Includes bibliographical references and index.

Part I: Reading Exodus with a strategy. Understanding the book of departure -- Part 2: Reading Exodus as literature. The shape of the book of Exodus ; The narrative structure of Exodus: presence, covenant, and servitude -- Part 3: Reading Exodus as history in its historical context. Birth legends, Hammurabi, and portable shrines: the ancient near eastern background of Exodus ; Evidence for the Exodus event ; Does it matter whether the sea parted? -- Part 4: Reading Exodus as God's story. God rescues Abraham's descendants from Egyptian bondage (Exodus 1:18) ; God gives Israel his law (Exodus 19:24) ; God instructs Israel to build the tabernacle (Exodus 25:40) -- Part 5: Reading Exodus as a Christian. The Christian experience of Exodus ; The role of law in the Christian life ; The Word became flesh and tabernacled among us.