NOTES for Exo 6:1-30
The story told in the Book of Exodus is only part of the greater history of salvation. Behind the particular task of deliverance from slavery, a more universal task becomes visible: the creation of a people who worship the one God, know God, and serve God. This mystery is revealed to Moses in the words, “I will be your God; I will make an alliance (a covenant) with you.” The dialogue between God and humanity described in Holy Scripture never rests on what has already been achieved, but continually sets new and ever more serious goals. Thus the story of a family becomes the story of a clan, then of a people, and then of the whole world. The final goal of this development is inexpressible; it can only be described figuratively in human language: unity with God, knowledge of God, the Kingdom of God... It can be glimpsed behind every particular manifestation of salvation, whether an answer to prayer, deliverance from danger, or the miracle of God's presence among human beings.