January 25, 2025

What do we need to know about the tabernacle?

Exodus 38-40

Mallory Aiken
Saturday's Devo

January 25, 2025

Saturday's Devo

January 25, 2025

Big Book Idea

God redeems His people, sets them apart, and reveals Himself.

Key Verse | Exodus 40:34-38

Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. And Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud settled on it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. Throughout all their journeys, whenever the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the people of Israel would set out. But if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not set out till the day that it was taken up. For the cloud of the LORD was on the tabernacle by day, and fire was in it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel throughout all their journeys.

Exodus 38-40

Making the Altar of Burnt Offering

He made the altar of burnt offering of acacia wood. Five cubits 1 38:1 A cubit was about 18 inches or 45 centimeters was its length, and five cubits its breadth. It was square, and three cubits was its height. He made horns for it on its four corners. Its horns were of one piece with it, and he overlaid it with bronze. And he made all the utensils of the altar, the pots, the shovels, the basins, the forks, and the fire pans. He made all its utensils of bronze. And he made for the altar a grating, a network of bronze, under its ledge, extending halfway down. He cast four rings on the four corners of the bronze grating as holders for the poles. He made the poles of acacia wood and overlaid them with bronze. And he put the poles through the rings on the sides of the altar to carry it with them. He made it hollow, with boards.

Making the Bronze Basin

He made the basin of bronze and its stand of bronze, from the mirrors of the ministering women who ministered in the entrance of the tent of meeting.

Making the Court

And he made the court. For the south side the hangings of the court were of fine twined linen, a hundred cubits; 10 their twenty pillars and their twenty bases were of bronze, but the hooks of the pillars and their fillets were of silver. 11 And for the north side there were hangings of a hundred cubits; their twenty pillars and their twenty bases were of bronze, but the hooks of the pillars and their fillets were of silver. 12 And for the west side were hangings of fifty cubits, their ten pillars, and their ten bases; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets were of silver. 13 And for the front to the east, fifty cubits. 14 The hangings for one side of the gate were fifteen cubits, with their three pillars and three bases. 15 And so for the other side. On both sides of the gate of the court were hangings of fifteen cubits, with their three pillars and their three bases. 16 All the hangings around the court were of fine twined linen. 17 And the bases for the pillars were of bronze, but the hooks of the pillars and their fillets were of silver. The overlaying of their capitals was also of silver, and all the pillars of the court were filleted with silver. 18 And the screen for the gate of the court was embroidered with needlework in blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen. It was twenty cubits long and five cubits high in its breadth, corresponding to the hangings of the court. 19 And their pillars were four in number. Their four bases were of bronze, their hooks of silver, and the overlaying of their capitals and their fillets of silver. 20 And all the pegs for the tabernacle and for the court all around were of bronze.

Materials for the Tabernacle

21 These are the records of the tabernacle, the tabernacle of the testimony, as they were recorded at the commandment of Moses, the responsibility of the Levites under the direction of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest. 22 Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, made all that the LORD commanded Moses; 23 and with him was Oholiab the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, an engraver and designer and embroiderer in blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen.

24 All the gold that was used for the work, in all the construction of the sanctuary, the gold from the offering, was twenty-nine talents and 730 shekels, 2 38:24 A talent was about 75 pounds or 34 kilograms; a shekel was about 2/5 ounce or 11 grams by the shekel of the sanctuary. 25 The silver from those of the congregation who were recorded was a hundred talents and 1,775 shekels, by the shekel of the sanctuary: 26 a beka 3 38:26 A beka was about 1/5 ounce or 5.5 grams a head (that is, half a shekel, by the shekel of the sanctuary), for everyone who was listed in the records, from twenty years old and upward, for 603,550 men. 27 The hundred talents of silver were for casting the bases of the sanctuary and the bases of the veil; a hundred bases for the hundred talents, a talent a base. 28 And of the 1,775 shekels he made hooks for the pillars and overlaid their capitals and made fillets for them. 29 The bronze that was offered was seventy talents and 2,400 shekels; 30 with it he made the bases for the entrance of the tent of meeting, the bronze altar and the bronze grating for it and all the utensils of the altar, 31 the bases around the court, and the bases of the gate of the court, all the pegs of the tabernacle, and all the pegs around the court.

Making the Priestly Garments

From the blue and purple and scarlet yarns they made finely woven garments, 4 39:1 Or garments for worship for ministering in the Holy Place. They made the holy garments for Aaron, as the LORD had commanded Moses.

He made the ephod of gold, blue and purple and scarlet yarns, and fine twined linen. And they hammered out gold leaf, and he cut it into threads to work into the blue and purple and the scarlet yarns, and into the fine twined linen, in skilled design. They made for the ephod attaching shoulder pieces, joined to it at its two edges. And the skillfully woven band on it was of one piece with it and made like it, of gold, blue and purple and scarlet yarns, and fine twined linen, as the LORD had commanded Moses.

They made the onyx stones, enclosed in settings of gold filigree, and engraved like the engravings of a signet, according to the names of the sons of Israel. And he set them on the shoulder pieces of the ephod to be stones of remembrance for the sons of Israel, as the LORD had commanded Moses.

He made the breastpiece, in skilled work, in the style of the ephod, of gold, blue and purple and scarlet yarns, and fine twined linen. It was square. They made the breastpiece doubled, a span 5 39:9 A span was about 9 inches or 22 centimeters its length and a span its breadth when doubled. 10 And they set in it four rows of stones. A row of sardius, topaz, and carbuncle was the first row; 11 and the second row, an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond; 12 and the third row, a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst; 13 and the fourth row, a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper. They were enclosed in settings of gold filigree. 14 There were twelve stones with their names according to the names of the sons of Israel. They were like signets, each engraved with its name, for the twelve tribes. 15 And they made on the breastpiece twisted chains like cords, of pure gold. 16 And they made two settings of gold filigree and two gold rings, and put the two rings on the two edges of the breastpiece. 17 And they put the two cords of gold in the two rings at the edges of the breastpiece. 18 They attached the two ends of the two cords to the two settings of filigree. Thus they attached it in front to the shoulder pieces of the ephod. 19 Then they made two rings of gold, and put them at the two ends of the breastpiece, on its inside edge next to the ephod. 20 And they made two rings of gold, and attached them in front to the lower part of the two shoulder pieces of the ephod, at its seam above the skillfully woven band of the ephod. 21 And they bound the breastpiece by its rings to the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, so that it should lie on the skillfully woven band of the ephod, and that the breastpiece should not come loose from the ephod, as the LORD had commanded Moses.

22 He also made the robe of the ephod woven all of blue, 23 and the opening of the robe in it was like the opening in a garment, with a binding around the opening, so that it might not tear. 24 On the hem of the robe they made pomegranates of blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen. 25 They also made bells of pure gold, and put the bells between the pomegranates all around the hem of the robe, between the pomegranates— 26 a bell and a pomegranate, a bell and a pomegranate around the hem of the robe for ministering, as the LORD had commanded Moses.

