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How to Read
How to Read Exodus
The book of Exodus is a key to understanding the Bible. Without it, the Bible would lack three early deliverance, covenant and worship. Exodus provides the events and narrative, the themes and imagery foundational for understanding the story of Israel and of Jesus. You can read Exodus on your own, and its main themes will be clear enough. But an expert can sharpen your understanding and appreciation of its drama. Tremper Longman provides a box-seat guide to Exodus, discussing its historical backdrop, sketching out its literary context, and developing its principal themes, from Israel's deliverance from servitude to Pharaoh to its dedication to service to God. And, for Christians, he helps us view the book from the perspective of its fulfillment in Christ.
187 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
14 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
About the author
Tremper Longman III
193books122followersTremper Longman III (PhD, Yale University) is the Robert H. Gundry Professor of Biblical Studies at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California. Before coming to Westmont, he taught at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia for eighteen years. He has authored or coauthored numerous books, including An Introduction to the Old Testament, How to Read Proverbs, and commentaries on Daniel, Ecclesiastes, Proverbs, Jeremiah and Lamentations, and Song of Songs.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 23, 2021
For its size and what it is attempting to do, this is excellent. Longman does a great job of bringing together the (seemingly) disparate elements of Exodus into a coherent whole, dealing with the interpretive challenges of the book, and connecting it with the rest of the Old and New Testament Canon. I am prepping to teach a class at my church on Exodus (and anticipating teaching a class on the Pentateuch at school next year) and this is really helpful for putting the big picture together.
February 1, 2021
A great overview of the book of Exodus. As with his similar title on Genesis, this is a very useful resource for getting a sense of the narrative of Exodus and it's connections to Jesus Christ. It also includes a brief commentary on a number of popular commentaries on Exodus.
March 5, 2024
I enjoyed this volume more than any other in this series. I felt as if the author had been drifting a little left in his view of scripture and inspiration, but many of his arguments in this book indicate a continued trust in scripture as the word of God and historically accurate. He presents the questions asked about the book of Exodus and fairly presents both sides of the arguments. He provides a nice summary of the book with its main themes with a few reading suggestions along the way. This is not a commentary but a "read this first" kind of work to let you know what to expect.
March 26, 2013
I really appreciate Longman and the way he approaches these overviews of OT books. There seemed to be much greater discovery for me in "How to Read Genesis" but this is a very interesting background to Exodus as well.
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February 4, 2023Great Overview of Structure and Themes
Longman organized this little book well, and covers the content of Exodus in a way that makes this a helpful companion to the text. If you read this with Exodus itself, you’ll be more attuned to the big ideas, significant symbols, theological implications, historical significance, and the like.
Longman organized this little book well, and covers the content of Exodus in a way that makes this a helpful companion to the text. If you read this with Exodus itself, you’ll be more attuned to the big ideas, significant symbols, theological implications, historical significance, and the like.
December 6, 2020
This book gives a nice overview of exodus and the various themes in it. It’s accessible and manageable. Solid treatment of Exodus. It focuses on understanding the book Exodus. So it is more academic than devotional in nature.
October 20, 2021
Helpful overview of Exodus, dealing briefly with a walk through the book, some theological themes, a chapter working out the theology of the tabernacle through the old testament, and connection between Exodus and the rest of the Torah. Very enjoyable read and a helpful overview
April 10, 2018
A good intro to Exodus but Longman gives too much credence to lame theories about authorship, historicity, etc.
January 22, 2019
Very helpful in thinking clearly
April 1, 2019
Helpful Biblical theological overview of the book of Exodus. Would recommend to any preaching through the book.
December 26, 2019
Good supplemental text to my deep dive into Exodus in 2019. From this book most enjoyed chapter 3 on narrative structure of the book and chapters 9 and 12 on the theme of tabernacle.
March 28, 2018
Longman III has produced an easy to read guide geared at the beginner/intermediate readers, though I can see that cell group or bible study leaders or even pastors may find it useful. The material would assist one in teaching/preaching from the book of Exodus to a lay audience being the content is kept consistently easily-digestible and understandable. The most valuable part of the title would be part 4, where Longman III essentially provides a concise summary of the theological narrative that pans out in the book of Exodus - reading this part would let you catch a glimpse of the 40 chapters in record time.
