How to Read Exodus
Exodus divides neatly into two parts. The first 20 chapters, on the
Israelite's flight from Egypt, read like an exciting novel. Movies based
on the action here have strained Hollywood special-effect crews.
Everything else in the Old Testament flows out of the events of the
exodus-these 20 chapters simply cannot be missed.
As you read Exodus, look for important lessons that apply to your life. For example, study the life of Moses, one of a handful of truly great leaders in history. Chapter 18 shows Moses learning an important leadership principle, and chapter 32-35 encounters and conversations with God that have no equal in the Bible.
Exodus contains much material about the nature of God. Search for each place where God makes an appearance. Exodus shows a greater proportion of miracles-direct supernatural acts of God-than any part of the Bible except the Gospels. Why were these miracles done? Can you see a pattern? What should the Israelite have learned from them? Did they?
The last 20 chapters mainly consist of laws and regulations, given at Mount Sinai, to govern the life of the nation. Read them to note the concerns and priorities important to God as he designs an entire culture.
The instructions are usually clustered in groups, encompassing every area of life:
The religious rituals with their many sacrifices and feasts seem strange to modern Westerners, but they were not all unusual then. Also they prepared the way for a Redeemer who was greater than Moses: Jesus Christ. You will need study books and commentaries to find all the symbols that apply to Jesus’ life, as shown, for example, in the Passover. Fortunately, the Bible includes a brief but powerful commentary in Hebrews (Hebrews 7-10). This book should be read alongside Exodus and the three books that follow.
People You’ll Meet in Exodus
As you read Exodus, look for important lessons that apply to your life. For example, study the life of Moses, one of a handful of truly great leaders in history. Chapter 18 shows Moses learning an important leadership principle, and chapter 32-35 encounters and conversations with God that have no equal in the Bible.
Exodus contains much material about the nature of God. Search for each place where God makes an appearance. Exodus shows a greater proportion of miracles-direct supernatural acts of God-than any part of the Bible except the Gospels. Why were these miracles done? Can you see a pattern? What should the Israelite have learned from them? Did they?
The last 20 chapters mainly consist of laws and regulations, given at Mount Sinai, to govern the life of the nation. Read them to note the concerns and priorities important to God as he designs an entire culture.
The instructions are usually clustered in groups, encompassing every area of life:
- Moral rules, such as the Ten Commandments
- Civil and social rules, much like a criminal code
- Religious and ceremonial rules for the Israelites.
The religious rituals with their many sacrifices and feasts seem strange to modern Westerners, but they were not all unusual then. Also they prepared the way for a Redeemer who was greater than Moses: Jesus Christ. You will need study books and commentaries to find all the symbols that apply to Jesus’ life, as shown, for example, in the Passover. Fortunately, the Bible includes a brief but powerful commentary in Hebrews (Hebrews 7-10). This book should be read alongside Exodus and the three books that follow.
People You’ll Meet in Exodus
- Moses
- Jethro
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