27 They also made the coats, woven of fine linen, for Aaron and his sons, 28 and the turban of fine linen, and the caps of fine linen, and the linen undergarments of fine twined linen, 29 and the sash of fine twined linen and of blue and purple and scarlet yarns, embroidered with needlework, as the LORD had commanded Moses.

30 They made the plate of the holy crown of pure gold, and wrote on it an inscription, like the engraving of a signet, “Holy to the LORD.” 31 And they tied to it a cord of blue to fasten it on the turban above, as the LORD had commanded Moses.

32 Thus all the work of the tabernacle of the tent of meeting was finished, and the people of Israel did according to all that the LORD had commanded Moses; so they did. 33 Then they brought the tabernacle to Moses, the tent and all its utensils, its hooks, its frames, its bars, its pillars, and its bases; 34 the covering of tanned rams' skins and goatskins, and the veil of the screen; 35 the ark of the testimony with its poles and the mercy seat; 36 the table with all its utensils, and the bread of the Presence; 37 the lampstand of pure gold and its lamps with the lamps set and all its utensils, and the oil for the light; 38 the golden altar, the anointing oil and the fragrant incense, and the screen for the entrance of the tent; 39 the bronze altar, and its grating of bronze, its poles, and all its utensils; the basin and its stand; 40 the hangings of the court, its pillars, and its bases, and the screen for the gate of the court, its cords, and its pegs; and all the utensils for the service of the tabernacle, for the tent of meeting; 41 the finely worked garments for ministering in the Holy Place, the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons for their service as priests. 42 According to all that the LORD had commanded Moses, so the people of Israel had done all the work. 43 And Moses saw all the work, and behold, they had done it; as the LORD had commanded, so had they done it. Then Moses blessed them.

The Tabernacle Erected

The LORD spoke to Moses, saying, “On the first day of the first month you shall erect the tabernacle of the tent of meeting. And you shall put in it the ark of the testimony, and you shall screen the ark with the veil. And you shall bring in the table and arrange it, and you shall bring in the lampstand and set up its lamps. And you shall put the golden altar for incense before the ark of the testimony, and set up the screen for the door of the tabernacle. You shall set the altar of burnt offering before the door of the tabernacle of the tent of meeting, and place the basin between the tent of meeting and the altar, and put water in it. And you shall set up the court all around, and hang up the screen for the gate of the court.

Then you shall take the anointing oil and anoint the tabernacle and all that is in it, and consecrate it and all its furniture, so that it may become holy. 10 You shall also anoint the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils, and consecrate the altar, so that the altar may become most holy. 11 You shall also anoint the basin and its stand, and consecrate it. 12 Then you shall bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance of the tent of meeting and shall wash them with water 13 and put on Aaron the holy garments. And you shall anoint him and consecrate him, that he may serve me as priest. 14 You shall bring his sons also and put coats on them, 15 and anoint them, as you anointed their father, that they may serve me as priests. And their anointing shall admit them to a perpetual priesthood throughout their generations.”

16 This Moses did; according to all that the LORD commanded him, so he did. 17 In the first month in the second year, on the first day of the month, the tabernacle was erected. 18 Moses erected the tabernacle. He laid its bases, and set up its frames, and put in its poles, and raised up its pillars. 19 And he spread the tent over the tabernacle and put the covering of the tent over it, as the LORD had commanded Moses. 20 He took the testimony and put it into the ark, and put the poles on the ark and set the mercy seat above on the ark. 21 And he brought the ark into the tabernacle and set up the veil of the screen, and screened the ark of the testimony, as the LORD had commanded Moses. 22 He put the table in the tent of meeting, on the north side of the tabernacle, outside the veil, 23 and arranged the bread on it before the LORD, as the LORD had commanded Moses. 24 He put the lampstand in the tent of meeting, opposite the table on the south side of the tabernacle, 25 and set up the lamps before the LORD, as the LORD had commanded Moses. 26 He put the golden altar in the tent of meeting before the veil, 27 and burned fragrant incense on it, as the LORD had commanded Moses. 28 He put in place the screen for the door of the tabernacle. 29 And he set the altar of burnt offering at the entrance of the tabernacle of the tent of meeting, and offered on it the burnt offering and the grain offering, as the LORD had commanded Moses. 30 He set the basin between the tent of meeting and the altar, and put water in it for washing, 31 with which Moses and Aaron and his sons washed their hands and their feet. 32 When they went into the tent of meeting, and when they approached the altar, they washed, as the LORD commanded Moses. 33 And he erected the court around the tabernacle and the altar, and set up the screen of the gate of the court. So Moses finished the work.

The Glory of the LORD

34 Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. 35 And Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud settled on it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. 36 Throughout all their journeys, whenever the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the people of Israel would set out. 37 But if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not set out till the day that it was taken up. 38 For the cloud of the LORD was on the tabernacle by day, and fire was in it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel throughout all their journeys.

Footnotes

[1] 38:1 A cubit was about 18 inches or 45 centimeters
[2] 38:24 A talent was about 75 pounds or 34 kilograms; a shekel was about 2/5 ounce or 11 grams
[3] 38:26 A beka was about 1/5 ounce or 5.5 grams
[4] 39:1 Or garments for worship
[5] 39:9 A span was about 9 inches or 22 centimeters
Table of Contents
Introduction to Exodus

Introduction to Exodus

Timeline

Author and Date

Exodus (meaning exit) is best understood to have been written primarily by Moses, like the rest of the Pentateuch, though some details (such as the narrative of his death in Deuteronomy 34) were clearly added at a later time. It also appears that some language and references were updated for later readers. There is no consensus among scholars as to the date when the events of the exodus took place. A common view is that the exodus occurred in c. 1446 B.C. This is based on the calculation of 480 years from Israel’s departure from Egypt to the fourth year of Solomon’s reign (c. 966 B.C.; see 1 Kings 6:1). However, because Exodus 1:11 depicts Israel working on a city called Raamses, some scholars believe that this would suggest that the exodus occurred during the reign of Raamses II in Egypt (c. 1279–1213 B.C.), possibly around 1260 B.C. (see note on 1 Kings 6:1).

Theme

The overarching theme of Exodus is the fulfillment of God’s promises to the patriarchs. The success of the exodus must be credited to the power and purpose of God, who remembers his promises, punishes sin, and forgives the repentant. The book highlights Moses’ faithfulness and prayerfulness.

Key Themes

  1. Covenant promises. The events and instructions in Exodus are described as the Lord remembering his covenant promises to Abraham (2:24; 3:6, 14–17; 6:2–8). The promises extend to both Abra­ham’s descendants and all the nations of the world (Gen. 12:1–3). They include land (which Israel will inhabit), numerous offspring (which will secure their ongoing identity), and blessing (God cares for them and other nations). The fulfillment of these promises is rooted in Israel’s covenant relationship with the Lord (Gen. 17:7–8).
  2. Covenant mediator. Moses mediates between the Lord and his people. Through Moses the Lord reveals his purposes to Israel and sustains the covenant relationship.
  3. Covenant presence. God’s presence with his people is highlighted throughout the book of Exodus.

