The Book of Exodus

The Book of Exodus is the second book of the Bible. It tells the story of how God helped the Israelites leave Egypt. They had been living there as slaves. God chose Moses to lead them out.

Exodus shows how God cares for His people. He heard their cries and acted to save them. He showed His power through signs and wonders. The most well-known is the parting of the Red Sea.

This book also gives us the Ten Commandments. God gave these laws to Moses on Mount Sinai. They teach us how to live and how to love God and others.

Exodus is about trust and obedience. The Israelites had to learn to follow God. Sometimes they failed, but God stayed with them. Their journey shows us that God is patient and faithful.

The Book of Exodus was written a long time ago, likely over 3,000 years ago. It tells the story of the Israelites leaving Egypt. At that time, Egypt was a strong and rich land. The Israelites were living there as slaves. Life was very hard for them.

Catholic tradition says that Moses wrote Exodus. He was the leader God chose to guide the people out of Egypt. Moses knew the story well. He was part of it. He also spoke with God and received His laws.

The book shows how God worked in history. It is not just a story. It tells about real people, places, and events. It also teaches lessons about faith, freedom, and trust.

Knowing the time and place helps us understand the story better. It shows us how God was helping His people, even in hard times.

The Book of Exodus has many important people. Each one plays a part in God’s plan. Here are the main ones:

Moses
Moses is the main leader in the book. God chooses him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. At first, Moses is unsure, but he learns to trust God. He speaks with God and brings His laws to the people. Read more about Moses here.

Aaron
Aaron is Moses’ brother. He helps Moses speak to Pharaoh. Later, he becomes the first high priest. He leads worship for the people. Read more about Aaron here.

Pharaoh
Pharaoh is the king of Egypt. He refuses to let the Israelites go. Because of this, Egypt suffers from the ten plagues. In the end, he lets them leave but then changes his mind and chases them.

The Israelites
They are God’s chosen people. They struggle with fear and doubt, but God stays with them. They learn to follow Him one step at a time.

The Book of Exodus is written like a story. It has people, places, and action. There are heroes and problems. There is danger and rescue. It reads like a journey, because it is one.

Some parts are like a story you would tell around a fire. Other parts give rules and laws. There are also songs and prayers. All of it helps the reader understand what happened and why it matters.

The writing is clear and direct. It shows what God did and how the people reacted. Sometimes they listened. Sometimes they did not. The book tells the truth, even when the truth is hard.

Catholics see Exodus as more than just history. It shows how God works with people. The way the story is told helps us learn, pray, and live in faith.

The Book of Exodus teaches many lessons. These lessons are still important in the Catholic faith today. Here are some of the main themes:

• God saves His people
  God hears the cries of the Israelites. He leads them out of Egypt. Catholics see this as a picture of how God saves us from sin.
• God gives us the law
  God gives the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai. These are rules for how to live. Catholics still follow these today. Read more about the Ten Commandments here.
• God wants a relationship with us
  God stays close to His people. He travels with them in the desert. He gives them food and water. Catholics believe God is still with us, especially in the sacraments.
• God is faithful, even when we are not
  The people often complain. Sometimes they turn away from God. But God does not leave them. He stays with them and keeps His promises.
• Worship is important
  Exodus talks about the tabernacle and how to worship. Catholics see this as a sign of how worship should be holy and respectful.

These themes help us trust God, obey Him, and stay close to Him. They also help us understand Jesus, who brings these things to their full meaning.

The Book of Exodus has 40 chapters. It can be broken into a few main parts. Each part tells a different part of the story.

