Exodus – Important Events, Characters and Doctrines

The Book of Exodus is the second book of the Bible and continues the story of the Israelites, focusing on their deliverance from slavery in Egypt, the establishment of the Mosaic Covenant, and their journey to the Promised Land. Below is a point-by-point explanation with verse references, highlighting key events, doctrines, and characters.

I. The Oppression in Egypt and the Rise of Moses (Exodus 1-4)

  1. Israel’s Oppression in Egypt (Exodus 1)

    • The Growth of Israel in Egypt (Exodus 1:7): The Israelites multiply and become exceedingly numerous, fulfilling God’s promise to Abraham (Genesis 15:5).
    • Pharaoh’s Oppression (Exodus 1:8-14): A new Pharaoh, who does not know Joseph, fears the Israelites’ growth and enslaves them (Exodus 1:8-11).
    • Infanticide Decree (Exodus 1:15-22): Pharaoh orders the killing of all Hebrew male infants to control the population, but the Hebrew midwives disobey (Exodus 1:17).

  2. The Birth and Early Life of Moses (Exodus 2)

    • Moses’ Birth and Rescue (Exodus 2:1-10): Moses is born to a Levite family, hidden for three months, and then placed in a basket on the Nile. Pharaoh’s daughter finds and adopts him (Exodus 2:5-10).
    • Moses Flees to Midian (Exodus 2:11-22): After killing an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew, Moses flees to Midian, where he marries Zipporah, daughter of the priest of Midian (Exodus 2:15-21).

  3. God Hears Israel’s Cry (Exodus 2:23-25)

    • God’s Covenant Remembrance (Exodus 2:24): God hears the groaning of the Israelites and remembers His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

  4. The Call of Moses (Exodus 3-4)

    • The Burning Bush (Exodus 3:1-6): God appears to Moses in a burning bush and calls him to deliver the Israelites from Egypt (Exodus 3:4-6).
    • God Reveals His Name (Exodus 3:13-15): God reveals Himself as “I AM WHO I AM” (YHWH), indicating His eternal and self-existent nature (Exodus 3:14).
    • Moses’ Reluctance and God’s Assurance (Exodus 4:1-17): Moses hesitates, but God assures him by providing signs and appointing Aaron as his spokesman (Exodus 4:10-16).
II. The Plagues and the Exodus (Exodus 5-15)

  1. Moses and Aaron Confront Pharaoh (Exodus 5)

    • Pharaoh’s Refusal (Exodus 5:1-2): Moses and Aaron request the release of the Israelites, but Pharaoh refuses and increases their burdens (Exodus 5:7-9).

  2. God’s Promise of Deliverance (Exodus 6)

    • God Reaffirms His Covenant (Exodus 6:2-8): God reassures Moses of His covenant with the patriarchs and promises to deliver Israel and bring them to the Promised Land.

  3. The Ten Plagues (Exodus 7-12)

    • Plague 1: Water Turned to Blood (Exodus 7:14-24)
    • Plague 2: Frogs (Exodus 8:1-15)
    • Plague 3: Gnats (Exodus 8:16-19)
    • Plague 4: Flies (Exodus 8:20-32)
    • Plague 5: Livestock Diseased (Exodus 9:1-7)
    • Plague 6: Boils (Exodus 9:8-12)
    • Plague 7: Hail (Exodus 9:13-35)
    • Plague 8: Locusts (Exodus 10:1-20)
    • Plague 9: Darkness (Exodus 10:21-29)
    • Plague 10: Death of the Firstborn (Exodus 11-12:29-30)
      • Doctrine of Divine Judgment: The plagues demonstrate God’s power over the gods of Egypt and His judgment on sin, particularly in the death of the firstborn (Exodus 12:12).

