Echoes of Exodus: Tracing a Biblical Motif

by Bryan D. Estelle

Israel's exodus from Egypt is the Bible's enduring emblem of deliverance. It is the archetypal anvil on which the scriptural language of deliverance is shaped. More than just an epic moment, the exodus shapes the telling of Israel's and the church's gospel. From the blasting furnace of Egypt, imagery pours forth. In the Song of Moses Yahweh overcomes the Egyptian army, sending them plummeting to the bottom of the sea. But the exodus motif continues as God leads Israel through the wilderness, marches to Sinai and on the Zion. It fires the psalmist's poetry and inspires Isaiah's second-exodus rhapsodies. As it pulses through the veins of the New Testament, the Gospel writers hear exodus resonances from Jesus' birth to the gates of Jerusalem. Paul casts Christ's deliverance in exodus imagery, and the Apocalypse reverberates with exodus themes. InEchoes of Exodus, Bryan Estelle traces the motif as it weaves through the canon of Scripture. Wedding literary readings with biblical-theological insights, he helps us weigh again what we know and recognize anew what we have not seen. More than that, he introduces us to the study of quotation, allusion, and echo, providing a firm theoretical basis for hermeneutical practice and understanding. Echoes of Exodus is a guide for students and biblical theologians, and a resource for preachers and teachers of the Word.

Genres: Theology, Old Testament

392 pages, Paperback

Published January 30, 2018

About the author

Bryan D. Estelle (PhD, Catholic University of America) is professor of Old Testament at Westminster Seminary California. He is the author of Salvation Through Judgment and Mercy.

Reviews

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary: Traces the exodus motif from creation, through the paradigmatic event, to its later usage, culminating in the pilgrimage of the church as the people of God and the realization of the exodus promises in the new Jerusalem.

The exodus story is a compelling narrative that has shaped the Jewish people, Christians, and particularly peoples in slavery and oppression. It is a story of God raising up a deliverer, demonstrating his power in plagues, leading them out of the land following Passover and the death of Egyptian firstborn, the passage through the Red Sea, where God wars against the Egyptians, the wilderness wanderings, Sinai, testings, and finally after one generation dies, the entry into the land of promise and eventual worship on the mountain of Jerusalem. This story echoes through the pages of scripture, alluded to and transformed as the saving purpose of God works through the periods of judges, kings, exile and return, and the coming of Christ, his death and resurrection, the birth of the church as a new people of God, on pilgrimage, awaiting the heavenly city, the New Jerusalem.

Many of us, as we've read through scripture notice the ways the story of exodus recurs. What Bryan D. Estelle does is trace the exodus motif throughout scripture and how it is appropriated and developed by later biblical writers--the psalmists, Isaiah, the exilic and post-exilic writers, and the New Testament writers of the gospels and Acts, Paul, Peter, and the Revelation. Estelle describes his purpose in this study as follows:

The biblical writers’ use of the exodus event is no mere repetition, no base recapitulation. Rather, it is taken up, transformed, “eschatologized,” and ultimately repackaged into a tapestry that mesmerizes readers and draws them into the drama of salvation. No biblical reader can walk away from the performance unchanged. To trace the allusions throughout this corpus of biblical literature is not only an exercise in curiosity and aesthetic entertainment. Consider the following questions: Why would Paul refer to the exodus event as “under the cloud”? Why would Peter address his church in language evocative of Israelite identity? Why would the prophets invoke the ancient creation combat motif to express theology if they were committed monotheists? What is the purpose of the “way of the Lord” language in Isaiah 40:1-11, arguably one of the most influential passages at Qumran and elsewhere in the Second Temple period? Why would Jesus himself, at the transfiguration, discourse with Elijah and Moses about his own exodon? What, we may ask, is the purpose of these allusions? Are they poetic influence, metaphor, citation, or something altogether different? My goal throughout this book is to help readers grow in their “allusion competence,” especially in their ability to recognize scriptural allusions to the exodus motif. (p.2)