Outline

  1. Exodus of Israel from Egypt (1:1–18:27)
    1. Setting: Israel in Egypt (1:1–2:25)
    2. Call of Moses (3:1–4:31)
    3. Moses and Aaron: initial request (5:1–7:7)
    4. Plagues and exodus (7:8–15:21)
    5. Journey (15:22–18:27)
  2. Covenant at Sinai (19:1–40:38)
    1. Setting: Sinai (19:1–25)
    2. Covenant words and rules (20:1–23:33)
    3. Covenant confirmed (24:1–18)
    4. Instructions for the tabernacle (25:1–31:17)
    5. Moses receives the tablets (31:18)
    6. Covenant breach, intercession, and renewal (32:1–34:35)
    7. Tabernacle: preparation for the presence (35:1–40:38)

The Journey to Mount Sinai

1446 B.C.

Scholars disagree about the precise route of the exodus, but most agree that Mount Sinai is the site that today is called Jebel Musa (“Mountain of Moses”).

The Journey to Mount Sinai

The Global Message of Exodus

The Global Message of Exodus

The Continued Story of Redemptive History

The book of Exodus continues the story of the redemptive history that God began in the book of Genesis. The original purpose of Exodus was to help the people of Israel understand their identity as God’s special people, and to learn about their covenant obligations to him. They were to see themselves as God’s “firstborn son” (Ex. 4:22–23) and as a “kingdom of priests” (19:5–6), called to bring God’s blessings to the nations. Exodus describes how the Lord delivered Israel from Egyptian oppression (chs. 1–15), brought her into covenant relationship with himself at Mount Sinai (chs. 16–24), and came to dwell in her midst in the tabernacle (chs. 25–40).

The Meaning of the Exodus

God’s main purpose in delivering the people of Israel out of Egyptian oppression was so that he “might dwell among” them (Ex. 29:46). To understand why God desired to dwell in Israel’s midst, we must consider the book of Exodus within the larger framework of redemptive history. The Creator-King’s original intention was that he might dwell among his people, who would be a flourishing human community in a paradise-kingdom beginning in Eden and spreading throughout the whole world (see “The Global Message of Genesis”). The book of Revelation shows that these original creation intentions remain God’s purpose for his people, and his purpose will be fulfilled at the end of history (Revelation 21–22). In those last two chapters of the Bible, as in the Bible’s first two chapters, we see God dwelling with his people. In the book of Exodus we see this as well, as Israel learns about their covenant relationship with God, and as he dwells among them through the tabernacle.

The narrator of Exodus clearly states that the reason why God established the Mosaic covenant with Israel at Sinai was to carry forward his purpose as expressed within the earlier covenant with Abraham (Ex. 2:24; 3:6, 15, 16; 6:2–8). God’s promises to Abraham in Genesis 12:1–3 function as his solution to the problem of the human sin and rebellion that we read about in Genesis 3–11. In Exodus, God advances his solution to the fall by establishing Israel as a theocracy (a nation governed directly by God). Through the Mosaic covenant, Israel becomes the initial fulfillment and next stage of the promise that in Abraham’s lineage all the families of the earth would be blessed (Gen. 12:3).

God’s “Firstborn Son”

In Exodus 4:22–23, God announced to Pharaoh that Israel was “my firstborn son.” In the worldview of ancient Egypt, the firstborn son of a king would inherit the throne and would be under obligation to manifest the rule of the supreme deity of his father upon earth. Pharaoh thought of himself as the son and appointed representative of the supreme god of Egypt, and he believed that his own firstborn son would inherit this role.

Israel became the Lord’s adopted firstborn son, and so was under obligation to manifest the Lord’s rule upon earth. The original calling of humanity to be God’s image-bearers, his appointed representatives, who establish and extend God’s heavenly rule upon the earth, is now to be carried forward through the chosen people of Israel. Although Israel largely failed in this mission, Jesus ultimately suffers the punishment deserved by God’s people and secures the success of this mission through God’s new people, the church (Matt. 28:18–20).

Universal Themes in Exodus

The main theme of Exodus is the Lord’s self-revelation in faithfulness, grace, and power, especially in supremacy over the false gods of the world.

The faithful God. Exodus 3:10–15 is the revelation of the personal name of God, YHWH, which is rendered in most Bibles with small capital letters, as “the LORD.” The name is connected to the Hebrew verb “to be,” and its meaning becomes clear throughout Exodus. First, the Lord is the God who “will be” with his chosen people to enable them to fulfill their God-given task (Ex. 3:12). Second, the Lord is the God “who will be who he is” (see 3:14). God will be what he has always been. He is the unchanging, self-consistent God. He will be faithful forever to his own character and covenant commitments. Third, the Lord is the God who “will be” sufficient in his people’s moment of crisis (3:14b). God is faithful and powerful enough to carry through on his promise to deliver his people from Pharaoh and the gods of Egypt.

The gracious God. In Exodus 34:5–7, the Lord further unveils the essence of his character and the significance of his name to Moses, who had asked to see God’s glory (Ex. 33:18). The context is crucial, for Exodus 32–34 concerns Israel’s golden calf rebellion. It is in the midst of this crisis that God reveals that he is “a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin” (34:6–7). Because of Israel’s idolatry, the mission to rescue the world nearly collapses as God’s people forsake him. Yet due to his grace and covenant love, the mission to bless the whole world (Gen. 12:1–3) continues to advance. The golden calf incident, however, has revealed that Israel, the one through whom worldwide blessing was to come, is herself part of the problem. God’s own people have evil hearts (Ex. 32:9–10, 22; 33:5; 34:9).

The all-powerful God. In the exodus deliverance from Pharaoh, the Lord reveals himself as the only true God and king of the earth (Ex. 9:16; 15:11, 14–15, 18). In his victory over the world’s most powerful nation, the Lord demonstrates that its most powerful “gods” were not gods at all (12:12; 15:11). The book of Exodus shows that the God of Abraham is the only true God of all the earth.

The Global Message of Exodus for Today

Nations, political power, and oppression. Israel’s exodus from Egypt must be understood as the unique event that it was within the history of redemption. It would be wrong, therefore, to interpret the book of Exodus as declaring that God’s primary purpose is to liberate all oppressed people from political or economic enslavement. If we read Exodus in this way, we may begin to see the church’s primary mission as working to bring about political freedom and social justice. This is certainly a worthy and important goal, and Exodus does demonstrate vividly that God’s ear is drawn to the groaning of the oppressed (Ex. 2:23–24). God is compassionate and cares for the widow, the fatherless, and the poor (22:21–27), and the church is called to do likewise. Yet this is not the main message of Exodus. The church’s primary mission is the proclamation and living out of the gospel of Christ—for the fundamental problem plaguing humanity is not political oppression but its root cause, the evil human heart. And this fundamental problem is cured only in the work of Christ in dying and rising again. In doing all of this, Jesus accomplished a greater and final exodus deliverance for all who will put their trust in him.

The sojourner and the resident alien. In a time when economic crises, wars, and natural disasters compel individuals and whole peoples to flee their homelands and seek security in foreign countries, the issue of the resident alien has become acute throughout the entire global village. In Exodus, God commands Israel not to oppress the sojourner. He reminds his people of their own historic experience as oppressed sojourners in Egypt (Ex. 22:21; 23:9). While the book of Exodus is not a manual for dealing with the issue of illegal or unwanted immigration, the book certainly teaches that solutions must be sought with justice and compassion. And above all, global Christians must remember that they are resident aliens on earth and, most fundamentally, citizens of heaven (Phil. 3:20; 1 Pet. 1:1; 2:11).

