Introduction To Exodus: 5-Day StudySample

The Author of Exodus

Critics have challenged the Mosaic authorship of Exodus in favor of a series of oral and written documents that were woven together by editors late in Israel’s history. Their arguments are generally weak and far from conclusive, especially in view of the strong external and internal evidence that points to Moses as the author.

External Evidence

Exodus has been attributed to Moses since the time of Joshua (compare Exodus 20:25 with Joshua 8 :31). Other biblical writers attribute Exodus to Moses: Malachi (Malachi 4:4), the disciples (John 1:45), and Paul (Romans 10:5). This is  also the testimony of Jesus (Mark 7:10; Luke 20:37; John 5:46). Jewish and Samaritan traditions consistently hold to the Mosaic authorship of Exodus.

Internal Evidence

Portions of Exodus are directly attributed to Moses. Moses’ usual procedure was to record events soon after they occurred in the form of historical annals. It is clear from Exodus that the author must have been an eyewitness of the Exodus and an educated man. He was acquainted with details about the customs and climate of Egypt and the plants, animals, and terrain of the wilderness. A consistency of style and development also points to a single author. Its antiquity is supported by the frequent use of ancient literary constructions, words, and expressions.