  4. The Passover and the Exodus (Exodus 12-13)

    • The Passover Instituted (Exodus 12:1-13): God instructs the Israelites to sacrifice a lamb and mark their doorposts with its blood to protect them from the final plague (Exodus 12:7, 13).
    • The Exodus (Exodus 12:31-42): Pharaoh finally releases the Israelites, who leave Egypt with great possessions, fulfilling God’s promise to Abraham (Genesis 15:14).
    • The Consecration of the Firstborn (Exodus 13:1-2): God commands that every firstborn male be consecrated to Him, commemorating the Passover and the sparing of Israel’s firstborn (Exodus 13:2).

  5. Crossing the Red Sea (Exodus 14-15)

    • Pharaoh’s Pursuit (Exodus 14:5-9): Pharaoh changes his mind and pursues the Israelites with his army.
    • The Miracle at the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21-31): God parts the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground, and then destroys the Egyptian army (Exodus 14:21-28).
    • The Song of Moses (Exodus 15:1-21): Moses and the Israelites sing a song of praise to God for their deliverance (Exodus 15:1-2).
III. The Journey to Mount Sinai (Exodus 15-18)

  1. Bitter Water Made Sweet (Exodus 15:22-27)

    • Marah’s Bitter Waters (Exodus 15:23-25): The Israelites find bitter water at Marah, but God makes it drinkable by instructing Moses to throw a piece of wood into it (Exodus 15:25).
    • Doctrine of God’s Provision: This event highlights God’s provision and care for His people in the wilderness (Exodus 15:26-27).

  2. Manna and Quail Provided (Exodus 16)

    • God Provides Manna (Exodus 16:4-5): God miraculously provides manna, a bread-like substance, and quail to sustain the Israelites in the wilderness (Exodus 16:14-15).
    • The Sabbath Instituted (Exodus 16:23-30): God commands the Israelites to gather double the amount of manna on the sixth day to keep the Sabbath (Exodus 16:23-26).
    • Doctrine of Sabbath Rest: The provision of manna and the Sabbath emphasize the importance of trusting in God’s provision and rest (Exodus 16:29-30).

  3. Water from the Rock (Exodus 17:1-7)

    • Rephidim’s Thirst (Exodus 17:3): The Israelites complain of thirst, and God instructs Moses to strike a rock, bringing forth water (Exodus 17:6).
    • Doctrine of God’s Faithfulness: God’s provision of water from the rock demonstrates His faithfulness even when the people doubt (Exodus 17:7).

  4. Victory Over the Amalekites (Exodus 17:8-16)

    • Joshua Leads the Battle (Exodus 17:9-10): Joshua leads the Israelites in battle against the Amalekites while Moses, Aaron, and Hur hold up Moses’ hands in prayer.
    • God’s Promise to Destroy Amalek (Exodus 17:14-16): God vows to blot out the memory of Amalek because of their attack on Israel (Exodus 17:14-15).

  5. Jethro’s Advice to Moses (Exodus 18)

    • Jethro’s Visit (Exodus 18:1-12): Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, visits and offers a sacrifice to God after hearing of Israel’s deliverance.
    • Delegation of Leadership (Exodus 18:13-26): Jethro advises Moses to delegate judicial responsibilities to capable men to ease his burden (Exodus 18:17-23).
IV. The Covenant at Sinai (Exodus 19-24) (Continued)

  1. The Giving of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20)

    • The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17): God gives the Ten Commandments, which form the moral foundation of the covenant. These commandments include instructions on worshiping God alone, honoring parents, and prohibitions against murder, adultery, theft, and coveting (Exodus 20:1-17).
    • Doctrine of the Law: The Ten Commandments highlight God’s holiness and the ethical standards required of His people (Exodus 20:18-21).

  2. The Book of the Covenant (Exodus 21-23)

    • Laws on Social Justice (Exodus 21-23): God gives additional laws covering various aspects of daily life, including laws on slavery, personal injury, property rights, and social justice (Exodus 21:1-23:9).
    • The Sabbath and Festivals (Exodus 23:10-19): Instructions are given regarding the Sabbath and three annual festivals: the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Harvest, and the Feast of Ingathering (Exodus 23:10-16).
    • Promise of God’s Guidance (Exodus 23:20-33): God promises to send His angel before the Israelites to guide them to the Promised Land, warning them to obey His commands and avoid idolatry (Exodus 23:20-24).

