This commentary views Exodus as a cultural document, preserving the collective memories of the Israelites and relating them to the major institutions and beliefs that emerged by the end of the period of the Hebrew Bible. It is intended to help the reader follow the story line of Exodus, understand its socio-cultural context, appreciate its literary features, recognize its major themes and values, and also note its interpretive and moral problems.
It explains important concepts and terms as expressed in the Hebrew original so that both people who know Hebrew and those who don't will be able to follow the discussion. Frequent ?closer look? sections examine key elements of the Ancient Near East that bear on the text?s meaning, while ?Bridging the Horizons? articles connect this world with the cultural, political and religious environments of today.
• Approaches the problem of the exodus as ?history? by engaging concepts of collective memory to transcend the historical
• Highlights certain stylistic features of the Hebrew text that are not readily visible to those reading Exodus in translation
• Pays special attention to the role of women in the narrative and legal materials
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