• Israel in Egypt (Chapters 1–12)
  The Israelites are slaves. God calls Moses. God sends ten plagues to Egypt. Pharaoh finally lets the people go.
• The Journey Out (Chapters 13–18)
  The Israelites leave Egypt. God parts the Red Sea. They cross safely. God gives them food and water in the desert.
• God Gives the Law (Chapters 19–24)
  The people arrive at Mount Sinai. God gives the Ten Commandments. Moses speaks with God on the mountain.
• The Tabernacle and Worship (Chapters 25–31)
  God gives plans for the tabernacle. This is the place where God will stay with His people.
• The Golden Calf and God’s Mercy (Chapters 32–34)
  The people make a golden calf. They sin against God. Moses prays for them. God forgives them.
• Building the Tabernacle (Chapters 35–40)
  The people follow God’s plan. They build the tabernacle. God’s presence fills it.

Each part shows how God leads, teaches, and stays with His people. It is a full story from slavery to worship.

The Book of Exodus is an old book, but it still speaks to us now. It helps us know who God is and how we should live.

We all face hard times. Like the Israelites, we may feel trapped or lost. Exodus shows that God hears us. He stays with us and helps us.

The Ten Commandments are still part of the Catholic Church. They teach us right from wrong. They help us love God and love others.

Exodus also points us to Jesus. Just like Moses led the people out of slavery, Jesus leads us out of sin. The Passover in Exodus also helps us understand the Mass.

This book reminds us that God is close. He leads, teaches, and forgives. That is still true today.

The Book of Exodus is often read in the Catholic Church. It is part of the lectionary. The lectionary is a list of Bible readings used at Mass.

Exodus is read during Lent and especially during the Easter Vigil. At the Easter Vigil, we hear the story of the Red Sea. This shows how God saved His people. It reminds us of Baptism.

The Ten Commandments from Exodus 20 are also read during Lent. They help us prepare our hearts for Easter. They remind us how to live as God’s people.

Click on the links below for more information about a specific reading:

Holy Thursday

A Night of Freedom and Faith

In Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14, God gives Moses special instructions for the first Passover. Each family must prepare a lamb, mark their door with its blood, and eat the meal in a hurry. This meal will protect them when the last plague comes. God is about to free them from slavery in Egypt.

This night becomes a holy day for all time. God tells the people to remember it every year. Catholics see this event as pointing to Jesus, the Lamb of God. Just like the Passover saved the Israelites, Jesus saves us from sin. This reading is used during Holy Week to show the link between the Old and New Covenant.

Easter Sunday – The Resurrection of the Lord

God Makes a Way Through the Sea

In Exodus 14:15-15:1, God tells Moses to lead the Israelites forward, even though the Red Sea is in front of them. God moves the water and makes a dry path. The Israelites walk through safely. The Egyptian army follows, but the sea closes and they are swept away.

After they cross, the people see that God has saved them. They are free at last. Moses and the Israelites sing a song of praise. This moment is remembered as a great act of God’s power and care. Catholics see this as a sign of Baptism, where we pass from death to new life. This reading is used at the Easter Vigil to show how God saves.

Pentecost

God Comes Down to the Mountain

In Exodus 19:3-8a, 16-20b, God calls Moses up the mountain and tells him to speak to the people. God says they will be His special people if they listen and follow His commands. The people agree to do everything God says.

Three days later, there is thunder, lightning, and smoke on Mount Sinai. The mountain shakes, and the people are afraid. God comes down in fire, and Moses goes up to meet Him. This reading is sometimes used at Pentecost because it shows God coming with power, just like He did with the Holy Spirit in the upper room.

3rd Sunday of Lent Year A

Water in the Desert

In Exodus 17:3-7, the Israelites are in the desert and have no water. They complain to Moses and ask why he brought them out of Egypt. They are afraid they will die of thirst. Moses prays to God for help.

God tells Moses to strike a rock with his staff. Moses obeys, and water flows from the rock for the people to drink. This place is called Massah and Meribah, because the people tested God and doubted His care. Catholics see this as a sign that God provides for His people, even when they lose trust.

Trinity Sunday Year A

God Shows His Mercy

In Exodus 34:4B-6, 8-9, Moses goes up Mount Sinai with two stone tablets. God comes down in a cloud and stands with him. God speaks His name and shows who He is—kind, patient, and full of mercy.