Exodus Fact #1: As numerous as the stars

Fact: As numerous as the stars

As numerous as the stars. As the book of Exodus begins, some 350 years have passed since the end of Genesis. The 70 Israelites who went to Egypt have grown into a great multitude. This fulfills God’s promise to multiply Abraham’s descendants and to make them a blessing to all the nations of the world (Gen. 12:1–3; 15:5).

Exodus Fact #17: On eagles’ wings

Fact: On eagles’ wings

On eagles’ wings. The kind of eagle that the author of Exodus probably had in mind had a wingspan of 8 to 10 feet (2–3 m), making it a fitting symbol of the Lord’s ability to rescue his people from their life of slavery in Egypt.

Exodus Fact #32: God’s glory fills the tabernacle

Fact: God’s glory fills the tabernacle

Israel has witnessed some incredible events, such as the 10 plagues and the parting of the Sea. Now, at the end of Exodus, God’s glory fills the tabernacle and he will lead them to the Promised Land.

Exodus Fact #29: Cubits

Fact: Cubits

Cubits were a basic unit of measurement in Israel. One cubit equaled the distance from the elbow to the fingertips—about 18 inches (46 cm).

Exodus Fact #31: Linen

Fact: Linen

Linen was made from the flax plant. The plants were pulled up by their roots and dried before undergoing a process known as "retting," which loosened the fibers. The fibers were then beaten and combed so that they could be spun into thread. The result was a fabric that was light, durable, and easy to bleach. It was ideal for the hot, dry climate of ancient Israel.

The Setting of Leviticus

The Setting of Leviticus

c. 1446 B.C.

The book of Exodus finishes with Moses and Israel having constructed and assembled the tabernacle at the base of Mount Sinai. The book of Leviticus primarily records the instructions the Lord gives to Moses from the tent of meeting, but also includes narratives of a few events related to the tabernacle. (Regarding the date of the exodus, see Introduction to Exodus, and note on 1 Kings 6:1.)

The Setting of Leviticus

The Hebrew Calendar

The Hebrew Calendar

The Hebrew calendar was composed of 12 lunar months, each of which began when the thin crescent moon was first visible at sunset. They were composed of approximately 29/30 days and were built around the agricultural seasons. Apparently some of the names of the months were changed after the time of Israel’s exile in Babylon (e.g., the first month of Abib changed to Nisan; for dates of the exile, see p. 31). The months of the Hebrew calendar (left column) are compared to the corresponding months of the modern (Gregorian) calendar shown in the center column. Biblical references (in the third column) indicate references to the Hebrew calendar cited in the Bible.

Hebrew Month Gregorian (Modern) Month Biblical References
First Month:
Abib (Preexile)
Nisan (Postexile)
March–April Ex. 13:4; 23:15; 34:18; Deut. 16:1; Neh. 2:1; Est. 3:7 (compare Gen. 8:13; Ex. 12:2, 18; 40:2, 17; Lev. 23:5; Num. 9:1; 20:1; 28:16; 33:3; Josh. 4:19; 1 Chron. 12:15; 27:2, 3; 2 Chron. 29:3, 17; 35:1; Ezra 6:19; 7:9; 8:31; 10:17; Est. 3:7, 12; Ezek. 29:17; 30:20; 45:18, 21; Dan. 10:4)
Festivals:
14th/15th: Passover (Ex. 12:18; Lev. 23:5)
15th–21st: Unleavened Bread (Ex. 12:14–20; Lev. 23:6)
16th: First Fruits (Lev. 23:9–11)
Second Month:
Ziv (Preexile)
Iyyar (Postexile)
April–May 1 Kings 6:1, 37 (compare Gen. 7:11; 8:14; Ex. 16:1; Num. 1:1, 18; 9:11; 10:11; 1 Chron. 27:4; 2 Chron. 3:2; 30:2, 13, 15; Ezra 3:8)
Festival:
14th: Later Passover (Num. 9:10–11)
Third Month: Sivan May–June Est. 8:9 (compare Ex. 19:1; 1 Chron. 27:5; 2 Chron. 15:10; 31:7; Ezek. 31:1)
Festivals:
4th: Pentecost [Feast of Weeks] (Lev. 23:15–16)
Fourth Month: Tammuz June–July Ezek. 8:14 (compare 2 Kings 25:3; 1 Chron. 27:7; Jer. 39:2; 52:6; Ezek. 1:1; Zech. 8:19)
Fifth Month: Ab July–August Not mentioned by name in the Bible (compare Num. 33:38; 2 Kings 25:8; 1 Chron. 27:8; Ezra 7:8, 9; Jer. 1:3; 28:1; 52:12; Ezek. 20:1; Zech. 7:3, 5; 8:19)
Sixth Month: Elul August–September Neh. 6:15 (compare 1 Chron. 27:9; Ezek. 8:1; Hag. 1:1, 15)
Seventh Month:
Ethanim (Preexile)
Tishri (Postexile)
September–October 1 Kings 8:2 (compare Gen. 8:4; Lev. 16:29; 23:24, 27, 34, 39, 41; 25:9; Num. 29:1, 7, 12; 2 Kings 25:25; 1 Chron. 27:10; 2 Chron. 5:3; 7:10; 31:7; Ezra 3:1, 6; Neh. 7:73; 8:2, 14; Jer. 28:17; 41:1; Ezek. 45:25; Hag. 2:1; Zech. 7:5; 8:19)
Festivals:
1st: Trumpets (Lev. 23:24; Num. 29:1)
10th: Day of Atonement (Lev. 16:29–34; 23:27–32)
15th–21st: Booths (Lev. 23:34–40)
22nd: Solemn assembly (Lev. 23:36)
Eighth Month:
Bul (Preexile)
Marchesvan (Postexile)
October–November 1 Kings 6:38 (compare 1 Kings 12:32, 33; 1 Chron. 27:11; Zech. 1:1)
Ninth Month: Chislev (Kislev) November–December Neh. 1:1; Zech. 7:1 (compare 1 Chron. 27:12; Ezra 10:9; Jer. 36:9, 22; Hag. 2:10, 18)
Festival:
25th: Dedication (John 10:22)
Tenth Month: Tebeth December–January Est. 2:16 (compare Gen. 8:5; 2 Kings 25:1; 1 Chron. 27:13; Ezra 10:16; Jer. 39:1; 52:4; Ezek. 24:1; 29:1; 33:21; Zech. 8:19)
Eleventh Month: Shebat January–February Zech. 1:7 (compare Deut. 1:3; 1 Chron. 27:14)
Twelfth Month: Adar* February–March Ezra 6:15; Est. 3:7, 13; 8:12; 9:1, 15, 17, 19, 21 (compare 2 Kings 25:27; 1 Chron. 27:15; Jer. 52:31; Ezek. 32:1; 32:17)

*Periodically, a 13th month was added so that the lunar calendar would account for the entire solar year.