I especially appreciated how the topics were segmented into bite-sized chunks, with the ideas and substantives being relatively easy-to-follow. Also very useful how Longman III started off with inviting us readers not to merely take the reading/interpretation/study of Exodus as merely an intellectual exercise, rather the thought-provoking discussion questions served to point us toward how we modern readers would want to and can faithfully apply the theological principles in our lives. Having read (and reviewed) Longman III's excellent title in the series How To Read Genesis, I was pleasantly surprised at how while similarly structured, the opening chapters of a Q&A of the two books had differently worded responses - he did not just cut and paste, but appears to have responded from scratch - and so the read was fresh even if the response he gave was similar! As with the other books in this series, Longman III provides bite site comments on the commentaries on the book, which is essentially similar to what you find if you were to purchase his Old Testament Commentary Survey.
Interestingly, the strength of the book was also its weakness (especially for more theologically advanced readers) - the lean paperback (of about 200 pages) meant that I went away wishing that some topics were explored at greater length. To name a few examples: the earlier or later dating of the book of Exodus, God hardening of Pharoah's heart, Chapter 11's discussion about the false dichotomy of the ceremonial and moral law (where he left us readers with multiple questions for reflection without giving us the "textbook" answer of his position on the topic).
Overall the material was engaging, though because of the relatively larger scope of events Exodus had as compared to Genesis and yet the similar page count of about 200 pages, I felt this title did not provide as much insightful theological reflection and depth-wise was not as extensive in comparison. If in subsequent revisions, Longman III expands the content more extensively, this could be a wonderful companion to the brilliant 5 star How to read Genesis.
I received this book from InterVarsity Press for the purposes of providing an unbiased review. All views are my own.
I especially appreciated how the topics were segmented into bite-sized chunks, with the ideas and substantives being relatively easy-to-follow. Also very useful how Longman III started off with inviting us readers not to merely take the reading/interpretation/study of Exodus as merely an intellectual exercise, rather the thought-provoking discussion questions served to point us toward how we modern readers would want to and can faithfully apply the theological principles in our lives. Having read (and reviewed) Longman III's excellent title in the series How To Read Genesis, I was pleasantly surprised at how while similarly structured, the opening chapters of a Q&A of the two books had differently worded responses - he did not just cut and paste, but appears to have responded from scratch - and so the read was fresh even if the response he gave was similar! As with the other books in this series, Longman III provides bite site comments on the commentaries on the book, which is essentially similar to what you find if you were to purchase his Old Testament Commentary Survey.
Interestingly, the strength of the book was also its weakness (especially for more theologically advanced readers) - the lean paperback (of about 200 pages) meant that I went away wishing that some topics were explored at greater length. To name a few examples: the earlier or later dating of the book of Exodus, God hardening of Pharoah's heart, Chapter 11's discussion about the false dichotomy of the ceremonial and moral law (where he left us readers with multiple questions for reflection without giving us the "textbook" answer of his position on the topic).
Overall the material was engaging, though because of the relatively larger scope of events Exodus had as compared to Genesis and yet the similar page count of about 200 pages, I felt this title did not provide as much insightful theological reflection and depth-wise was not as extensive in comparison. If in subsequent revisions, Longman III expands the content more extensively, this could be a wonderful companion to the brilliant 5 star How to read Genesis.
I received this book from InterVarsity Press for the purposes of providing an unbiased review. All views are my own.
September 14, 2009
How to Read Exodus
Tremper Longman III
ISBN: 978-0-8308-3858-5
I have heard of Tremper Longman, but have never read anything that he has written, as far as I can recall. How To Read Exodus (from here on “Exodus�) was a very good introduction to him as a writer as well as to Exodus.
Longman calls for his reader to read Exodus with a strategy. The strategy is to understand the literature, explore the historical background and theological theme of Exodus, and then seek to find its relevance to us. An admirable and right strategy, I think.
He continues by directing us to read Exodus as literature. This is not simply to deal with the genre of Exodus, but to deal with the shape and narrative structure of Exodus. “Exodus� presents the book of Exodus as showing us the presence of God, the covenant with the people, and the fact of servitude both to the Egyptians and to God.
“Exodus� then shows to us some of the historic context of Exodus by relating it to various law codes of its time. I like that fact that Longman does not fall into parallelomania (the mania in which inspiration is practically dismissed and the book made to be simply a product of its time), but demonstrates that there are similarities and also very pronounced differences between Exodus and other writings of its time. “Exodus� continues and deals with the event of the Exodus, its historical nature, and the significance of its having happened.
