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The gospel according to the Old testament
From Bondage to Liberty: The Gospel According to Moses
In Exodus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, Moses is not just Gods chosen leader of the Jews but also a precursor of the future Messiah, Jesus. Anthony Selvaggio focuses upon the redemptive-historical aspects of Moses life.
170 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 12, 2019
This is an excellent study in The Gospel According to the Old Testament series. Selvaggio does a superb job explaining Moses' place in the history of redemption, and also his prefiguring of Christ. He consistently demonstrates how Moses, the mediator of the old covenant and arguably the most prominent figure in Old Testament history, points forward to Christ, the mediator of the new covenant, and only perfect and final mediator.
The book focuses almost entirely on the life of Moses as found in Exodus. Events near the end of his life that are recounted in Numbers are covered briefly in the Epilogue. He ably portrays how God tested and trained Moses through the various events and stages of his life, how God used Moses in the redemption of his people from bondage in Egypt, and how Moses--and Israel, to a lesser degree--point forward to Christ, sometimes by means of their obedient service and sometimes by means of their inadequacies and sins.
As with all the books in the G.A.O.T. series, the book is not aimed at academics but at the layman. Consequently, it is very approachable without being simplistic or reductive. His chapter on the events leading up to the giving of the law at Mt. Sinai illustrates very well the redemptive-historical context in which God gave the law. And the chapter on the law continues that, and covers well both the commandments and the instructions given for worship and the construction of the tabernacle, and illustrates how these continue to have applicability to believers today.
The book gave me a new appreciation for Moses the man, and his place in redemptive history, but it gave me an even greater appreciation for God's goodness and loving-kindness, and for the complete and abundant sufficiently of our beautiful Savior Jesus Christ.
I highly recommend that you add this book to your library.
The book focuses almost entirely on the life of Moses as found in Exodus. Events near the end of his life that are recounted in Numbers are covered briefly in the Epilogue. He ably portrays how God tested and trained Moses through the various events and stages of his life, how God used Moses in the redemption of his people from bondage in Egypt, and how Moses--and Israel, to a lesser degree--point forward to Christ, sometimes by means of their obedient service and sometimes by means of their inadequacies and sins.
As with all the books in the G.A.O.T. series, the book is not aimed at academics but at the layman. Consequently, it is very approachable without being simplistic or reductive. His chapter on the events leading up to the giving of the law at Mt. Sinai illustrates very well the redemptive-historical context in which God gave the law. And the chapter on the law continues that, and covers well both the commandments and the instructions given for worship and the construction of the tabernacle, and illustrates how these continue to have applicability to believers today.
The book gave me a new appreciation for Moses the man, and his place in redemptive history, but it gave me an even greater appreciation for God's goodness and loving-kindness, and for the complete and abundant sufficiently of our beautiful Savior Jesus Christ.
I highly recommend that you add this book to your library.
September 27, 2015
I was tempted to give this one a star less for its brevity, but I must remind myself often it is my fault for not checking the length and depth of a book before buying it. Granted, living in a non-English speaking country makes it marginally more difficult to do that, but while it may be an excuse for impulse book buying, it is not an excuse for antilibrary building or an adversarial tone in reviewing.
All in all, it is an enjoyable, succint review of Gospel themes in Exodus, focused on Moses’ ministry. It only touches Moses’ life after Exodus, but does that competently. It has the feel of preaching, which is to be expected from a preacher (and US lawyer), sometimes descending into colloquial language and homely illustrations, often offering non sequiturs that would have gone down better in preaching (or better yet, conversation) than in the printed page; most notably the one on ‘household baptisms’, one of the lamest arguments for sprinkling babies but one of the most common in even the most gifted baby-sprinkling preachers, and as we sorely need good preachers and writers, that is a fault we can hardly dwell on much.
On the one hand, the sound Jesus in the Old Testament theology makes it fundamental for people like me who are still getting used to this approach to exegesis that Jesus practiced with his disciples in the road to Emmaus, and recommends the rest of ‘The Gospel according to the Old Testament’ series; on the other, if one can find and face a more substantial approach elsewhere, one may conceivably pass the rest of the series.
