The Exodus Journey

Brief History of the Book of Exodus 

The book of Exodus continues the history begun in Genesis. Genesis closes with the children of Israel living in Egypt, where Joseph had risen to a position of authority and his family had been preserved during famine. Exodus opens generations later, after Joseph and his generation had died. The Israelites had multiplied greatly, and a new Pharaoh arose who did not regard Joseph or what he had done for Egypt (Exodus 1:6–8).

Fearing Israel's increasing population, Pharaoh subjected the children of Israel to hard bondage, forcing them into severe labor. He later ordered the death of the Hebrew male children. During this period Moses was born, preserved through God's providence, and raised in Pharaoh's household.

After Moses fled Egypt and lived in Midian, God appeared to him at the burning bush and commissioned him to return to Egypt. Moses and Aaron confronted Pharaoh with God's command:

“Let my people go, that they may serve me.” — Exodus 8:1

Pharaoh repeatedly refused. The LORD therefore brought a series of judgments upon Egypt, demonstrating His authority over Pharaoh and the gods of Egypt. The final judgment—the death of the firstborn—was accompanied by the institution of the Passover. Israel was instructed to place the blood of the lamb upon their houses, and the LORD passed over them (Exodus 12).

The Children's Journey

Israel's departure from Egypt was only the beginning of their journey.

Their movement through Exodus can be understood simply as:

Bondage in Egypt → Deliverance → Red Sea → Wilderness → Mount Sinai → Covenant → Tabernacle

God brought the children of Israel out of Egypt, but Pharaoh pursued them. At the Red Sea, the LORD opened a way through the waters for Israel and destroyed the pursuing Egyptian forces.

Once in the wilderness, Israel had to learn something they had not yet learned in Egypt: how to live as God's covenant people and depend upon Him.

They experienced hunger, thirst, fear, conflict, and testing. God provided manna, water, protection, guidance, and victory. Their wilderness experiences repeatedly exposed unbelief and murmuring, while also revealing God's patience, provision, holiness, and faithfulness.

At Mount Sinai, the journey takes another important turn. The God who delivered Israel now begins teaching Israel how a redeemed people should live.

“And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation.” — Exodus 19:6

God gave His commandments, established His covenant requirements, and provided instructions concerning worship and the Tabernacle.

The book ends with the Tabernacle completed and the glory of the LORD filling it (Exodus 40:34–38).

The Greater Purpose of Exodus

Exodus is therefore more than the history of people escaping slavery.

It is the account of God taking a people out of bondage, bringing them unto Himself, establishing covenant with them, teaching them His ways, and dwelling among them.

This makes Exodus a foundational book for understanding biblical themes such as redemption, covenant, Passover, sacrifice, priesthood, holiness, worship, God's presence, and deliverance.

One of its central declarations is found in Exodus 6:7:

“And I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God.”

That statement explains much of the journey: God brought Israel out so that He might bring Israel unto Himself.