The Battle between Yahweh and the Rulers of Egypt

The Battle between Yahweh and the Rulers of Egypt

Exodus tells about the plagues God brings about as he frees his people from Egypt. The plagues affect areas of life supposedly protected by Egypt’s gods. Thus, they show God’s power over the gods of the world’s mightiest nation.

Type of Plague Reference Warning? Time of Warning Instruction Agent Staff? Pharaoh promises to let people go? Pharaoh’s heart hardened?
1st Cycle 1. Nile to blood 7:14–25 Yes In the morning Go to Pharaoh; Stand Aaron Yes Yes
2. Frogs from the Nile 8:1–15 Yes Go in to Pharaoh Aaron Yes Yes Yes
3. Dust to gnats 8:16–19 Aaron Yes Yes
2nd Cycle 4. Flies 8:20–32 Yes Early in the morning Present yourself to Pharaoh God Yes Yes
5. Egyptian livestock die 9:1–7 Yes Go in to Pharaoh God Yes
6. Boils 9:8–12 Moses Yes
3rd Cycle 7. Hail 9:13–35 Yes Early in the morning Present yourself before Pharaoh Moses Yes Yes
8. Locusts 10:1–20 Yes Go in to Pharaoh Moses Yes Yes Yes
9. Darkness 10:21–29 Moses Yes Yes Yes
  10. Death of firstborn 11:1–10; 12:29–32 Yes God Yes Yes Yes
Parallels between Exodus and Numbers

Parallels between Exodus and Numbers

Ex. 18:1 Advice from Moses’ father-in-law Advice from Moses’ father-in-law Num. 10:29
Ex. 15:22 Three-day journey to Sinai Three-day journey from Sinai Num. 10:33
Ex. 15:22–26 Complaint about water Unspecified complaint Num. 11:1–3
Exodus 16 Manna and quail Manna and quail Num. 11:4–15, 31–35
Exodus 18 Leaders appointed to assist Moses Leaders appointed to assist Moses Num. 11:16–30
Ex. 15:20–21 Miriam’s song of praise Miriam and Aaron rebel Numbers 12
Ex. 17:8–16 Israel defeats Amalek Israel defeated by Amalek Num. 14:39–45
Ex. 17:1–7 Water from rock Water from rock Num. 20:1–13
Ex. 32:6 People sacrifice to other gods People sacrifice to other gods Num. 25:2
Ex. 32:27 Killing of apostates demanded Killing of apostates demanded Num. 25:5
Ex. 32:28–29 Levites’ status enhanced Levites’ (Phinehas’s) status enhanced Num. 25:6–13
Ex. 32:35 Plague on the people Plague on the people Num. 25:9
Study Notes
Exodus Fact #29: Cubits

Fact: Cubits

Cubits were a basic unit of measurement in Israel. One cubit equaled the distance from the elbow to the fingertips—about 18 inches (46 cm).

Study Notes
The Bronze Altar

The Bronze Altar

The bronze altar for burnt offerings (Ex. 27:1–8; 38:1–7) stood in the outer courtyard with its poles removed. It was a hollow wooden box, overlaid with bronze, measuring 4.5 feet high, 7.5 feet long, and 7.5 feet wide (1.4 m x 2.3 m x 2.3 m). There was a bronze grating on the top and on the sides of the altar.

The Bronze Altar

Study Notes

Ex. 38:8 The mirrors given by the women were highly polished pieces of bronze. They were probably among the treasures brought out of Egypt during the exodus (see 12:36). The original readers of Exodus would have understood the role of the women who ministered in the entrance of the tent of meeting, but it is not explained anywhere else in the OT. It is referred to elsewhere only in connection with the sin of Eli’s sons (see 1 Sam. 2:22).

Study Notes

Ex. 38:1–20 The pieces described are those in the court that surrounds the tabernacle (vv. 9–20; see 27:9–19). See illustration of the tabernacle and its court.

The Tabernacle And Court

The Tabernacle And Court

The tabernacle was a portable temple—a “tent of meeting”—within a movable courtyard (Exodus 25–31; 35–40). It was constructed after the pattern that Yahweh revealed to Moses on Mount Sinai, and was assembled in the desert as Moses led the Israelites from Egypt to the Promised Land. The tabernacle courtyard was 150 feet (46 m) long and 75 feet (23 m) wide, totaling 11,250 square feet (1,045 square meters).

The Tabernacle And Court

Study Notes
Exodus Fact #31: Linen

Fact: Linen

Linen was made from the flax plant. The plants were pulled up by their roots and dried before undergoing a process known as "retting," which loosened the fibers. The fibers were then beaten and combed so that they could be spun into thread. The result was a fabric that was light, durable, and easy to bleach. It was ideal for the hot, dry climate of ancient Israel.

Study Notes

Ex. 39:1–31 This section describes the garments for Aaron and his sons. See illustration. After the description of each piece, it is emphasized that it was made as the LORD had commanded Moses.

The High Priest’s Holy Garments

The High Priest’s Holy Garments

The illustration depicts the holy garments worn by the high priests (Exodus 28; 39).

The turban of fine linen held a plate of pure shining gold, on which were engraved the Hebrew words for “Holy to YHWH.”

The ephod (a colorful linen torso garment held by a skillfully woven waistband) had two shoulder pieces, each holding an onyx stone. The names of the 12 sons of Israel were engraved on these two stones. The cloth breastpiece of judgment had four rows, each with three precious stones. Each of these stones had engraved upon it the name of one of the tribes of Israel. The breastpiece also contained the Urim and the Thummim, and was attached to the ephod by gold chains and rings. The blue robe was worn under the ephod (Lev. 8:7–8); colorful imitation pomegranates lined the hem of the robe, alternating with golden bells. The white coat or tunic of checkered weave and fine linen was probably held by the embroidered sash under the robe.

The High Priest’s Holy Garments

Study Notes

Ex. 39:32–43 The people completed all the work of the tabernacle and then brought the pieces to Moses.

The High Priest’s Holy Garments

The High Priest’s Holy Garments

The illustration depicts the holy garments worn by the high priests (Exodus 28; 39).

The turban of fine linen held a plate of pure shining gold, on which were engraved the Hebrew words for “Holy to YHWH.”

The ephod (a colorful linen torso garment held by a skillfully woven waistband) had two shoulder pieces, each holding an onyx stone. The names of the 12 sons of Israel were engraved on these two stones. The cloth breastpiece of judgment had four rows, each with three precious stones. Each of these stones had engraved upon it the name of one of the tribes of Israel. The breastpiece also contained the Urim and the Thummim, and was attached to the ephod by gold chains and rings. The blue robe was worn under the ephod (Lev. 8:7–8); colorful imitation pomegranates lined the hem of the robe, alternating with golden bells. The white coat or tunic of checkered weave and fine linen was probably held by the embroidered sash under the robe.

The High Priest’s Holy Garments

Study Notes

Ex. 40:12–15 The anointing of Aaron and his sons commanded here is described in Lev. 8:1–13.