All in all, it is an enjoyable, succint review of Gospel themes in Exodus, focused on Moses’ ministry. It only touches Moses’ life after Exodus, but does that competently. It has the feel of preaching, which is to be expected from a preacher (and US lawyer), sometimes descending into colloquial language and homely illustrations, often offering non sequiturs that would have gone down better in preaching (or better yet, conversation) than in the printed page; most notably the one on ‘household baptisms’, one of the lamest arguments for sprinkling babies but one of the most common in even the most gifted baby-sprinkling preachers, and as we sorely need good preachers and writers, that is a fault we can hardly dwell on much.
On the one hand, the sound Jesus in the Old Testament theology makes it fundamental for people like me who are still getting used to this approach to exegesis that Jesus practiced with his disciples in the road to Emmaus, and recommends the rest of ‘The Gospel according to the Old Testament’ series; on the other, if one can find and face a more substantial approach elsewhere, one may conceivably pass the rest of the series.
September 26, 2023
This book is a no for me and I would not recommend it to anyone else. I’m not entirely sure who this book would be for. It’s filled with helpful bits about the bible that imply that it’s intended for someone who hasn’t read the bible-things like, “Exodus is both a book and an event. As a book, Exodus is situated among the first five books of the Old Testament.” Yet more difficult concepts like “mediator” or “covenant,” are left undefined and bible passages that seem to directly contradict the assertions in the book are left unaddressed, when it seems like those are the questions a beginning bible reader (like myself), would have.
I bought this book for a woman’s book club & they chose it because they thought it would be easily accessible to beginners, but as I am the most recent to come to Christ among them, I feel confident in saying it is not helpful for beginners. This book is about Moses leading God’s people out of Egypt and how God loves to work when things seem darkest. All that is good and enjoyed reading about the Lord’s great works. The book sets a bad example for the new Christian when it then asks you questions like, ‘This chapter focuses on a detour in Moses’ life that took him in a direction that he did not want to go, but ultimately made him more useful to God. Have you ever taken such a detour in your life?’ or similarly, ‘This chapter focuses on a life changing encounter that occurred in Moses’ life. Have you ever experienced such an encounter in your life?’ Undoubtedly readers will think of their own lives as they consider the works of the Lord, but books that are guiding beginners through theology should accustom them to using proper hermeneutics, not focus them inward. Selvaggio makes much of this story about Moses’ personal transformation, relying on assumptions & his own experiences, instead of the bible.
There were 2 main assertions in this book that keep me from recommending it and the first is that the author presupposes (what I assume is) a Klinean view of the covenant. The introduction is devoted to Moses as mediator of the old covenant. Neither mediator or covenant is defined (although the author is sure to carefully define a common colloquial term like ‘Modus Operandi’ a few pages later. “Moses is the most significant Old Testament figure because of his unique role as mediator of the old covenant. Abraham and David were significant covenant figures, but, in old covenant terms, only Moses could claim the role as God’s mediator.” Selvaggio then quoted VOS to support this view, which if you are familiar with Vos on the covenant, is bordering on deceptive. There is a brief mention of 1 Tim 2:5 later, but it is not quoted directly or further mentioned, except as a reference for the reader to look up later. For reference-“For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,” 1 Timothy 2:5 ESV I also found it ironic that Selvaggio frequently appeals to the WCF other places, not mentioning that the Westminster takes an opposite view of the covenant (WCF ch7).
