"With this noteworthy volume, Sweeney inaugurates the new Contextual Critical Commentary . Arguing that the narratives in Exodus derive from traditions of northern Israel, the author presents an innovative perspective: that the book is 'a typical Ancient Near Eastern creation narrative.' In addition, Sweeney cites numerous examples from the reception history of Exodus: in later biblical texts, Jewish and Christian traditions, and appropriations by artists. A rich resource for understanding the book of Exodus." --David L. Petersen, Franklin N. Parker Professor Emeritus of Old Testament, Emory University "In his commentary on Exodus, Marvin Sweeney, one of the most learned and versatile biblical scholars of our time, once again demonstrates his impressive ability to address the scriptural text on multiple levels and through multiple periods, from the earliest pre-literary traditions through contemporary applications across the globe. Every reader, whether agreeing with his conclusions and speculations or not, will come away from this book informed and enriched.

I certainly did." --Jon D. Levenson, author of Israel's Day of Light and Joy: The Origin, Development, and Enduring Meaning of the Jewish Sabbath "The book of Exodus generates numerous questions on strange terms, exotic culture, and age-old legal documents: ancient Near Eastern backgrounds behind Moses's upbringing, features of manna and quail, philosophy behind the Ten Commandments plus 'lex talionis' vis-à-vis Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, protection rights for female members or resident aliens, whereabouts of the ark, and so on. Professor Sweeney presents lucid explanations on these topics through expertise on ancient sources, in-depth literary-theological interpretations, and reception history of Second Temple texts, New Testament, and rabbinic hermeneutics. This commentary is richly informative, enlightening, and inspiring with ethical and theological lessons for today's worshipping communities and law-abiding societies." --Hyun Chul Paul Kim, Harold B. Williams Professor of Hebrew Bible, Methodist Theological School in Ohio "Sweeney defines Exodus as 'Israel's independence narrative'--the story of the people delivered by YHWH, the Israelite God, who triumphed over the Egyptian Pharoh. Studying the book both synchronically and diachronically, Sweeney integrates literary-history, historical, and comparative methodologies, and contributes important theological observations on Exodus, considering its early stratum to reflect Israelite-Ephraimitic religion.

Scholars, students, and interested readers will each find this commentary compelling, realizing that reception history starts already within the Hebrew Bible itself." --Dalit Rom-Shiloni, Professor, Department of Biblical Studies, Tel Aviv University.