Tom Lowe
6/21/2021
GOD GIVES MOSES THE POWER TO PART THE RED SEA.
Title: INTRODUCTION TO EXODUS
Introduction to Exodus
Exodus, the second book in the Torah, begins where Genesis ended—with the children of Israel living in Egypt. The original Hebrew title of the book, "and these are the names," is taken from the first two words of the book in Hebrew. The title "Exodus" ("the way out") is taken from the Greek Septuagint, or LXX1 explaining the content of the book as being about the way out of Egypt. By the beginning of Exodus, the twelve brothers who settled in Egypt to escape from famine in Canaan had become a nation suffering in slavery at the hands of the Pharaoh. Exodus tells the story of God's deliverance of his chosen people from bondage in Egypt, the journey of the Israelites from Egypt to Sinai, the giving of the law to Moses, and the dwelling of God's presence with his people in the Tabernacle, laying the historical, redemptive, and ethical/legal foundation for the nation of Israel.
The Book of Exodus
Content
The book of Exodus opens with the children of Israel in bondage in Egypt. Pharaoh attempts to control the Israelite population by enslaving them (1:10ff[1]), by having midwives kill all the baby boys at birth (1:16f[2]), and finally, by throwing the baby boys into the Nile (1:22). Moses is born to a Levite family. His mother hides him for three months before placing him in a basket in the Nile River, where Pharaoh's daughter finds Moses and adopts him (2:1-10). Moses grows up in Pharaoh's household, but he flees from Egypt after killing an Egyptian taskmaster beating a Hebrew. He settles in Sinai with the Midianites and lives as a shepherd (2:11-16). While tending the flocks of his father-in-law Jethro, Moses sees a burning bush and receives his call from the Angel of the Lord to return to Egypt and deliver the Israelites from bondage (ch. 3). The divine being(s) in the bush identifies himself by the title "I am that I am," which gives us the etymology of God's most sacred name, "Yahweh" or "Jehovah" as older English texts rendered it.
Along with his brother Aaron, Moses confronts Pharaoh and demands that Pharaoh release the Israelites. God uses the ten plagues2 to force Pharaoh to release the Israelites, showing himself to be Yahweh—the covenant-keeping God (7:5, 17; 8:22)— while emphasizing his supremacy over the gods of Egypt (12:12). After the first Passover and the death of the firstborn of Egypt, Pharaoh begrudgingly agrees to release the Israelites, who left Egypt under the leadership of Moses. The Israelites escape Pharaoh's pursuit, crossing the Red Sea on dry ground (ch. 14). Pharaoh's chariots are destroyed by the same sea that provided deliverance for the Israelites. Israel and Miram sing songs of victory in honor of the divine warrior Yahweh (ch. 15). As they journey through the wilderness of Sinai, God provides manna and quail for the people to eat (ch. 16) and water from a rock for them to drink (ch. 17).
Three months after leaving Egypt, the Israelites arrive at Mount Sinai. God's presence descends to the top of the mountain (19:20), and Moses ascends the mountain to receive the law and instructions for building the Tabernacle (ch. 20-31, 34:4-28). However, while Moses is on the mountain, the people ask Aaron to make gods for them (32:1). Aaron fashions a golden calf, and the people sacrifice to the idol, provoking God's anger to the point that God decides to wipe them out (32:10). Moses persuades God to relent (32:14), and the Israelites proceed to construct the Tabernacle—complete with its altars, laver, and the ark—according to the instructions Moses received so that God may "dwell among them" (25:8). The glory cloud of God's presence came down on the newly constructed Tent of Meeting or Tabernacle. The text ends with the consecration of the Tabernacle leading up to the need for instructions on carrying out the various rituals that would be performed in that holy environment. Leviticus provides instructions that would be required to maintain Israel as a theocratic nation in the presence of a holy God.
