Grace Institute: The Torah :Exodus Introduction

Exodus Survey of the Old Testament: The Torah Fall 2004

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Introduction

Background

Title: Exodus is Greek for “the way out,” and describes how God provided the Israelites ”a way out” slavery in Egypt .

Author: Moses.

Date Written: 1450-1410 BC.

Date of Events: The date of the exodus is determined from 1 Kings 6:1. This passage states that construction of Solomon's temple was begun 480 years after the exodus and in the fourth year of Solomon's reign. Solomon's reign began in 966 BC Therefore, by a little mathematics we arrive at this:

Thutmose III (1490-1445 BC) is most likely the Pharaoh who increased the load of Israel. Amenhotep II (1445-1425 BC) was in all likelihood the Pharaoh of the exodus.

Structure

Exodus is the history of the redemption and establishment of the nation of Israel. Just as in the birth of the United States there was a war for independence followed by the establishment of a constitution, so also Exodus recounts Israel' independence and constitution. For Israel, however, the birth of their nation is permeated by the presence of Yahweh.

Purpose

Moses wrote Exodus to the nation of Israel while it was wandering in the wilderness. In the book of Numbers we see the nation refusing to take the land God had promised them. As a result, God would not allow the nation to go into the Promised Land until that generation had died. During the following 40 years, a new generation grew up, and needed to hear the things that God had done for their parents so they could be ready to receive the land.

Moses is writing to the generation waiting to go into the Promised Land. He recounts the redemption of Israel from slavery in Egypt and the covenant that God made with the people. Exodus passes the message of Israel 's birth as a nation to the generation which will occupy the land.

Theme

God's presence among the nation He has redeemed and established.