Exploring Exodus

by Nahum M. Sarna

Book Overview

Sarna examines the distinctiveness of the Exodus narrative in light of ancient Near Eastern history and contemporaneous cultures--Egyptian, Assyrian, Canaanite, and Babylonian. In a new Foreword to the 1996 edition, Sarna takes up the debate over whether the exodus from Egypt really happened, clarifying the arguments on both sides and drawing us back to the uniqueness and enduring significance of biblical text.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0805239820
• ISBN13: 9780805239829
• Release Date: April 1986
• Publisher: Schocken Books Inc
• Length: 277 Pages
• Weight: 1.07 lbs.

Customer Reviews

A neat little book

Sarna's book guides the reader through Exodus, and tries to place it in the context of other Middle Eastern cultures (while at the same time not ignoring the key differences between Israel and its polytheistic neighbors). The book is full of interesting little tidbits: for example, "Mose" (meaning "son" or "one who is born" in Egyptian) was commonly a part of ancient Egyptian names, and kings had names like "Thut-mose" (so it makes sense that the egyptians would name a baby "Moses" or some variant thereof). Basically a work of history rather than theology--that is, it doesn't really purport to address the big questions of who wrote Exodus, etc. Rather, it shows readers how Exodus made sense to ancient readers familiar with heathen customs.

A book to savor and keep

I first read this book ...and his Genesis work..in library copies for a study group. I am buying both because the insight and the language literally transported me! Do not read this alone because you will want to share thoughts. Even when you are alone, you will want to return to a line and say it aloud. This will be a cherished book regardless of your professed faith. I plan to give extra copies as gifts! The only reason it is four stars is because Exodus is getting five!