Perhaps one of the major strengths of this work is the first chapter, on "Hermeneutical Foundations," in which he engages in an extended discussion of intertextuality (further amplified in an appendix), and the various forms of allusion and the hermeneutics of a forward-looking typology. He notes that the biblical authors use direct quote, subtle citation, allusion, and echo or reminiscence (which may or may not be conscious). He also begins this work not with exodus, but with creation, showing how this is prologue, and how exodus arises out of the Genesis events. Throughout the work, he offers in depth discussions of texts that echo Exodus, none perhaps more illuminating than his extended treatment of Isaiah 40--55, and the Isaianic New Exodus to which Mark recurs. 

Estelle looks beyond articulating the biblical theology of exodus. He writes, "My own project attempts to bridge a huge gulf that has been created between participationist and forensic descriptions of salvation." Throughout the book he shows how exodus is both-and rather than either-or. He engages N.T. Wright's proposal that the idea of Israel being in continued exile shaped the thought of the time as well as the ministry of Jesus. He argues instead that the idea of the new Exodus was dominant, one delivering from the bondage of sin and Satan, and forming a New Israel.

This is an important work that moves beyond typical cross-referencing, or prophecy and fulfillment discussions to a more nuanced study of how later writers and readers of scripture engage with the exodus material, and how this theme is basic to an understanding of the ways of God with his people. It is not simply a "mash-up" of exodus ideas, but takes seriously the understanding of exodus at each stage of the development of the biblical canon and the unfolding purposes of God. More than modelling careful, intertextual hermeneutics, Estelle gives us an exegetically, theologically, and devotionally rich study of this important biblical theme.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Samuel Bierig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Feels like the best book I've read all year (highly subjective and niche to me tho)

[David Clouse · Rating 3 out of 5]

For the content this book would get a five stars. It’s very scholarly and well written. I found myself towards the end speed-reading most of the content knowing I would have almost no chance of being able to recall facts of the book. Speed-reading helps me remember the sections and premises more generically so I can look back if I ever need the exact information. In the end, I walked away with a greater appreciation for how the biblical authors incorporated the Old Testament motif of the Exodus throughout their writings, and how it can play a large part in our better understanding Scripture.

[Zack · Rating 3 out of 5]

A helpful digest of recent (last 70 years) biblical scholarship on the exodus motif in Scripture. Critical engagement is muted in favor of synthesis and bringing different theses and publications into conversation.

[Spencer R · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can read my full review at SpoiledMilks (4/27/18).

Why does Luke 9:31 describe Jesus' crucifixion as his ἔξοδον ("exodov")? Why does Peter describe Christians as a "holy" and "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2.5, 9), redeemed by the blood of Christ the lamb (1.19)? What is the "new song" sung in Revelation 5:9 and 14:3? What is the old song? How does the idea of the exodus stretch from the book of Exodus to Luke? 1 Peter? Revelation? How is it carried along in the Old Testament?

Bryan Estelle provides a book on intertextuality on how the whole Bible develops a major theme: the exodus. Estelle *traces* this biblical motif throughout the Bible (remember that when you read this). He doesn't spend much time exegeting passages or drawing out how each line looks back on an exodus event. Rather, he looks at a passage and states how it broadly uses or reinterprets an idea from the exodus.

After a technical (but important) chapter on intertextuality, allusions, and echoes (see also the book's appendix), Estelle moves on to the exodus motif. The exodus was when Yahweh delivered his people from the grip of Egypt. He brings his people to the cosmic mountain, the mountain of his presence, Mt. Sinai, gives Israel his instructions and has them build a tabernacle where he will dwell among them- just as he dwelt among Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden. Estelle defines the exodus motif in this way: "both the deliverance from the enemies of Israel in Egypt and the wilderness wanderings as described in the Sinai pilgrimage, which culminate in the arrival at the foot of the mountain of God" (102).

