william jamThe Book of Exodus, the second book of the Bible, tells the story of the Israelites’ enslavement in Egypt, their liberation through God’s intervention, and their journey to Mount Sinai, where they receive the Law. This summary outlines the key events and teachings found in each of the 40 chapters.
Chapter 1: The Israelites in Egypt
The Israelites multiply greatly in Egypt, but a new Pharaoh, who does not know Joseph, enslaves them and orders the killing of all newborn Hebrew boys to control their population.
Chapter 2: The Birth and Early Life of Moses
Moses is born to a Hebrew family and hidden to escape Pharaoh’s decree. He is found and adopted by Pharaoh’s daughter. As an adult, Moses kills an Egyptian who is beating a Hebrew and flees to Midian, where he marries Zipporah and becomes a shepherd.
Chapter 3: The Burning Bush
God appears to Moses in a burning bush and calls him to deliver the Israelites from Egypt. God reveals His name as “I AM WHO I AM” and promises to be with Moses.
Chapter 4: Moses Returns to Egypt
God gives Moses signs to perform and appoints Aaron as his spokesman. Moses and Aaron return to Egypt and convey God’s message to the Israelites, who believe and worship God.
Chapter 5: Bricks Without Straw
Moses and Aaron ask Pharaoh to let the Israelites go to worship God, but Pharaoh increases their labor, demanding they gather their own straw to make bricks while maintaining their quota.
Chapter 6: God’s Promise of Deliverance
God reassures Moses of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He promises to deliver the Israelites and bring them to the Promised Land. The genealogy of Moses and Aaron is provided.
Chapter 7: Aaron’s Staff Becomes a Serpent
God commands Moses and Aaron to perform a miracle before Pharaoh. Aaron’s staff becomes a serpent, but Pharaoh’s magicians replicate the sign. Pharaoh’s heart remains hardened. The first plague, turning the Nile to blood, begins.
Chapter 8: The Plagues of Frogs, Gnats, and Flies
Moses and Aaron announce the second plague, frogs, which overrun Egypt. Pharaoh’s magicians duplicate it, but Pharaoh still refuses to let the Israelites go. The third plague, gnats, and the fourth plague, flies, follow, affecting only the Egyptians. Pharaoh offers a compromise but then hardens his heart again.
Chapter 9: The Plagues of Livestock, Boils, and Hail
God sends the fifth plague, killing Egyptian livestock but sparing the Israelites’ animals. The sixth plague, boils, afflicts the Egyptians and their animals. The seventh plague, hail, destroys crops and livestock in the fields. Pharaoh admits his sin but hardens his heart once more.
Chapter 10: The Plagues of Locusts and Darkness
The eighth plague, locusts, devours what remains after the hail. Pharaoh again offers a compromise but reneges. The ninth plague, darkness, covers Egypt for three days, but Pharaoh’s heart remains hardened.
Chapter 11: The Plague on the Firstborn Announced
God announces the final plague: the death of all firstborn in Egypt. Moses warns Pharaoh, but he refuses to listen. God prepares to execute the judgment.
Chapter 12: The Passover and the Exodus
God instructs the Israelites to sacrifice a lamb and mark their doorposts with its blood to protect their firstborn from the final plague. The first Passover is instituted. The plague strikes, and Pharaoh finally lets the Israelites go. They leave Egypt with great wealth.
Chapter 13: Consecration of the Firstborn and Journey Begins
God commands the Israelites to consecrate every firstborn to Him. They celebrate the Feast of Unleavened Bread. God leads them toward the Red Sea, guiding them with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.
Chapter 14: Crossing the Red Sea
Pharaoh changes his mind and pursues the Israelites. God parts the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground. The Egyptian army follows but is drowned when the waters return.
Chapter 15: The Song of Moses and Miriam
The Israelites sing a song of praise to God for their deliverance. Miriam leads the women in dance and song. The Israelites journey through the desert of Shur, but they find no water. God provides water at Marah.
Chapter 16: Manna and Quail
In the Desert of Sin, the Israelites grumble about the lack of food. God provides quail in the evening and manna in the morning. Instructions for gathering and preserving manna are given.
Chapter 17: Water from the Rock and the Amalekites Defeated
The Israelites complain of thirst at Rephidim. God instructs Moses to strike a rock, and water flows out. The Amalekites attack, but Joshua leads the Israelites to victory as Moses holds up his hands in prayer.
Chapter 18: Jethro’s Advice
Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, visits and advises Moses to appoint capable men as leaders to help judge the people and resolve disputes. Moses implements the advice, easing his burden.
Chapter 19: Arrival at Mount Sinai
The Israelites reach Mount Sinai. God calls Moses up the mountain and instructs him to consecrate the people in preparation for His presence. The mountain is enveloped in smoke and thunder as God descends upon it.