The second aspect that I found quite distasteful, and basically a violation of the fifth commandment, was the author’s nasty assumptions about Moses when giving an overview of his life in the second chapter. That chapter begins by talking about the 40 years Moses spent in Midian, what Selvaggio calls the “detour.” He says it was necessary for Moses to have a course correction because, “pride crept into Moses’ heart because of his privileged background.” The bible, in contrast, demonstrates that Moses was specially chosen and loved by God, and chose to bear the reproach of Christ even while in Egypt, choosing not to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. But Selvaggio cheapens this and stands with the grumbling Israelite when he says that Moses acted without the Lord and was punished for it. He repeatedly goes over all the ways Moses acted pridefully. “The end result of this type of pride is set forth for us in Proverbs 16:18, which says, ‘Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.’ This is exactly what happened to Moses after his prideful actions-he experienced a destructive fall.” Yikes. This does not sound at all like the bible, which says Moses, like Jesus, defended his brothers & avenged them. “He supposed that his brothers would understand that God was giving them salvation by his hand, but they did not understand.” Acts 7. This book relies upon an error explicitly repudiated in scripture. The detour (according to this book) is about making Moses like the Israelites & in Selvaggio’s description there are some concerning postmodern seeds about what identity is and who’s identity is important. Selvaggio mentions Moses’ “detour” as a punishment for Moses, but it was not Moses who was unprepared it was the people of Israel. When a new Pharaoh comes to reign, the people call out to Lord-it seems their sufferings did not end with a new Pharaoh. Now the *people of Israel* are ready for their redeemer & God hears their cry and sends Moses. This is also the view of Matthew Henry & John Calvin in their commentaries on the passage and I commend those to any beginners like myself. People who speak clearly and address the actual bible instead of their personal assumptions and prejudices are what beginners like myself want & need.
The rest of the book for me was filled with similarly alternating emotions-wonderful descriptions of the Lord’s providence and bizarre application I’m guessing is probably related to the author’s view of the covenant. For that reason, as well as many others I haven’t mentioned, I don’t recommend this book. I’m also really bummed many of my favorite authors put rave reviews on the back. Academics are just another breed. “Like manna in the desert.” Really, Sinclair Ferguson? Manna. In the desert. Come on.
I bought this book for a woman’s book club & they chose it because they thought it would be easily accessible to beginners, but as I am the most recent to come to Christ among them, I feel confident in saying it is not helpful for beginners. This book is about Moses leading God’s people out of Egypt and how God loves to work when things seem darkest. All that is good and enjoyed reading about the Lord’s great works. The book sets a bad example for the new Christian when it then asks you questions like, ‘This chapter focuses on a detour in Moses’ life that took him in a direction that he did not want to go, but ultimately made him more useful to God. Have you ever taken such a detour in your life?’ or similarly, ‘This chapter focuses on a life changing encounter that occurred in Moses’ life. Have you ever experienced such an encounter in your life?’ Undoubtedly readers will think of their own lives as they consider the works of the Lord, but books that are guiding beginners through theology should accustom them to using proper hermeneutics, not focus them inward. Selvaggio makes much of this story about Moses’ personal transformation, relying on assumptions & his own experiences, instead of the bible.
There were 2 main assertions in this book that keep me from recommending it and the first is that the author presupposes (what I assume is) a Klinean view of the covenant. The introduction is devoted to Moses as mediator of the old covenant. Neither mediator or covenant is defined (although the author is sure to carefully define a common colloquial term like ‘Modus Operandi’ a few pages later. “Moses is the most significant Old Testament figure because of his unique role as mediator of the old covenant. Abraham and David were significant covenant figures, but, in old covenant terms, only Moses could claim the role as God’s mediator.” Selvaggio then quoted VOS to support this view, which if you are familiar with Vos on the covenant, is bordering on deceptive. There is a brief mention of 1 Tim 2:5 later, but it is not quoted directly or further mentioned, except as a reference for the reader to look up later. For reference-“For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,” 1 Timothy 2:5 ESV I also found it ironic that Selvaggio frequently appeals to the WCF other places, not mentioning that the Westminster takes an opposite view of the covenant (WCF ch7).
