Episode #7: “Let My People Go”

HOST: Michael Whitworth

Exodus is a unique book for a couple of reasons.

It contains the singular most important event in the OT—what we call, you guessed it, the Exodus from Egypt.

The Book of Exodus contains such biblical hallmarks as the Ten Plague and Ten Commandments, as well as details about the contraction of the Tabernacle.

Most of Moses’ life is detailed in Exodus (and later in Numbers). Moses’ impact on Israel’s history cannot be overstated.

The Dating of Exodus: The exact date of the Exodus is debated by scholars. Solomon's Temple construction began in 966 B.C., and 1 Kgs 6:1 says this was in the 480th year of the Exodus, marking the Exodus in 1446 B.C. (cf. Judg 11:26).

But there are historical/archaelogical issues with this date, leading some scholars to hold to a late date for the Exodus c. 1200 B.C., but there are issues with this date as well. Dillard and Longman conclude: “The archaeological arguments that some take to lead inexorably toward a late date of the exodus are questionable or wrong.”

Exodus in the NT:

In Exodus, we see a microcosm of the grand narrative of Scripture. Like Israel, all of humanity is enslaved to sin. But the great liberator and law-giver, Jesus (like Moses) leads us out of bondage and into a new existence. According to Romans 6:22, we have been freed from one master to serve another—just like Israel. Hebrews 8:6 tells us that Christians are recipients and beneficiaries of a better covenant than the one installed at Mt. Sinai.

Elsewhere in the NT, the crossing of the Red Sea is a seen as a shadow of Christian baptism (1 Cor 10:1-11) and Jesus likened himself to the manna Israel received in the wilderness, calling himself “the Bread of life” John 6:22-59).

Specific tips for reading Exodus:

Note Exodus’ three major themes: service, covenant and the presence of God. As you read through the book, take notes on how these three themes are revealed and developed.

As with all OT narrative, pay special attention to all speeches and dialogue. The plot of Exodus is most often advanced by speech, rather than simple narration. Also, note when emotions are recorded.

Beware of modern or naturalistic explanations of the plagues or the parting of the Red Sea. However the plagues and Red Sea parting took place materially, it is important for Christians to recognize and profess that “God did it!”

Though it is important to understanding portions of Genesis, having some familiarity with Ancient Egyptian culture is very important to reading Exodus. I personally would recommend the book The Ancient Egyptians for Dummies by Charlotte Booth.

This week's drawing is for "How to Read Exodus" by Tremper Longman III. A huge thanks to the folks at InterVarsity Press for sponsoring this week's giveaway. To enter to win this book, just leave a review of this podcast on iTunes at https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/eat-this-book/id961772605