Estelle then takes his readers through the Psalms, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Ezra and Nehemiah, Mark and Matthew, Luke and Acts, Paul, 1 Peter, and Revelation. Often throughout the Old Testament texts Estelle includes his own translation, often including Hebrew transliterations of key words that allude to the exodus. Estelle wants his readers to feel confident when they read their Bibles to be able to 'hear' the Bible's own allusions to different events, specifically the exodus, even if they don't know the biblical languages themselves.

The Spoiled Milk
The book would have been perfectly fine without the discussion of the two kingdoms and the intertwined emphasis on God's common grace. The two subjects don’t even occur after page 118 (in a 351 page book).

Recommended?
One upside to the book is also a downside. Tracing a theme throughout the whole of Scripture means that each section/allusion gets a short shrift. There is not much exegesis, translations of particular sections (e.g., Isaiah 40:1-11) take up a lot of space, and at least one text (Psalm 23) didn't refer to an exodus text at all. But for those who are new to the Bible's own intertextuality and the theme of the exodus, this would be a great book to get. To know who to recommend this to is iffy though. If you have Carson and Beale's Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament, if you've read Beale's Revelation commentary, anything by Richard Hays, or Rikk Watts, then some (or all) of this won't be new. But if you haven't read some of those guys, or if you're brand new to this, then pick up this book and see one of the Bible's greatest themes and how it runs from the beginning of the Bible through our salvation and up to the new creation.

Disclosure: I received this book free from IVP Academic. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/wa....

[Ross McKnight · Rating 5 out of 5]

For what this book seeks to accomplish, that is to academically* trace a motif from cover to cover of Scripture, it couldn’t be done any better. Readers could disagree with his hermeneutical conclusions, but Estelle does his homework. He interacts with original languages, church history, and OT and NT scholars work to ensure that his conclusions are sanctioned. For prospective readers, know that unless you are hyper-fixated on academic studies of Exodus, this book is probably not for you. It’s not a jog, but a crawl through Scripture. However, this would be a marvelous reference book for all believers to have on the shelf. If you are preaching through/studying a book of the Bible which you suspect contains exodus language, this book would give you a helpful framework for how to identify and interact with it in light of the whole motif. I found this book to be very informative (especially being new to the OT biblical theology world), and faith building. My conviction that God has inspired the hands/minds of the authors of Scripture has never been firmer.

[Grant Carter]

For anyone looking to understand how various books of the Bible are connected, I highly recommend this book. Estelle traces the Exodus motif through the Old and New Testament. Awesome to see all the scriptural connections.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bryan D. Estelle is Professor of Old Testament at Westminster Seminary California. He has an M.Div. from Westminster Seminary California and both an M.A. and Ph.D. from The Catholic University of America. Estelle has written essays and articles in various publications, as well as Salvation Through Judgement and Mercy: The Gospel According to Jonah (P & R Publishing, 2005). Most recently, Estelle has written a biblical-theological exploration on the Exodus motif that proves to be a timely look into one of Scriptures richest themes.

Echoes of Exodus: Tracing a Biblical Motif opens with an introductory chapter that orients the reader to the thematic presence of exodus throughout the Old Testament and into the New. The exodus motif more than the story of liberation from Egyptian oppression, according to Estelle. It is an all-encompassing motif about "God's crafting a people for himself by bringing them to the very abode of his presence at Mount Sinai. Yet there is more . . . The deliverance from Egypt did not stop at Sinai, where God meets with his people. The deliverance was intended to include the Promise Land" (p. 3). That is, the Promise Land in both an immediate and eschatological sense. It is here that Estelle embarks on a biblical-theological voyage through the contours of the Old and New Testaments.

