2.+Introduction+to+the+Book+of+Exodus

= **__ Introduction to the Book of Exodus __** =

The book of Exodus is the second of a five part compilation known as the Pentateuch. The English word Exodus, is derived from “departure” and literally means “going fourth (from Egypt)”. However in older translations of the book, such as the Hebrew translation, it is referred to as ‘elleh semot which means “these are the names of the patriarchs who came to Egypt”. This was an ancient method of naming the Books, using the first few words as the title.

It is not known exactly who wrote the Book of Exodus, it is simply considered that it is a gathering of oral traditions and stories that were passed down from various people and tribes. This is evidenced through the fact that the text contains no historical references from either the Hebrew of Egyption records. We do know, however, that the Book of Exodus is written as a narrative, from the perspective of the Hebrews. It is set, roughly, during 1500-1250 BCE and is thought to be written hundreds of years after these actual events took place.