The second aspect that I found quite distasteful, and basically a violation of the fifth commandment, was the author’s nasty assumptions about Moses when giving an overview of his life in the second chapter. That chapter begins by talking about the 40 years Moses spent in Midian, what Selvaggio calls the “detour.” He says it was necessary for Moses to have a course correction because, “pride crept into Moses’ heart because of his privileged background.” The bible, in contrast, demonstrates that Moses was specially chosen and loved by God, and chose to bear the reproach of Christ even while in Egypt, choosing not to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. But Selvaggio cheapens this and stands with the grumbling Israelite when he says that Moses acted without the Lord and was punished for it. He repeatedly goes over all the ways Moses acted pridefully. “The end result of this type of pride is set forth for us in Proverbs 16:18, which says, ‘Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.’ This is exactly what happened to Moses after his prideful actions-he experienced a destructive fall.” Yikes. This does not sound at all like the bible, which says Moses, like Jesus, defended his brothers & avenged them. “He supposed that his brothers would understand that God was giving them salvation by his hand, but they did not understand.” Acts 7. This book relies upon an error explicitly repudiated in scripture. The detour (according to this book) is about making Moses like the Israelites & in Selvaggio’s description there are some concerning postmodern seeds about what identity is and who’s identity is important. Selvaggio mentions Moses’ “detour” as a punishment for Moses, but it was not Moses who was unprepared it was the people of Israel. When a new Pharaoh comes to reign, the people call out to Lord-it seems their sufferings did not end with a new Pharaoh. Now the *people of Israel* are ready for their redeemer & God hears their cry and sends Moses. This is also the view of Matthew Henry & John Calvin in their commentaries on the passage and I commend those to any beginners like myself. People who speak clearly and address the actual bible instead of their personal assumptions and prejudices are what beginners like myself want & need.
The rest of the book for me was filled with similarly alternating emotions-wonderful descriptions of the Lord’s providence and bizarre application I’m guessing is probably related to the author’s view of the covenant. For that reason, as well as many others I haven’t mentioned, I don’t recommend this book. I’m also really bummed many of my favorite authors put rave reviews on the back. Academics are just another breed. “Like manna in the desert.” Really, Sinclair Ferguson? Manna. In the desert. Come on.
June 6, 2016
I've been planning a sermon series on the life of Moses, and this will be a helpful resource. It is obviously not a verse-by-verse commentary, but Selvaggio still manages to faithfully engage with the broad strokes of the text and offer some helpful Christ-centered application.
March 24, 2018
From Passover to the Last Supper, Moses and Jesus Christ start new Covenants with God. Moses brings the Covenant of The Law, the Ten Commandments most importantly. Jesus Christ brings a spiritual covenant by dying on the cross for mankind's sins and resurrecting from the dead to promise eternal life for all who follow Him. Blood sacrifices are no longer necessary as Jesus pays that price with his blood. Mankind is not saved by works obeying the Law but by faith, alone, in the Messiah, Jesus.
Moses builds a house for God, the tabernacle, according to God's specifications so that Moses could communicate with God for His people. This happens after the Israelites worship a golden calf that Aaron, Moses's brother, allows them to make. Moses was receiving those Ten Commandments when the Israelites turn away from the One who chooses them to carry out His plan. They lose out in having a direct communication with God.
That tabernacle houses God and is representative of Christ who is man and God. The new covenant allows a direct communication with God via the Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ. This is the Holy Trinity, God in each each, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. A more intimate relationship may develop like Moses has with his direct line to God.
To become a vessel for the Holy Spirit one must let go of earthly and personal desires. Moses wanders in the desert, at first, to empty himself of pride and become the man who leads God's chosen people out of enslavement and into a Promised Land. This transformation requires trust in God and thankfulness for what God bestows by His mercy and grace. A Christian may fill up with God's grace in the same manner, emptying of self for fullness of the Holy Spirit's fruits.
Moses becomes a righteous example for a leader. Because of his pride and sins during the wanderings in the desert, God does not permit Moses entry into the Holy Land. Rather than complain or plead his case, Moses prays for God to choose a strong leader so that His people are courageous and not like sheep. His concern is for his people and not himself.
Jesus teaches to love our brothers like ourselves and to serve our neighbors before ourselves. This selflessness empties one's self and praises God by putting other's needs first. The selfless become full of peace, love, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, the qualities that never change and are subject to no law. This experience is the moment one becomes a tabernacle, a vessel for the Holy Spirit.
To be the Christian, flaws included, in this world who practices the "Good News" according to Moses, one must answer the call, if and when God wants and as He wants, until He calls one home. Lastly, the way one lives should model after the man who, at first, reluctantly answers his call. "As Moses passed the baton of leadership to Joshua, he did it with a servant’s heart and the mind of Christ." - Selvaggio, A. T. (2014). From Bondage to Liberty: The Gospel according to Moses. (I. M. Duguid, Ed.) (p. 160). Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing.
