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Jan
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2012
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Posted 117 days ago ago by Julie Brenneman
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How to Read Exodus
Introduction
Exodus introduces us to God’s (YHWH[1]) relationship with His people, having grown from the small family group of Genesis to the large people group now found captive in Egypt. He comes to deliver them from their Egyptian bondage; He calls them into a special relationship with Himself (covenant) and He summons them to a mission that involves the nations of the earth (responsibility).
God’s relationship with a “people” is the next step in God’s redemptive purposes which began in Gen. 12 with one man, Abraham. Having found in Abraham one who would love Him with a whole heart and walk in His ways, will and purposes (Gen. 17:1, 22:12), YHWH now invites Abraham’s descendents to do the same (Deut. 18:13).[2]
Quick Glance[3]
We can follow the ongoing storyline of the Bible in Exodus as we see God’s interaction with His people as He delivers them from Egypt, enters into a covenant relationship and then gives to them detailed instructions about how to live out this special relationship. Intermixed with the narrative (storyline) are various laws (including the Ten Commandments) and details about the construction of the Tabernacle. God’s heart and character are seen as He deals with His people, who prove less than faithful and responsive.
Where in History?[4]
From Joseph’s death (~ BC 1600) to Israel’s encampment at Mt. Sinai after their deliverance from Egypt (either BC 1440 or 1260).
Important Themes and Threads[5]
· God’s miraculous deliverance from Egypt. In effect, it is a power struggle over who “owns” Israel and whom is the true God – Pharaoh and the gods of Egypt or YHWH.
· The special relationship (covenant) which God enters into with His people and the implications of this covenant for their lives.
· God gives the law (called the “Torah” or “instruction”) to teach & train them how to live with God and one another.
· God’s presence and desire to be with His people. The building of the Tabernacle involves this theme (Exodus 25:8 NLT).
· God’s “discipleship” of His people, their resistance and outright rebellion and God’s ongoing patience in His dealings with them.
· Don’t get lost in the details! Keep the larger themes in mind.
Copyright December 2011 by Mike Huckins
[1] “YHWH” (pronounced YahWay) is the name God reveals to Moses and His people in Exodus. While He has been called by this name before in Genesis, it becomes His personal and enduring name, the name He wants to be known by in His relationship with His people (Ex. 3:13-16). Most translations use LORD to translate the Hebrew YHWH. This name carries incredible significance and is His name throughout the OT. While there is debate about the exact meaning of “YHWH,” it’s significance is something close to “I am the God Who is present with you.”
(“Further, this statement is not philosophical. Rather it has an efficacious sense: ‘I am He who is there (for you) – really and truly present, ready to help and to act.’” LaSor, Hubbard and Bush, Old Testament Survey, 2nd edition, p. 67.)
[2] God asks Abraham to walk before Him and be “blameless,” meaning walk with integrity or wholeheartedness. The same word is used in Deut. 18:13 for the whole people of Israel.
[3] This section will address the general question, “What is in this Book?”
[4] The date of the events of the Biblical narrative and the date which the book was authored or edited into its present form are not the same. Some times there is a considerable difference. This idea is obvious to us when we think about a book written today which addresses events in the past, e.g., a history of the American Civil War written in 2011. Why does this matter? Because, as with any “look back” at events, the current author has some purpose in mind in re-telling those past events – some point of view he wants his readers to understand. As we believe that God is the ultimate Author of the Bible, we can see that this is important. “Where in History?” then, is the time period of the events covered by this book.
[5] This section will identify some of the threads or themes that run through the Book and how these connect us to the rest of the Bible. In other words, how does this Biblical book fit into the overarching storyline of the whole? Highly recommended is Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart’s book How to Read the Bible Book by Book (Zondervan, 2002). The authors give background information for each book and then an outline/summary of the main points and themes. It is easy to read and understand and you can use it to follow along in your OYB readings. The points in this section above rely heavily on this book.