Israel's Bondage in Egypt (Exodus 1–2):
These chapters describe the Israelites' harsh conditions under Egyptian bondage, the birth of Moses, and his early years, culminating in his flight to Midian after killing an Egyptian.
Exodus Chapter 1: The Enslavement of the Israelites
The descendants of Jacob, also known as the Israelites, multiply in Egypt, but Pharaoh oppresses them and orders the killing of Hebrew male infants.
Exodus Chapter 2: The Birth and Early Life of Moses
Moses is born and hidden by his mother, eventually being adopted by Pharaoh's daughter. He grows up in Egypt, unaware of his Hebrew heritage.
The Call of Moses (Exodus 3–4):
God appears to Moses in the burning bush at Mount Horeb, calling him to lead His people out of Egypt.
This section includes Moses' objections and God's reassurances, as well as the signs God provides to Moses.
Exodus Chapter 3: The Burning Bush and God's Call to Moses
God appears to Moses in a burning bush, commissioning him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Moses learns God's name, "I AM."
Exodus Chapter 4: Moses' Reluctance and the Signs
Moses hesitates but receives divine signs to convince the Israelites and Pharaoh of his authority. He sets out for Egypt with his family.
Plagues and the Departure from Egypt (Exodus 5–13):
This section narrates Moses and Aaron's confrontations with Pharaoh, the ten plagues inflicted upon Egypt, and the institution of the Passover. It culminates in the Israelites' departure from Egypt.
Exodus Chapter 5: Moses' Request to Pharaoh
Moses and Aaron ask Pharaoh to let the Israelites go to worship God, but Pharaoh responds by increasing the Israelites' labor.
Exodus Chapter 6: God's Promises to Israel and Moses
God reassures Moses of His plan to free the Israelites and recalls His covenant promises to the patriarchs.
Exodus Chapter 7: The First Plague: Water Turned to Blood
God instructs Moses and Aaron to perform miracles before Pharaoh, beginning with the Nile River turning into blood.
Exodus Chapter 8: Plagues of Frogs, Gnats, and Flies
Pharaoh remains obstinate, and God sends plagues of frogs, gnats, and flies to compel him to release the Israelites.
Exodus Chapter 9: Plagues of Livestock Disease and Boils
God inflicts plagues on Egyptian livestock and covers people with painful boils, yet Pharaoh's heart remains hardened.
Exodus Chapter 10: Plagues of Locusts and Darkness
Swarms of locusts and a thick darkness descend upon Egypt, prompting Pharaoh to briefly relent but then change his mind.
Exodus Chapter 11: The Final Warning and the Passover Instituted
God announces the death of Egypt's firstborn and instructs the Israelites to prepare for the Passover, a sign of protection.
Exodus Chapter 12: The Passover and Exodus
The Israelites observe the Passover, and God strikes down the Egyptian firstborn.
Pharaoh finally allows the Israelites to leave.
Exodus Chapter 13: Consecration and the Pillar of Cloud and Fire
God leads the Israelites out of Egypt with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. The Israelites consecrate their firstborn.
The Journey through the Red Sea and the Wilderness (Exodus 14–18):
This includes the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea, the song of Miriam and Moses, the provision of manna and quail, the water from the rock at Meribah, and the battle with the Amalekites. It also describes Jethro's visit to Moses and his advice on governance.
Exodus Chapter 14: Crossing the Red Sea
The Israelites are pursued by Pharaoh's army, but God miraculously parts the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry land.
Exodus Chapter 15:
The Song of Moses and Miriam Moses and the Israelites sing a song of praise after safely crossing the Red Sea. Miriam leads the women in dancing.
Exodus Chapter 16: Manna and Quail from Heaven
The Israelites complain about food in the wilderness, so God provides manna and quail for them to eat.
Exodus Chapter 17: Water from the Rock and the Battle with the Amalekites
The Israelites grumble about the lack of water, and God instructs Moses to strike a rock to provide water.
They also face an attack by the Amalekites.
Exodus Chapter 18: Jethro's Advice to Moses
Moses' father-in-law, Jethro, advises him on delegating leadership responsibilities among the people.
The Covenant at Sinai (Exodus 19–24):
The Israelites arrive at Mount Sinai, where God proposes a covenant with them.