The most interesting section to me was the section in which Longman relates the story of the Exodus to his readers and then goes to show us how this relates to us as Christians. He brings out some very interesting parallels between Exodus events, the ministry of Christ, and other New Testament truths.
I initially feared that this would be a dry, boring tome that would half kill me to read. The truth is that I was very wrong, very surprised, very satisfied. I read this book in just a few hours and thoroughly enjoyed it while profiting from it. It is a highly recommended read for all who care to learn more about the book of Exodus and its significance to the Christian.
Tremper Longman III
ISBN: 978-0-8308-3858-5
I have heard of Tremper Longman, but have never read anything that he has written, as far as I can recall. How To Read Exodus (from here on “Exodus�) was a very good introduction to him as a writer as well as to Exodus.
Longman calls for his reader to read Exodus with a strategy. The strategy is to understand the literature, explore the historical background and theological theme of Exodus, and then seek to find its relevance to us. An admirable and right strategy, I think.
He continues by directing us to read Exodus as literature. This is not simply to deal with the genre of Exodus, but to deal with the shape and narrative structure of Exodus. “Exodus� presents the book of Exodus as showing us the presence of God, the covenant with the people, and the fact of servitude both to the Egyptians and to God.
“Exodus� then shows to us some of the historic context of Exodus by relating it to various law codes of its time. I like that fact that Longman does not fall into parallelomania (the mania in which inspiration is practically dismissed and the book made to be simply a product of its time), but demonstrates that there are similarities and also very pronounced differences between Exodus and other writings of its time. “Exodus� continues and deals with the event of the Exodus, its historical nature, and the significance of its having happened.
The most interesting section to me was the section in which Longman relates the story of the Exodus to his readers and then goes to show us how this relates to us as Christians. He brings out some very interesting parallels between Exodus events, the ministry of Christ, and other New Testament truths.
I initially feared that this would be a dry, boring tome that would half kill me to read. The truth is that I was very wrong, very surprised, very satisfied. I read this book in just a few hours and thoroughly enjoyed it while profiting from it. It is a highly recommended read for all who care to learn more about the book of Exodus and its significance to the Christian.
October 16, 2010
The author clarifies that this book is not a commentary on Exodus, but a guide to an interpretive strategy (p.8). It features literary, historical, and theological approaches to this book.
A literary approach reveals that the main theme of Exodus is the presence of God, out of which two sub-themes emerge: the covenant, and bondage (p.39). A historical approach reads Exodus against the background of ancient Near Eastern literature (the Sargon Birth Legend and the Code of Hammurabi). It also examines the historicity of the events recorded in Exodus. Yes, it does matter that the Red Sea did in fact part (Chp. 6). However, some efforts to prove the Exodus events are not helpful: “Purported discoveries of the wheels of Pharaoh’s chariots beside the Red Sea are misleading if not fraudulent� (p.69, cf. p.80).
Longman provides helpful comments on the Law. The Ten Commandments begin the Book of the Law. They are more general principles of which the ensuing case laws are specific applications (p.60). “Israel’s obligation to keep the law is not to form a relationship with God, but rather to show gratitude to and maintain the relationship that it already enjoys with him� (p.121).
On the revelation of Yahweh’s name when he says “I Am Who I Am,� Longman writes: “God claims that he is self-defining. He is unable to be narrowed down. He is the ground of existence.� (p.104)
Longman has a very interesting section on the gods of Egypt (pp.107-9). Do they truly exist? “The answer to that question is much more complex than one might think� (p.107). Of course, there is only one God, the Creator of all that is. But Longman reaches for an emended text of Deuteronomy 32.8, the supernatural feats of the Egyptian magicians, and the testimony throughout Scripture to claim that these Egyptian gods were real spiritual powers, although created and “assigned their place by God� (pp.107-8).
The best section of the book is Part 5: ”Reading Exodus as a Christian." This section features the theological/canonical approach. The theme of the Exodus event, the law, and the tabernacle are masterfully traced from the OT to their NT fulfillment in Christ.
A literary approach reveals that the main theme of Exodus is the presence of God, out of which two sub-themes emerge: the covenant, and bondage (p.39). A historical approach reads Exodus against the background of ancient Near Eastern literature (the Sargon Birth Legend and the Code of Hammurabi). It also examines the historicity of the events recorded in Exodus. Yes, it does matter that the Red Sea did in fact part (Chp. 6). However, some efforts to prove the Exodus events are not helpful: “Purported discoveries of the wheels of Pharaoh’s chariots beside the Red Sea are misleading if not fraudulent� (p.69, cf. p.80).
