Exodus

Exodus is traditionally attributed to Moses, who was not only the author but also the central human figure in the narrative. Moses is believed to have written Exodus around 1440-1400 BC. The book records events he personally experienced, including the burning bush encounter and receiving the Law at Mount Sinai.

Exodus contains 40 chapters. The first half (chapters 1-18) narrates Israel's deliverance from Egypt, including the ten plagues and the Red Sea crossing. The second half (chapters 19-40) covers the giving of the Law at Sinai and the construction of the Tabernacle.

The main theme of Exodus is redemption and deliverance. God rescues His people from slavery in Egypt, establishes a covenant with them at Sinai, and gives them the Law to govern their relationship with Him. Exodus introduces the Passover, a central type of Christ's sacrificial death in the New Testament.

Key events include: the birth and calling of Moses (chapters 1-4), the ten plagues on Egypt (chapters 7-12), the Passover and exodus from Egypt (chapters 12-13), the parting of the Red Sea (chapter 14), the giving of the Ten Commandments (chapter 20), the golden calf incident (chapter 32), and the construction of the Tabernacle (chapters 35-40).

Exodus establishes the pattern of God as Redeemer, which runs throughout Scripture. The Passover lamb foreshadows Christ's sacrifice, the covenant at Sinai establishes Israel as God's chosen people, and the Tabernacle introduces God's desire to dwell among His people — themes fulfilled in Jesus Christ and the church.