  3. The Ratification of the Covenant (Exodus 24)

    • The Covenant Ceremony (Exodus 24:3-8): Moses reads the Book of the Covenant to the people, who agree to obey. He then sprinkles the people with the blood of the covenant, symbolizing their commitment to God (Exodus 24:3-8).
    • Theophany to the Elders (Exodus 24:9-11): Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and seventy elders of Israel ascend the mountain and see a vision of God, affirming the covenant (Exodus 24:9-11).
V. Instructions for the Tabernacle and Priesthood (Exodus 25-31)

  1. The Offerings for the Tabernacle (Exodus 25:1-9)

    • God’s Command to Build the Tabernacle (Exodus 25:8-9): God commands the Israelites to construct a sanctuary where He will dwell among them, funded by voluntary offerings (Exodus 25:8-9).

  2. The Ark of the Covenant and the Furniture of the Tabernacle (Exodus 25:10-40)

    • The Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 25:10-22): Detailed instructions are given for constructing the Ark of the Covenant, which will house the tablets of the Law and serve as the place where God meets with His people (Exodus 25:10-22).
    • The Table and the Lampstand (Exodus 25:23-40): Instructions for the Table of Showbread and the Golden Lampstand are also provided, symbolizing God’s provision and light (Exodus 25:23-40).

  3. The Tabernacle Structure and Its Courtyard (Exodus 26-27)

    • The Tabernacle’s Design (Exodus 26): Detailed specifications are given for the construction of the Tabernacle, including the curtains, frames, and coverings (Exodus 26:1-37).
    • The Bronze Altar and the Courtyard (Exodus 27:1-19): Instructions are given for building the Bronze Altar for sacrifices and the courtyard surrounding the Tabernacle (Exodus 27:1-19).

  4. The Priestly Garments (Exodus 28)

    • Garments for Aaron and His Sons (Exodus 28:1-43): God instructs Moses on the making of sacred garments for Aaron and his sons, including the ephod, breastplate, robe, and turban, to set them apart for priestly service (Exodus 28:2-4).

  5. The Consecration of the Priests (Exodus 29)

    • The Ordination Ceremony (Exodus 29:1-37): Detailed instructions are given for the ordination of Aaron and his sons, including offerings and anointing with oil (Exodus 29:4-7).
    • Daily Offerings (Exodus 29:38-46): God commands daily offerings on the altar, signifying continual atonement and worship (Exodus 29:38-42).

  6. Further Instructions for the Tabernacle (Exodus 30-31)

    • The Altar of Incense (Exodus 30:1-10): Instructions for constructing the Altar of Incense, which symbolizes the prayers of the people rising to God (Exodus 30:1-10).
    • The Bronze Basin (Exodus 30:17-21): A basin for ceremonial washing is described, emphasizing the need for purity among the priests (Exodus 30:17-21).
    • The Anointing Oil and Incense (Exodus 30:22-38): God gives recipes for holy anointing oil and incense, reserved exclusively for sacred use (Exodus 30:22-25).
    • Appointment of Bezalel and Oholiab (Exodus 31:1-11): God appoints Bezalel and Oholiab, skilled craftsmen, to oversee the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings (Exodus 31:2-6).
VI. The Golden Calf and the Renewal of the Covenant (Exodus 32-34)

  1. The Sin of the Golden Calf (Exodus 32)

    • Israel’s Idolatry (Exodus 32:1-6): While Moses is on Mount Sinai, the people grow impatient and ask Aaron to make a golden calf to worship, violating the covenant (Exodus 32:4-6).
    • Moses’ Intercession (Exodus 32:11-14): Moses pleads with God to spare the people from His wrath, reminding Him of His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Exodus 32:11-14).
    • The Breaking of the Tablets (Exodus 32:19-20): In anger, Moses breaks the tablets of the Law, symbolizing Israel’s breaking of the covenant, and destroys the golden calf (Exodus 32:19-20).

