Exodus

Exodus is the second book of the Bible and continues the story Genesis left off. The book is traditionally attributed to Moses and tells how the descendants of Jacob, by now a large nation, leave slavery in Egypt and begin their journey to the land God promised their ancestors.

The book opens centuries after Genesis ends. The Israelites have multiplied in Egypt to the point where Pharaoh, fearing their numbers, enslaves them. Moses is born to an Israelite family, rescued and raised in Pharaoh's household, and later flees Egypt as an adult after killing an Egyptian. God meets him at a burning bush and sends him back to demand the Israelites' release.

The first half of the book covers the ten plagues that fall on Egypt, the Passover, and the dramatic escape through the parted Red Sea. The Israelites then journey through the wilderness to Mount Sinai, where God appears in fire and smoke and gives Moses the Ten Commandments and the rest of the Law.

The second half of the book describes the law in detail and the construction of the tabernacle, a portable tent of worship that will travel with the Israelites. The book closes with the tabernacle complete and God's glory filling it. The Israelites are out of Egypt, organized under God's law, and ready to continue their journey.