Exodus, Book of: Exodus is the name given in the LXX. to the second book of the
Pentateuch (q.v.). It means "departure" or "outgoing." This name was
adopted in the Latin translation, and thence passed into other
languages. The Hebrews called it by the first words, according to
their custom, Ve-eleh shemoth (i.e., "and these are the names"). It
contains,1. An account of the increase and growth of the Israelites in Egypt
(Exodus 1:1)ff
2. Preparations for their departure out of Egypt
(Exodus 2:1-12)
3. Their journeyings from Egypt to Sinai
(Exodus 12:37) ff
4. The giving of the law and the establishment of the institutions
by which the organization of the people was completed, the
theocracy, "a kingdom of priest and an holy nation"
(Exodus 19:3-40)
The time comprised in this book, from the death of Joseph to the
erection of the tabernacle in the wilderness, is about one hundred and
forty-five years, on the supposition that the four hundred and thirty
years
(Exodus 12:40) are to be computed from the time of the promises
made to Abraham
(Galatians 3:17) The authorship of this book, as well as
of that of the other books of the Pentateuch, is to be ascribed to
Moses. The unanimous voice of tradition and all internal evidences
abundantly support this opinion.
