- EXODUS, BOOK OF Exodus is the name given in the LXX. to the
second book of the Pentateuch (q.v.). It means “departure” or “outgoing.”
This name was adopted in the Latin translation, and thence passed into
other languages. The Hebrews called it by the first words, according to
their custom, Ve-eleh shemoth (i.e., “and these are the names”).
It contains, (1.) An account of the increase and growth of the Israelites in
Egypt (ch. 1) (2.) Preparations for their departure out of Egypt (2-12:36).
(3.) Their journeyings from Egypt to Sinai (12:37-19:2). (4.) The giving of
the law and the establishment of the institutions by which the organization
of the people was completed, the theocracy, “a kingdom of priest and an
holy nation” (19:3-ch. 40).
The time comprised in this book, from the death of Joseph to the erection
of the tabernacle in the wilderness, is about one hundred and forty-five
years, on the supposition that the four hundred and thirty years (12:40)
are to be computed from the time of the promises made to Abraham
(Galatians 3:17).
The authorship of this book, as well as of that of the other books of the
Pentateuch, is to be ascribed to Moses. The unanimous voice of tradition
and all internal evidences abundantly support this opinion.
- EXORCIST (Acts 19:13). “In that sceptical and therefore superstitious
age professional exorcist abounded. Many of these professional exorcists
were disreputable Jews, like Simon in Samaria and Elymas in Cyprus (8:9;
13:6).” Other references to exorcism as practised by the Jews are found in
Matthew 12:27; Mark 9:38; Luke 9:49, 50. It would seem that it was an
opinion among the Jews that miracles might be wrought by invoking the
divine name. Thus also these “vagabond Jews” pretended that they could
expel daemons.
The power of casting out devils was conferred by Christ on his apostles
(Matthew 10:8), and on the seventy (Luke 10:17-19), and was exercised
by believers after his ascension (Mark 16:17; Acts 16:18); but this power
was never spoken of as exorcism.
- EXPIATION Guilt is said to be expiated when it is visited with
punishment falling on a substitute. Expiation is made for our sins when
they are punished not in ourselves but in another who consents to stand in