Introduction to the second book of Moses, Exodus
The Second Book of the Bible, the Book of Redemption
The name of the second book of Moses is Exodus.
This is the Latinized form of the Greek word exodos, which means “departure” or “exodus” in English.
We have also adopted this name from the Septuagint via the Latin translation, the Vulgate.
The title of the second Jewish scroll of the Torah is “Shemot,” after the first words of the book, “We-eleh shemot,” or in English, “These are the names….”
The Second Book of Moses follows on from the events of the first book and was written during the same period.
Once again, we encounter many images that point to Jesus.
These include the priestly ministry, the sacrifices, and the Tabernacle.
It tells us of the initial oppression of the Israelites and their liberation from slavery.
It further recounts the Mosaic covenant made on Mount Sinai (also called Horeb) with the Ten Commandments.
Previously, God had made a covenant only with the patriarchs; now the entire people of Israel were elevated to the status of the covenant people.
The book concludes with the construction of the Tabernacle as God’s dwelling place among His people and the establishment of the priesthood.
Outline of the Book of Exodus:
1. Israel’s time in Egypt, chapters 1 through 12
Chapter 1 – Slavery in Egypt
Chapters 2–4 – Moses, a Deliverer
Chapters 5–11 – Signs, wonders, and Pharaoh’s hardening of heart
Chapter 12 – The Passover Lamb, a Type of Salvation Through Jesus’ Death
2. Deliverance and the Journey Through the Desert, Chapters 13–18
Chapter 15, Verses 22–17 – The Journey Through the Desert to Mount Sinai
Chapters 13–15, Verse 21 – The Exodus of the People and the Pursuit by the Egyptian Army
Chapter 18 – The Visit and Advice of Moses’ Father-in-Law
3. Israel’s Time at the Mountain of the Covenant, Chapters 19–40
Chapters 19–23 – Laws for the People of Israel
Chapter 24 – The Covenant Between Moses, as the People’s Representative, and God
Chapters 25–31 – Regulations for the Priesthood
Chapter 32 – The People’s Apostasy with the Golden Calf
Chapters 33–34 – Renewal of the Covenant
Chapters 35–40 – Construction of the Tabernacle and Establishment of the Priesthood
Content of Exodus:
Exodus chapter 2Exodus chapter 3Exodus chapter 4
- The Miracles of Confirmation
- Moses‘ New Objections; Aaron’s Appointment as Spokesperson
- Moses‘ Farewell to His Father-in-Law Jethro; God’s Instructions
- The Mysterious Event at the Place of Rest
- Moses and Aaron Gain the Faith of the Israelites in Egypt
Exodus chapter 5Exodus chapter 6Exodus chapter 7Exodus chapter 8Exodus chapter 9Exodus chapter 10Exodus chapter 11Exodus chapter 12
- Instructions on the Preparation and Eating of the Passover Lamb
- Instructions on the Seven-Day Celebration of the Feast of Unleavened Bread
- Moses Communicates the Passover Regulations to the Elders
Exodus chapter 13Exodus chapter 14Exodus chapter 15
- The people’s grumbling; God’s response through the quail and manna
- Regulations regarding the gathering of manna; Moses explains a miraculous event that occurred during this process
- Further details about the manna; God’s command regarding the preservation of a jar filled with manna
- The miraculous provision of water from the rock at Massah and Meribah
- The Amalekites defeated at Rephidim
Exodus chapter 18Exodus chapter 19Exodus chapter 20Exodus chapter 21
- The Rights of Hebrew Slaves (Male and Female)
- Provisions for the Protection of Human Life
- Liability for Compensation in Cases of Bodily Injury Caused by Humans
- Liability for Compensation in Cases of Death or Injury Caused by Animals
- Provisions for the Protection of Property (Livestock, Crops, or Entrusted Property)
- Misappropriation, Loss, or Damage to Entrusted Property
- Various Regulations Concerning God, Morality, and Love of Neighbor
- Truthful and Honorable Conduct, Especially in Court
- Provisions for Sabbatical Years, Festivals, and Sacrifices
- Final Admonition Regarding the Expulsion of the Canaanites; Promise of support and blessing in the event of faithful obedience
Exodus chapter 24Exodus chapter 25
- Call for voluntary contributions toward the construction of the sanctuary
- Instructions regarding the making of the sacred furnishings (the Ark, the Table, the Lampstand)
- Instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle: The four coverings (the outer covering and the three inner coverings)
- The wooden framework, consisting of boards and five crossbars
- The two curtains and the interior furnishings of the Tabernacle
- Instructions Concerning the Priestly Garments of Aaron and His Sons
- The Ephod
- The Breastplate and Its Accessories
- The Robe Worn Over the Ephod
- The Headpiece, Undergarment, Turban, and Sash
- The Garments of Aaron’s Sons; General Provisions
- Instructions for the Ordination of the Priests
- The Purification and Anointing of the Altar of Burnt Offering
- The Daily Morning and Evening Burnt, Drink, and Grain Offerings
- Concluding Remarks
Exodus chapter 31Exodus chapter 32
- The Making and Worship of the Golden Calf
- Moses Descends from the Mountain, Having Been Informed by God of the People’s Apostasy
- Moses‘ Zeal for God; He Punishes the People Through the Levites
- Moses‘ Intercession for the People; God’s Response Granting a Delay
- God’s command to set out for the Promised Land; the people’s grief over God’s departure
- The dedication and use of the Tabernacle of Meeting located before the camp
- Moses‘ further discussions with God regarding God’s continued guidance of the people
- God promises Moses a glimpse of His glory as a sign of His favor
- Moses ascends Mount Sinai at God’s command, carrying two blank stone tablets
- God’s appearance and Moses‘ intercession
- God agrees to renew the covenant, accompanied by solemn warnings
- The New Federal Regulations Concerning the Proper Worship of God
- Moses Writes Down the Federal Commandments; God Renews the Tablets of the Law
- Moses‘ Return; the Radiance of His Face
Exodus chapter 35Exodus chapter 36
- The Making of the Four Canopies
- The Making of the Wooden Frame (the Boards and Five Crossbars)
- The Making of the Two Curtains
- The Ark with Its Cover
- The Table for the Showbread and Drink Offerings
- The Golden Lampstand
- The Altar of Incense
- The Holy Anointing Oil and Incense
- The ephod
- The breastplate
- The robe worn over the ephod
- The remaining priestly garments
- The headband for the high priest
- The completed items are handed over to Moses