Tabernacle Schematic
Historical Concerns
Date of the Exodus
Many scholars disagree about whether the events described in the book of Exodus took place in the 15th or the 13th century BC. Arguments for a late date of around 1260 BC include the names of the Egyptian cities mentioned in Exodus 1:11 and burn lines found at Lachish, Debir, and Bethel dating to about 1200. On the other hand, arguments for an early date of around 1445 BC include scriptural evidence in 1 Kings 6:1 and Judges 11:26 and archeological evidence provided by the Merneptah Stele and the Amarna letters, all of which seem to indicate that the Israelites arrived in the land long before the time suggested by the late-date theory.
Location of the Red Sea
The crossing of the sea in Exodus 14 also presents some historical difficulties. The Hebrew text of Exodus 13:18 reads "Sea of Reeds," not "Red Sea." In light of this fact, there are several possible locations for the sea crossing. One option suggests that the crossing occurred in the region of Lake Timsah and the Bitter Lakes, east of the Nile River and north of the Gulf of Suez, since these freshwater lakes would have had more surrounding plant life (hence "Reed Sea") than would the salty Red Sea. Another possible location for the crossing is at the north end of the Gulf of Suez—the north-western extension of the Red Sea—which borders the Sinai peninsula on its western side. Likewise, more than six geographically divergent sites have been identified as possibilities for the location of Mount Sinai.
Key Theological Themes
Divine Self-Disclosure
God's revelation of his character takes on new meaning in Exodus. The name Yahweh (translated LORD in most English Bibles) was revealed to Moses at the burning bush (3:14; 6:3). It is related to the Hebrew word "to be" and carries the connotations of eternal self-sufficiency and covenantal loyalty. The Israelite's understanding of God as Yahweh is significantly impacted in Exodus as God remembers his covenant obligations (2:24), delivers them out of their bondage in Egypt; reveals his law (ch. 19-31), responds to intercessory prayer (32:11-14), and dwells in the midst of his people in the Tabernacle (ch. 40). In addition, the plagues on the Egyptians reveal God's mighty power to redeem his people with an outstretched arm, demonstrating to the people of Israel and Egypt that he is Yahweh (6:6f; 7:5; 10:2).
Presence of God
The presence of God among his people is tangibly displayed in Exodus in several ways. First, God leads the people out of Egypt, appearing as a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night (13:21). Second, God's presence is manifested further at Sinai (ch. 19) and in his revelation of his presence to Moses (ch. 33). Finally, in the closing chapters of Exodus, God's presence comes to reside in the Tabernacle (ch. 40). In this way, God is present with his people in a tangible sense, dwelling in the Tent of Meeting in the midst of his people as they make their pilgrimage through the wilderness of Sinai, dwelling in tents themselves.
Redemption
In Exodus, God liberates his enslaved people by breaking the bonds of Egyptian oppression. The idea of redemption implies salvation that comes about by paying the price. God's redemption of his people from slavery is an essential theme throughout the Bible. The redemption of Israel from Egypt was to be remembered as part of the reason for the Sabbath (Deut 6:15), and Israelites were commanded to redeem the firstborn of their children and animals (Exod 13:2).
Law
At Mount Sinai, Israel receives the Torah—the instructions that define and detail the way God wants his people to live. Often known as the Sinai covenant, this development fills out the promises made to Abraham. Both casuistic and apodictic laws are found in the Torah. Casuistic law is a law given in a conditional form (if x then y). This type of law was common in the ancient Near East and can be found in other law codes such as the Code of Hammurabi. An example of this type of law is Exodus 22:6: "If a fire breaks out and spreads into thorn bushes …, then the one who started the fire must make restitution." Apodictic law is given as categorical imperatives (thou shalt not do x). This form of law is virtually unknown in the ancient Near Eastern context outside of the Torah. The Ten Commandments are expressed in this form (Exod 20:2-17).
This law code provides stability and order for the Israelite nation, emphasizing the importance of a holy lifestyle consistent with a nation living in the presence of God as "a kingdom of priests and a holy nation" (19:6). Significant parallels exist between the Mosaic law code and other Ancient Near Eastern law codes, such as the Code of Hammurabi, the Ur-Nammu Code, and the Hittite law code.
