Exodus

About Exodus

Exodus tells how God rescued Israel from slavery in Egypt, made a covenant with them at Mount Sinai, and came to live among them in the tabernacle. It was written so God's people would never forget the God who set them free and what it means to belong to Him. The exodus becomes the Bible's defining picture of salvation, one the rest of Scripture returns to again and again.

Written by

Traditionally attributed to Moses, who is central to the story and is told to write things down within it; scholars debate how much of the final book comes directly from him.

When

The exodus itself is commonly dated to around 1446 BC or around 1270 BC—scholars genuinely differ—and views on when the book reached its final form differ along the same lines.

Themes

• God rescues His people
• God's name and character
• Covenant at Sinai
• Law and freedom
• God's presence among His people

Key verses

• Exodus 3:14God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”
• Exodus 19:5-6Now if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, you will be My treasured possession out of all the nations—for the whole earth is Mine. And unto Me you shall be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you are to speak to the Israelites.”
• Exodus 20:2“I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.