The name "Exodus" is a Latin word taken from the Greek "Exodos," which was the name the translators gave the book when they translated the Hebrew version into the Greek Old Testament known as the Septuagint (LXX).
This name was retained by the Latin Vulgate and found its way into the English as well. The word means "departure" and refers to the main event of the book, if not the Old Testament, namely the deliverance of the Hebrews from Egyptian bondage.
The first five books of the Bible are known as the Pentateuch, namely Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. They are also commonly called "the five books of Moses."
The key people in Exodus are the Hebrews, the descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, who had now spent over 400 years in Egypt. The key person is Moses, who is commonly held to be the author of the Pentateuch.
Moses' life can easily be divided into three time periods - all contained in the book of Exodus:
Obviously, the majority of the book is covered by chapters 13 - 40. These chapters include a time period of ca. 40 years. But, most of the activity of chapters 13 - 40 covers only about two years. The other 38 years were spent in the wilderness wanderings. Those wanderings are covered mainly in the book of Numbers.
The book of Leviticus is a manual, covering the offerings of the Tabernacle worship, the priests and other laws.
Deuteronomy is a recap of the books of the Pentateuch exclusive of Genesis. It also records the passing of Moses.
The birth, escape to the desert and the call of Moses to deliver the Hebrews from Egyptian bondage.
Moses hears God's call to deliver the Hebrews from Egyptian bondage and with the help of the 10 plagues does so.
The 10th plague, the death of the firstborn, is avoided by the Hebrews by the Passover - which is a picture of the redemption provided by Jesus Christ. Moses then leads the people out of Egypt.
The Egyptians are defeated by God as they try to recapture the Hebrews and bring them back into slavery.
This lesson covers Commandments 1, 2, and 3 of the Ten Commandments: No other gods. No idols. No misuse of God's Name. Choose the right God.
God cares for his people providing them bread, meat and water. He also protects them from their enemies.
This lesson covers Commandment #4 of the Ten Commandments: Remember the Sabbath Day. Keep in regular touch.
Honor father and mother. Respect begins at home.
No murder. Fill your life with love.
No adultery. Sex can be beautiful. Don't spoil it.
No stealing. No lying. No coveting. Honesty is the best policy.
Israel needed to enter into a covenant with God. We, too, as Christians need to have a deeper walk with God as indicated by the commitment of Romans 12:1-2.
Not only did God care for the physical needs of Israel out on the desert, he also gave them a plan for the spiritual worship of God.
Israel seriously backslid in her relationship to God. It was shocking! God intervened through Moses to bring Israel back from the brink of total disaster.
Moses the intercessor is portrayed as he stands between a faithful God and a wayward people.
Exodus Israel had two places where they met with God: the Tabernacle and the Tent of Meeting. Christians meet with God wherever they are, but especially with the church. Corporate worship is a great privilege.
As Moses prepared to turn over his leadership to another and to exit this life, he spoke to the whole assembly and blessed the tribes. His words of worship and admonition are a great inspiration.