Editing Exodus (section)

==Themes==
The central theme of Exodus is Israel's relationship with God: initiated by divine will (God initiates the action at each stage, from the Burning Bush to the epiphany at Sinai), it is to be maintained by their faithfulness to the covenant began with Noah and expanded with Abraham in Genesis, and now brought to a climax at Sinai.<ref>C. Marvin Pate, et al. ''The Story of Israel: a biblical theology'' (InterVarsity Press: Downers Grove, 2004) pp 39.</ref>

Exodus also shows the importance of genealogy in the Tanakh: Israel is elected for salvation because it is the firstborn son of the Lord, descended though Shem and Abraham to the chosen line of Israel/Jacob. (The theme of election by birth will later narrow still further, to the line of David, the descendant of Judah).<ref>Stephen G. Dempster. ''Dominion and dynasty'' (InterVarsity Press: Downers Grove, 2006) pp. 97-8.</ref>

The goal of the divine plan as revealed in Exodus is a return to man's state in Eden, so that the Lord could dwell with the Hebrews as he had with Adam and Eve: in Exodus, he dwells with Israel through the medium of the Ark and Tabernacle, which together form a model of the universe. Israel is thus the guardian and also the object of God's plan for mankind.<ref>Stephen G. Dempster. ''Dominion and dynasty'' (InterVarsity Press: Downers Grove, 2006) pp. 100.</ref> That so much of the book (chapters 25-31, 35-40) is spent describing the plans of the Tabernacle, demonstrates the importance it played in the life of the Hebrews. It was God's regular, permanent means of being with them, and gave them communion with him.<ref>Stephen G. Dempster. ''Dominion and dynasty'' (InterVarsity Press: Downers Grove, 2006) pp. 107.</ref>