Study Notes
See chart See chart
The Hebrew Calendar

The Hebrew Calendar

The Hebrew calendar was composed of 12 lunar months, each of which began when the thin crescent moon was first visible at sunset. They were composed of approximately 29/30 days and were built around the agricultural seasons. Apparently some of the names of the months were changed after the time of Israel’s exile in Babylon (e.g., the first month of Abib changed to Nisan; for dates of the exile, see p. 31). The months of the Hebrew calendar (left column) are compared to the corresponding months of the modern (Gregorian) calendar shown in the center column. Biblical references (in the third column) indicate references to the Hebrew calendar cited in the Bible.

Hebrew Month Gregorian (Modern) Month Biblical References
First Month:
Abib (Preexile)
Nisan (Postexile)
March–April Ex. 13:4; 23:15; 34:18; Deut. 16:1; Neh. 2:1; Est. 3:7 (compare Gen. 8:13; Ex. 12:2, 18; 40:2, 17; Lev. 23:5; Num. 9:1; 20:1; 28:16; 33:3; Josh. 4:19; 1 Chron. 12:15; 27:2, 3; 2 Chron. 29:3, 17; 35:1; Ezra 6:19; 7:9; 8:31; 10:17; Est. 3:7, 12; Ezek. 29:17; 30:20; 45:18, 21; Dan. 10:4)
Festivals:
14th/15th: Passover (Ex. 12:18; Lev. 23:5)
15th–21st: Unleavened Bread (Ex. 12:14–20; Lev. 23:6)
16th: First Fruits (Lev. 23:9–11)
Second Month:
Ziv (Preexile)
Iyyar (Postexile)
April–May 1 Kings 6:1, 37 (compare Gen. 7:11; 8:14; Ex. 16:1; Num. 1:1, 18; 9:11; 10:11; 1 Chron. 27:4; 2 Chron. 3:2; 30:2, 13, 15; Ezra 3:8)
Festival:
14th: Later Passover (Num. 9:10–11)
Third Month: Sivan May–June Est. 8:9 (compare Ex. 19:1; 1 Chron. 27:5; 2 Chron. 15:10; 31:7; Ezek. 31:1)
Festivals:
4th: Pentecost [Feast of Weeks] (Lev. 23:15–16)
Fourth Month: Tammuz June–July Ezek. 8:14 (compare 2 Kings 25:3; 1 Chron. 27:7; Jer. 39:2; 52:6; Ezek. 1:1; Zech. 8:19)
Fifth Month: Ab July–August Not mentioned by name in the Bible (compare Num. 33:38; 2 Kings 25:8; 1 Chron. 27:8; Ezra 7:8, 9; Jer. 1:3; 28:1; 52:12; Ezek. 20:1; Zech. 7:3, 5; 8:19)
Sixth Month: Elul August–September Neh. 6:15 (compare 1 Chron. 27:9; Ezek. 8:1; Hag. 1:1, 15)
Seventh Month:
Ethanim (Preexile)
Tishri (Postexile)
September–October 1 Kings 8:2 (compare Gen. 8:4; Lev. 16:29; 23:24, 27, 34, 39, 41; 25:9; Num. 29:1, 7, 12; 2 Kings 25:25; 1 Chron. 27:10; 2 Chron. 5:3; 7:10; 31:7; Ezra 3:1, 6; Neh. 7:73; 8:2, 14; Jer. 28:17; 41:1; Ezek. 45:25; Hag. 2:1; Zech. 7:5; 8:19)
Festivals:
1st: Trumpets (Lev. 23:24; Num. 29:1)
10th: Day of Atonement (Lev. 16:29–34; 23:27–32)
15th–21st: Booths (Lev. 23:34–40)
22nd: Solemn assembly (Lev. 23:36)
Eighth Month:
Bul (Preexile)
Marchesvan (Postexile)
October–November 1 Kings 6:38 (compare 1 Kings 12:32, 33; 1 Chron. 27:11; Zech. 1:1)
Ninth Month: Chislev (Kislev) November–December Neh. 1:1; Zech. 7:1 (compare 1 Chron. 27:12; Ezra 10:9; Jer. 36:9, 22; Hag. 2:10, 18)
Festival:
25th: Dedication (John 10:22)
Tenth Month: Tebeth December–January Est. 2:16 (compare Gen. 8:5; 2 Kings 25:1; 1 Chron. 27:13; Ezra 10:16; Jer. 39:1; 52:4; Ezek. 24:1; 29:1; 33:21; Zech. 8:19)
Eleventh Month: Shebat January–February Zech. 1:7 (compare Deut. 1:3; 1 Chron. 27:14)
Twelfth Month: Adar* February–March Ezra 6:15; Est. 3:7, 13; 8:12; 9:1, 15, 17, 19, 21 (compare 2 Kings 25:27; 1 Chron. 27:15; Jer. 52:31; Ezek. 32:1; 32:17)

*Periodically, a 13th month was added so that the lunar calendar would account for the entire solar year.

Study Notes

Ex. 40:16–33 The people’s strict obedience to God’s commands showed that they had repented of their sin with the golden calf. This made it possible for God to dwell among them again (vv. 34–38; compare “I will not go up among you,” 33:3).

Study Notes

Ex. 19:1–40:38 Covenant at Sinai. The second half of Exodus focuses on the events at Mount Sinai and the content of the law revealed to Moses.

35:1–40:38 Tabernacle: Preparation for the Presence. The final section of Exodus describes the construction of the tabernacle, which is then filled by the glory of the Lord (40:34–38). The tabernacle is the visible guarantee of God’s continuing presence with and care for Israel.

Ex. 40:34–38 The repetition in these verses emphasizes that the Lord is pres­ent with all his glory in the midst of his people. They can know that he is their God who has brought them out of the land of Egypt, and who dwells among them (see 29:43–46).

See chart See chart
The Battle between Yahweh and the Rulers of Egypt

The Battle between Yahweh and the Rulers of Egypt

Exodus tells about the plagues God brings about as he frees his people from Egypt. The plagues affect areas of life supposedly protected by Egypt’s gods. Thus, they show God’s power over the gods of the world’s mightiest nation.

