Bible scholar and lecturer, Mary Jane Chapin Chaignot, continues her review of each book in the Bible with her examination of Exodus. This should be a wonderful help to all of you whether you are just starting or continuing your own Bible study.

Exodus

The word "Exodus" comes from the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Bible, referred to as the LXX, meaning seventy), which titled this book, "the going out of Egypt," or "the departure from Egypt." This was abbreviated to Exodus. Technically, however, only the first part of the book refers to the "exodus"; the second half describes the covenant initiated by God with Israel. The book of Exodus doesn't really have a name in Hebrew. It is referred to as shemot, which is the Hebrew word for the first word -- Names. So, this is the book of names. Exodus is the second of five books comprising the "Pentateuch," the "Torah" (Law), or the five books of Moses. It continues the story begun in Genesis. Historically, Moses was thought to be the author because he is the prime character, but scholars now believe that, like Genesis, there were many authors and sagas compiled through the ages.

One of the most common questions asked about Exodus is whether the events can be substantiated. In other words, is this a true story? Did these things really happen? Historically, there isn't any extrabiblical evidence that corroborates these events. Having said that, however, there are several ancient facts that could lend credence to such happenings. Documents confirm that the first two Pharaohs of the Nineteenth Dynasty of Egypt constructed extensive building projects. Records from Egypt and the Ancient Near East refer to a migrant people as habiru during the second millennium. Ancient Near East law codes are similar to the covenantal and legal matters described in Exodus. Archeological evidence reveals the fall of several Canaanite cities during the latter part of the thirteenth century -- about the time Israel was purportedly settling in Canaan. Ancient Near East literature describes a strong Edomite presence during this time, which is described in Numbers. Admittedly, however, none of this is hard evidence.

Most modern scholars have moved away from the historical questions in order to focus on the theological and religious issues described in Exodus. In fact, this is the beginning of salvation history, the beginning of God's covenant with His people. God not only claims a people, but He is able to save them -- moving them from servitude to freedom. God binds Himself to them in a covenant and abides with them -- forever! This He does despite Israel's backsliding and grumbling time and time again. God proves Himself to be loyal, loving, and generous, meeting their every need. Throughout this remarkable journey the Israelites lacked nothing -- and appreciated nothing! Nevertheless, the power and loving nature of God displayed in Exodus remains available to all those who call upon His name.

There are three main divisions in the book. Chapters 1-13:16 tell the story of Israel in Egypt; chapters 13:17-18:27 talk about Israel in the Wilderness; chapters 19:1-40:38 relate the events at Sinai.

Bibliography

Cole, R. Alan. Exodus. Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries, London: The
     Tyndale Press, 1973.

Farmer, William. The International Bible Commentary. Collegeville, MN, Liturgical
     Press, 1998.

Grispen, WH. Exodus. Bible Student's Commentary, Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan,
     1982.

Ellison, HL. Exodus, The Daily Bible Study Series. Philadelphia: Westminster
     Press, 1982.

McGrath, Allister. NIV Bible Commentary. London: Hodder & Stoughton, 1988.

Mills, Watson and Richard Wilson. Mercer Commentary on the Bible. Macon, GA:
Mercer University Press, 1995.