[Greek] ἔξοδος (exodos), [Latin] exodus: departure, exodus, exit, decease, way out, decrease; Lk.9:31, Heb.11:22, 2Pet.1:15
Moses leads the Israelites’ exodus out of Egypt
Background Information:
Hellenism: This term is used in a variety of ways: a means, an exit, a door, a mouth of a river, a going away, a banishment, a disappearance, a dissolution of marriage, a marching (campaign) out, a procession, a death (departure), and a coming to an end. The sense of the end of life is rarely found. Plato refers to forgetfulness as an exodus of the memory. The playwright Lysistrata makes mention of women getting away from their daily labors and obligations. This term also refers to the final scene in the Greek comedy (or tragedy) where the actors and chorus leave the stage.
Old Testament: This term occurs over 70 times, conveying a wide range of meanings with several related Hebrew terms. In Hebrew, this term essentially means going out. In Exodus, the second book of the Old Testament, Israel’s identity is deeply ingrained with deliverance. An architectural sense is used in reference to entrances, gates, and doors. This term can mean death (departure), going out, an ending, and a remaining. Departure can take on both a locational and chronological sense. A geographical sense is used in reference to the outside nature (outer bounds) of the street in contrast in the inside nature (inner bounds) of the house. These chambers, just as long and wide, with the same exits (Prov.42:11). A just man gives way before the wicked (Prv.25:26). She ordered maid to stand outside the bedroom (Jdt.13:3). Joab lead the army out in force (1Chr.20:1). After their departure from Egypt, the Israelites came to the desert of Sinai (Ex.19:1). They seemed to be dead; and their passing away was thought an affliction (Wis.3:2). Rally your courage, once the soul has left (Sir.38:23). From the day one leaves his mother’s womb (Sir.40:1).
New Testament: Unlike the Old Testament, this term is used in a very narrow sense. Interestingly, this term rarely occurs (three times) in the New Testament. The book of Hebrews makes mention of the Exodus of the Israelites. In the two other instances, it means the end of life. This simply means the end or conclusion of Jesus’ life and work on earth. There is no reference to the destination of Jesus. The resurrection is not regarded a part of the conclusion of Jesus’ earthly life.
Scripture:
“By faith Joseph, near the end of his life, spoke of the Exodus of the Israelites and gave instructions about his bones.” Heb. 11:22
Joseph had faith in the future fulfillment of God’s promise. Joseph’s faith was renewed when near death.
“And behold, two men were conversing with Him, Moses and Elijah. Jesus who appeared in glory and spoke of His exodus that He was going to accomplish in Jerusalem.” Lk.9:30-31
This exodus of Jesus refers to the death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus that will take place in Jerusalem. This exodus also calls to mind the Israelite exodus to the Promised land.
“I shall make every effort to enable you always to remember these things after my departure.” 2 Pet.1:15
This calls to mind Peter’s witness to the truth, even as he faces the end of his life
Conclusion
Exodus
I was surprised to discover the many varied and nuanced uses of the term in Greek Hellenism. It is interesting to note that this term was an actual stage device used by the performers to leave the stage at the end of the play. The Greek playwright Aristophanes wrote the comic play Lysistrata in 411 B.C. As a means to force the men to end the Peloponnesian war, the women went on an “exodus” (strike). Sounds like a very practical caste of women characters! Plato makes mention of forgetfulness as an exodus of the memory. One wonders if Plato might have been referring to dementia or other memory related conditions during old age.
I was not surprised that exodus plays a very prominent role in the Old Testament. I was surprised by the frequent nuanced meanings used for this term.
Speaking of exits, here is something you may not realize. You are seated in a stadium or arena. You see those tunnels (exits) located under the seats all around the arena. This passage is actually called a vomitorium. Yes. You heard this right! I imagine some of you will make your exodus and Google this. This is where you fans “spew” out of the arena. These are also pathways in which the actors enter and leave the stage. Contrary to popular legend, it is most likely that the ancient Romans never designated spaces for the purpose of actual vomiting. So, I will not take my exit from this post.