Type of Plague Reference Warning? Time of Warning Instruction Agent Staff? Pharaoh promises to let people go? Pharaoh’s heart hardened?
1st Cycle 1. Nile to blood 7:14–25 Yes In the morning Go to Pharaoh; Stand Aaron Yes Yes
2. Frogs from the Nile 8:1–15 Yes Go in to Pharaoh Aaron Yes Yes Yes
3. Dust to gnats 8:16–19 Aaron Yes Yes
2nd Cycle 4. Flies 8:20–32 Yes Early in the morning Present yourself to Pharaoh God Yes Yes
5. Egyptian livestock die 9:1–7 Yes Go in to Pharaoh God Yes
6. Boils 9:8–12 Moses Yes
3rd Cycle 7. Hail 9:13–35 Yes Early in the morning Present yourself before Pharaoh Moses Yes Yes
8. Locusts 10:1–20 Yes Go in to Pharaoh Moses Yes Yes Yes
9. Darkness 10:21–29 Moses Yes Yes Yes
  10. Death of firstborn 11:1–10; 12:29–32 Yes God Yes Yes Yes
See chart See chart
Parallels between Exodus and Numbers

Parallels between Exodus and Numbers

Ex. 18:1 Advice from Moses’ father-in-law Advice from Moses’ father-in-law Num. 10:29
Ex. 15:22 Three-day journey to Sinai Three-day journey from Sinai Num. 10:33
Ex. 15:22–26 Complaint about water Unspecified complaint Num. 11:1–3
Exodus 16 Manna and quail Manna and quail Num. 11:4–15, 31–35
Exodus 18 Leaders appointed to assist Moses Leaders appointed to assist Moses Num. 11:16–30
Ex. 15:20–21 Miriam’s song of praise Miriam and Aaron rebel Numbers 12
Ex. 17:8–16 Israel defeats Amalek Israel defeated by Amalek Num. 14:39–45
Ex. 17:1–7 Water from rock Water from rock Num. 20:1–13
Ex. 32:6 People sacrifice to other gods People sacrifice to other gods Num. 25:2
Ex. 32:27 Killing of apostates demanded Killing of apostates demanded Num. 25:5
Ex. 32:28–29 Levites’ status enhanced Levites’ (Phinehas’s) status enhanced Num. 25:6–13
Ex. 32:35 Plague on the people Plague on the people Num. 25:9
The Tabernacle And Court

The Tabernacle And Court

The tabernacle was a portable temple—a “tent of meeting”—within a movable courtyard (Exodus 25–31; 35–40). It was constructed after the pattern that Yahweh revealed to Moses on Mount Sinai, and was assembled in the desert as Moses led the Israelites from Egypt to the Promised Land. The tabernacle courtyard was 150 feet (46 m) long and 75 feet (23 m) wide, totaling 11,250 square feet (1,045 square meters).

The Tabernacle And Court

Introduction to Exodus

Introduction to Exodus

Timeline

Author and Date

Exodus (meaning exit) is best understood to have been written primarily by Moses, like the rest of the Pentateuch, though some details (such as the narrative of his death in Deuteronomy 34) were clearly added at a later time. It also appears that some language and references were updated for later readers. There is no consensus among scholars as to the date when the events of the exodus took place. A common view is that the exodus occurred in c. 1446 B.C. This is based on the calculation of 480 years from Israel’s departure from Egypt to the fourth year of Solomon’s reign (c. 966 B.C.; see 1 Kings 6:1). However, because Exodus 1:11 depicts Israel working on a city called Raamses, some scholars believe that this would suggest that the exodus occurred during the reign of Raamses II in Egypt (c. 1279–1213 B.C.), possibly around 1260 B.C. (see note on 1 Kings 6:1).

Theme

The overarching theme of Exodus is the fulfillment of God’s promises to the patriarchs. The success of the exodus must be credited to the power and purpose of God, who remembers his promises, punishes sin, and forgives the repentant. The book highlights Moses’ faithfulness and prayerfulness.

Key Themes

  1. Covenant promises. The events and instructions in Exodus are described as the Lord remembering his covenant promises to Abraham (2:24; 3:6, 14–17; 6:2–8). The promises extend to both Abra­ham’s descendants and all the nations of the world (Gen. 12:1–3). They include land (which Israel will inhabit), numerous offspring (which will secure their ongoing identity), and blessing (God cares for them and other nations). The fulfillment of these promises is rooted in Israel’s covenant relationship with the Lord (Gen. 17:7–8).
  2. Covenant mediator. Moses mediates between the Lord and his people. Through Moses the Lord reveals his purposes to Israel and sustains the covenant relationship.
  3. Covenant presence. God’s presence with his people is highlighted throughout the book of Exodus.

Outline

  1. Exodus of Israel from Egypt (1:1–18:27)
    1. Setting: Israel in Egypt (1:1–2:25)
    2. Call of Moses (3:1–4:31)
    3. Moses and Aaron: initial request (5:1–7:7)
    4. Plagues and exodus (7:8–15:21)
    5. Journey (15:22–18:27)
  2. Covenant at Sinai (19:1–40:38)
    1. Setting: Sinai (19:1–25)
    2. Covenant words and rules (20:1–23:33)
    3. Covenant confirmed (24:1–18)
    4. Instructions for the tabernacle (25:1–31:17)
    5. Moses receives the tablets (31:18)
    6. Covenant breach, intercession, and renewal (32:1–34:35)
    7. Tabernacle: preparation for the presence (35:1–40:38)

The Journey to Mount Sinai

1446 B.C.

Scholars disagree about the precise route of the exodus, but most agree that Mount Sinai is the site that today is called Jebel Musa (“Mountain of Moses”).

The Journey to Mount Sinai

The Global Message of Exodus

The Global Message of Exodus

The Continued Story of Redemptive History

The book of Exodus continues the story of the redemptive history that God began in the book of Genesis. The original purpose of Exodus was to help the people of Israel understand their identity as God’s special people, and to learn about their covenant obligations to him. They were to see themselves as God’s “firstborn son” (Ex. 4:22–23) and as a “kingdom of priests” (19:5–6), called to bring God’s blessings to the nations. Exodus describes how the Lord delivered Israel from Egyptian oppression (chs. 1–15), brought her into covenant relationship with himself at Mount Sinai (chs. 16–24), and came to dwell in her midst in the tabernacle (chs. 25–40).

The Meaning of the Exodus

God’s main purpose in delivering the people of Israel out of Egyptian oppression was so that he “might dwell among” them (Ex. 29:46). To understand why God desired to dwell in Israel’s midst, we must consider the book of Exodus within the larger framework of redemptive history. The Creator-King’s original intention was that he might dwell among his people, who would be a flourishing human community in a paradise-kingdom beginning in Eden and spreading throughout the whole world (see “The Global Message of Genesis”). The book of Revelation shows that these original creation intentions remain God’s purpose for his people, and his purpose will be fulfilled at the end of history (Revelation 21–22). In those last two chapters of the Bible, as in the Bible’s first two chapters, we see God dwelling with his people. In the book of Exodus we see this as well, as Israel learns about their covenant relationship with God, and as he dwells among them through the tabernacle.

The narrator of Exodus clearly states that the reason why God established the Mosaic covenant with Israel at Sinai was to carry forward his purpose as expressed within the earlier covenant with Abraham (Ex. 2:24; 3:6, 15, 16; 6:2–8). God’s promises to Abraham in Genesis 12:1–3 function as his solution to the problem of the human sin and rebellion that we read about in Genesis 3–11. In Exodus, God advances his solution to the fall by establishing Israel as a theocracy (a nation governed directly by God). Through the Mosaic covenant, Israel becomes the initial fulfillment and next stage of the promise that in Abraham’s lineage all the families of the earth would be blessed (Gen. 12:3).

God’s “Firstborn Son”

In Exodus 4:22–23, God announced to Pharaoh that Israel was “my firstborn son.” In the worldview of ancient Egypt, the firstborn son of a king would inherit the throne and would be under obligation to manifest the rule of the supreme deity of his father upon earth. Pharaoh thought of himself as the son and appointed representative of the supreme god of Egypt, and he believed that his own firstborn son would inherit this role.