Conclusion
Exodus continues the story of the Israelites who begin to develop a national identity during their time in the wilderness, transitioning from their roles as slaves of Pharaoh to being servants of Yahweh. Throughout the narrative and the legal material in Exodus, God's presence and concern for his people continue to be revealed in increasing depth and fullness.
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1 LXX: After Alexander the Great conquered the Mediterranean world in the 4th century BC, Greek became the world's lingua franca. The translation allegedly was completed by a team of 72 scholars who translated the Old Testament from Hebrew to Greek ca. 250-100 BC. This translation became known as the Septuagint or the LXX.
2 Ten Plagues: The ten plagues that preceded the Israelites' release from slavery were: the Nile turning to blood (7:14-24), frogs (8:1-12), gnats (8:16-18), flies (8:20-29), plague on livestock (9:1-7), boils (9:8-11), hail (9:13-34), locusts (10:1-13), darkness (10:21-23), and the death of the firstborn (11:1-12:30). Many of the plagues of Egypt seem to have been directed against specific Egyptian gods, including the Nile, the sun, and Pharaoh himself.
Outline of Exodus
Exodus chapter 1
Ex 1:1-7.
The children of Israel, after Joseph's death, increase.
[Lesson 1, Section 1]
Ex 1:8-14.
The more a new king oppresses them, the more they multiply
[Lesson 2, Section 1]
Ex 1:15-21.
Ex 1:22.
The godliness of the midwives, in saving the men children alive.
[Lesson 3, Section 1]
Pharoh commands that all male babies are to be cast into the river.
[Lesson 4, Section 1]
Exodus chapter 2
Ex 2:1-4.
Moses is born, and in an ark cast into the flags.
Ex 2:5-6.
He is found and brought up by Pharaoh's daughter;
Ex 2:7-10.
Who employs his mother to nurse him.
Ex 2:11-12.
He slays an Egyptian.
Ex 2:13-14.
He reproves a Hebrew.
Ex 2:15-21.
He flees into Midian and marries Zipporah.
Ex 2:22.
Gershom is born.
Ex 2:23-25.
God respects the Israelites' cry.
Exodus chapter 3
Ex 3:1.
Moses keeps Jethro's flock.
Ex 3:2-8.
God appears to him in a burning bush.
Ex 3:9-12.
He sends him to deliver Israel.
Ex 3:13-14.
The name of God.
Ex 3:15-19.
His message to Israel, and Pharaoh, whose opposition is foretold.
Ex 3:20-22.
He is assured of Israel's deliverance.
Exodus chapter 4
Ex 4:1-5.
Moses's rod is turned into a serpent.
Ex 4:6-9.
His hand is leprous.
Ex 4:10-12.
He is loath to be sent.
Ex 4:13-17.
Aaron is appointed to assist him.
Ex 4:18-20.
Moses departs from Jethro.
Ex 4:21-23.
God's message to Pharaoh.
Ex 4:24-26.
Zipporah circumcises her son.
Ex 4:27-28.
Aaron is sent to meet Moses.
Ex 4:29-31.
The people believe them.
Exodus chapter 5
Ex 5:1-5.
Pharaoh chides Moses and Aaron for their message.
Ex 5:6-14.
He increases the Israelites' task.
Ex 5:15-18.
He checks their complaints.
Ex 5:19-21.
They cry out upon Moses and Aaron.
Ex 5:22-23.
Moses complains to God.
Exodus chapter 6
Ex 6:1-8.
God renews his promise by his name JEHOVAH.
Ex 6:9.
Moses vainly attempts to encourage the Israelites.
Ex 6:10-13.
He and Aaron are again sent to Pharaoh.
Ex 6:14-25.
The genealogy of Reuben, of Simeon, and of Levi, of whom came Moses and Aaron.
Ex 6:26-30.
The history resumed.
Exodus chapter 7
Ex 7:1-6.
