God rescues His people from slavery, gives them His law, and comes to live among them.

Section
Old Testament, Law
Book
2 of 66
Chapters
40
Written by
Moses (by tradition)
When
The events are around the 15th or 13th century BC
Written to
Israel, newly free

The big picture

Exodus begins with Abraham’s descendants as slaves in Egypt. God hears their cry, calls Moses from a burning bush, and sends plagues on Egypt until Pharaoh lets the people go. On the night of the Passover, the blood of a lamb on the doorposts protects each family.

At Mount Sinai God makes a covenant with Israel and gives the Ten Commandments. The book ends with the tabernacle, a tent where God’s presence fills the camp: the God who rescued them now lives among them.

Why it was written

It showed Israel who their God is, the One who sets slaves free, and how a rescued people should live and worship.

Key passages

Tap or hover over a reference to read it.

  • Exodus 3:14 – God tells Moses His name, “I AM”
  • Exodus 12:13 – The Passover: the blood of the lamb protects God’s people
  • Exodus 14:13-14 – The Lord will fight for you at the Red Sea
  • Exodus 20:1-17 – The Ten Commandments

How it points to Jesus

Paul calls Jesus “our Passover lamb” (1 Corinthians 5:7): His death rescues us as the lamb’s blood rescued Israel. Jesus calls Himself the true bread from heaven (John 6:32-35), and John says the Word “dwelt among us”, using the language of the tabernacle (John 1:14).

Themes and people

Themes: Rescue · God’s name · The Law · Covenant · God with us

People: Moses · Aaron · Miriam · Pharaoh

Study it together

  1. God heard His people’s cry in Egypt. What does that tell you about how He hears you?
  2. Israel was rescued first and given the law afterwards. Why does that order matter?
  3. Which of the Ten Commandments do you find hardest to live out today?

Bring your answers and questions to Friday Bible Study, or watch our sermons.

Prepared by Spring Valley Church, Luton. Bible references open the English Standard Version (ESV) in a pop-up supplied by Logos Reftagger.