The Books of
Numbers and Exodus
Author, Plot and Outline
Who is the Exodus author? When was Numbers written? Both questions can be answered together since Exodus and Numbers work together. While they may not be listed beside each other in the Table of Context of the Old Testament, they do follow each other chronologically.
Titles
Exodus means "depart" or "Exit".Numbers is derived from the Greek "Arithmoi" (our word arithmetic comes from this word). This title also reflects the two census-takings in this book.
Format
Exodus and Numbers are based on the "Divine Oracle" format. This means that sections begin with the phrase, "The Lord spoke to...".
Authorship
Moses
Outline
1. Israel in Egypt (Ex. 1:1-12:36)2. The Journey from Egypt to Sinai (Ex. 12:37-18:27) 3. Covenant and Law at Sinai (Ex. 19:1-40:38) 4. How Israel would relate to God (Lev. 1-27) 5. Preparations for Departure from Sinai (Num. 1:1-10:10) 6. From Sinai to Kadesh Barnea (Num. 10:11-20:21) 7. From Kadesh Barnea to the Plains of Moab (Num. 20:22-36:13)
Plot
God chooses Moses, the Exodus Author, to lead Israel out of Egypt, then uses him to establish, reveal and explain another covenant o his chosen people. This covenant includes principles and rules for Holy living. The people are now ready to enter the promised land but when they come to the edge of Canaan they refuse to enter, in fear. Because they reject God's promise, He sentences them to forty years in the wilderness. When a new generation matures, the Lord promises them the land.
Major Characters
Moses, Aaron, Egypt's Pharaoh, The Lord, The Israelite people, Joshua, Caleb
Major Events
1. Israel's enslavement in Egypt2. The calling of Moses as leader 3. Israel's deliverance from Egypt 4. The presentation of the Mosaic covenant at Sinai 5. Israel's rebellion against God 6. The forty years in the desert 7. The death of the first generation of Israelites in the desert
Return to Old Testament from Exodus Author
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