Everything You Need to Know About...Exodus
When we last saw the Israelites at the end of the book of Genesis, life was going pretty well. Joseph had been reunited and reconciled with his father and brothers. They had survived the famine, and we see God's immense power to take even the darkest circumstances and use them for the benefit of His people.
However, from the end of Genesis to the opening of Exodus, Israel's situation undergoes a dramatic change. The people were able to enjoy a high level of respect in the land of Egypt while Joseph ruled as governor of Egypt. However, shortly after his death, the tide begins to shift. As Israel multiplied greatly in Egypt, they began to experience a more negative attitude toward them from the native Egyptians. It can be safely assumed that this shift was subtle at the start and gradually morphed from minor affliction to full-blown slavery (see Exodus 1:10-14)
It is essential to remember, as we travel beyond Genesis, to always remember the words of Joseph, "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good…" (Gen. 50:20a). These are not just words but a fundamental truth of God's character on display on an even grander scale in the book of Exodus. What God did for Joseph, He is about to do for the entire nation of Israel and, spoiler-alert, will eventually do for all of humanity.
Admittedly, reading through the entire book of Exodus can be a challenge. About half of the book is narrative, much like Genesis, but much of the book is also a list of God's laws and detailed instructions on constructing the tabernacle - the place of God's presence. However, in these chapters, we truly see God's heart in His desire to dwell among His people. In this book and through God's law, we see a detailed picture of His character and love for Israel. So do not lose heart as you get into the "less exciting" chapters; it is within those words that God is truly showing us who He is.
It is helpful to divide Exodus into three main movements:
Movement #1: The Deliverance of God's People (1:1-15:21)
Within this opening scene of Exodus, we see God use an unexpected character, Moses, to do a seemingly impossible task, set the Israelites free. As you read this section, attempt to place yourself in the narrative: as Moses, the Israelites, or even Pharaoh. How is each character experiencing God's holy, merciful, and just nature? Let yourself be immersed in the institution of the Passover in chapter 12 and the overwhelming foreshadowing effect it has as it points to God sacrificing His only Son so that we may be saved through His blood. And then rejoice as Israel rejoices in chapter 15 as they sing a song of celebration reflecting on the power of God to set them free from their captivity, and you guessed it, God is on an even greater mission to set the captive free.
Movement #2: The Setting Apart of God's People (15:22-24:11)
This is our first in-depth look at the people of Israel, the descendants of Abraham. And it does not start very positively. After their miraculous Red Sea escape, we see the wickedness of the heart of Israel as they travel in the desert. But once again, God's character shines brighter than man's wickedness. God leads them to the base of Mt. Sinai and makes a covenant with Moses that they are His people and He is their God. At this point in the book, it is easy to lose steam. But I encourage you to look for the deeper meaning behind the law. What is God showing Israel who He is and who they should be as His people? What does it show us as believers today about who we should be, knowing Jesus has fulfilled the law, yet we are to be like Him, the perfect picture of God's law?
Movement #3: The Returning Presence of God among His People
In this final movement of Exodus, God no longer dwells on the mountain but will now dwell among His people. In chapter 32, there is a brief return to the more narrative writing style, as the Israelites again show their wicked hearts by turning from God to the image of another. But the detailed specifications on the tabernacle and the institution of the Sabbath (31:12-18) further point to God's desire to set His people apart from the other nations.
As you read through the book of Exodus, pay attention to these key concepts: