Exodus

Exodus First Impressions:

What do you see in this book that tells you about the Original Reader?

I see that in the book of Exodus it is clearly written to the Israelites. Israel at this time had been oppressed in slavery for over 400 years in the land of Egypt. (3:7) We also see that Israel is increasing in number and becoming more powerful in Egypt. (1:7) We also meet Moses the main character of Exodus whom God uses to lead Israel out of slavery. (3:11) In conclusion we see that the Original reader in the book of Exodus is addressed the the Israelites.

What do you see in this book that tells you about the author?

The sourceview bible indicates that Moses is the author of Exodus. There are a few times mentioned in the bible where God tells Moses to write down of the historical events that happened to and with Israel (17:14; 24:3-4; 34:27) As you can see this is some good evidence that proves Moses was the author of Exodus.

What are the main themes, and repeated ideas in this book, and what is one sentence summary of "the main idea?"

The two main themes in the book of Exodus that I see are deliverance and discipleship. We see that Israel is in bondage in and to Egypt. (1:11) We see God speak with Moses on the mountain and display his plan for deliverance for his people. (3:7-10) God then sends Moses back to Egypt to lead Israel out of slavery. While in Egypt God displays his glorious might through Moses in order to break Pharaohs stubborn heart by sending 10 plagues upon Pharaoh and his people. (7:14 - 12:30) Thus at the final demonstration of God's greatness, Pharaoh gave in and allowed Israel to leave Egypt. From here on out we see God discipling the people of Israel and teaching them the laws in which they are to live their lives towards God. Though it is a journey because they fall back into their old ways and begin to worship man made idols as they did in Egypt. (32:1-6) God being a faithful God he corrects them out of their old ways and wins back their hearts to Him and continues to teach them His ways and renews His covenant with them. (34:1-27) All in all we see God bring deliverance to His people in the first half of Exodus and we God discipling and raising up a holy people before Him.

The main idea of Exodus is God is the almighty deliver and ultimate discipler.

What is the primary reason this book was written?

The primary reason Exodus was written was for God to reveal his character and nature to his future people who don't know him. God calls himself "I AM WHO I AM. Say this to the people of Israel. I AM has sent me to you." (3:14) God is stating clearly who he is, and that he is the almighty God. There are countless stories in the book of Exodus that reveal Gods power, promises, protection and faithfulness. (15:26; 23:20; 32)

Exodus Theme Tracing:

What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

We see Gods love and faithfulness displayed early in Exodus. (3:7-8) God has a plan to rescue his people from bondage in Egypt. We see the affirming character of God presented in the burning bush while talking with Moses. (3:12 - 4:17) Moses doubts himself time after time but God reaffirms him that He will be with him and guide him and tell him what to say. We later see the nature of God through his mighty power demonstrated in Egypt bringing the plagues down on pharaoh and his people. (7:14 - 12:30) Not only do we see Gods glorious power with the plagues but also seperating the Red Sea. (14:21) We also see the orderly detailed nature of God displayed in the building of the tabernacle. (24:12 - 27:21) As you can see there are many attributes of God shown in Exodus.

What does this book show about Gods redemptive plan for mankind?

In the book of Exodus we see two types of redemption to the people of Israel. The first one is the redemption by the blood through the passover. This is where the Lord passes over the houses of Israel in Egypt but strikes down the first born among the Egyptians. (12:1 - 13:16) And the second form of redemption is by the power of God they are brought out of slavery. This is when Pharaoh lets Gods people go free. (13:17 - 15:21) As you can see this book shows God is faithful to His word and does as has planned.

Personal Application:

The one thing that sticks out to me in Exodus is when God speaks with Moses in the burning bush. (3:1 - 4:17) I know I have been in this position where God calls me and I respond like Moses did, why me Lord, I am unable, you should chose someone else. I still seem to respond like Moses did. I tend to focus on my own abilities opposed to Gods abilities which are far greater than mine. What I can take away from this is that God is for me and when he calls on me, I need to lean into his faithfulness and not my own insecurities.