The Book Of | Exodus

1. What do you see in this book that tells us about the original reader? 

Exodus 17:14 tells us that Moses was the author, because the Lord spoke to Moses and no one else. So it tells us that the original reader would have been the Israelites. I say that because Exodus explains the escape from Egypt, the covenant on Mt. Sinai and the intricate details of how the Tabernacle was to be built. It was instructions to the people of Israel and a little history lesson and also a reminder of what God had taken them from. 

2. What do you see in this book that tells you about the author? 

In Exodus 34:27 it says, "Then the Lord told Moses, 'Write down these instructions…' " This suggests quite obviously that Moses is the author. He was the only one up on the mountain with God. In Chapter 17, in verse 14, it says a similar thing. 

3. What are the main themes, and repeated ideas in this book, and what is a one sentence summary of the "main idea?" 

The main themes in Exodus are the rescue from Egypt and the new covenant made on top of Mt. Sinai. I think of a modern day slave who has never encountered the love of God and only knows slavery. For them to be taken away and then taught how to live better and thrive under God's protection; to be redeemed. That could be very shocking and it was for the Israelites. 

God was consistent with the plagues and wouldn't stop until they were free. Exodus 14:25 shows that even the Egyptian soldiers knew that God was fighting for them. 

In one sentence I think the main idea of Exodus is, "God introducing Himself to His chosen people and fulfilling more of the covenant that He began with Abraham." 

4. What is the primary reason this book was written?

I think the primary reason is to show the Israelites where they have come from and what God has in store for them. In Exodus 13:3-16, Moses tells the people that one day they will tell their children about how God's "mighty hand" brought them out of slavery. This book also shows them what happens when they disobey God. Exodus 32:27-28 shows the destruction of the evil ones who turned away from God and worshiped a golden calf. 

5. What does this book show us about the character and nature of God?

This book shows us how holy He is. In Exodus 3:5, God says, "Do not come any closer…Take off your sandals, for you are standing on holy ground." In Exodus 33:21, God says to Moses, " As my glorious presence passes by, I will hide you in the crevice of the rock and cover you…But my face will not be seen." Later in 34:3 God says that not even the "flocks and herds" can "graze near the mountain." God is to be revered and feared. It is part of the nature of God that I don't think about as much as the loving, gentle nature of God. He shows His steadfast faithfulness in Exodus 13:21, when He guides them with a pillar of fire and a pillar of cloud. That is such a beautiful picture of God's faithfulness to us. 

6. What does this book show about God's redemptive plan for mankind? 

In Exodus 12:1-20, God gives instructions to Moses and Aaron concerning the Passover. There is foreshadowing to Jesus, the perfect lamb, being sacrificed and covering our sins with His blood. Specifically in verse 13, God says, "When i see the blood, I will pass over you." This applied to everyone in Egypt, including the Israelites, as it applies to the whole world today. The only way we will be saved is if we are covered by the blood of Jesus.

7. Personal Application:

I think for me, this book is really empowering. God chooses a man, who is a "tongue-tied" speaker, to carry out His plan. God is holy and mighty and powerful, yet He decided to move through Moses. In Exodus 3:10, He tells Moses, "Now go, for I am sending you to Pharaoh. You must lead my people Israel out of Egypt." This is a timeless truth that speaks to me. God uses the ordinary and the overlooked to transform the world and do mighty things in His name. So, next time I feel ordinary and overlooked I won't have to look far for inspiration and truth. 

8. Point of Passion:

Holiness keeps coming up in my mind. I think as worshipers, we often forget how holy God is. He is first and foremost, Creator of the universe, Almighty God, Holy and Righteous. He is the King and He is so holy that we cannot look on His face and live. (Exodus 33:20) That is intense and that, i find, is not emphasized enough. Holiness is a huge part of God's nature; He demands perfection and righteousness from us. He is not there only to be asked of but to be lifted high, while seated on the throne.