Commentaries on Exodus

For more great commentaries on Exodus check:
Commentaries on the Pentateuch, Commentaries on the Whole Old Testament
& Whole Bible Commentaries

Order of Contents

Best 7
Commentaries 12
Early & Medieval 12
Jewish 3
1st Half of Exodus 2
Chapters 3
Archaeology 2
Authenticity 4

Bible Characters
. Life & Times of Moses 7+
. Aaron & Miriam 2
. Pharaoh 1

Mosaic Laws
. 10 Commandments 42+
. Judicial Laws 6
. Ceremonial Laws 3

The Exodus & Wilderness
. Plagues 1
. In the Wilderness 9+
. Tabernacle 9+

Best Commentaries on Exodus

Devotional & Practical

De Graaf, S.G. – ‘Deliverance from Egypt’ & ‘At Mount Sinai’ ToC in Promise & Deliverance, vol. 1: From Creation to the Conquest of Canaan (1977), pp. 255-317

De Graff was a Dutch Reformed author who focuses on the unfolding of the Covenant through history. He writes in an easy to read, but insightful style.

Medium Level

1800’s

Jacobus, Melancthon – Notes Critical & Explanatory on the Book of Exodus (1866)

Jacobus was a graduate of Princeton seminary, a presbyterian minister and a professor of Biblical literature at Western Theological Seminary in Alleghany, NY.

On his Notes on Genesis: *** – ‘A very valuable work, in which [Bishop John] Colenso is boldly met and answered [regarding his views on the fallibility of the Pentateuch]. It contains much Gospel teaching, and aids the preacher greatly. Not easily to be obtained. It ought to be reprinted.’ – Spurgeon

‘The excellent Commentaries of Dr. Melancthon Jacobus have deservedly attained a high reputation, and their wide circulation proves how well they are adapted to the wants of both ministers and laymen. They present, in a brief compass, the results of extensive erudition, abound in judicious exposition and pertinent illustration, and are, moreover, distinguished by doctrinal soundness, evangelical character, and an eminently devout spirit.’ – Charles Hodge, William H. Green, J.W. Alexander and others from Princeton Seminary

‘…characterized by solid learning, sound doctrine, and lucid statements, a pleasant style, and the most serious spirit of piety.’ – William S. Plumer

MacGregor, James – Exodus, with Introduction, Special Commentary, and Notes, etc., vol. 1: The Redemption: Egypt (1-24), 2: The Consecration (25-40)

MacGregor (1829–1894) was a professor of Systematic Theology in the Free Church of Scotland, who later ministered in New Zealand. He is known for his commentary on Galatians, his defense of the Sabbath against Norman MacLeod, his refutation of Amyrauldianism and his work on the Headship of Christ.

‘An evangelical work presenting excellent background material.’ – Cyril J. Barber

Murphy, James – A Critical & Exegetical Commentary on Exodus with a New Translation (1866)

*** – ‘The result of laborious study by a scholar of ripe learning.’ – Spurgeon

‘Is not abreast of the latest archaeological discoveries, but the treatment of the text reveals painstaking exegesis and is helpful to expositors.’ – Cyril J. Barber

1900’s

Pink, A.W. – Gleanings in Exodus

Davis, John James – Moses & the Gods of Egypt: Studies in Exodus Buy (Baker, 1972) 330 pp.

‘A valuable and informative series of studies fully abreast of the most recent archaeological and historical information. Makes available to Bible students a vast amount of material not normally accessible to pastors and Bible college teachers.’ – Cyril J. Barber

Advanced

Poole, Matthew – Critical Synopsis of the Bible: Exodus, 2 vols. Buy This work on Ex. 1-4:17 is online.

This is different and much larger than Poole’s Annotations on Scripture. Here Poole gives something of a history of interpretation (from Jewish writers until Christian interpreters of Poole’s own day) on every verse of the Bible.