Moses bows down and prays. He asks God to stay with the people, even though they have sinned. He asks for forgiveness and for God to make them His own. This reading is used on Trinity Sunday because it shows God’s closeness, mercy, and desire to be with His people.

11th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

God Chooses His People

In Exodus 19:2-6a, the Israelites set up camp near Mount Sinai. God calls Moses to the mountain and gives him a message for the people. He reminds them how He brought them out of Egypt and cared for them.

God tells them that if they listen to Him and follow His ways, they will be His special people. They will be a holy nation. This shows that God wants a close bond with His people. Catholics hear this reading to remember that God still calls us to live for Him and be a light to others.

30th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

Care for the Weak

In Exodus 22:20-26, God gives clear rules to protect people who are weak or in need. He tells the Israelites not to hurt strangers, widows, or orphans. If they do, He will listen to the cries of the victims.

God also says to be fair when lending money. If someone gives their coat as a promise, it must be returned by sunset so they can sleep. These rules show that God cares about justice and kindness. Catholics hear this reading as a reminder to treat others with care, especially those who are poor or alone.

3rd Sunday of Lent Year B

God’s Ten Simple Rules

In Exodus 20:1-17, God gives the Ten Commandments to the Israelites. These are rules for living the right way. They teach people to love God and respect others. The first part focuses on God—worship only Him, keep His name holy, and rest on the Sabbath.

The second part is about how to treat others. The people must honor their parents, not kill, steal, lie, or be jealous of what others have. These rules help build a fair and peaceful life. Catholics still follow these commandments today. They guide us during Lent as we turn back to God.

Corpus Christi Year B

A Promise Sealed with Blood

In Exodus 24:3-8, Moses tells the people all the laws and commands from God. They agree to follow everything God has said. Moses then writes it all down and builds an altar to make an offering to God.

He takes the blood from the sacrifice and sprinkles it on the altar and on the people. This shows the covenant, or promise, between God and His people. Catholics hear this reading on Corpus Christi because it connects to the New Covenant made through the blood of Jesus in the Eucharist.

18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

Bread from Heaven

In Exodus 16:2-4, 12-15, the Israelites complain because they are hungry in the desert. They wish they were back in Egypt, where they had more food. God hears them and promises to give them what they need.

That evening, quail come to feed them. In the morning, thin flakes appear on the ground. This is manna, the bread from heaven. The people are surprised, but Moses tells them it is the food God has given. Catholics see this as a sign that points to the Eucharist, where Jesus gives Himself as the Bread of Life.

3rd Sunday of Lent Year C

God Sends Moses to Help His People

In Exodus 3:1-8A, 13-15, Moses sees a bush on fire but not burning up. He goes closer, and God speaks to him from the bush. God tells Moses that He has seen how the Israelites are suffering in Egypt. God plans to rescue them and bring them to a better land.

Moses is unsure and asks what to say if the people ask who sent him. God tells him to say, “I Am” has sent him. This shows that God is always with His people. Catholics read this during Lent to remember that God sees our struggles and sends help when we need it.

24th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

Moses Prays for Mercy

In Exodus 32:7-11, 13-14, God tells Moses that the people have turned away from Him. While Moses was on the mountain, the people made a golden calf and started to worship it. God is angry and plans to punish them.

But Moses speaks to God and asks Him to forgive the people. He reminds God of the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God listens to Moses and decides not to bring the punishment. Catholics hear this reading as a reminder that God is merciful and hears our prayers, even when we fall.

29th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

Holding Up Hands, Holding Up Hope

In Exodus 17:8-13, the Israelites are attacked by Amalek’s army. Moses tells Joshua to lead the fight while he stands on a hill with God’s staff in his hand. As long as Moses keeps his hands raised, the Israelites win. When he lowers them, they begin to lose.

