- Chapters 1–2: Oppression and Birth of Moses
- Chapters 3–4: Burning Bush and Moses’ Commission
- Chapters 5–12: Plagues and Passover
- Chapters 13–18: Departure from Egypt and Provision
- Chapters 19–24: Sinai and the Covenant
- Chapters 32–34: Golden Calf and Renewal
- Chapters 35–40: Building and Filling the Tabernacle
- Summary
- Conclusion
“Then the LORD said, ‘I have surely seen the affliction of My people who are in Egypt…I have heard their cry…I have come down to deliver them.’”
— Exodus 3:7-8 AMP
Exodus means “departure.” It carries themes of salvation, covenant, law, worship, and God’s presence. It unfolds God’s mighty acts in redeeming Israel from slavery, foreshadowing Christ our Redeemer from bondage to sin. Here is a brief walk-through, chapter by chapter.
Chapters 1–2: Oppression and Birth of Moses #
| Chap. | Key Event | Hebrew Insight | Christ Connection |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Moses was born and preserved by grace | “Pharaoh” ישַׁרְפֹּן = man of splendour now hardened | A people under bondage—Christ frees sinners |
| 2 | Moses born and preserved by grace | Name “Moses” מֹשֶׁה = “drawn out” | Christ draws us out from water and death (John 3:16) |
It reminds us of God’s quiet yet sovereign protection—Moses emerging as deliverer, a lineage/ kin type of Christ.
Chapters 3–4: Burning Bush and Moses’ Commission #
Theme Scripture:
“And He said, ‘I AM WHO I AM.’ And He said, ‘Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’’’ — Exodus 3:14 AMP
- “I AM” (אֶהְיֶה – Ehyeh) carries God’s self-existence.
- God’s covenant name “Yahweh” (יהוה) reveals eternal presence.
- Christ is the I AM—present, personal, eternal (John 8:58).
Chapters 5–12: Plagues and Passover #
| Chap. | Theme | Foreshadow of Christ |
|---|---|---|
| 5–11 | Ten plagues undermine the Egyptian gods | Jesus breaks the powers of darkness |
| 12 | The first Passover instituted | Christ as the Lamb—a sacrifice that saves |
“Now this is the ordinance of the Passover: No one shall go out from the door of his house until morning.” — Exodus 12:22 AMP
- Blood on doorposts saves the children of Israel—a type of Christ’s blood.
- The unleavened bread speaks of Christ’s sinless life, swallowed up in holiness.
Chapters 13–18: Departure from Egypt and Provision #
Theme Scripture:
“In every plague, pillar and Passover we see one coming to rescue the captives and dwell among us.”
“The Lord Himself went before them by day in a pillar of cloud, to lead the way…” — Exodus 13:21 AMP
- Pillar of cloud and fire—God’s presence, both guiding and protecting.
- Crossing the Red Sea = baptism into freedom (1 Cor 10:2).
- Manna and water—types of Christ as sustainer and living water.
Chapters 19–24: Sinai and the Covenant #
Theme Scripture:
“You have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself.” — Exodus 19:4 AMP
God lodges with Israel, giving the Ten Commandments and sacrificial system as a covenant pattern, pointing to Christ’s fulfilment of the law and His dwelling among us.
Chapters 25–31: Instructions for the Tabernacle #
| Section | Key Symbol | Christ Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Ark, mercy‑seat | God’s throne and presence | Christ is our mercy-seat—atonement given once |
| Lampstand, bread | Light and provision | Christ is Light (John 8:12) and Bread of Life |
| Altar, incense, veil | Access, prayer, separation | Christ’s death rent the veil so we may approach God |
Highlight: craftsmanship “ḥōšēḇ” and “ʾāmar” reveal God’s order and beauty in worship.
Chapters 32–34: Golden Calf and Renewal #
“The Tabernacle, with mercy‑seat and veil, whispers of Christ—our perfect sacrifice and access to God.”
- Israel’s idolatry contrasts with Christ’s faithfulness.
- Moses’ intercession breaks God’s wrath, foreshadowing Christ’s priestly mediation.
“The LORD, the LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness…” — Exodus 34:6 AMP
God’s character revealed beyond the covenant—a foundation for Christ’s work of grace.
Chapters 35–40: Building and Filling the Tabernacle #
Theme Scripture:
“Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.” — Exodus 40:34 AMP
- The people respond in voluntary giving—Christ’s work produced willing church generosity.
- The glory cloud filled the Tabernacle—foreshadowing God dwelling among us bodily (John 1:14).
Summary #
| Section | Theme | Spiritual Meaning | Christ Connection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Egypt | Slavery and deliverance | All humanity is enslaved to sin | Christ redeems us by His blood |
| Covenant | Law and worship | God’s holiness and man’s need | Law fulfilled in Christ’s obedience |
| Tabernacle | Presence among His people | God ministers among the flawed | All of humanity is enslaved to sin |
Conclusion #
Exodus reveals our God as Deliverer, Covenant‑Maker, and Presence‑Bearer. Every event—plague, Passover, pillar cloud, tabernacle—is a preview of Christ. The Lamb, the Mediator, the Word made Flesh, the One who tabernacles with us, the Saviour of slaves.
May your heart be stirred that Christ has not only rescued and delivered but also continues to dwell with and within His people today.
In Christ,
Shaliach.