‘…you will find in Poole’s Synopsis a marvelous collection of all the wisdom and folly of the critics. It is a large cyclopedia worthy of the days when theologians could be cyclopean, and had not shrunk from folios to octavos. Query—a query for which I will not demand an answer—has one of you beaten the dust from the venerable copy of Poole which loads our library shelves? Yet as Poole spent no less than ten years in compiling it, it should be worthy of your frequent notice—ten years, let me add, spent in Amsterdam in exile for the truth’s sake from his native land. His work is based on an earlier compilation entitled Critic Sacri, containing the concentrated light of a constellation of learned men who have never been excelled in any age or country.’ – Spurgeon

More Commentaries on Exodus

Devotional & Practical

Anonymous – Cottage Readings on the Book of Exodus (1867)

** “Not at all a student’s book; yet many preachers might learn from it how to put things plainly. There is a similar volume on Genesis.” – Spurgeon

Blunt, Henry – Family Exposition of the Pentateuch, vol. 2 (Exodus) (1844)

** “Profitable for household and private reading: not very striking.” – Spurgeon

Cumming, John – Sabbath Morning Readings on the Old Testament: Book of Exodus (1854) 390 pp.

** “Dr. Cumming’s style is a model, but his matter seldom verges upon originality. He always gives you the gospel when he is not prophesying.” – Spurgeon

Medium Level

Puritans

Babington, Gervase – Certain Plain, Brief and Comfortable Notes upon Exodus & Leviticus also in Works, d. 1610

Lightfoot, John – An Handful of Gleanings out of the Book of Exodus 26 pp. in his two volume works, vol. 1, p. 699-725

Willet, Andrew – A Sixfold Commentary upon the two first Books of Moses, being Genesis and Exodus (d. 1621)

Willet (1562–1621)

** – ‘This work is called by its author [1562-1621] a Hexapla, because he treats his subject under six heads, giving ‘a sixfold use of every chapter, showing:

1. The method of argument;
2. The diverse readings;
3. The explanation of difficult questions and doubtful places;
4. The places of doctrine;
5. Places of confutation;
6. Moral observations.’

Willet is tedious reading; his method hampers him. In all his Commentaries he lumbers along in his six-wheeled wagon.’ ‘Full, exhaustive, and exhausting.’ – Spurgeon

1800’s

Bush, George

Notes, Critical & Practical on: Exodus, 2 vols. in 1

Bush was a Biblical scholar, a professor of oriental literature in New York City University, and initially a presbyterian minister.

On Exodus: ** – ‘Of considerable value. We do not know that it is a plagiarism [as was his work on Genesis].’

Questions & Notes, Critical & Practical upon: Exodus

ed. Excel, Joseph – Preacher’s Homiletic Commentary on Exodus

** – ‘It excels so far as we have seen.’

Mackintosh, Charles – Notes on the Book of Exodus (1858)

*** – ‘Not free from Plymouth errors, yet remarkably suggestive.’ – Spurgeon

Parker, Samuel – Bibliotheca Biblica: being a Commentary upon All the Books of the Old & New Testament gathered out of the Genuine Writings of Fathers, Ecclesiastical Historians & Acts of Councils down to the year of our Lord 451, vol. 2, Exodus (1722)

Parker was an Anglican.

1900’s

Wilson-Haffenden, D.J. – Operation Exodus Buy (1957)

‘By a major-general in the British Army, responsible for maintaining supplies to British troops in the Middle East during World War II. A comparison of his own efforts with those of Moses at the time of the Exodus makes interesting reading. Special emphasis on the qualities of character of those whom God chooses to lead his people.’ – Cyril J. Barber

Advanced

Cassuto, Umberto – A Commentary on the Book of Exodus Buy (1967)

‘A critical commentary by a recognized Jewish scholar. Can be read with profit even by those whose knowledge of Hebrew has grown dim with the passing of time.’ – Cyril J. Barber

Driver, Samuel R. – The Book of Exodus in the Revised Version, with Introduction & Notes in Cambridge Bible for Schools & Colleges (1911) 550 pp.

Driver was a liberal.

‘A highly critical work of value only as it aids in a technical study of the text.’ – Cyril J. Barber

The Early Church on Exodus

Compilations

Parker, Jr., Samuel – Bibliotheca Biblica [a Biblical Library]; being a Commentary Gathered out of the Writings of Fathers & Ecclesiastical Historians, etc., vol. 2 (Ex) (1720)

* “Darling says, that this is ‘a commentary of profound learning and research;’ but it seems to us to be mainly filled with that archaic learning which is now out of date.” – Spurgeon

Lienhard, Joseph T. – ‘Commentary on Exodus’ in Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture: Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy Pre Buy (IVP, 2001), pp. 1-162

Langston, Scott M. – Exodus through the Centuries (Blackwell, 2006) 305 pp. ToC

Individuals

Origen – The Homilies on Exodus ToC in Homilies on Genesis & Exodus in Fathers of the Church (Catholic University of America Press, 1982), pp. 227-388

