The Book of Exodus - Going Out

Exodus is the second book of the Bible and the second book of the Old Testament. Its name means “departure” or “going out.” In Exodus, the book tells how God delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and began forming them into a nation.

Who Wrote Exodus?

Moses is traditionally recognized as the writer of Exodus.

What Is the Book of Exodus About?

Exodus begins with the Israelites living as slaves in Egypt. God raised up Moses to lead them out of bondage and into freedom.

The book also records the ten plagues, the first Passover, the crossing of the Red Sea, the giving of the Ten Commandments, and the instructions for building the tabernacle.

People in Exodus

Some of the main people you'll read about in Exodus are:

• Moses

• Aaron

• Miriam

• Pharaoh

• Jethro

• Joshua

• The Israelites

What Happens in Exodus?

Exodus includes several important events in Israel’s history:

• The birth and rescue of Moses

• God speaking to Moses from the burning bush

• Moses confronting Pharaoh

• The ten plagues

• The first Passover

• The crossing of the Red Sea

• God providing manna and water

• The giving of the Ten Commandments

• The golden calf

• The building of the tabernacle

Are There Themes in the Book of Exodus?

Yes. Some of the main themes in Exodus are deliverance, obedience, worship, covenant, God’s presence, and redemption.

In the book of Exodus, God hears the cries of His people, delivers them from bondage, and teaches them how to live in relationship with Him.

Verses to Recognize in Exodus

“And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry.”

Exodus 3:7

“And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM.”

Exodus 3:14

“The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.”

Exodus 14:14

“And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way.”

Exodus 13:21

“Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?”

Exodus 15:11

“And when the children of Israel saw it, they said one to another, It is manna.”

Exodus 16:15

“And all the people answered together, and said, All that the LORD hath spoken we will do.”

Exodus 19:8

“Thou shalt have no other gods before me.”

Exodus 20:3

“And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.”

Exodus 33:14

“The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth.”

Exodus 34:6

Truth from Exodus

Exodus is the book of deliverance. God rescuses His people from slavery and teaches them to trust, obey, and worship Him. It helps us see the importance of the Passover, the law, the tabernacle, and God’s desire to dwell among His people.

Where Should I Start Reading?

To become familiar with Exodus, begin with:

• Exodus 1–2 — The Israelites in slavery and the birth of Moses

• Exodus 3–4 — God calls Moses

• Exodus 7–12 — The ten plagues and the Passover

• Exodus 14 — The crossing of the Red Sea

• Exodus 16–17 — God provides food and water

• Exodus 19–20 — The covenant and the Ten Commandments

• Exodus 32 — The golden calf

• Exodus 40 — The tabernacle is completed

In Exodus, you see how God is both a deliverer and a covenant-keeping God. He led and provided for His people, and He can still do the same for you and me today.

Jessica Frazier