The Old Testament Presents... Reflections of Christ
by Paul R. Van Gorder
EXODUS
The overriding theme of the book of Exodus is redemption. The Hebrew title of this book is translated, ''these are the names.'' This is in perfect harmony with the subject of the book, for redemption is an individual matter. The word ''exodus'' comes from the title in the Septuagint version, and means literally, ''going out.''
 
Israel had been in Egypt for 400 years in bondage and slavery. God remembered them, raised up Moses as a deliverer, and brought them out of the land of Egypt. This book records the redemption of Israel from bondage, and it is typical of all redemption. Redemption is:
  1. Totally of God. Israel was helpless. Pharaoh represents Satan and the bondage he inflicts. Egypt pictures the world.
  2. Through a person. Moses, Israel's deliverer, pictures the Lord Jesus Christ, our Deliverer.
  3. By blood. The apostle Peter wrote, ''Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver and gold, from your vain manner of life received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot'' (1Pet 1:18,19).
  4. By power. God demonstrated His power in putting a difference between the people of Egypt and the people of Israel (Exodus 11:7). By His mighty arm, He brought Israel out of Egypt and through the Red Sea (see Ex 14:21,22; Rom 3:25,26).
 
OUTLINE OF THE BOOK
[Actually, three distinct outlines, from different perspectives.]
  1. History
    1. Slavery (Ex 1-14)
    2. Emancipation (15-18)
    3. Reconstruction (19-40)
  2. Geography
    1. Egypt (Ex 1-13)
    2. Red Sea (14)
    3. Sinai (15-40)
  3. Time
    1. Moses' 40 years in the palace of Pharaoh (Ex 1:1 - 2:14)
    2. Moses' 40 years of preparation in the desert (2:14 - 4:31)
    3. Moses' 40 years of service with the nation of Israel (5 - 40)
 
PROPHETIC PICTURES OF CHRIST
If the theme of Exodus is redemption, then the book must be filled with foreshadowings of Christ and His work. We will look at five specific prophetic pictures in detail. We will also consider the life and ministry of Moses and Aaron and see them as types of our Lord Jesus Christ.
 
THE GREAT QUESTION--
How is it possible for a holy God to receive sinners without violating His righteousness and justice? The inspired answer comes from the book of Exodus: ''When I see the blood, I will pass over you'' (Ex 12:13). Sin was judged, and the blood was shed; Israel was saved and received.

See the Book Notes on Exodus for a verse by verse study of this book,
and an extended study on Christ in the Tabernacle.

Return to table of contents for ''The Old Testament Presents... Reflections of Christ,''
written by Paul R. Van Gorder, Copyright 1982 by RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI.
Used by permission [within The Book from thebookwurm.com].
Further distribution is not allowed without permission from RBC.

For another brief look at this book of the Bible,
see the related chapter in Christ in All the Scriptures, by A.M. Hodgkin.

Go to The Book opening page.