Before exploring the canonical landscape, Estelle spends a great deal of time establishing the hermeneutical foundations for his analysis of the exodus motif-a methodological establishment built upon the interpretive approach embodied by John Calvin and Campegius Vitringa. Estelle then moves the reader to Genesis, Exodus, the Psalms, Isaiah, and the Exilic and Post-Exilic Era. Estelle creates a visible awareness of the exodus motif in the Old Testament before turning the attention towards the New. The concluding five chapters explore the Jesus and the New Exodus in Mark and Matthew, Luke-Acts, Paul, 1 Peter, and Revelation. The salvific emphasis of this book demonstrates that "discussing the whole complex salvation is necessary if we are to fairly present God's plan of redemption" (p. 323). The big-picture is an imperative element and Estelle provides a masterful framework for such discussion.

Echoes of Exodus is a wellspring of exegetical and biblical-theological riches. The sheer scope of Estelle's engagement is extraordinary. Two examples of such engagement are noteworthy, and worth mention here. First, Estelle's keen demonstration and utilized presence of intertextuality is a masterful representation of biblical theology. Estelle knows the rich history of biblical theology in the Reformed tradition and he exemplifies such with excellence. Moreover, Estelle's unusual awareness of the sometimes-peripheral nature of the exodus motif affords readers the ability to more easily uncover the scarlet thread of God's redemptive plan. Second, while the caliber of conversation occasionally presupposes a level of understanding that may be foreign to readers lacking a seminary education, Estelle is a gifted communicator and a skilled writer. Echoes of Exodus is easy to read and engaging on almost every page.

Echoes of Exodus: Tracing a Biblical Motif by Bryan D. Estelle demonstrates mature reflection and keen awareness on one of the richest biblical-theological themes of the Christian Scriptures. Estelle is insightful and easy to read, and the scope of his exploration has provided a fascinating demonstration of how to properly embody a biblical-theological mindset when approaching the Bible. If you're interested in biblical theology and you're looking for a book that will trace the heartbeat of God from Genesis to Revelation, then Estelle's Echoes of Exodus is a worthwhile purchase. Trust me. It will be difficult to put down!

[Michael Philliber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most stories of all types have reverberations and insinuations from earlier tales. According to Bryan D. Estelle, professor of Old Testament at Westminster Seminary California, the Bible does as well. In his new 384 page softback, “Echoes of Exodus: Tracing a Biblical Motif,” the author works out the numerous ways the Exodus motif either explicitly surfaces, or softly whispers in the background, in both the Old and New Testaments. Though this volume is meticulous and scholarly, yet a thoughtful reader, with little to no seminary or technical education, can grasp the contents and profit from the time invested.

Estelle normally sticks to his goal between these covers. His aim is “to help readers grow in their “allusion competence,” especially in their ability to recognize scriptural allusions to the exodus motif” (2). From Genesis through Revelation the reader will gain loads of experience in having their “allusion competence” sharpened. A subtle, though not always obvious, aspect of his work is “to bridge a huge gulf that has been created between participationist and forensic descriptions of salvation” (7). Most of the time that “project” will be unnoticed or unnoticeable, though on rare occasions it will visibly come up for air.

In the first chapter, “Hermeneutical Foundations,” Estelle helpfully maps out the underlying approaches employed throughout the book, such as biblical intertextuality, evocation and influence, quotation, subtle citation, allusion, various forms of typology, symbols and allegory. This is a fairly technical chapter, and is beefed up by the closing chapter titled “Intertextuality”. It is likely some readers will find this material tedious, and may simply need to skip it and go straight for the meat-and-potatoes section. Those who stick around, though, will find the substance of the chapter beneficial.

The main course offered up in the book follows the Exodus pattern from Genesis to Revelation. Estelle dishes out plentiful helpings of Bible, explanation, and demonstration. The author shows the assorted ways the Exodus, whether openly or obliquely, shapes specific passages. He also carefully exhibits how the theme changes and grows: where the looking to the past turns the corner to looking to the future. Though chapters two through eleven, where all of this is cooked up, have little sparkle, nevertheless it’s a full and nutritious meal. In the end, the person who sticks with it will find themselves very satisfied.

