15:19-21

a. The setting of the song 15:19-20

b. The song 15:21

III. The Journey to Sinai 15:22-18:27

A. Marah 15:22-26

1. Bitter water v.23

2. Again they complain to Moses v. 24

3. The water sweetened v.25

4. God gives a law v. 26

B. Elim 15:27-16:1a

1. Contrast Elim and Merah

C. The Wilderness of Sin 16:1a-36

1. The Provision of Food: The Quail and Manna 16:1-36

a. The people complain against Moses the third time 16:2-3

b. The promise of God 16:4-12

c. Manna and quail from heaven 16:13-21

(1) Sabbath instructions 16:22-30

(2) A reminder for the people 16:31-36

D. Raphidim 17:1-18

1. The people quarrel with Moses the 4th time 17:2,3

2. Water from the rock 17:1-7

3. Victory over Amalek 17:8-16 (see Gen. 36:12)

4. Visit of Jethro 18:1-27

a. The family reunion 18:1-12

b. The insight of Jethro 18:13-27

II. THE COVENANT AT SINAI 19-24

A. The Covenant with Israel 19:1-24:18 (see Ex. 15:16)

1. The offer of the covenant 19:1-6

2. The response of all the people 19:7-8

B. The Appearance of God 19:9-25

1. Consecrating the people 19:9-15

2. The appearance on the third day 19:16-25

1. God warns the people. 21-25

C. The Ten Commandments 20:1-17

1. The preamble to the Commandments 20:1-2

2. Israel's duty to God 20:3-11

a. One: No other gods before me 20:3

b. Two: No Graven Images 20:4-6

c. Three: Not take the Lord's name in vain 20:7

d. Four: Keep the sabbath 20:8-11

3. Israel's duty to man 20:12-17

a. Five: Honor father and mother 20:12

b. Six: Shall not murder 20:13

c. Seven: Shall not commit adultery 20:14

d. Eight: Shall not steal 20:15

e. Nine: Shall not bear false witness 20:16

f. Ten: Shall not covet 20:17

D. The fear of Israel vv. 18-21

E. The book of the covenant (24:7) 20:22 - 23:33

1. Social Ordinances 21:1-23:19

a. The rights of persons 21:1-36

b. The rights of property 22:1-15

c. The requirements of personal integrity 22:16- 23:19

2. Divine presence and promise 23:20-33

F. Ratification of the Covenant 24

III. ISRAEL'S WORSHIP OF GOD 25:1-40:38

A. Construction of the tabernacle 25:1-27:21

1. The Offerings for the Tabernacle 25:1-9

2. The Ark of the Covenant 25:10-22

a. The Ark contained Manna, the Tablets of the

Law, and Aaron's rod that budded (Heb. 9:4)

3. The table of Shewbread 25:23-30

4. The Golden Candlestick 25:31-40

5. The Curtains 26:1-14

6. The Boards and Bars of the Tabernacle 26:15-30

7. The Veil 26:31-37

8. The Altar of Burnt Offering 27:1-8

9. The Court of the Tabernacle 27:9-19

10. The Lamp 27:20,21

Dr. Stephen Olford in his book The Tabernacle: Camping with God, shows the way to salvation illustrated by the tabernacle as follows:

1. The Way of Introduction "The Door" Matt. 7:13,14

2. The Way of Reconciliation "Brazen altar"

2 Cor. 5:19,21

3. The Way of Separation "The Laver" John 13:10; 15:3

4. The Way of Illumination "The Candlestick" John 8:12

5. The Way of Satisfaction "Shewbread" John 6:35

6. The Way of Intercession "Altar of Incense"

Heb. 13:15

7. The Way of Communion "Ark of the Covenant"

1 John 1:3

The Tabernacle symbolizes God's presence with His people.

B. The Garments for the Priest 28:1-43

1. A summary 28:1-5

2. The Ephod 28:6-14

3. The Breastplate 28:15-30

4. The Robe of the Ephod 28:31-35

5. The Mitre and the Plate of Gold 28:36-39

6. The Coat, Girdle, Headware, and Linen Breeches

28:40-43

C. Consecration of the Priests 29:1-46

Note the comparison and contrast between the Aaronic Priest and that of Christ:

Aaron's Priesthood Christ's Priesthood

Entered the earthly Tabernacle Entered the heavenly Heb. 6:19; 9:11

Entered once a year Entered once for all

Heb. 9:25ff

Offered sacrifice for his sin Offered sacrifice

for our sins

Heb. 7:27

Offered the blood of bulls Offered His own

blood Heb. 9:12

D. Instructions Concerning Items of the Worship 30:1-38

1. The Altar of Incense 30:1-10

2. The Atonement Offering 30:11-16

3. The Brass Laver 30:17-21

4. The Anointing Oil 30:22-33

5. The Incense 30:34-38

E. The Workman 31:1-11

F. The Sabbath 31:12-17

IV. The Tragic Interlude: The God of Gold and the Broken Covenant 31:18-35:19

A. The Broken Covenant 31:18-32:35

1. The tablets of testimony 31:18

2. The Golden Calf 32:1-6

3. God's anger 32:7-10

a. The humility of Moses v.10

4. Moses intercession 32:11-14

5. The anger of Moses 32:15-24

a. Aaron denies responsibility vv. 22-24

6. The punishment of Israel 32:25-29 (see Matt 10:37; Lk 14:26)

7. Moses intercedes again 32:30-35

a. Mosses unselfish love v. 32

B. Restoration of the Law 33-34

1. The withdrawal of God's presence 33:1-6

2. Moses again makes intercession 33:7-23

3. Renewal of the Covenant 34:1-28

4. Moses face shines 34:29-35

5. The renewal of worship instructions 35:1-19

C. The Tabernacle is assembled and set up 35:19-40:38

1. The people bring offerings 35:20-29

2. The workmen called 35:30-36:7

3. The construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings

36:8-38:31

a. The curtains 36:8-19

b. The boards and bars 36:20-34

c. The veil and screen 36:35-38

d. The Ark of the Covenant 37:1-9

e. The Table 37:10-16

f. The Golden Candlestick 37:17-24

g. The Altar of Incense 37:25-29

h. The Altar of Burnt Offering 38:1-7

i. The Brass Laver 38:8

j. The Court of the Tabernacle 38:9-20

k. A summary of the metals used in the construction

38:21-31

4. The making of the garments for the Priests 39:1-31

a. An introduction 39:1

b. The Ephod 39:2-7

c. The Breastplate 39:8-21

d. The Robe of the Ephod 39:22-26

e. The Coat, Girdle, Headware, and Linen Breeches

39:27-29

f. The Plate of Gold 39:30-31

5. Moses Inspects the Tabernacle 39:32-43

6. The Raising of the Tabernacle 40:1-38

a. Instructions for raising the Tabernacle 40:1-15

b. Israel carries out the instructions 40:16-33

c. The Lord's Presence 40:34-38