Sunday morning, May 4, we will begin a new sermon series 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, the prophet and leader uniquely chosen by God to deliver Israel from Egyptian slavery and to lead them toward the Promised Land. 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 of what our Eternal God has done in space and time. These are not fictional or moral stories, but real events from God’s redemptive work throughout history.
The Exodus was necessary because God’s people, the Israelites, were enslaved in Egypt and suffering under harsh oppression, preventing them from living as His covenant people. God had promised Abraham that his descendants would become a great nation and inherit the land of Canaan, but their bondage stood in the way of that fulfillment. God accomplished the Exodus by raising up Moses to confront Pharaoh, sending a series of miraculous plagues to demonstrate His power, and ultimately delivering His people through the parting of the Red Sea. This mighty act of salvation revealed God’s faithfulness, justice, and mercy, establishing Israel as His chosen nation. It also pointed forward to the greater redemption and freedom found in Jesus Christ.
The book was written during Israel’s wilderness wanderings, likely in the 15 century B.C., addressed to a newly redeemed people who needed to understand their identity—not as slaves, but as a holy nation belonging to the LORD.
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:
“I am the LORD” (Exodus 6:7)
Redemption of the Children of Isreal was not earned, but God set His affection on them. He called them to relationship, obedience and worship.
What is the Central Verse of Exodus?
“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.”
— Exodus 6:7 (ESV)
This verse shows us the redemptive plan of God and the relationship He has with His people. God is gracious to extend grace, deliver His people, and dwell with them.
Structure of Exodus
Philip Ryken divides Exodus into three major sections:
- Redemption from Egypt (Chapters 1–18) – God delivers His people through mighty acts.
- Covenant at Sinai (Chapters 19–24) – God gives His law and confirms His covenant.
- God’s Dwelling with His People (Chapters 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: Just as the blood of the lamb saved the Israelites from death, Christ’s blood delivers from eternal judgment. See the legal substitutionary atonement of Jesus (Isa. 53; Rom. 3:25).
- Law → Christ the Fulfillment: The giving of the Law at Sinai reveals God’s holiness and man’s need for a Savior. He stresses Galatians 3:24: “The law was our guardian until Christ came.”
- Mediator → Christ the High Priest: See the parallel of Moses’ intercessory role (esp. in Ex. 32–34) and Christ’s role as “the one mediator between God and man” (1 Tim. 2:5).
- Tabernacle Worship → True Worship in Christ: The Tabernacle “prefigured the need for atonement and mediation” that only Christ can ultimately fulfill (Heb. 8–10). Christ is both sacrifice and priest.
- God’s Presence → God Incarnate: The cloud and fire guiding Israel are signs of God’s presence—fulfilled in Jesus, who is “God with us” (Matt. 1:23).
“Exodus is a foundation for redemption history. It points us not just to how God delivered a nation, but how He would one day deliver the world through His Son.” — John MacArthur
The message of Exodus is relevant for the Church today.
- God sees and hears His people in suffering (Ex. 2:24). He is not distant or disinterested.
- Salvation is by grace, not merit—Israel was not rescued for their worthiness but for God’s name (Ex. 3:14; Deut. 7:7–8).
- Worship is central—God delivers so His people may serve Him (Ex. 8:1).
- God is Holy and personal—The giving of the Law and building of the Tabernacle teach reverence, relationship, and obedience.
- Jesus is our better Moses—the ultimate Mediator who brings a new and better covenant (Heb. 3:1–6).
Practical Application
- 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 (1 Pet. 2:9).
- Spiritual formation occurs in the “wilderness” of testing, 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, His faithfulness, and His desire to dwell with His people. May we respond in reverence, worship and obedience to our Mighty God.