Moses and Aaron are encouraged to go again to Pharaoh.
Ex 7:7.
Their age.
Ex 7:8-10.
Aaron's rod is turned into a serpent.
Ex 7:11-12.
The sorcerers do the like; but their rods are swallowed up by Aaron's.
Ex 7:13.
Pharaoh's heart is hardened.
Ex 7:14-18.
God's message to Pharaoh.
Ex 7:19-25.
The river is turned into blood; and the consequent distress of the Egyptians.
Exodus chapter 8
Ex 8:1-7.
Frogs are sent.
Ex 8:8-15.
Pharaoh sues to Moses, who by prayer removes them away.
Ex 8:16-19.
The dust is turned into lice, which the magicians could not do.
Ex 8:20-24.
The plague of flies.
Ex 8:25-32.
Pharaoh inclines to let the people go, but yet is hardened.
Exodus chapter 9
Ex 9:1-7.
The murrain of beasts.
Ex 9:8-12.
The plague of boils and blains.
Ex 9:13-21.
The message of Moses about the hail.
Ex 9:22-26.
The plague of hail.
Ex 9:27-35.
Pharaoh sues to Moses, but yet is hardened.
Exodus chapter 10
Ex 10:1-6.
God threatens to send locusts.
Ex 10:7-11.
Pharaoh moved by his servants, inclined to let the Israelites go.
Ex 10:12-15.
The plague of the locusts.
Ex 10:16-20.
Pharaoh entreats Moses.
Ex 10:21-23.
The plague of darkness.
Ex 10:24-29.
Pharaoh again entreats Moses, but yet is hardened.
Exodus chapter 11
Ex 11:1-3.
God's message to the Israelites to borrow jewels from their neighbors.
Ex 11:4-10.
Moses threatens Pharaoh with the death of the firstborn.
Exodus chapter 12
Ex 12:1-2.
The beginning of the year is changed.
Ex 12:3-10.
The Passover is instituted.
Ex 12:11-14.
The import of the rite of the Passover.
Ex 12:15-28.
Unleavened bread, etc.
Ex 12:29-30.
The firstborn are slain.
Ex 12:31-36.
The Israelites are driven out of the land.
Ex 12:37-40.
They come to Succoth.
Ex 12:41-42.
The time of their sojourning.
Ex 12:43-51.
The ordinance of the Passover.
Exodus chapter 13
Ex 13:1-2.
The firstborn are sanctified to God.
Ex 13:3-10.
The memorial of the Passover is commanded.
Ex 13:11-16.
The firstlings of man and beast are set apart.
Ex 13:17-19.
The Israelites go out of Egypt, and carry Joseph's bones with them.
Ex 13:20.
They come to Etham.
Ex 13:21-22.
God guides them by a pillar of a cloud, and a pillar of fire.
Exodus chapter 14
Ex 14:1-4.
God instructs the Israelites in their journey.
Ex 14:5-9.
Pharaoh pursues after them.
Ex 14:10-12.
The Israelites murmur.
Ex 14:13-14.
Moses comforts them.
Ex 14:15-18.
God instructs Moses.
Ex 14:19-20.
The cloud removes behind the camp.
Ex 14:21-31.
The Israelites pass through the Red sea, which drowns the Egyptians.
Exodus chapter 15
Ex 15:1-21.
The song of Moses, Miriam, and Israel on their deliverance.
Ex 15:22.
The people want water in the wilderness.
Ex 15:23-26.
The waters at Marah are bitter, they murmur, Moses prays, and sweetens the waters by God's direction.
Ex 15:27.
They encamp at Elim, where are twelve wells, and seventy palm trees.
Exodus chapter 16
Ex 16:1-3.
The Israelites come to Sin, and murmur for want of bread.
Ex 16:4-12.
God promises them bread and flesh from heaven, and they are rebuked.
Ex 16:13-15.
Quails and manna are sent.
Ex 16:16-24.
The ordering of manna.
Ex 16:25-31.
