Exodus-Introduction
So just as the sun has set and brought to a close another day, so we have brought to a close the book of Genesis. But, as the old saying goes, when one door closes, another opens; let us open the new door of Exodus.
Now is as good a time as any to give you a quick note on the JM study Bible; prior to each book of the Bible is an introduction by JM. The introduction normally includes a few brief notes on the title of the book, the author and date, background and setting, historical and theological themes and interpretative challenges; furthermore, JM also does section introductions as well (i.e. minor prophets, major prophets, Pentateuch, gospels, etc..)…
At first I wasn’t going to include a blog on these intros, and instead I would just incorporate them into the very first post of each book, however, I found this method to be ineffective. So, I said all that to say this: From now on I will post an intro to each book of the Bible. Granted it won’t be anywhere NEAR as extensive as JM’s , but will hopefully be a somewhat helpful, informative segue for you as you traverse the Word of God with me.
Title
Fairly simple, Exodus’ main theme is the departure of Israel from the land of Egypt.
Author and Date
Moses around 1445 B.C. JM goes into detail about how scholars arrived at the 1445 B.C. date, which I will not do. One reference, however, is found within Scripture itself. In 1 Kings 6:1 , Solomon's fourth year of reign is noted as being 480 years after the Exodus. Other extra-biblical historical sources were used to calculate the date as well.
Background and Setting
The events of Exodus took place around the 18th dynasty of Egypt, which was by many accounts a strong period in the history of Egypt. Thutmose III was the Pharaoh of the Oppression and he has been called “The Napoleon of Ancient Egypt” for his ruling and military prowess.
Historical and Theological Themes
JM notes “The purpose of this book may be expressed like this: To trace the rapid growth of Jacob’s descendants from Egypt to the establishment of the theocratic nation in their Promised Land”
Interpretive Challenges
Some have said that since Egyptian history does not record the destruction caused by the ten plagues, etc… that all of Moses’ account is inaccurate at best and flat out lies at worst. JM notes that one should not think like this since Egyptian historians were not permitted at that time to record anything regarding the embarrassment or ignominious defeats of their Pharaohs. Other evidence, including archeological evidence has helped prove the account of Moses.
Again, I cannot emphasize enough that this is but a fraction of what JM writes, but I do hope it proves helpful.
