Exodus Through the Centuries

Scott M. Langston has taught Biblical Studies and American History at various institutions on the graduate and undergraduate levels. He currently is teaching Biblical and Religious Studies at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas.

"The series emphasises the influence of the Bible on literature, art, music and film, its role in the evolution of religious beliefs and practices and its impact on social and political developments. Drawing on work in a variety of disciplines, it is designed to provide a convenient and scholarly means of access to material until now hard to find, and a much needed resource for all those interested in the influence of the Bible of Western culture."Theological Book Review "The interpretative material is especially rich, in both quantity and significance … This is a mine of information which should both delight and inspire."Journal for the Study of the Old Testament "On the history of reception, there is no equal to this fine book. A feast for historians of Western culture!"International Review of Biblical Studies "Preachers will enjoy using Exodus through the Centuries by Scott M. Langston, in which the author shows the varying ways in which this key book has been understood, not least by liberation movements down the centuries. Truly a commentary with a difference, offering much illustrative material." Ministry Today "It is almost impossible to convey the breadth of the scope of this book … A very well researched and interesting book, containing an extensive bibliography, useful biographies and glossary and name and subject indexes. The main strength of this book is the author’s ability to engage with a diversity of sources, traditions and artistic expressions and examine a variety of theological and secular interpretations of the Exodus story with a consistent academic rigour. This book is recommended for all serious students of scripture." Journal of Beliefs & Values "Langston’s book, and the entire Blackwell series, offers a compact and focussed entrance into sources for the interpretation and reception of the Bible."Peter D Miscall, Denver, Colorado “There is much to reflect upon from this presentation of the ‘reception history’ of Exodus across the ages and Scott Langston is to be thanked for his labours.”Ernest Nicholson, Oxford "Langston has offered an accessibility to the book of Exodus that opens the imagination … Biblical scholars interested in sociology and anthropology should certainly read this book."Benjamin Bury, University of Birmingham “Presents a colorful tapestry … illustrating multiple interpretations … and the sheer creativity of recontextualization … .Langston fills a gap.”Religious Studies Review

• List of Illustrations viiiSeries Editors’ Preface xiPreface xiiiIntroduction 1Jewish and Christian Uses 2Political and Social Uses 4Oppressive and Contradictory Uses 6Artistic Uses 8Aim and Design 10Exodus 1–2 131:1–14 The Israelites’ Suffering 141:15–22 Attempts to Kill Israel’s Male Infants 172:1–10 Moses’ Birth 212:11–25 Moses’ Early Life 35Moses and Modern Biographies 38Exodus 3–4 423:1–6 Moses Encounters YHWH 433:7–4:17 Moses and YHWH Negotiate 614:18–31 YHWH Attempts to Kill Moses 72Exodus 5–10 785:1–7:7 Moses and Pharaoh Begin Negotiations 787:8–10:29 The Plagues 88Exodus 11:1–13:16 10512:1–13:16 The Passover 10511:1–3; 12:33–6 The Plundering of the Egyptians 11611:1–10; 12:29–32 The Death of the Firstborn 119Exodus 13:17–15:21 12613:17–14:31 The Exodus 12615:1–21 Israel’s Celebration 159Exodus 15:22–18:27 170The Testing of Israel 171Exodus 19–31 185Chapters 19–24 The Ten Commandments and Other Laws 186Chapters 25–31 The Tabernacle 221Exodus 32–40 231Chapters 32–34 The Golden Calf 232Chapters 35–40 The Completed Tabernacle 250Epilogue: A Personal Word 254Bibliography 256Ancient and Medieval 256Early Modern and Modern 264Biographies and Glossary 283Name Index 289Subject Index 292