Chapter 20: The Ten Commandments
God gives the Ten Commandments to the Israelites, outlining their duties to God and fellow humans. The people tremble in fear and request that Moses speak to God on their behalf.
Chapter 21: Laws on Servants and Personal Injuries
God provides laws regarding the treatment of Hebrew servants, personal injuries, and property damage. These laws emphasize justice and restitution.
Chapter 22: Laws on Property and Social Responsibility
Additional laws are given concerning theft, property rights, and social responsibilities. God emphasizes the importance of justice, compassion, and integrity in community life.
Chapter 23: Laws on Justice and Sabbath Observance
God commands the Israelites to uphold justice, avoid bribery, and show kindness to strangers. Instructions for observing the Sabbath and annual festivals are given. God promises to send an angel to guide them to the Promised Land.
Chapter 24: The Covenant Confirmed
Moses reads the Book of the Covenant to the people, and they agree to obey God’s laws. Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and seventy elders ascend the mountain and see a vision of God. Moses stays on the mountain for forty days and nights.
Chapter 25: Offerings for the Tabernacle
God instructs the Israelites to bring offerings for the construction of the tabernacle. Detailed instructions are given for making the Ark of the Covenant, the table for the bread of the Presence, and the lampstand.
Chapter 26: The Tabernacle
God provides detailed instructions for constructing the tabernacle, including its curtains, frames, and coverings. The tabernacle is to be the dwelling place of God’s presence among the Israelites.
Chapter 27: The Altar of Burnt Offering
Instructions are given for building the altar of burnt offering and the courtyard of the tabernacle. God also provides details for the oil used in the lampstand.
Chapter 28: The Priestly Garments
God instructs Moses on making sacred garments for Aaron and his sons, who will serve as priests. The garments include the ephod, breastpiece, robe, tunic, turban, and sash.
Chapter 29: Consecration of the Priests
God outlines the ceremony for consecrating Aaron and his sons as priests, including sacrifices and anointing. Instructions for daily offerings are given to maintain the consecrated status of the altar.
Chapter 30: The Altar of Incense
Instructions are given for making the altar of incense, the atonement money, the bronze basin, and the anointing oil. These elements are essential for the worship and service in the tabernacle.
Chapter 31: Bezalel and Oholiab
God appoints Bezalel and Oholiab, filled with the Spirit of God, to oversee the construction of the tabernacle and its furnishings. God reiterates the importance of observing the Sabbath as a sign of the covenant.
Chapter 32: The Golden Calf
While Moses is on the mountain, the Israelites grow impatient and ask Aaron to make a golden calf to worship. God tells Moses of their idolatry, and Moses intercedes for the people. Upon descending, Moses breaks the tablets of the Law in anger and destroys the calf. The Levites execute judgment on the idolaters, and Moses pleads for God’s forgiveness.
Chapter 33: The Tent of Meeting
Moses sets up a tent outside the camp where he meets with God. God speaks to Moses face to face. Moses asks to see God’s glory, and God promises His presence will go with them.
Chapter 34: The New Stone Tablets
God instructs Moses to chisel out two new stone tablets. God reaffirms His covenant, revealing His character as compassionate and gracious. Moses ascends the mountain again and writes down God’s commands. When he descends, his face shines from being in God’s presence.
Chapter 35: Sabbath Regulations and Offerings for the Tabernacle
Moses reiterates the command to observe the Sabbath. The Israelites willingly bring offerings for the construction of the tabernacle. Skilled workers begin the work according to God’s instructions.
Chapter 36: Construction of the Tabernacle
The construction of the tabernacle begins, overseen by Bezalel and Oholiab. The people continue to bring more than enough materials. The tabernacle’s curtains, coverings, frames, and veil are made according to God’s specifications.
Chapter 37: The Ark, Table, Lampstand, and Altar of Incense
Bezalel makes the Ark of the Covenant, the table for the bread of the Presence, the gold lampstand, and the altar of incense, following God’s detailed instructions.
Chapter 38: The Altar of Burnt Offering and the Courtyard
The altar of burnt offering, the bronze basin, and the courtyard are constructed. The chapter includes an inventory of the materials used for the tabernacle.
Chapter 39: The Priestly Garments Completed
The sacred garments for the priests are made, including the ephod, breastpiece, robe, tunic, turban, and sash. The work is completed according to all the Lord’s commands given to Moses.
Chapter 40: Setting Up the Tabernacle
The tabernacle is set up on the first day of the first month of the second year. Moses inspects and approves the work. God’s glory fills the tabernacle, and His presence guides the Israelites throughout their journeys.