God’s Promise Continues
An Introduction to the book of Exodus 1:1-7
This morning we begin a journey together through the book of Exodus. This book shows us the power, presence and redemptive purpose of God. As we begin this study, we invite you to see how God rescues His people from bondage, how He declares his name, continues His covenant, and makes His dwelling place among His people.
Exodus Context and Author
Exodus is the second book of the Pentateuch, authored by Moses, must be As one scholar writes – “There is no satisfactory alternative to Mosaic authorship,” especially when considering both Old Testament and New Testament testimony (cf. Exodus 17:14; John 5:46). Moses writes in the genre of “Historic Narrative” – meaning – these are theologically purposeful accounts about what our great eternal God has done in space and time. We must remember that the first five books of the Bible are really a single literary whole that goes by various names: The Book of Moses, The Torah and the Pentateuch. Genesis as important as it is the introduction to the real focus of the Torah, the founding of Israel as a nation.
What is the Main Theme of Exodus
Exodus proclaims that God redeems a people for Himself and dwells among them, so that they may worship Him. We see the burning bush, blood on the doorposts, splitting the Red Sea and the Tabernacle, all with the message and central verse of Exodus found 6:7;
“I will take you to be my people, and I will be your God, and you shall know that I am the LORD your God, who has brought you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.”
Structure of Exodus: Philip Ryken divides Exodus into three major sections:
- Redemption from Egypt (1–18) – God delivers His people through mighty acts.
- Covenant at Sinai (19–24) – God gives His law and confirms His covenant.
- God’s Dwelling with His People (25–40) – God instructs and fills the Tabernacle.
Each part builds on the last, culminating in God’s presence descending upon His people—His glory among them (Ex. 40:34).
See Exodus Point to Jesus:Passover → Christ our Deliverer: Law → Christ the Fulfillment: Mediator → Christ the High Priest: Tabernacle Worship → True Worship in Christ: God’s Presence → God Incarnate
Application from this overview:
– God redeems us not just from slavery to sin but for worship, sanctification, and mission.
– The Church is called, like Israel, to be a holy nation and royal priesthood 1Pet. 2:9
– Spiritual formation occurs in the “wilderness” of life, where God teaches dependence and trust.
– The presence of God remains the central gift of redemption Ex. 33:15–16
As we walk verse by verse through Exodus, our prayer is that you’ll come to know God more deeply—His character more clearly, His faithfulness more truly, and His desire to dwell with you and us daily. May we respond in reverence, worship and obedience to our Mighty God.