This section includes the preparation for the covenant, the Ten Commandments, and various laws and ordinances given to Moses. It ends with Moses ascending Mount Sinai to receive the tablets of stone.
Exodus Chapter 19: Israel at Mount Sinai
The Israelites arrive at Mount Sinai, and God instructs them on how to prepare themselves for His presence
Exodus Chapter 20: The Ten Commandments
God delivers the Ten Commandments to Moses, providing moral and ethical guidelines for the Israelites.
Exodus Chapter 21: Laws Regarding Slavery and Personal Injury
God provides laws related to the treatment of slaves and issues of personal injury.
Exodus Chapter 22: Laws Regarding Property and Social Responsibility
Laws concerning theft, property damage, and social responsibilities within the community are given.
Exodus Chapter 23: Additional Laws and Promises of Victory
God gives further laws related to justice, Sabbath, and promises to guide the Israelites and grant them victory in the Promised Land.
Exodus Chapter 24: The Covenant Confirmed
Moses ratifies the covenant between God and the Israelites, and they have a meal in God's presence.
The Instructions for the Tabernacle and the Priesthood (Exodus 25–31):
God gives detailed instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle, the Ark of the Covenant, and other furnishings. This section also includes instructions for the priestly garments and the establishment of the priesthood.
Exodus Chapter 25: Instructions for the Tabernacle and Its Furnishings
God provides detailed instructions for building the Tabernacle and its sacred furnishings.
Exodus Chapter 26: The Tabernacle's Construction Continued
God continues with instructions for constructing the Tabernacle, focusing on the curtains and coverings.
Exodus Chapter 27: The Altar and Courtyard
God provides instructions for constructing the altar of burnt offering and the courtyard of the Tabernacle.
Exodus Chapter 28: Garments for the Priests
God details the priestly garments to be made for Aaron and his sons, outlining their significance and design.
Exodus Chapter 29: Consecration of the Priests
The consecration ceremony for Aaron and his sons as priests is described, including offerings and anointing.
Exodus Chapter 30: The Altar of Incense and the Census Tax
God instructs the construction of the altar of incense and commands a census tax for the service of the Tabernacle.
Exodus Chapter 31: The Sabbath and the Skilled Craftsmen
God emphasizes the importance of observing the Sabbath and appoints skilled craftsmen for the Tabernacle's work.
The Golden Calf and Renewal of the Covenant (Exodus 32–34):
While Moses is on Mount Sinai, the Israelites worship a golden calf.
Upon his return, Moses intercedes for the people, and God renews His covenant with Israel, including giving a second set of tablets.
Exodus Chapter 32: The Golden Calf
While Moses is on Mount Sinai, the Israelites create a golden calf and worship it, provoking God's anger.
Exodus Chapter 33: God's Presence and Moses' Intercession
God promises to continue leading the Israelites but refuses to accompany them personally due to their disobedience. Moses intercedes on their behalf.
Exodus Chapter 34: The New Tablets of the Law
God renews the covenant and provides new stone tablets with the commandments. Moses' face shines from his encounter with God.
Construction and Dedication of the Tabernacle (Exodus 35–40):
The Israelites construct the Tabernacle and its furnishings according to God's instructions.
The book concludes with the erection of the Tabernacle, the descent of the glory of the Lord, and Moses' inability to enter the Tabernacle because of the cloud signifying God's presence.
Exodus Chapter 35: Sabbath Regulations Reiterated and Contributions for the Tabernacle
The importance of observing the Sabbath is reiterated, and the Israelites generously contribute materials for the Tabernacle's construction.
Exodus Chapter 36: The Tabernacle's Construction Begins
The skilled craftsmen begin building the Tabernacle according to God's instructions.
Exodus Chapter 37: Crafting the Furnishings of the Tabernacle
Detailed descriptions of the construction of the Ark of the Covenant and other furnishings are provided.
Exodus Chapter 38: The Altar of Burnt Offering and the Courtyard Completed
The construction of the altar of burnt offering and the courtyard of the Tabernacle is completed.
Exodus Chapter 39: The Priestly Garments Finished
The priestly garments for Aaron and his sons are completed, following God's detailed instructions.
Exodus Chapter 40: The Tabernacle Erected and God's Glory Fills It
Moses sets up the Tabernacle, anoints it and the priests, and God's glory descends upon it, signifying His presence among the Israelites.