Exodus Through the Centuries

This bible commentary focuses on Exodus, one of the key books in the Old Testament, which features such colorful stories as the plagues on Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, the burning bush, and the giving of the Ten Commandments. The commentary considers the ways in which Exodus has influenced and has been influenced by history, religion, politics, the arts, and other forms of culture in Jewish, Christian, and secular settings. The author traces the book’s various uses throughout the centuries, from Old Testament times, through the Patristic and Reformation periods, to the present day. He pays particular attention to how Exodus has served as a tool of liberation and tyranny, and to how it has helped to shape collective and personal identity. He also addresses uses of Exodus related to American and European history such as the Glorious Revolution, colonialism, the American Revolution, Civil War, Civil Rights Movement, African–Americans, and Native Americans, as well as uses by prominent and little–known historical figures. More information about the Blackwell Bible Commentary series is available at www.bbibcomm.net

List of Illustrations. Series Editor′s Preface. Preface. Introduction. Exodus 1–2. Exodus 3–4. Exodus 5–10. Exodus 11–13.16. Exodus 13.17–15.21. Exodus 15.22–18. Exodus 19–31. Exodus 32–40. Epilogue: A Personal Word. Bibliography. Biographies and Glossary. Name Index. Subject Index

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 <!––end––> "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