Longman provides helpful comments on the Law. The Ten Commandments begin the Book of the Law. They are more general principles of which the ensuing case laws are specific applications (p.60). “Israel’s obligation to keep the law is not to form a relationship with God, but rather to show gratitude to and maintain the relationship that it already enjoys with him� (p.121).
On the revelation of Yahweh’s name when he says “I Am Who I Am,� Longman writes: “God claims that he is self-defining. He is unable to be narrowed down. He is the ground of existence.� (p.104)
Longman has a very interesting section on the gods of Egypt (pp.107-9). Do they truly exist? “The answer to that question is much more complex than one might think� (p.107). Of course, there is only one God, the Creator of all that is. But Longman reaches for an emended text of Deuteronomy 32.8, the supernatural feats of the Egyptian magicians, and the testimony throughout Scripture to claim that these Egyptian gods were real spiritual powers, although created and “assigned their place by God� (pp.107-8).
The best section of the book is Part 5: ”Reading Exodus as a Christian." This section features the theological/canonical approach. The theme of the Exodus event, the law, and the tabernacle are masterfully traced from the OT to their NT fulfillment in Christ.
November 15, 2016
This is quite a good, easy-to-read book that not only gives you an introduction into the book of Exodus, but also supplies a good intro to the world of the Ancient Near East (ANE). Not only does the Author examine Exodus in its setting and its meaning for the original audience, but he does a fine job at looking at Exodus through post-Resurrection eyes.
It is an excellent starting point for a Bible Study or Sermon Series, or even personal study, on the book of Exodus. Especially given that each chapter has a "for further reading" list (and I wish more books would do that), as well as an appendix discussing Commentaries on Exodus (at the time of writing). So also a good book for Bible College students.
Given that this is a small book, the Author does cover quite a bit - including a good (though introductory) discussion on Authorship; examination of the plagues, parting of the Sea, and other miracles; comparison of the Law with neighbouring cultures; application of the Law for Christians; etc.
The one drawback (perhaps more of an annoyance) is that the Author overlooks that the 10 commandments are not individual numbered in Exodus (or in Deuteronomy) and that the numbering he uses is not the one we (as Lutherans) use - and not the numbering that Catholics use. Not too mention that they are numbered even differently in Judaism and elsewhere. So for a book that aims at being scholarly (in a light sense), that the Author keeps referring to things like the "6th Commandment" without commenting somewhere on which numbering system he is using, and at least acknowledging that others use different numbering systems, is a bit remiss.
Looking forward to reading other books in this series :)
It is an excellent starting point for a Bible Study or Sermon Series, or even personal study, on the book of Exodus. Especially given that each chapter has a "for further reading" list (and I wish more books would do that), as well as an appendix discussing Commentaries on Exodus (at the time of writing). So also a good book for Bible College students.
Given that this is a small book, the Author does cover quite a bit - including a good (though introductory) discussion on Authorship; examination of the plagues, parting of the Sea, and other miracles; comparison of the Law with neighbouring cultures; application of the Law for Christians; etc.
The one drawback (perhaps more of an annoyance) is that the Author overlooks that the 10 commandments are not individual numbered in Exodus (or in Deuteronomy) and that the numbering he uses is not the one we (as Lutherans) use - and not the numbering that Catholics use. Not too mention that they are numbered even differently in Judaism and elsewhere. So for a book that aims at being scholarly (in a light sense), that the Author keeps referring to things like the "6th Commandment" without commenting somewhere on which numbering system he is using, and at least acknowledging that others use different numbering systems, is a bit remiss.
Looking forward to reading other books in this series :)
September 29, 2014
Longman provides an excellent discussion of interpretive strategy and brief but thorough coverage of the major themes in Exodus. Pro: Excellent connection to the NT Con: Light coverage of technical and critical matters. I would recommend for lay and undergraduate students of the Bible. For grad students, see one of the commentaries Longman recommends in Appendix B.
November 19, 2012
A short but rich introduction to the main themes of the Exodus story. The Exodus event is pivotal to Jewish history and foundational to understanding the New Testament. A highly accessible read by one of our foremost Old Testament scholars today.
February 23, 2016
Excellent preaching preparation book for those looking to prepare to preach/teach from (or through) the book of Exodus. Very interesting and accessible. Longman unpacks the major issues and topics with brevity and clarity. Highly recommend!
November 1, 2010
A very helpful look at the Book of Exodus and how to dissect it as a Christian.
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