Bible Book Summaries

Law · Old Testament

Exodus

c. 1526–1445 BC

Section
Law · Old Testament
Events span
c. 1526–1445 BC
Written
c. 1446–1406 BC critical view: c. 950–500 BC, compiled from earlier sources
Author
Moses critical view: Composite — the J, E, and P sources, compiled after the exile

Exodus tells how God rescues Israel from slavery in Egypt through Moses and the ten plagues, parts the Red Sea, and meets them at Mount Sinai — giving the Ten Commandments and the tabernacle so that a holy God can dwell among his people.

Key themes

  • Deliverance and redemption
  • The Passover
  • God's covenant and law
  • God's presence (the tabernacle)
  • Worship of the one true God

Key events

Israel in Egypt & Moses' Call (Exodus 1–4)

  • Israel multiplies in Egypt; a new Pharaoh enslaves them and orders the Hebrew baby boys killed Ex 1c. 1526 BC
  • Moses is born, hidden, and drawn from the Nile by Pharaoh's daughter Ex 2c. 1526 BC
  • Moses kills an Egyptian, flees to Midian, and marries Zipporah Ex 2c. 1486 BC
  • God speaks from the burning bush and commissions Moses to free Israel Ex 3–4c. 1446 BC

The Plagues & the Passover (Exodus 5–13)

  • "Let my people go" — Pharaoh refuses and increases Israel's labor Ex 5c. 1446 BC
  • God sends nine plagues on Egypt: blood, frogs, gnats, flies, livestock, boils, hail, locusts, and darkness Ex 7–10c. 1446 BC
  • The Passover: the final plague strikes down the firstborn; Israel is spared by the lamb's blood on the doorposts Ex 11–12c. 1446 BC
  • Pharaoh releases Israel, who leave Egypt with its plunder (the Exodus) Ex 12–13c. 1446 BC

Deliverance at the Sea & the Wilderness (Exodus 14–18)

  • Led by a pillar of cloud and fire, Israel crosses the parted Red Sea, and Pharaoh's army drowns Ex 14c. 1446 BC
  • Moses and Miriam sing the song of the sea in praise of God Ex 15c. 1446 BC
  • God provides manna, quail, and water from the rock in the wilderness Ex 16–17c. 1446 BC
  • Jethro advises Moses to appoint judges to share the burden of leadership Ex 18c. 1446 BC

The Law & the Tabernacle at Sinai (Exodus 19–40)

  • At Mount Sinai, amid thunder and fire, God gives the Ten Commandments Ex 19–20c. 1446 BC
  • God gives the Book of the Covenant — laws for justice and daily life — sealed with blood Ex 21–24c. 1446 BC
  • God gives Moses the pattern for the tabernacle, the ark, and the priesthood Ex 25–31c. 1446 BC
  • Israel makes a golden calf; Moses breaks the tablets, and God relents at his intercession Ex 32c. 1446 BC
  • God renews the covenant and gives new tablets; Moses' face shines from being with God Ex 33–34c. 1446 BC
  • The tabernacle is built as commanded, and the glory of the LORD fills it Ex 35–40c. 1445 BC
“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