Origen (c. 185 – c. 253)

Ambrosiaster – Questions & Answers on Exodus (Ex. 3-4, 7, 12, 20, 28, 34) at Patristic Bible Commentary

Ephrem the Syrian – Commentary on Exodus in Selected Prose Works: Commentaries on Genesis & Exodus, etc. in Fathers of the Church Pre Latin (Catholic University of America Press, 1994), pp. 217-68

Ephrem (c. 306 – 373)

Augustine

Questions on Exodus at Patristic Bible Commentary

Sermons 6-8 ToC in Sermons I (1-19) on the Old Testament trans. Edmund Hill in The Works of Saint Augustine: a Translation for the 21st Century (Hyde Park, NY: New City Press, 1990), pp. 227-58

Cyril of Alexandria

Commentary on the Book of Exodus: First Discourse Ref (Orthodox Research Institute, 2010) 124 pp.

bks. 8-10: Exodus in Glaphyra on the Pentateuch, vol. 2: Exodus – Deuteronomy in Fathers of the Church, vol. 138 Pre (Catholic University of America Press, 2019), pp. 3-127

Cyril (c. 376 – 444)

On the Veneration & Worship in Spirit & Truth, bk. 9, On the Tabernacle trans. Justin Gohl at Academia.edu

Theodoret of Cyrus – ‘The Questions on Exodus’ in The Questions on the Octateuch, vol. 1, On Genesis & Exodus in The Library of Early Christianity (Catholic University of America Press, 2007), pp. 222-346

Theodoret (c. 393 – c. 458/466)

The Medieval Church on Exodus

‘Supplementary Commentary on Genesis, Exodus & the Gospels’ in Biblical Commentaries from the Canterbury School of Theodore & Hadrian eds. Bernhard Bischoff & Michael Lapidge Pre (Cambridge University Press, 1994), pp. 386-96

Theodore of Tarsus (602–690); Adrian of Canterbury (b. before 637 – d. 710).

Bede – On the Tabernacle trans. Arthur G. Holder in Translated Texts for Historians, vol. 18 (Liverpool University Press, 1994) 210 pp. ToC

Eckhart, Master – Commentary on Exodus no ToC in Teacher & Preacher ed. Bernard McGinn (NY: Paulist Press, 1986), pp. 41-146

Eckhart (c. 1328)

Jewish Commentaries on Exodus

Josephus – On Exodus at Patristic Bible Commentary

Maimonides – Maimonides’ Hidden Torah Commentary — Exodus 1-20 ed. Michael Leo Samuel Ref (Design Publishing, 2021) 460 pp.

Rashi – On Exodus at Patristic Bible Commentary

The First Half of Exodus

Puritan

Hughes, George – An Analytical Exposition of the Whole First Book of Moses, called Genesis, & of 23 Chapters of his Second Book, Called Exodus… (1672)

Hughes (1603-1667) was a puritan.

** – ‘The deductions which Hughes draws from the text are of the nature of homiletical hints, and for this reason he will be a treasure to the minister. He belongs to the noble army of Puritans.’ – Spurgeon

Alford, Henry – The Book of Genesis & Part of the Book of Exodus [chs. 1-25]: a Revised Version with Commentary (1872)

Alford (1810-1871) was of the Church of England and the Dean of Canterbury.

*** – ‘The works of this eminent scholar are too well known and appreciated to need even a word from us.’ – Spurgeon

On Chapters in Exodus

Exodus 1-11

Jackson, Thomas – Paraphrase on the Eleven First Chapters of Exodus, with Annotations, etc. in Works, vol. 9, p. 384 ff. (d. 1640)

Thomas Jackson (to be distinguished from Arthur Jackson) was an Arminian Anglican.

* – ‘George Herbert set great store by Dr. Jackson’s writings, for he said, ‘I bless God for the confirmation Dr. Jackson has given me in the Christian religion, against the Atheist, Jew and Socinian, and in the Protestant against Rome.’ It would hardly repay a student to purchase three folio volumes to obtain the small portion allotted to his Paraphrase. So far as commenting is concerned it is not important.’ – Spurgeon

Exodus 3

Cooper, Thomas – The Exposition upon the Third Chapter of Exodus in A Brief Exposition of such Chapters of the Old Testament as Usually are Read in the Church at Common Prayer on the Sundays (d. 1594)