We know from the book itself, that Exodus was composed or recorded by Moses (Exodus 17:14; 24:4, 28). The word “exodus” means going out, or departure, which is the major event of the first half of the book.

Exodus is written in a historical narrative format, recording the story of God remembering His covenant with Israel and then setting out to bring those people out of Egypt. He instructs them how to live as a people amongst whom He would live. The historical events of Exodus probably fall somewhere between 1225 B.C. and 1450 B.C. It seems likely the 1450 date is the closest, based on 1 Kings 6:1, dating the Exodus moment at 480 years before the fourth year of Solomon’s reign, the year Solomon began to build the Temple. 

Purpose

Exodus was written to reveal and explain God’s faithfulness to fulfill His covenant with the patriarchs that He would make them a great nation and give them the land He had promised. The success of the Exodus was completely dependent upon God, who remembers His promises and fulfills His promises, even when the sins of those He seeks to fulfill His promises for are working contrary to His purposes. 

Outline 

1. The Exodus (1-17)

   The first half of the book records the events of God delivering His people from slavery in honor of the promise He made to Abraham (Genesis 15:13-16). Israel was redeemed by God from slavery and was destined to be the nation through whom God restored His presence and through whom He would bless the whole world (Genesis 12:1-3). The first half of the book is thus dedicated to the redemption and deliverance of the nation with whom God would dwell and through whom God would bless.

2. The Covenant (18-40)

   The second half of the book is dedicated to the events surrounding God’s covenant being revealed, established, violated, and then restored. God’s covenant to live among them, be their God, bring them into their land, and bless the world through them takes the focus of these remaining chapters. God gave them a Tabernacle for them to meet with Him, offerings with which they could worship Him, a priesthood so they could be a blessing to the world, and commandments by which they could live. Most importantly, in this part of the book, Yahweh is seeking to give them His presence, to govern their identity as His children. It is in this part of the book that the children of Israel violate the covenant and, if not for mercy, would have come to an end before they even started. Thus, this book is not only about departure but also redemption—how God frees them from slavery in Egypt and then from their own rebellious lusts.