MY ACADEMIC ASSOCIATION with the book of Exodus began during my years of doctoral study. My dissertation topic was the apocryphal book Wisdom of Solomon, and I explored the ways in which this ancient author interpreted the Exodus for his specific setting.
Although I have taken great care never once to mention my dissertation in this commentary (quite an accomplishment for a professional academic),1 the issues I began addressing there have come into play as I worked through my thoughts on Exodus here. For one thing, the dissertation forced me to read through Exodus in Hebrew seemingly countless times, a discipline that helped me gain a stronger familiarity with its unique contours. Also, studying the manner in which the author of the Wisdom of Solomon interpreted Exodus helped me to become even more self-conscious about the task of interpreting Exodus specifically and the Old Testament in general.
In view of this, I think it appropriate to thank my professors—particularly my dissertation advisor, Dr. James L. Kugel. His teaching, along with that of my other professors, not only helped bring some clarity to what Exodus is about, but also affected the types of questions I bring into the interpretive task.
I also wish to acknowledge my teachers at Westminster Theological Seminary, many of whom are now my colleagues. Their influence continues to be profound. I consider it a gift and privilege to be associated with them. Also, I deeply appreciate the editing work of my research assistant, Erick Allen. Amid a busy teaching and study schedule, he found time to proofread the manuscript twice and to prepare the indexes. His careful attention to detail caught many mistakes and problems that would otherwise have gone unnoticed. His theological instincts also helped me look at several issues from different angles.
Finally, I wish to thank my extremely patient wife and usually patient children, who, for the past three years or so, have seen a little less of me than they would have liked. They mean more to me than the writing of books.
Yes, Elizabeth, Daddy is done now.
Westminster Theological Seminary
October, 1999