Exodus

The nation of Israel, a captive people under the thumb of the Egyptians, prepares for freedom under the leadership of Moses. As the book of Exodus opens, the wonderful story of Moses unfolds. It is a remarkable journey that the people take, under his leadership, and a remarkable transformation that Moses undergoes as he changes from being a reluctant spokesman on behalf of God to the Pharaoh, to someone who adamantly advocates for his people before a ticked off God. The story goes from the miraculous to the mundane. The narrative really bogs down in the rules and guidelines for dispute settlements, and becomes almost unreadable when it comes time for the blueprints of the Tabernacle, the Ark, and the priestly robes to be revealed.

The impression is that God is very involved in the details and has a very distinct and unusual plan for these people called the Nation of Israel. It is also very evident that these people are, as God himself put it, "stiff necked". They are stubborn and go their own way as soon as the going appears to be getting a little rough. As you read, you wonder when these folks are going to 'get it'. You do not cross God, or disobey him, because the penalty is death. He is training them for the end game, even though it is a ways down the desert path. And, finally, the law (laws) are many and onerous. One's life would have had to been wrapped up in the law just to be aware of when and when not it was being kept or broken. Things have got to change!  

Readability: three stars