Book of the Bible

Exodus

Israel’s rescue from Egypt, the covenant at Sinai, and the building of the tabernacle.

DatesAbout 1446 BC (working framework; late-date view about 1260 BC) (debated)
GenreLaw (the Pentateuch)
AuthorshipAnonymous; traditionally Moses
TimelineExodus & Sinai
Key textsExodus 3; Exodus 12–15; Exodus 19–24; Exodus 40
Read the textExodus in the World English Bible
Covered in classSession 2, Session 9

What the sources say, and how sure we are

The text says
The book records Moses writing down the Lord’s words and the covenant at Sinai.Exod 17:14; Exod 24:4; Exod 34:27
Debated
The date of the Exodus is disputed. This site uses about 1446 BC from 1 Kings 6:1 as its working framework and presents about 1260 BC as a serious alternative. See the era page for the full discussion.1 Kgs 6:1; Exod 1:11
Debated
As with the rest of the Pentateuch, tradition ascribes the book to Moses, while many scholars see it as assembled from sources and edited later.
Christian conclusion
The New Testament presents Jesus as the Passover lamb and the mediator of a new covenant.1 Cor 5:7; Heb 8:6