Exodus

by Terry Wane Benton

Exodus is the story of the Israelites' exit from Egyptian bondage by the power of God and how they were supplied for their journey toward the promised land. The basic divisions of the book can be divided into three parts:

1. The Redemption from Egypt - Chapters 1-19
2. The Giving of the Law - Chapters 20-31 (moral & instructions for the tabernacle & clothing)
3. The People’s Response - Chapters 32-40 (initially bad, then good)

The three parts may also be outlined as follows:

1. Israel is Separated to God by Deliverance from Egypt. - Exodus 1:1-18:27
   1. The bondage of Israel under Egypt's rule - Exodus 1:1-22
   2. The preparation of Moses to lead Israel - Exodus 2:1-4:31
   3. The deliverance of Israel from Egypt's rule - Exodus 5:1-15:21
   4. The preservation of Israel in the wilderness - Exodus 15:22-18:27
2. Israel is Separated to God by a Covenant of Law. - Exodus 19:1-31:18
   1. The giving of the covenant of law - Exodus 19:1-24:11
   2. The instructions for worship under the covenant of law - Exodus 24:12-29:46
3. Israel responds to the Covenant of Law. - Exodus 32:1-40:38
   1. The disobedience of Israel to the covenant of law - Exodus 32:1-33:23
   2. The renewal of the covenant of the law - Exodus 34:1-35
   3. The obedience of Israel to the covenant of law - Exodus 35:1-40:38

The book foreshadows Jesus in many amazing ways, showing the Spirit's guidance in its stories, characters, and tabernacle imagery. The Passover points to Jesus, the tabernacle, and High Priestly garments, work, and imagery foreshadow the real things Jesus brings to God’s people. The Book of Exodus was not written by human wisdom alone, but by the Spirit's guidance, which illustrated the greater deliverance, sustenance, and redemptive work that was coming in Jesus Christ.

Thus, Exodus is God’s way of preparing the way for understanding the spiritual realities we would all have in Jesus. It is a marvelous depiction of Jesus as lawgiver, High Priest, and spiritual sustainer, who prepares us for the greater Promised Land.

Has Jesus led you out of the bondage of sin and condemnation?