Out of Bondage Into

Exodus is not about freedom. It is about bondage. The book's two halves are distinct in structure, but not in theme. The first half is narrative-driven, focusing on Israel's bondage to Pharaoh and God's work to break the chains that held them to Egypt. The second half is highly procedural, focused on recording a list of commandments and expectations of the Lord. And yet, the two halves fit together once you realize that Exodus is not about freedom, but about bondage. Israel was in bondage to Egypt, but God wanted them for Himself. So, He broke Pharoah, redeemed Israel, and brought them to Sinai, at which point He gave them... not freedom, but a law. He freed them from Egypt's bondage in order to bind them to Himself. All the laws, precepts, and ordinances found in the second half of the book point to a primary truth: God bought you, therefore God has the right to command you however He pleases.