It was not to be found on the sabbath.
Ex 16:32-36.
An omer of it is preserved.
Exodus chapter 17
Ex 17:1-5.
The people murmur for water at Rephidim.
Ex 17:6.
God sends them for water to the rock in Horeb.
Ex 17:7.
The place is called Massah and Meribah.
Ex 17:8-13.
Amalek is overcome by Joshua, while Moses holds up his hands with the rod of God.
Ex 17:14-16.
Amalek is doomed to destruction; and Moses builds the altar JEHOVAH-nissi.
Exodus chapter 18
Ex 18:1-6.
Jethro brings his wife and two sons to Moses.
Ex 18:7-8.
Moses entertains him, and relates the goodness of the Lord.
Ex 18:9-12.
Jethro rejoices, blesses God, and offers sacrifice.
Ex 18:13-26.
He gives good counsel, which is accepted.
Ex 18:27.
Jethro departs.
Exodus chapter 19
Ex 19:1-2.
The people arrive at Sinai.
Ex 19:3-7.
God's message by Moses unto the people out of the mount.
Ex 19:8.
The people's answer returned again.
Ex 19:9-11.
The people are prepared against the third day, for the giving of the law.
Ex 19:12-15.
The mountain must not be touched.
Ex 19:16-25.
The fearful presence of God upon the mount.
Exodus chapter 20
Ex 20:1-17.
Jehovah speaks the ten commandments.
Ex 20:18-20.
The people are afraid, but Moses comforts them.
Ex 20:21-22.
Idolatry is forbidden.
Ex 20:23-26.
Of what sort the altar should be.
Exodus chapter 21
Ex 21:1-4.
Laws for men-servants.
Ex 21:5-6.
For the servant whose ear is bored.
Ex 21:7-11.
For women servants.
Ex 21:12-15.
For manslaughter.
Ex 21:16.
For stealers of men.
Ex 21:17.
For cursers of parents.
Ex 21:18-21.
For smiters.
Ex 21:22-27.
For a hurt by chance.
Ex 21:28-32.
For an ox that gores.
Ex 21:33-36.
For him that is an occasion of harm.
Exodus chapter 22
Ex 22:1-4.
Of theft.
Ex 22:5-6.
Of damage.
Ex 22:7-13.
Of trespasses.
Ex 22:14-15.
Of borrowing.
Ex 22:16-17.
Of fornication.
Ex 22:18.
Of witchcraft.
Ex 22:19.
Of bestiality.
Ex 22:20.
Of idolatry.
Ex 22:21-24.
Of strangers, widows, and fatherless.
Ex 22:25.
Of usury.
Ex 22:26-27.
Of pledges.
Ex 22:28.
Of reverence to magistrates.
Ex 22:29-30.
Of the first fruits.
Ex 22:31.
Of torn flesh.
Exodus chapter 23
Ex 23:1-3.
Of slander, false witness, and partiality.
Ex 23:4-5.
Of charitableness.
Ex 23:6-7.
Of justice in judgment.
Ex 23:8.
Of taking bribes.
Ex 23:9.
Of oppressing a stranger.
Ex 23:10-11.
Of the year of rest.
Ex 23:12.
Of the sabbath.
Ex 23:13.
Of idolatry.
Ex 23:14-17.
Of the three feasts.
Ex 23:18-19.
Of the blood and the fat of the sacrifice.
Ex 23:20-33.
An angel is promised, with a blessing, if they obey him.
Exodus chapter 24
Ex 24:1-2.
Moses is called up into the mountain.
Ex 24:3.
The people promise obedience.
Ex 24:4-5.
Moses builds an altar, and twelve pillars.
Ex 24:6-8.
He sprinkles the blood of the covenant.
Ex 24:9-13.
The glory of God appears.
Ex 24:14.
Aaron and Hur have the charge of the people.
Ex 24:15-18.
Moses goes into the mountain, where he continues forty days and forty nights.
Exodus chapter 25
Ex 25:1-9.
