Exodus Introduction - Preacher's Complete Homiletical Commentary

Bible Comments

  • The Preacher’s Complete Homiletic
    COMMENTARY
    ON THE SECOND BOOK OF MOSES CALLED

    Exodus

    By the REV. JOSEPH S. EXELL, M.A.

    Author of the Commentaries on Genesis and the Psalms

    New York
    FUNK & WAGNALLS COMPANY
    LONDON AND TORONTO
    1892
    THE PREACHER’S
    COMPLETE HOMILETIC

    COMMENTARY
    ON THE BOOKS OF THE BIBLE
    WITH CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES, INDEXES, ETC., BY VARIOUS AUTHORS

    HOMILETIC COMMENTARY

    ON
    EXODUS

    Introduction and Preface

    EXODUS is a Greek word applied to the Second Book of the Pentateuch by the SEVENTY, on account of the chief event which it records (Exodus—the going out or departure from Egypt). It continues the history of Genesis, and is connected with it by the conjunction and. In one book we have Biography, in the other History. In one we have the fortunes of a family, in the other its growth into a nation. One is the promise, the other the fulfilment. This nation is chosen to be the depository of God’s will, to preserve His worship pure amid idolatrous peoples. Eternal truths lost to the world, or buried beneath the customs of men, were to be revived—illustrated by fresh facts—set forth in a written law and a visible polity. These truths are most important: belong not merely to one nation, but concern the welfare of mankind. This book asserts the supremacy of Jehovah over the gods of the heathen, demands the freedom of Israel from Egyptian tyranny, and inaugurates a new era by miraculous signs and wonders. It asserts the prerogatives of God as Creator of the universe, Arbiter of nations, and Redeemer of His people. Deliverance from Egypt is a type of moral deliverance from sin Israel’s exodus and wanderings prefigure our life and entrance into rest. In the manna and the smitten rock we learn our moral need, and are pointed to Christ, the provision for that need. These things were our examples (types), happened unto them for ensamples (typically), and were written for our admonition (1 Corinthians 10:1-11) In this light we seek to expound this book; to refrain from unnecessary criticism, and to economise space as much as possible. It embraces the period from the death of Joseph to the rearing of the Tabernacle; chiefly comprises two parts—the Historical, Exodus 1-11, and the Legislative, chap. 12 to 31. We have striven to make our homiletics as brief and suggestive as possible. In their preparation we have consulted the best writers on the Book of Exodus, especially are we indebted for many of our comments on the verses to a work of considerable antiquity by the Rev. George Hughes. Our aim has been to help the reader in the application of Eternal Truth to the moral life of man.