Content: Exodus begins with the descendants of Jacob living in slavery to the Egyptians. Moses is called and directed by God to lead the Israelites out of this bondage. Israel is finally permitted to leave Egypt after God directs Moses to pronounce a series of plagues upon Egypt and the pharaoh. The Passover is instituted, emphasizing that bold redemption is always necessary (chpt. 12), and the resulting covenant between God and the Israelites identifies them as God’s chosen people. God then delivers Israel miraculously through the Red Sea. At Mount Sinai God gives the Ten Commandments, but later has to judge the people for their *apostasy and worship of the golden calf (chpt. 32). A few months after this, the tabernacle is constructed.
Background: The second book of the Pentateuch, Exodus, is a continuation of the story in the book of Genesis.
Date Written: Between 1450 and 1400 B.C.
Author: Moses
* Apostasy is the rejection of Christ by one who has been a Christian.
