EXODUS.

INTRODUCTION.

THE BOOK OF EXODUS is the second of the five Books of Moses called the PENTATEUCH. The history of this Book is a great turning-point in Bible history. With it the Patriarchal dispensation ends, and the Law begins; Israel is no longer regarded as a FAMILY, but as a NATION. The Book gives a sketch of the early history of Israel as a nation: First as a NATION ENSLAVED; then as a NATION REDEEMED; lastly as a NATION SET APART, a HOLY NATION. Exodus contains many incidents and descriptions which have gained new force from modern research and discovery among the antiquities of Egypt, the inscriptions on the various monuments bearing testimony to the events recorded in the inspired page.

This Book is called EXODUS from the Greek OUT, and odos A WAY, because it records the departure of the Israelites out of Egypt. The Hebrews call the Book VEELE SCHEMOTH, because it begins with these words: "Now these are the names of the children of Israel," &c. It embraces a period of 145 years; viz., from the death of JOSEPH, 1635 B.C.; to the erection of the Tabernacle, 1490 B.C.

This Book may be divided into two parts, 1st. The deliverance of Israel from Egypt, chapters i.-xv.; 2nd, The manifestation of God in the midst of Israel, and the giving of the Law, xx.—xl. "The subject matter therefore is partly HISTORICAL, and partly LEGAL. The HISTORICAL portion extends from the settlement of Israel in Egypt, to the end of the Israelites' sojourn at the foot of Mount Sinai. The LEGAL portion was given first orally

to Moses, and by him afterwards in writing to the children of Israel."

The HISTORICAL part of the Book may be subdivided : (1.) The preparation for the deliverance of Israel from their bondage in Egypt. (2.) The accomplishment of that deliverance. The LEGISLATIVE part of the Book gives an account of the solemn establishment of the THEOCRACY on Mount Sinai, when the children of Israel were set apart by Jehovah as a "peculiar treasure above all people; a kingdom of priests; a holy nation." The grand feature of the Book is the publication of the DECALOGUE.

The principal events recorded are: The sufferings and bondage of Israel in Egypt; the miraculous deliverance by the hand of Moses; the institution of the Passover; the miraculous passage of the Red Sea; the encampment in the wilderness of Sinai; the promulgation of the Law; and the building of the Tabernacle.

We have much Scriptural evidence, as well as historical, to show that Moses was the author of this Book.

No less

than twenty-five passages are quoted from Exodus by Christ and His Apostles. Numenius, a Greek philosopher of the second century, speaks of the opposition of the Egyptian magicians to the miracles of Moses. The Exodus under Moses is mentioned by Eusebius, Josephus, Tacitus, and other ancient writers.

But very little is recorded of the early life of Moses, the first forty years spent in Egypt; likewise of the second forty years spent in Midian. Exodus is, however, very circumstantial in the account given of the preparation of Moses for his great work, and of his summons to the sacred office, which concludes the first important section of his life. Jehovah here reveals Himself to him by His covenant Name, and confers on him the power to work miracles, such as had never been wrought by man before. Neither is that part of the Book which contains the account of the miracles deficient in historical facts in proof of their genuineness. This Book contains some predictions of which it relates also the accomplishment. It likewise describes some which were not fulfilled till after the death of Moses.

In the study of the history of God's chosen people, contained in the Book of Exodus, we observe, that the events which happened under the old dispensation are

often strikingly prefigurative of those which occur under the new. Israel is a type of God's people in all ages. In the history of Israel we may see, as in a glass, the history of Christ's redeemed ones. Continually in the New Testament is the Church of Christ pointed to the story of Israel as 66 a shadow of good things to come,' "" written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come." In this wonderful record of bygone ages are to be observed many TYPES of the Messiah and His Church, concerning whom " Moses in the law

write."

did

CHAPTER I.

B.C. 1635-1573.

"THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL." They had now become very numerous; the promise given to Abraham more than two hundred years before seemed fulfilled, that his seed should become a great nation.

"ISSACHAR" is named in the fifth place because he is the fifth son of Leah, though Jacob had other sons before him.

JOSEPH AND ALL HIS BRETHREN who were carried out of Egypt and buried in Sychem, in the land of Canaan. "GENERATION." The men of that generation or age, both Israelites and Egyptians.

"A NEW KING." Probably a new dynasty. Most writers agree in regarding Aahmes or Amosis, first king of the 18th dynasty, by whom the Hyksos were expelled, as the king who knew not Joseph, but opinions differ. "WHICH KNEW NOT JOSEPH." "Which confirmed not the decree of Joseph."

Princes Pharaoh

"THEY DID SET OVER THEM TASKMASTERS." of tasks, or of tribute-masters over work. thus, unknowingly, was the instrument of fulfilling their prophesied affliction.

"TREASURE CITIES." Fortified cities-Cities of store; to lay up fruits of the earth, and provisions of armoury and warlike furniture. Josephus says that they constructed pyramids, and dykes, and dug canals.

"TO SERVE WITH RIGOUR." With fierceness. Notwithstanding "the more they afflicted them, the more