What are the main sections of Exodus for study?

Exodus naturally divides into three sections: Israel in Egypt and the plagues (chapters 1-12), the journey to Sinai (13-18), and the covenant and tabernacle (19-40). Many study plans spend the most time on the first section due to its rich narrative.

How can I journal through the laws and tabernacle instructions?

Instead of journaling verse-by-verse through the tabernacle chapters, focus on what each instruction reveals about God's character. For example, the mercy seat shows God's desire for atonement and closeness. Draw diagrams or sketch the tabernacle layout as a creative study approach.

Why is Exodus important for understanding the rest of the Bible?

Exodus introduces themes that run through the entire Bible: redemption from slavery, covenant relationship, the sacrificial system, and God dwelling with His people. Without Exodus, it's difficult to fully understand the significance of Jesus as our Passover Lamb and the new covenant.

Study Exodus: Bible Journaling Guide

Exodus at a Glance

Testament

Old Testament

Chapters

Author

Moses

Genre

Narrative/Law

Overview

Exodus tells the dramatic story of God liberating His people from slavery in Egypt. From the burning bush to the parting of the Red Sea, this book reveals God as a deliverer who hears the cries of the oppressed and acts with power. The first half of Exodus reads like an epic narrative — plagues, Passover, and a miraculous escape through the sea — as God demonstrates His sovereignty over every false god of Egypt.

The second half of Exodus shifts to the covenant at Mount Sinai, where God gives the Ten Commandments and detailed instructions for the tabernacle. These chapters show that God does not simply rescue His people and leave them — He enters into a covenant relationship with them and comes to dwell among them. Exodus is the foundation for understanding worship, law, and God's desire to be present with His people.

Key Themes in Exodus

Deliverance

God rescues Israel from bondage in Egypt, establishing a pattern of divine deliverance that echoes throughout Scripture and points forward to salvation in Christ.

Covenant

At Sinai, God establishes a covenant with Israel, giving the law as a framework for relationship and holiness — revealing what it means to belong to God.

God's Presence

The tabernacle instructions reveal God's desire to dwell among His people. His glory fills the tent, showing that He is not distant but intimately near.

Worship

From the Passover meal to the tabernacle design, Exodus teaches that worship is not an afterthought — it is the purpose of deliverance.

Popular Verses to Journal

Exodus 3:14

God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM," and he said, "You shall tell the children of Israel this: 'I AM has sent me to you.'"

Journaling idea: Journal about God's name "I AM." What does it mean that God defines Himself by His own existence? How does this name give you confidence?

Exodus 14:14

Yahweh will fight for you, and you shall be still.

Journaling idea: Write about a situation where you need to stop striving and trust God to fight on your behalf. What does being still look like practically?

Exodus 15:2

Yah is my strength and song, and he has become my salvation. This is my God, and I will praise him; my father's God, and I will exalt him.

Journaling idea: After crossing the Red Sea, Moses sings this song of praise. Write your own song or prayer of thanks for a time God delivered you.

Journaling Prompts for Exodus

Where in your life do you feel enslaved or stuck? How does the Exodus story give you hope for deliverance?
Reflect on the Ten Commandments. Which one challenges you most in your daily life?
God provided manna daily in the wilderness. How do you experience God's daily provision?
What does the tabernacle teach you about how God wants to relate to you?
Moses argued with God about his inadequacy. Write about a time you felt unqualified but God used you anyway.

Study Tips

Read Exodus in two halves: the narrative of deliverance (1-18) and the covenant and tabernacle instructions (19-40).
Look for connections between the Passover in Exodus and the Lord's Supper in the New Testament.
Use color coding to highlight God's commands, His promises, and Israel's responses throughout the book.
Study the tabernacle furnishings and how each one symbolizes an aspect of relationship with God.

How to Study Exodus in Digible

Digible makes it easy to study Exodus with purpose-built Bible journaling tools on your iPad. Open any chapter, use Apple Pencil to highlight key verses, write notes directly on the page, and build a consistent study habit with streaks. Whether you prefer Color Coding Bible, Topical Bible Study, or Prayer Journaling, Digible gives you the canvas to engage with Exodus your way. Start with one of the free translations — WEB, ASV, or BSB — and begin journaling through Exodus today.

Related Books

Guides and Resources

Want to go deeper? Read our beginner's guide to Bible journaling, explore creative journaling ideas, or find the best Bible apps with Apple Pencil support for studying Exodus on your iPad.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main sections of Exodus for study?: Exodus naturally divides into three sections: Israel in Egypt and the plagues (chapters 1-12), the journey to Sinai (13-18), and the covenant and tabernacle (19-40). Many study plans spend the most time on the first section due to its rich narrative.
How can I journal through the laws and tabernacle instructions?: Instead of journaling verse-by-verse through the tabernacle chapters, focus on what each instruction reveals about God's character. For example, the mercy seat shows God's desire for atonement and closeness. Draw diagrams or sketch the tabernacle layout as a creative study approach.
Why is Exodus important for understanding the rest of the Bible?: Exodus introduces themes that run through the entire Bible: redemption from slavery, covenant relationship, the sacrificial system, and God dwelling with His people. Without Exodus, it's difficult to fully understand the significance of Jesus as our Passover Lamb and the new covenant.

Study Exodus in Digible

Download the free Bible journaling app for iPad with Apple Pencil support.

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