Exodus Overview

Examine the context and setting of the book of Exodus. Probe the significance of the exodus event and sketch an outline for the structure of the book.

Trace literary links connecting the beginning of Exodus to the beginning of Genesis. See how Pharaoh’s pride sets up the conflict that propels the narrative.

Learn how God’s deliverer must first be delivered. Trace repeated words as Moses' story recalls themes from Genesis and foreshadows the rest of Exodus.

Study the way Yahweh forms Moses’ identity and see how naming and commissioning become crucial themes in the story.

Examine the literary significance of the burning bush encounter and meditate on the name of God, Yahweh.

Wrestle with the perplexing episode when God is about to kill Moses. Locate this scene in its larger literary unit to better understand its meaning.

Track references throughout the story of Moses’ confrontation with Pharaoh in order to better understand the purpose of this battle.

Evaluate various explanations for the meaning of the plagues and trace the literary connections to other biblical stories.

Trace the literary design of the plagues to better understand the meaning of Pharaoh’s hard heart.

Reflect on the literary function of the Passover ritual to understand how instructions like these work to draw the reader into participating in the story.

Consider questions about the number of Israelites leaving Egypt to see how it fits with the narratives that come before and after the exodus.

Experience how the themes covered so far converge in the famous Song of the Sea found in Exodus 15.

Chart the chiastic structure of the Torah to see how the authors emphasize its main focal point—Israel’s time at Sinai.

Consider how Jethro, a non-Israelite, confirms the role of Moses and the Israelites as God’s chosen people.

Examine God’s commission to a kingdom of priests as Israel finally arrives at Mount Sinai.

Is the law a heavy burden? Examine the literary and historical context of the Ten Commandments to dispel common misconceptions about the giving of the law.

Discover how different traditions number the commandments and see how the first commandment sets a foundation for the rest.

What does it mean to bear God's name? What about taking God's name in vain? Follow the text to understand the command to never bear the name of God in vain.

Closely examine the command to keep the Sabbath and see a depth and beauty to the practice that transcends merely taking one day off per week.

Does God condone slavery? Consider the literary and historical context of the so-called “slavery” laws to see how they fit into God’s instruction to Israel.

The stories about the conquest in Canaan do not support racism or ethnic cleansing. Compare associated texts to see God's purpose in these narratives.

Conclude the section on the laws with the ratification of the covenant.

Trace narrative time and space to see how the tabernacle building instructions aim to bless humanity, mirroring Yahweh's original goals in creation.

Examine the description of the priestly garments to understand their function and significance.

See how the strategic placement of the golden calf story unlocks an important message in the book's literary design.

See how God’s presence in Israel’s midst makes a profound difference.

Enter into the final chapters of Exodus with a special invitation to participate in the construction of the tabernacle.

Explore the implications of God’s presence for the community in which he dwells.

What are your key takeaways from this class? Listen in as the students discuss what they learned.

Explore strategies for talking about Exodus in various contexts.