  2. The Renewal of the Covenant (Exodus 33-34)

    • God’s Presence Promised (Exodus 33:12-17): Moses intercedes again, and God promises that His presence will go with the Israelites, distinguishing them from all other nations (Exodus 33:14-17).
    • Moses’ Request to See God’s Glory (Exodus 33:18-23): Moses asks to see God’s glory, and God reveals His goodness and mercy while protecting Moses from seeing His face (Exodus 33:18-23).
    • New Stone Tablets and the Covenant Renewal (Exodus 34:1-10): God instructs Moses to chisel out new tablets, and He renews the covenant with Israel, emphasizing His merciful and gracious character (Exodus 34:5-7).

  3. The Radiant Face of Moses (Exodus 34:29-35)

    • Moses’ Face Shines (Exodus 34:29-30): After speaking with God, Moses’ face radiates with God’s glory, causing the Israelites to fear approaching him. Moses wears a veil when speaking to the people (Exodus 34:29-35).
VII. The Construction of the Tabernacle (Exodus 35-40)

  1. The People’s Generous Offerings (Exodus 35-36)

    • Contributions for the Tabernacle (Exodus 35:4-9): Moses calls for offerings from the people, and they respond with such generosity that they bring more than enough materials for the Tabernacle (Exodus 36:5-7).

  2. The Construction of the Tabernacle (Exodus 36-39)

    • The Building of the Tabernacle (Exodus 36:8-38): The craftsmen construct the Tabernacle according to the detailed instructions God had given Moses (Exodus 36:8-38).
    • The Making of the Ark and Furniture (Exodus 37): The Ark of the Covenant, the Table of Showbread, the Lampstand, and the Altar of Incense are made (Exodus 37:1-28).
    • The Making of the Priestly Garments (Exodus 39): The sacred garments for Aaron and his sons are made, including the ephod, breastplate, and turban (Exodus 39:1-31).

  3. The Tabernacle Erected and Filled with God’s Glory (Exodus 40)

    • Erection of the Tabernacle (Exodus 40:1-33): On the first day of the first month, the Tabernacle is set up according to God’s command, and all its furnishings are put in place (Exodus 40:1-16).
    • The Glory of the Lord Fills the Tabernacle (Exodus 40:34-38): After the Tabernacle is completed, the glory of the Lord fills it, and the cloud of God’s presence guides the Israelites on their journey (Exodus 40:34-38).
Important Doctrines in Exodus

  1. Doctrine of Deliverance and Redemption

    • The Exodus itself is a foundational event that symbolizes God’s power to deliver His people from bondage, prefiguring the ultimate redemption through Christ (Exodus 6:6).

  2. Doctrine of the Covenant

    • God establishes a covenant with Israel at Sinai, giving them the Law and promising to make them a holy nation, which is central to their identity and relationship with God (Exodus 19:5-6).

  3. Doctrine of Worship and the Presence of God

    • The Tabernacle represents God’s dwelling among His people, emphasizing the importance of worship and the holiness required to approach Him (Exodus 25:8-9).

  4. Doctrine of God’s Holiness and Judgment

    • The giving of the Law and the events surrounding the Golden Calf highlight God’s holiness and His intolerance of idolatry and sin (Exodus 20:1-17, Exodus 32).

  5. Doctrine of Mediation

    • Moses acts as a mediator between God and Israel, interceding on their behalf, a role that foreshadows Christ as the ultimate mediator (Exodus 32:11-14, 1 Timothy 2:5).

This outline provides a comprehensive framework for teaching the Book of Exodus to B.Th. students, emphasizing its theological significance and the critical events that shape the narrative of Israel’s journey from slavery to becoming God’s covenant people.
Genesis – Important Events, Characters and Doctrines
Numbers – Important Events, Characters and Doctrines

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