Moses builds a house for God, the tabernacle, according to God's specifications so that Moses could communicate with God for His people. This happens after the Israelites worship a golden calf that Aaron, Moses's brother, allows them to make. Moses was receiving those Ten Commandments when the Israelites turn away from the One who chooses them to carry out His plan. They lose out in having a direct communication with God.
That tabernacle houses God and is representative of Christ who is man and God. The new covenant allows a direct communication with God via the Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ. This is the Holy Trinity, God in each each, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. A more intimate relationship may develop like Moses has with his direct line to God.
To become a vessel for the Holy Spirit one must let go of earthly and personal desires. Moses wanders in the desert, at first, to empty himself of pride and become the man who leads God's chosen people out of enslavement and into a Promised Land. This transformation requires trust in God and thankfulness for what God bestows by His mercy and grace. A Christian may fill up with God's grace in the same manner, emptying of self for fullness of the Holy Spirit's fruits.
Moses becomes a righteous example for a leader. Because of his pride and sins during the wanderings in the desert, God does not permit Moses entry into the Holy Land. Rather than complain or plead his case, Moses prays for God to choose a strong leader so that His people are courageous and not like sheep. His concern is for his people and not himself.
Jesus teaches to love our brothers like ourselves and to serve our neighbors before ourselves. This selflessness empties one's self and praises God by putting other's needs first. The selfless become full of peace, love, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, the qualities that never change and are subject to no law. This experience is the moment one becomes a tabernacle, a vessel for the Holy Spirit.
To be the Christian, flaws included, in this world who practices the "Good News" according to Moses, one must answer the call, if and when God wants and as He wants, until He calls one home. Lastly, the way one lives should model after the man who, at first, reluctantly answers his call. "As Moses passed the baton of leadership to Joshua, he did it with a servant’s heart and the mind of Christ." - Selvaggio, A. T. (2014). From Bondage to Liberty: The Gospel according to Moses. (I. M. Duguid, Ed.) (p. 160). Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing.
February 20, 2020
Selvaggio's book is an excellent resource for laymen, but probably less helpful for the scholar. The commentary set's aim is designed for the layman, however, so it should be said that this contribution nails it. The chapters are short, but provide a lot of info. I have studied Exodus a few times in my life and have also heard it preached through 3+ times in my life, but I was surprised how each chapter usually had a pretty interesting piece I hadn't heard before. I also commend his ability to take some of the tougher passages and provide a Reformed perspective that is easy to understand and very applicable.
It won't give you everything you need for a deep study, but it is a fantastic resource for a Bible study or small group.
It won't give you everything you need for a deep study, but it is a fantastic resource for a Bible study or small group.
September 30, 2022
Une série de méditations d'un pasteur réformé sur les différentes parties d'Exode (par exemple les plaies d'Egypte, Israël dans le désert, le veau d'or). A la fois une bonne exégèse (théologie biblique, toujours le lien avec le reste de la Bible, le Nouveau Testament et Jésus même si léger vu le format) et une bonne exhortation.
February 19, 2026
I continue to be very pleased with the depth of information learned in this series of “The Gospel According to the Old Testament”. Having studied the Pentateuch several times I always love receiving more treasures by in-depth study such as this gospel according to Moses. I strongly recommend this to anyone desiring a deeper relationship with the Lord.
March 10, 2023
I've referenced it here there for my exodus series. Its ok but I feel like it was just too short and skimmed the surface too much.
May 8, 2023
1. Read this in the traditional Chinese version.
2. Got a clear imagery of Moses and Jesus.
2. Got a clear imagery of Moses and Jesus.
July 8, 2025
Brief, general overview of Exodus and the life of Moses for laymen, or maybe those fairly new to the Bible. Each chapter ends with questions for reflection.
November 26, 2014
Objectively speaking, this is a great book. The author takes us on a whirlwind tour of the book of Exodus, showing the significance of key redemptive-historic events and pointing out foreshadowings of Christ and the gospel. I only give it three stars because I personally found it to be a bit elementary. But this is a great book for anyone who doesn't see the gospel in the book of Exodus. Full review on my blog
March 19, 2015
Helpful Bio Study of Moses. Great practical applications and insightful links to Christ
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