1. Introduction
The book of Exodus is pivotal in both Judaism and Christianity, recounting Israel’s deliverance from Egyptian bondage and the establishment of the Sinai covenant. This narrative and legal corpus shapes foundational doctrines about God’s saving acts, lawgiving, and presence among His people. While Judaism emphasises national identity and covenantal obedience, Christianity interprets Exodus in light of Christ’s redemptive work and fulfilment of the Law. This article compares these doctrinal perspectives, examining deliverance, covenant, and divine presence.
2. Historical and Textual Context
Traditionally attributed to Moses, Exodus was composed and compiled between the 13th and 10th centuries BCE (Westermann, 1994). The Hebrew Masoretic Text (MT) serves as the authoritative Jewish source, while Christians also utilise the Septuagint (LXX), which sometimes exhibits textual variants (Sarna, 1991). Exodus stands as the second book of the Torah/Pentateuch, foundational for Israel’s religious and legal identity.
3. Doctrinal Views in Judaism
3.1 Deliverance and Redemption
Judaism holds the Exodus event as the defining act of divine salvation, where God liberated Israel from slavery (Exodus 3:7–12). This deliverance shapes the collective memory and identity of the Jewish people, commemorated annually in Passover (Pesach) (Exodus 12). It establishes God’s faithfulness and power to save.
3.2 Sinai Covenant and Lawgiving
Exodus 19–24 details the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, where Israel enters a covenantal relationship with God based on obedience to divine commandments (Exodus 20). The Ten Commandments are central ethical and ritual laws forming the core of Jewish religious life (Exodus 20:1–17).
3.3 The Tabernacle and Divine Presence
Exodus 25–31 and 35–40 describe the Tabernacle’s construction as a mobile sanctuary where God’s presence dwells among Israel (Exodus 25:8; 40:34–38). This reinforces the holiness of worship and God’s nearness to His covenant people.
4. Doctrinal Views in Christianity
4.1 Deliverance as Type of Salvation in Christ
Christian theology interprets Israel’s deliverance as a type or foreshadowing of salvation through Jesus Christ, the ultimate Redeemer (1 Corinthians 10:1–4). The Passover lamb is understood as a prefiguration of Christ’s sacrificial death, delivering believers from sin and death (John 1:29; 1 Corinthians 5:7).
4.2 Fulfilment of the Law and New Covenant
Christians affirm the giving of the Law but assert that Christ fulfils and transforms the Sinai covenant (Matthew 5:17). The moral imperatives remain, yet ceremonial laws and sacrificial regulations find completion in the New Covenant inaugurated by Christ’s death and resurrection (Hebrews 8:6–13).
4.3 God’s Presence in Christ and the Church
The Tabernacle and its symbolism are fulfilled in Christ as the incarnate God dwelling among humanity (John 1:14). Furthermore, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers represents God’s presence in the Church as the new covenant community (2 Corinthians 6:16).
5. Comparative Summary
| Theme | Judaism | Christianity |
|---|---|---|
| Deliverance | Historical salvation from Egypt; foundational identity | Typological salvation through Christ; spiritual deliverance |
| Covenant and Lawgiving | Sinai covenant as national and religious foundation | Law fulfilled and transcended by Christ’s New Covenant |
| The Ten Commandments | Central to religious and ethical life | Moral foundation fulfilled and interpreted in Christ |
| Tabernacle and Divine Presence | Physical sanctuary symbolising God’s dwelling among Israel | Christ as God’s presence; Holy Spirit dwelling in believers |
6. Conclusion
Exodus holds a central place in both Judaism and Christianity, yet doctrinal emphases differ. Judaism focuses on national deliverance, covenant obedience, and ritual holiness. Christianity views Exodus as a typological foundation pointing to Christ’s redemptive work and the spiritual presence of God in the Church. Both traditions affirm God’s saving power and covenantal faithfulness, but their theological frameworks diverge in significant ways.
7. References
- Alter, R. (2011). The Five Books of Moses: A Translation with Commentary. W. W. Norton & Company.
- Sarna, N. M. (1991). Exodus: The Traditional Hebrew Text with the New JPS Translation Commentary. Jewish Publication Society.
- Westermann, C. (1994). Exodus: A Continental Commentary. Fortress Press.
- The Holy Bible, New Revised Standard Version (NRSV).
- Wright, N. T. (2012). How God Became King: The Forgotten Story of the Gospels. HarperOne.