If there was a bone in the banquet, it was the needless intrusion of the two kingdoms doctrine. It came out of nowhere and went nowhere. It added nothing to the manuscript, and its absence would have been utterly undetected. One morsel that could have been thickend and would have enhanced the savory flavor of the book would have been if the author had spent time unpacking Romans 8.18-23, “the continuity between the former-world and the world-to-come.” Estelle keeps mentioning “the world-to-come” but never runs out with what that means, or how beautifully it fits the Exodus motif. I’m specifically thinking of how this cosmos has been redeemed by the redeemer, and will – like the Redeemer’s people – be restored, renovated, refurbished, and renewed! But, instead, he dismisses the subject as “too broad a question to be entered on here” (283.).

“Echoes of Exodus” was a delicious feast. Not only does it lend itself to academic classes, but it is also ideal for personal enrichment. The author recommends “reading from beginning to end slowly and carefully in order to discern the flow of the argument” (16), and so do I. The money you use to snatch up a copy will be well worth it.

Thanks to IVP Academic for providing, upon my request, the free copy of the book used for this review. The assessments are mine given without restrictions or requirements (as per Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255).

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book of Exodus, is one of the most exciting and impactful books of scripture. Yet many of void the teaching and preaching of this work due to some of the narrative features which confound and confuse many a interpreter of scripture. Whether this is a motif or a theophany, that Aid to understand some of the more narrative features of the text can be extremely helpful. Therefore I was intensely excited to see that beloved Professor Brian D. Estelle wrote a extremely helpful pastoral work dealing with the narrative features of the book of Exodus. In his work, Echos of Exodus: Tracing a Biblical Motif, Estelle passionately writes about the serious motifs shown in Moses’s second book of the Pentateuch.
This Sarah work is Starly without sacrificing practical importance for the exegete. Estelle deals with 9 motifs in Exodus and in other places where the motif found in Exodus is dealt with. I recommend this for any Pastor who plans on preaching through the book of Exodus, or who desires to teach through any section of Exodus. Furthermore I would recommend this to any student of scripture who was looking to write a work on motifs in general or those which are found in the book of Exodus. There is so much information in this work every page is filled to the brim with helpful knowledge to anyone who desires to grow in God’s word through studying it in detail.
I therefore recommend this work to any Pastor, teacher, student, or scholar of scripture. It is a even deeper help to those who are in the reformed tradition who will find this a piece of solidly reformed thought with a deep desire to share the gospel with others. I would classify this as being winsomely reformed and useful to a wide audience even those outside of the reformed tradition. You cannot go wrong with the purchase of this work.
I received this work from IVP Academic, for the purpose of an unbiased review.

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was written by one of my seminary professors, so I'm slightly biased. This book is not written at the popular level, so I'd only recommend to someone who wants to dive into a scholarly work. That said, lots of exegetical and historical treasures in this book and Estelle has a joy and excitement about this topic that carries through along with the exegesis. I used this as a resource for a talk on tracing the Exodus theme across Scripture.

[Camden Garrett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ironically I learned the most in the beginning chapters before the actual discussion of the Exodus motif. His discussion on typology and intertextuality were informative for me! This will be a great reference if, after understanding the Exodus event, I want to review how the Gospel writers or Isaiah or Revelation transforms it. Really makes me want to read Isaiah's New Exodus in Mark by Rikk Watts!

[Ryan Cavanaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the richest books I've ever read. Ground breaking hermenutical clarification and process as well as biblically rich and well defended arguments which provide edifying conclusions.

[Jonathan Caldwell · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is very technical. Way too much time is spend on methodology and then the majority of the discussion is on passages only tangentially related to the exodus. I was pretty disappointed.

[Eric Chappell · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's fine. I think the motif has been dealt with better in other monographs. I prefer Estelle the teacher to Estelle the writer. If you ever read this Rabboni Estelle, forgive me. I love you.