The Book of Exodus
Rescue and covenant — God delivers his people from slavery and makes them his own.
Overview
Exodus tells how God rescued Israel from slavery in Egypt and formed them into his people. Through Moses, plagues, and the parting of the sea, God reveals his name and his power; at Mount Sinai, he gives the law and makes a covenant.
It is the Bible's great picture of redemption — a God who hears the cry of the oppressed, comes down to save, and binds himself to a people so that he might dwell among them.
Key themes
Deliverance
God hears his people's groaning and acts to set them free — the pattern of salvation echoed throughout Scripture.
God's name and presence
God reveals himself as 'I AM' and promises his presence will go with his people.
Law and covenant
The commandments are given not to earn God's love but to shape a rescued people's life together.
Key verses from Exodus
And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.
God reveals his own eternal, self-existent name.
The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.
Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.
How to read Exodus
Read the rescue from Egypt as the Old Testament's picture of salvation.
Don't skip the law — read it as the shape of life with a God who has already saved you.
Notice God's longing to dwell among his people; it points forward to Christ.