Book of Exodus — New World Translation Study Guide
Section: Hebrew Scriptures · Chapters: 40 · Written by: Moses · Approximate date: c. 1440 BC · Theme: Redemption & Deliverance
Summary of the Book of Exodus
Exodus tells the dramatic story of Israel's deliverance from Egypt through Moses, the revelation of Jehovah's name, the giving of the Ten Commandments, and the construction of the Tabernacle as Jehovah's dwelling place among his people.
Why the Book of Exodus Matters Today
Exodus contains the first explicit revelation of Jehovah's personal name and the meaning behind it (Exodus 3:14; 6:3). Without this book, Jehovah's Witnesses lose their most direct biblical mandate for using the divine name in ministry. The Passover account points forward to Jesus Christ as 'our Passover lamb' (1 Corinthians 5:7), and the Ten Commandments still reveal the standards of righteousness Jehovah holds dear. The construction of the Tabernacle teaches that organized, reverent worship matters to Jehovah — a principle that shapes the way Witnesses approach Kingdom Hall meetings today.
Key Verses in Exodus
- Ex 3:14
- Ex 6:3
- Ex 20:2–3
Notable Passages in Exodus
Exodus 3:14
Jehovah reveals his name and the meaning 'I Will Become What I Choose to Become,' underscoring the importance of knowing and using Jehovah's personal name.
Exodus 6:3
Jehovah emphasizes that his name distinguishes him from all other gods, a key NWT proof-text for restoring the divine name throughout Scripture.
Exodus 20:2–3
The first two commandments establish that Jehovah alone is God and must have exclusive devotion — the bedrock of pure worship.
Study Questions for Exodus
As you read the book of Exodus, reflect on these questions to deepen your understanding and appreciation of Jehovah's Word:
- What does Jehovah's revelation of his name at Exodus 3:14–15 and 6:3 teach about the importance of using and honoring Jehovah's personal name?
- How did the ten plagues demonstrate Jehovah's superior power over Egypt's gods, and what does this teach about true worship?
- What is the significance of the Passover for Israel, and how does it foreshadow the sacrifice of Jesus Christ as 'our Passover lamb'?
- How do the Ten Commandments reflect Jehovah's standards of righteousness, and which principles still apply to Christians today?
- What does the detailed construction of the Tabernacle teach about the importance Jehovah places on proper, organized worship?
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus
- Who wrote the book of Exodus?
- Moses wrote Exodus around 1512 BCE, recording events he personally witnessed — Israel's deliverance from Egypt, the giving of the Law at Sinai, and the construction of the Tabernacle.
- When was the book of Exodus written?
- Exodus was written around 1512 BCE in the wilderness. The events it covers span 145 years, from Joseph's death (1657 BCE) through the construction of the Tabernacle in 1512 BCE.
- What is the main theme of Exodus?
- Exodus reveals Jehovah as the Deliverer who keeps his covenant promises. Its central themes are the revelation of Jehovah's name, his power over false gods, the giving of the Law, and the institution of proper worship through the Tabernacle.
How to Study Exodus with JW Study
Track your progress through all 40 chapters of Exodus in the New World Translation, mark completed chapters as you read, save personal notes on key passages, and build a consistent daily Bible reading habit. Use it alongside JW Library and the publications available at wol.jw.org to deepen your understanding of Jehovah's Word.
Reading Plans That Include Exodus
The book of Exodus is covered in the following structured reading plans on NWT Progress. Each plan divides the reading evenly across a set number of days to help you stay consistent.
- NWT in 1 Year — Read the entire New World Translation, all 66 books, in 365 days. (365 days, 1189 chapters)
- Hebrew Scriptures in 1 Year — Read all 39 books of the Hebrew Scriptures over the course of a year. (365 days, 929 chapters)
- Intensive: Bible in 90 Days — Cover all 66 books in 90 days with a steady, focused schedule. (90 days, 1189 chapters)
Related Bible Study Topics
Deepen your study of the Bible with these related topics from JW Study:
- Is Jesus God? — Understanding Jesus' identity as the Son of God — distinct from Jehovah
- Jesus and Michael the Archangel — Scriptural evidence that Jesus Christ is Michael the archangel
- Holy Spirit — Person or Force? — The Bible shows the holy spirit is God's active force, not a third person
- Holy Spirit Is Not a Person — Key Verses — Scriptural proof that the holy spirit is God's active force, not a person
- The Trinity Is Not Biblical — Key Verses — Scripture consistently distinguishes the Father from the Son — the Trinity doctrine has no Bible basis
- The Angel of the Lord Is Michael — Key Verses — Scriptural evidence connecting the angel of Jehovah, Michael the archangel, and Jesus Christ
- What Is the Soul? — The Bible defines the soul as a living being — not an immortal inner entity
- What Happens When We Die? — Death is a state of unconscious sleep — not heaven, hell, or purgatory
- God's Kingdom — What Is It? — A real government in heaven that will rule over a paradise earth
- Why Does God Allow Suffering? — Understanding the issue of universal sovereignty and why Jehovah permits evil for now
- The Sanctity of Blood — Why Jehovah commands us to abstain from blood — and what this means today
Continue Reading the Hebrew Scriptures
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