Exodus 16-40

The commentary interprets the Hebrew text first from a synchronous perspective, both literarily and theologically. In Ex 15-18, Israel's relationship with God is described as a conflict and a test. At Sinai, YHWH comes so close to his people in the Torah and in the sanctuary that he overcomes himself in his mercy. Preceding stages of the text are reconstructed diachronically: The oldest narrative recounts the constitution of Israel as a republic with the Decalogue and the Covenant Code as its constitution. The Deuteronomists adapt this narrative to their laws, while the priestly composition envisions a sanctuary founded by the people. After all, Israel appears as a complex community resting on the pillars of law and sanctuary. Syntheses reflect the relationship between the two interpretations.