Maimonides and the Book of Exodus

Maimonides' writings reveal a deep engagement with the narratives and laws presented in the Book of Exodus, which serve to highlight themes of redemption and divine love. He selected Exodus as a starting point for his commentary due to its rich combination of narrative inspiration and legal content, which he found more appealing than Genesis, noted for its lack of law. This strategic choice allows for an exploration of pivotal biblical events, such as the Israelites' escape from Egypt and the establishment of the Mishkan, or tabernacle, which symbolizes a transition from individual altars to a communal space for worship. Maimonides presents a rationalist perspective, suggesting that the tabernacle serves practical purposes for unity in worship, while other commentators provide more mystical interpretations, demonstrating the balance he seeks between intellectual rigor and spiritual relevance.