Israel became the Lord’s adopted firstborn son, and so was under obligation to manifest the Lord’s rule upon earth. The original calling of humanity to be God’s image-bearers, his appointed representatives, who establish and extend God’s heavenly rule upon the earth, is now to be carried forward through the chosen people of Israel. Although Israel largely failed in this mission, Jesus ultimately suffers the punishment deserved by God’s people and secures the success of this mission through God’s new people, the church (Matt. 28:18–20).

Universal Themes in Exodus

The main theme of Exodus is the Lord’s self-revelation in faithfulness, grace, and power, especially in supremacy over the false gods of the world.

The faithful God. Exodus 3:10–15 is the revelation of the personal name of God, YHWH, which is rendered in most Bibles with small capital letters, as “the LORD.” The name is connected to the Hebrew verb “to be,” and its meaning becomes clear throughout Exodus. First, the Lord is the God who “will be” with his chosen people to enable them to fulfill their God-given task (Ex. 3:12). Second, the Lord is the God “who will be who he is” (see 3:14). God will be what he has always been. He is the unchanging, self-consistent God. He will be faithful forever to his own character and covenant commitments. Third, the Lord is the God who “will be” sufficient in his people’s moment of crisis (3:14b). God is faithful and powerful enough to carry through on his promise to deliver his people from Pharaoh and the gods of Egypt.

The gracious God. In Exodus 34:5–7, the Lord further unveils the essence of his character and the significance of his name to Moses, who had asked to see God’s glory (Ex. 33:18). The context is crucial, for Exodus 32–34 concerns Israel’s golden calf rebellion. It is in the midst of this crisis that God reveals that he is “a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin” (34:6–7). Because of Israel’s idolatry, the mission to rescue the world nearly collapses as God’s people forsake him. Yet due to his grace and covenant love, the mission to bless the whole world (Gen. 12:1–3) continues to advance. The golden calf incident, however, has revealed that Israel, the one through whom worldwide blessing was to come, is herself part of the problem. God’s own people have evil hearts (Ex. 32:9–10, 22; 33:5; 34:9).

The all-powerful God. In the exodus deliverance from Pharaoh, the Lord reveals himself as the only true God and king of the earth (Ex. 9:16; 15:11, 14–15, 18). In his victory over the world’s most powerful nation, the Lord demonstrates that its most powerful “gods” were not gods at all (12:12; 15:11). The book of Exodus shows that the God of Abraham is the only true God of all the earth.

The Global Message of Exodus for Today

Nations, political power, and oppression. Israel’s exodus from Egypt must be understood as the unique event that it was within the history of redemption. It would be wrong, therefore, to interpret the book of Exodus as declaring that God’s primary purpose is to liberate all oppressed people from political or economic enslavement. If we read Exodus in this way, we may begin to see the church’s primary mission as working to bring about political freedom and social justice. This is certainly a worthy and important goal, and Exodus does demonstrate vividly that God’s ear is drawn to the groaning of the oppressed (Ex. 2:23–24). God is compassionate and cares for the widow, the fatherless, and the poor (22:21–27), and the church is called to do likewise. Yet this is not the main message of Exodus. The church’s primary mission is the proclamation and living out of the gospel of Christ—for the fundamental problem plaguing humanity is not political oppression but its root cause, the evil human heart. And this fundamental problem is cured only in the work of Christ in dying and rising again. In doing all of this, Jesus accomplished a greater and final exodus deliverance for all who will put their trust in him.

The sojourner and the resident alien. In a time when economic crises, wars, and natural disasters compel individuals and whole peoples to flee their homelands and seek security in foreign countries, the issue of the resident alien has become acute throughout the entire global village. In Exodus, God commands Israel not to oppress the sojourner. He reminds his people of their own historic experience as oppressed sojourners in Egypt (Ex. 22:21; 23:9). While the book of Exodus is not a manual for dealing with the issue of illegal or unwanted immigration, the book certainly teaches that solutions must be sought with justice and compassion. And above all, global Christians must remember that they are resident aliens on earth and, most fundamentally, citizens of heaven (Phil. 3:20; 1 Pet. 1:1; 2:11).

Exodus Fact #1: As numerous as the stars

Fact: As numerous as the stars

As numerous as the stars. As the book of Exodus begins, some 350 years have passed since the end of Genesis. The 70 Israelites who went to Egypt have grown into a great multitude. This fulfills God’s promise to multiply Abraham’s descendants and to make them a blessing to all the nations of the world (Gen. 12:1–3; 15:5).

Exodus Fact #17: On eagles’ wings

Fact: On eagles’ wings

On eagles’ wings. The kind of eagle that the author of Exodus probably had in mind had a wingspan of 8 to 10 feet (2–3 m), making it a fitting symbol of the Lord’s ability to rescue his people from their life of slavery in Egypt.

Exodus Fact #32: God’s glory fills the tabernacle

Fact: God’s glory fills the tabernacle

Israel has witnessed some incredible events, such as the 10 plagues and the parting of the Sea. Now, at the end of Exodus, God’s glory fills the tabernacle and he will lead them to the Promised Land.

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Dive Deeper | Exodus 38-40

The LORD remained faithful and ever so kind to make a way for His people. He rescued them from slavery and oppression, delivered them from the hands of Pharaoh, provided for them during their journey through the wilderness, and showed mercy and steadfast love to them despite their grumbling and disobedience toward Him.

But in order for His people to be able to enter His Holy Presence, a special place was needed. So, the LORD gave specific, purposeful instructions on how to build the tabernacle. This is where the presence of the Lord would dwell with the people of Israel, and they would see the cloud by day and the fire by night as a visible manifestation of His presence and glory. 

Now, with everything in the tabernacle complete, Yahweh fills it with the glory of Himself. He dwells among the people of Israel, fulfilling His promise from Exodus 29:45.  And He will continue to set out and go before them. 

What a beautiful picture of the great hope and trust we have in the Lord—He is eager to commune with all His people and be our One and only God! 

It's also a picture of the union believers have with Christ. Because of Jesus' death and resurrection, the Holy Spirit now dwells in the hearts of all who believe in His death and resurrection and who have accepted His salvation. We can hold fast to the promise that Jesus is with us always, to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20), and that He will never leave or forsake those who have put their faith and trust in Him (Hebrews 13:5). He is with us, and He goes before us throughout all of our journeys, now and until we make it safely home (Exodus 40:38).

This month's memory verse

"The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, 'The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.'"

– Exodus 34:6

Discussion Questions

1. God desires to meet with you and to hear from you. Take an honest assessment of your time spent with Jesus (e.g., in His Word; in prayer, both talking and listening to Him; and gathering with His people). What has your time looked like with Him? 

2. Would you say you delight in God's presence? What do you think it looks like to delight in His presence?

3. Are you quick to set out and do the next thing before the Lord tells you to go? Why do you think that is? 

4. Are you currently waiting for the Lord to provide clarity on your next steps? What should your response be in times of resting and waiting on the Lord to move? 

5. John 14:16-17 says the Holy Spirit dwells in us and is with us! How does this give you courage and confidence as you continue to trust in and walk with Christ?