Exodus seems to be a clear continuation from Genesis.
It begins with "and."
It repeats Genesis 46.8.
It continues the saga of what to do with Joseph's bones.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
- Authorship and Composition
Exodus seems consistent with Genesis.
The Decalog is integrated. There are possible redactions (editorial changes) but they are not necessarily considered later editorial additions.
- Nature and Date of the Exodus
Based on the census of men of combatant age the total population is probably in the millions.
The people leave slavery in Egypt by the hand of Moses.
1 Kings 6.1 is clearly dated at 967 B.C. and states the Exodus is 480 years previous.
Judges 11.26, which is not as clearly dated, indicates the Exodus is about 300 years before Jephthah.
Various questions about the dating are raised briefly on pp. 59-62 of the text.
LITERARY ANALYSIS
- Structure - the book basically divides into three parts, whether thematically or geographically.
Geographically: 1) Israel in Egypt (1.1-13.16), 2) Israel in the Wilderness (13.17-18.27), Israel at Sinai (9.1-40.38).
Thematically: 1( God delivers Israel from Egyptian bondage (1.1-18.27), God gives Israel His Law (19.1-24.18), God Commands Israel to Build the Tabernacle (25.1-40.38).
- Genre - prophetic or theological history with an important role of the Law.
THEOLOGICAL MESSAGE
God can deliver his people. He gives his law in the wilderness, a place of wandering and lostness. He provides salvation through the Gospel, signified by the Tabernacle, all parts of which look toward Christ.
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Dave Spotts
blogging at http://capnsaltyslongvoyage.blogspot.com and http://alex-kirk.blogspot.com
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