The Book of Exodus

Summary

Childs offers one of the most discussed Exodus commentaries of the modern era, notable for its attempt to read the book as Scripture while engaging critical scholarship. The work is firmly academic, detailed, and often demanding, yet it is driven by a concern to interpret Exodus in its received form and in its theological function for the people of God.

The commentary is not written as a pastoral exposition, but it is unusually conscious of the interpretive task that stands between historical study and theological reading. That combination has made it influential for those interested in canonical interpretation and in the question of how the church should read the Old Testament faithfully.

Strengths

The most significant strength is the seriousness with which Childs treats the final form of the text. He does not pretend that historical questions vanish, but he refuses to let reconstruction become the controlling centre. For readers who want to keep exposition anchored in what the passage actually says, that instinct is a gift, even if one disagrees with aspects of his method.

Childs is also strong on theological themes. Exodus is handled as a book that speaks about the Lord, redemption, covenant, worship, and the ordering of communal life. The exposition often pauses to ask what the text is doing, not only what it might have been before it reached its present form. That can help preachers avoid reducing the narrative to morals or to background for later doctrine.

Finally, the work is richly resourced. It engages major scholarly voices and takes interpretive problems seriously, which can be valuable for advanced study and for training future teachers.

Limitations

The limitations are real. The commentary is long and technical, and many sections will feel remote from weekly preaching. It can also be difficult to discern what to trust when Childs moves between critical discussion and theological reflection, because the controlling commitments are not consistently evangelical or confessional.

Christ centred exposition is not the primary goal. You will find theological reflection that can serve biblical theology, but the work does not regularly press toward the fulfilment of Exodus themes in Christ and the gospel. A Reformed preacher will need to supply that canonical and redemptive movement.

There is also the risk of method imitation. Readers may adopt the categories without noticing where the assumptions diverge from a high view of Scripture.

How We Would Use It

We would use Childs as a substantial secondary resource for Exodus, especially when preaching major sections such as the plagues, the exodus deliverance, the covenant at Sinai, and the tabernacle instructions. He can help you see structural connections and theological emphases that are easy to miss.

For sermon preparation, pair him with a more explicitly evangelical and pastorally directed commentary. Use Childs to test your reading, to deepen your sense of canonical shape, and to address critical questions that may surface. Then ensure the sermon is anchored in the text, moves toward Christ, and speaks plainly to the church.

Closing Recommendation

A landmark Exodus commentary with enduring theological influence, best used by advanced readers who will benefit from its insights while remaining clear about confessional commitments.