Customer Reviews

Moses and the Gods of Egypt : Studies in Exodus

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Moses and the Gods of Egypt is an in-depth, section-by-section commentary of the book of Exodus. It is written from a conservative, Bible-believing viewpoint. The book is divided into 13 chapters, making it suitable for weekly bible study lasting one quarter. For each section, the author gives a vivid narrative description his interpretation of what occurred, bringing in Egyptian religious and political customs, as well as information from recent archaeological and historical studies. Also, at many controversial passages which interpretation is commonly disputed, he details both sides of the arguments and concludes very convincingly the conservative viewpoint from evidences found in the Bible.

The author also uses his extensive cultural and historical knowledge of the region, gained from his years of archaeological experience, to pen for us a most interesting commentary. He describes the historical and political background of the time, to thus grant the readers a much richer understanding of the implications and reasons behind some of the occurrances in the Bible. For example, he provides a very detailed description of the impact each plague would have in Egypt, bringing in the intricacies of the Egyptian deities and with this knowledge, show us how it not only devastated them economically and physically, but also psychologically and spiritually.

This book is a very interesting read that bring the book of Exodus to life. Through the author's vivid descriptions and linking of historical background information, he manages to enthrall the reader with the story line of the Exodus account, and at the same time, drawing practical applications from the text. The commentary is extensive, not missing out any verse, and yet no part of it is dry. His extensive archaeological experience is put to good use here, as he brings us through the journey from the intricacies of the Egyptian religion and culture, through the climate and vegetation of the Sinai region.

I personally found the book most enjoyable and at the same time informative and edifying. I would not hesitate to recommend this book to both the lay reader as well any student or teacher of the Bible. His extensive bible references and reference to the Hebrew Bible is enough for a serious Bible scholar to research into. At the same time, his use of descriptive prose and practical applications will do well to benefit any Christian reader, young or old.

I am teaching the kids in a Bible Study (BSF) and noticed that the notes had quoted this book.
I bought a copy and it is a great reference for studying The Life of Moses.
Highly recommended!

Moses is a very well written book. it gives great insight to Egypt and the history of the that time. it gives great detail to the problems facing Moses and the hebrews.

Originally written in 1971 and recently re-printed for the fifth time in 2006, Moses and the Gods of Egypt by John J. Davis is defiantly a classic textbook on the book of Exodus.

A quick look online shows that Davis has a multitude of accreditations covering forty-plus years has an archaeologist, professor and theologian. Shoot, he was even on the Old Testament translation team for the New International Version (NIV) Bible as well as a contributor too the study editions of the NIV, New American Standard Bible and the Christian Life Edition of the New King James Version of the Bible.

With such a background you can guess that this book follows the basic evangelical theology and interpretation of Exodus - not that there is anything wrong with this view. It is just an observation for those of you who have studied that part of the Bible in college, Bible studies, church training schools, etc.

The really jewel of the book (and the reason I bought it) is Davis handling of the Ten Plagues.

More than anyone else I have read or heard about he brings out the religious and political customs of ancient Egypt and shows how the plagues were a direct battle against the gods of Egypt. Yet he does not stop there - he also brings to light what the average Egyptian on the street would have thought or felt during this time - which is something we often forget about.

Definitely a good reference book to have on the bookshelf.

I enjoyed the prior edition. The book "The Mountain of God" has incredible proof that the real Mt. Sinai is in Arabia. Does anyone know if this newer edition by Davis makes use of that material?