Moses grows tired, so Aaron and Hur help him. They give him a stone to sit on and hold up his hands until sunset. Because of this, Joshua and the Israelites win the battle. Catholics hear this reading as a reminder to support one another, especially in prayer and in hard times.

---

Other parts of Exodus are read at daily Mass throughout the year. These readings help us see God’s care and power. They remind us that God still leads His people today.

• Thursday of the 4th Week of Lent – Exodus 32:7-14: Moses Intercedes for Israel
• Monday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time I – Exodus 1:8-14, 22: Oppression of the Israelites
• Tuesday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time I – Exodus 2:1-15a: The Birth and Early Life of Moses
• Wednesday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time I – Exodus 3:1-6, 9-12: Moses and the Burning Bush
• Thursday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time I – Exodus 3:13-20: God’s Name and a Mission
• Friday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time I – Exodus 11:10-12:14: The First Passover
• Saturday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time I – Exodus 12:37-42: Israel’s Exodus from Egypt
• Monday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time I – Exodus 14:5-18: The Pursuit and the Promise of Deliverance
• Tuesday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time I – Exodus 14:21-15:1: The Parting of the Sea
• Wednesday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time I – Exodus 16:1-5, 9-15: Bread from Heaven
• Thursday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time I – Exodus 19:1-2, 9-11, 16-20b: God Meets Israel at Mount Sinai
• Friday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time I – Exodus 20:1-17: God’s Commandments
• Saturday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time I – Exodus 24:3-8: The Covenant at Mount Sinai
• Monday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time I – Exodus 32:15-24, 30-34: Moses and the Golden Calf
• Tuesday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time I – Exodus 33:7-11; 34:5b-9, 28: Moses and the Meeting Tent
• Wednesday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time I – Exodus 34:29-35: Moses’ Radiant Face
• Thursday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time I – Exodus 40:16-21, 34-38: The Dwelling and God’s Presence

The Bible

The Bible is full of stories that help us know God better. It teaches us how to live, how to pray, and how to love others. The Book of Exodus is just one part of a much bigger story. If you want to understand more about the Bible as a whole, there are easy ways to start.

You can visit this page to learn more: What is the Bible?. It explains what the Bible is and how to begin reading it. This can help you grow in faith and understand how God has worked in the lives of His people.

What is the Book of Exodus about?

It tells how God saved the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. It also shows how He gave them the Ten Commandments and stayed with them on their journey.

Who wrote the Book of Exodus?

Catholic tradition says Moses wrote it. He was the leader of the Israelites and spoke with God.

Why is the Book of Exodus important for Catholics?

It shows how God saves His people and teaches them. It helps us understand Jesus, the Mass, and the meaning of freedom and faith.

What are the Ten Commandments?

They are ten laws God gave to Moses. They teach us how to love God and others.

Where can I find the story of the Red Sea?

That story is in Exodus 14. It shows how God made a path through the sea for the Israelites to escape Egypt.

How does Exodus connect to Jesus?

Jesus is like a new Moses. He leads us from sin like Moses led the people from Egypt. The Passover in Exodus also helps us understand the Eucharist.

The Book of Exodus is about how God rescued His people, the Israelites, from slavery in Egypt. It begins with their suffering and ends with them learning to live as a free people. God calls Moses to lead them and shows His power through signs and miracles, like the parting of the Red Sea.

After they escape, the people begin a long journey through the desert. Along the way, they face struggles, but God stays with them. He gives them food, water, and guidance. At Mount Sinai, He gives them the Ten Commandments, which teach them how to live.

God also gives them plans for the tabernacle, a special place to worship Him. Even when the people sin, like with the golden calf, God forgives them and helps them keep going. Exodus shows us that God is close, and He wants us to follow Him in trust and love.

Take some time to read the Book of Exodus. It’s a story full of action, lessons, and hope. You’ll learn about freedom, faith, and how God stays with His people even in hard times.

After you read it, come back and share your thoughts. What part stood out to you? What did you learn? Leave a comment and let’s talk about it together.