The book of Exodus is a major focal point in the Old Testament’s storyline, as it highlights the beginning of the national life of Israel – God’s covenant people. It records the history of the covenant God set forth before His people through Moses at Mt Sinai. The name of the book means “the going out, or “the departing. God’s deliverance of His people from their slavery, suffering, and shame in Egypt is arguably the single greatest event of the Hebrew nation. Exodus serves as a connecting link to the history set forth in Genesis. It shows that God did not forget His promise made to Abram (Genesis 12). It shows the next big move of God among His people following the death of the Patriarch Jacob (Genesis 49) and His son Joseph (Genesis 50). Exodus also reveals how God raised up Moses as the great liberator and lawgiver for His people (Exodus 2-3). In Exodus, we learn about the establishment of the Jewish Feast of Passover (Exodus 12), the miraculous passing of God’s people through the Red Sea (Exodus 14), the giving of God’s covenant Law (Exodus 20), and details surrounding the Tabernacle (Exodus 26). In Exodus, God’s people become a special people of the covenant of promise). This was brought about by God’s faithfulness in delivering Israel from Egypt. But tragically, as the history of Exodus reveals, the generation that came from Egypt refused to be faithful to God and thankful for His deliverance. Exodus teaches us to remain surrendered to what God has in mind for our lives. VHH.
