When Exodus begins, God’s people live under an oppressive Egyptian regime, and their lives aren’t flourishing and fruitful like God promised. As a result, the book raises questions about God’s character. Does God recognize his people’s suffering? Is there hope amid oppression and bondage? Will God faithfully uphold his end of the covenant despite Israel’s sin? God reveals his character throughout Exodus as he deals with both the Israelites and the Egyptian rulers. Ultimately, God proves himself to be Israel’s trustworthy redeemer and the king to whom all earthly leaders must submit.
Recommendation
Introductory Commentaries
For Sunday school teachers and small group leaders without advanced training
Exodus
James K. Bruckner
Understanding the Bible Commentary
Baker Books, 2008
Bruckner provides a reasonably detailed exposition of Exodus that explains its theological significance in a way that’s accessible for introductory-level readers. Additional notes discuss more technical matters for preachers and advanced students.
The Message of Exodus: The Days of Our Pilgrimage
J. Alec Motyer
Bible Speaks Today
IVP Academic, 2005
Motyer’s commentary is an accessible guide to the Exodus text. He offers a helpful overview that explores God’s character and faithfulness to his covenant promises.
Exodus
Jay Sklar
TGC Bible Commentary
The Gospel Coalition, 2023
Sklar’s concise yet thorough commentary focuses on Exodus’s key themes. He shows that the purpose of Exodus is to reveal God’s character and his will for his people, Israel.
Preaching Commentaries
For pastors and Bible teachers preparing to proclaim the Word
Exodus
T. Desmond Alexander
Teach the Text Commentary
Baker Books, 2016
Alexander provides all the tools a pastor needs to communicate the Exodus text effectively. The carefully selected preaching units and focused commentary allow pastors to grasp the big idea and key themes of each passage of Scripture.
Exalting Jesus in Exodus
Tony Merida
Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary
Holman Bible Publishers, 2014
Merida’s commentary contains fifteen expositions, perfectly designed for a four-month sermon series. Merida helps readers to see Christ in each passage and applies each passage devotionally.
Exodus: Saved for God’s Glory
Philip G. Ryken
Preaching the Word
Crossway, 2016
Ryken is a master preacher and writer. His commentary contains helpful illustrations and wise applications that are biblical, historical, theological, and practical.
Exodus
Christopher J. H. Wright
The Story of God Bible Commentary
Zondervan Academic, 2021
Wright’s commentary is outstanding. Exegetically sound, theologically and pastorally aware, and crystal clear, it explains the text well and includes sections with great discussions of application to today’s context.
Scholarly Commentaries
For scholars and pastor-theologians proficient in biblical Hebrew
Exodus
T. Desmond Alexander
Apollos Old Testament Commentary
Apollos, 2017
Alexander unpacks how the book of Exodus provides an important paradigm for understanding God’s work of salvation—salvation with the goal of creating a holy nation. While addressing issues raised by critical scholarship, Alexander’s interest lies in the significance of the text for biblical theology.
Exodus
Nahum M. Sarna
JPS Torah Commentary
Jewish Publication Society, 2003
A clear, concise, and exegetically strong commentary. Sarna is especially aware of the larger ancient Near Eastern context within which Exodus was written. He doesn’t provide wider theological discussion or application.
Exodus
Douglas K. Stuart
New American Commentary
Holman Reference, 2006
Stuart’s commentaries demonstrate exegetical detail and keen knowledge of ancient cultures, grammar, and theology. This strong resource concentrates on theological exegesis while providing practical, applicable exposition.