Exodus
God rescues Israel from slavery in Egypt, makes them his people at Sinai, and comes to dwell among them
Exodus at a glance
God rescues Israel from slavery in Egypt, makes them his people at Sinai, and comes to dwell among them
Exodus is the second book of the Bible and the great rescue story of the Old Testament. Its name means 'going out,' and it tells how God brought the descendants of Jacob out of four hundred years of Egyptian bondage. Traditionally attributed to Moses, who is also its central human figure, Exodus picks up where Genesis ends: the family of seventy that went down to Egypt has grown into a nation, and God now moves to keep the promises he made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
The story sweeps from the baby Moses hidden in a basket on the Nile to the burning bush, the ten plagues, and the first Passover. Israel walks through the Red Sea on dry ground while Pharaoh's army is drowned, then journeys to Mount Sinai, where God speaks the Ten Commandments out of fire and smoke and makes a covenant with the nation. The golden calf nearly wrecks everything, but Moses intercedes, God reveals his mercy, and the book closes with the tabernacle built and the glory of the LORD filling it.
Exodus matters because it defines who God is - the LORD who hears, redeems, and dwells with his people - and who Israel is: a redeemed people called to holiness. Passover, the Red Sea, and Sinai become the Old Testament's picture of salvation, and the pattern for understanding the cross.
And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.
Exodus 3:14 King James Version
Explore Exodus
How Exodus unfolds
8 sections- 1Israel enslaved and Moses raised up (ch. 1-4)A new Pharaoh enslaves Israel and orders the Hebrew boys killed; Moses is drawn from the Nile, flees to Midian, and is called by God at the burning bush, where God reveals his name, I AM.
- 2The ten plagues (ch. 5-11)Pharaoh refuses to let Israel go, so God strikes Egypt with ten plagues - from the Nile turned to blood to darkness - each defying Egypt's gods and hardening Pharaoh's heart.
- 3Passover and the exodus (ch. 12-13)At the death of the firstborn, Israel is spared by the blood of the Passover lamb on their doorposts, and Pharaoh finally drives the people out of Egypt.
- 4The Red Sea and the wilderness road (ch. 14-18)God parts the Red Sea for Israel and drowns Pharaoh's pursuing army, then provides manna, quail, and water in the wilderness while Jethro helps Moses organize the people.
- 5Covenant at Sinai (ch. 19-24)At Mount Sinai God speaks the Ten Commandments and gives laws for the nation's life, and Israel pledges obedience as the covenant is sealed with blood.
- 6Tabernacle instructions (ch. 25-31)God gives Moses detailed plans for the tabernacle, the ark of the covenant, the priesthood of Aaron, and the sabbath as the sign of the covenant.
- 7The golden calf and renewal (ch. 32-34)While Moses is on the mountain, Israel worships a golden calf; Moses intercedes, the tablets are renewed, and God proclaims himself merciful and gracious.
- 8The tabernacle built and filled (ch. 35-40)The people build the tabernacle exactly as commanded, and the glory of the LORD fills it, God now dwelling in the midst of his people.
People to know
5 figures- MosesThe deliverer God calls at the burning bush to confront Pharaoh, lead Israel out of Egypt, and mediate the covenant at Sinai.
- AaronMoses' brother and spokesman, appointed Israel's first high priest, though he yields to the people in the golden calf episode.
- PharaohThe king of Egypt whose hardened heart brings the ten plagues and the destruction of his army in the Red Sea.
- MiriamMoses' sister, who watches over him on the Nile and leads Israel's women in song after the Red Sea crossing.
- JethroMoses' father-in-law, priest of Midian, who advises Moses to appoint judges to share the burden of leading the people.
Words worth carrying with you
And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.
Exodus 3:14 · KJV
The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.
Exodus 14:14 · KJV
I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
Exodus 20:2 · KJV
Think you know Exodus?
90 questions from the King James Version, all ages welcome. Keep score, then challenge a friend or your whole group.
Leading a group? Download the free printable Exodus quiz pack (PDF) - questions, answer key with verses, and a score sheet.
The whole book, on video
The full narrated quiz - timed, illustrated, and made for playing together.
Bible Quiz: Exodus - Moses, the Plagues & the Red Sea | 30 Questions
Bible Quiz: Exodus - The Ten Commandments & the Tabernacle | 30 Questions
Hard Exodus Bible Quiz - Can You Score 30/30?