Welcome to Bible Gateway’s weekly Look at the Book series of short blog posts and infographics introducing you to the books of the Bible. In this post we will examine Exodus, the second book of the Torah/Pentateuch, and of the Bible.
Scroll to the bottom if you’d prefer to see (and save) this article as an infographic. You’ll also find a handy 30-day reading guide. Or, for a challenge, you can do it in one week using the 7-day reading guide below.
Summary
Exodus means “departure” in Greek and Latin, and describes the Israelites’’ journey from slavery in Egypt to the Promised Land. Yet Exodus is not merely a journey of time and distance but also a journey of the heart, as a holy God prepares his chosen people to live the life he offers in the land he has provided.
- Category: Law
- Theme: Deliverance
- Timeline: Around 1800-1445 BC
- Written: 1450-1400 BC, traditionally attributed to Moses
Key Verse
“God said to Moses, ‘I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: “I am has sent me to you.”’” — Exodus 3:14 (NIV)
Finding Pharaoh
Who was the Pharaoh “who did not know about Joseph”? One theory places the Biblical event around 1450 BC, during the reign of Pharaohs such as Thutmose or Amenhotep.
The other theory places it during the reign of Ramses the Great (1213-1279 BC). Textual and scientific support exists for each perspective.
Critical Symbolism
Important Biblical images that occur first in Exodus include:
- God’s people as his bride
- God as shepherd
- God as living water
- God as king
- Saving blood of the lamb
7 Day Reading Guide
(See 30-day guide below.)
- Day 1: Exodus 1-6
- Day 2: Exodus 7-11
- Day 3: Exodus 12-17
- Day 4: Exodus 18-22
- Day 5: Exodus 23-29
- Day 6: Exodus 30-34
- Day 7: Exodus 35-40
Consider
Without the exodus, we would not be who we are — redeemed people delivered by the God of Israel.
Access the rest of the series here. Browse Bible studies for each book of the Bible. Or right-click on the infographic below to download and save the image for your reference.
Chris Fann is the Senior Digital Marketing Manager for Harper Christian Resources. He loves the smell ofa baseball glove, coffee, and old books. He lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan with his wife, 2 teenage boys, and their dog, Freya.
