Background

The word Exodus means ‘way out’ or ‘departure,’ and the book tells the story of God’s dramatic deliverance of his people from slavery in Egypt. As the second book of the Torah, Exodus continues the story of Genesis, showing how the family of promise becomes an oppressed people in need of rescue.

God raises up Moses as the central human figure in this rescue. Preserved in infancy, formed through years of hidden preparation, and called by God at Mount Horeb, Moses is commissioned to confront Pharaoh with a clear demand: ‘Let my people go, so that they may worship me.‘ (Exodus 7:16). Deliverance is therefore not an end in itself, but the beginning of a new relationship with God.

Having brought Israel out of Egypt, God leads them into the wilderness and toward Sinai. Much of the book is devoted to covenant, law, and worship, showing how a redeemed people are to worship and live in God’s presence. Exodus is not only about being saved from slavery, but about being formed for life with God (Exodus 29:45-46).

Key Themes

Deliverance and Salvation

The Exodus event stands at the heart of Israel’s faith and becomes the defining picture of salvation in the Old Testament. Through the plagues, God executes judgement on Egypt, exposing the false power of Pharaoh and liberating his people. Judgement here is not merely condemnation, but separation. God distinguishes between Egypt and Israel and reveals himself as their protector and redeemer.

The final plague, the death of the firstborn, introduces the Passover (Exodus 12). The blood on the doorposts becomes the sign of protection from judgement, establishing a pattern of salvation through substitution and sacrifice, which ultimately points to Christ. Israel’s rescue is costly, deliberate, and rooted in God’s mercy.

Victory over the enemy

The crossing of the Red Sea marks the decisive break between Israel and their oppressors. Passing through the waters brings freedom and new identity, while their enemies are finally defeated. This event becomes a lasting symbol of deliverance from those forces that enslave and threaten God’s people. It is a picture of baptism (1 Cor.10:1-2)

Covenant and law

At Mount Sinai, God formally establishes his covenant with Israel and gives them the Law. These commands shape Israel into a distinct nation, ordering their moral, social, and religious life. The Law reveals God’s holiness and character, while also making clear the people’s tendency toward rebellion and their ongoing need for grace (Romans 3:20).

God’s presence and holiness

Mount Sinai and the Tabernacle both emphasise that God is present among his people, yet utterly holy. The mountain is a place of encounter, but also of boundaries. The Tabernacle becomes the visible centre of Israel’s life, symbolising God dwelling among them, while carefully regulating how he is to be approached.

Worship, sacrifice, and priesthood

Worship in Exodus centres on sacrifice and the shedding of blood, teaching that forgiveness and access to God are costly (Exod. 29; Lev. 17:11). The priesthood is established to mediate between God and the people, and every aspect of worship, from the design of the Tabernacle to the clothing of the priests, is to be carried out according to God’s instructions. Worship is shaped by obedience, not human preference.

Leadership and intercession

Moses emerges as a shepherd-leader who both represents God to the people and intercedes for the people before God. Despite Israel’s stubbornness and repeated failures, God responds with a combination of judgement and mercy, revealing his patience and steadfast commitment.

The Message for Today

Exodus speaks to those who long for freedom but also need direction. It reminds us that God saves not only to rescue us from what enslaves us, but to lead us into a transformed way of life shaped by his presence.

The book challenges modern assumptions about freedom by showing that true freedom is found in worship and obedience. Exodus calls us to remember what God has done, to live attentively in response to his grace, and to recognise that salvation leads into a lifelong journey of formation rather than instant arrival.

Exodus also shapes our concern for others. The God who hears the cry of enslaved Israel is revealed as a God who is attentive to suffering and injustice, and who acts to bring freedom. Those who live under his rule are therefore called to share his concern for the oppressed and to resist systems that dehumanise and enslave.

The Different Kingdom Lens

Exodus presents a kingdom that directly confronts the power structures of the world. Pharaoh rules through fear, exploitation, and control; God rules through deliverance, covenant, and presence. The contest between Egypt and Israel is ultimately a contest between two visions of power.

In God’s kingdom, leadership is exercised through service and intercession rather than dominance. Victory comes through trust and obedience rather than force. The people are not only freed from slavery, but invited into a way of life ordered by God’s will.

At the heart of this different kingdom is God’s desire to dwell with his people. Freedom leads to worship, worship leads to presence, and presence reshapes everything. Exodus invites us to see salvation not simply as escape, but as an invitation to live under the gracious rule of a God who chooses to be with his people.

Going Deeper

There is an excellent video overview if Exodus here and here at Bible Project.

There is an excellent short talk by Tim Keller on The Gospel in Exodus.