What the Israelites were to offer for the formation of the Tabernacle.
Ex 25:10-16.
The form of the ark.
Ex 25:17-22.
The mercy seat, with the cherubims.
Ex 25:23-30.
The table of shewbread, with the furniture thereof.
Ex 25:31-40.
The golden candlestick, with the instruments thereof.
Exodus chapter 26
Ex 26:1-6.
The ten curtains of the Tabernacle.
Ex 26:7-14.
The eleven curtains of goats' hair, and the covering of rams' and badgers' skins.
Ex 26:15-30.
The boards of the Tabernacle, with their sockets and bars.
Ex 26:31-35.
The vail for the ark.
Ex 26:36-37.
The hanging for the door.
Exodus chapter 27
Ex 27:1-8.
The altar of burnt offering, with the vessels thereof.
Ex 27:9-17.
The court of the Tabernacle inclosed with hangings and pillars.
Ex 27:18-19.
The measure of the court, and the furniture of brass.
Ex 27:20-21.
The oil for the lamp.
Exodus chapter 28
Ex 28:1.
Aaron and his sons are set apart for the priest's office.
Ex 28:2-5.
Holy garments are appointed.
Ex 28:6-14.
The ephod and girdle.
Ex 28:15-29.
The breastplate with twelve precious stones.
Ex 28:30.
The Urim and Thummim.
Ex 28:31-35.
The robe of the ephod, with pomegranates and bells.
Ex 28:36-38.
The plate of the mitre.
Ex 28:39.
The embroidered coat.
Ex 28:40-43.
The garments for Aaron's sons.
Exodus chapter 29
Ex 29:1-37.
The sacrifice and ceremonies of consecrating the priests and the altar.
Ex 29:38-44.
The continual burnt offerings.
Ex 29:45-46.
God's promise to dwell among the children of Israel.
Exodus chapter 30
Ex 30:1-10.
The altar of incense.
Ex 30:11-16.
The ransom of souls.
Ex 30:17-21.
The brazen laver.
Ex 30:22-33.
The holy anointing oil.
Ex 30:34-38.
The composition of the incense.
Exodus chapter 31
Ex 31:1-11.
Bezaleel and Aholiab are appointed and qualified for the work of the Tabernacle.
Ex 31:12-17.
The observation of the sabbath is again commanded.
Ex 31:18.
Moses receives the two tables.
Exodus chapter 32
Ex 32:1-6.
The people, in the absence of Moses, cause Aaron to make a calf.
Ex 32:7-14.
God informs Moses, who intercedes for Israel, and prevails.
Ex 32:15-18.
Moses comes down with the tables.
Ex 32:19.
He breaks them.
Ex 32:20-21.
He destroys the calf.
Ex 32:22-24.
Aaron's excuse for himself.
Ex 32:25-29.
Moses causes the idolaters to be slain.
Ex 32:30-35.
He prays for the people.
Exodus chapter 33
Ex 33:1-3.
The Lord refuses to go as he had promised with the people.
Ex 33:4-6.
The people mourn thereat.
Ex 33:7-8.
The Tabernacle is removed out of the camp.
Ex 33:9-11.
The Lord talks familiarly with Moses.
Ex 33:12-23.
Moses prevails with God and desires to see his glory.
Exodus chapter 34
Ex 34:1-4.
The tables are renewed.
Ex 34:5-7.
The name of the LORD proclaimed.
Ex 34:8-9.
Moses entreats God to go with them.
Ex 34:10-27.
God makes a covenant with them, repeating certain duties of the first table.
Ex 34:28.
Moses, after forty days in the mount, comes down with the tables.
Ex 34:29-35.
His face shines, and he covers it with a veil.
Exodus chapter 35
Ex 35:1-3.
The sabbath.
Ex 35:4-19.
The free gifts for the Tabernacle.
Ex 35:20-29.
The readiness of the people to offer.
Ex 35:30-35.
Bezaleel and Aholiab are called to the work.
Exodus chapter 36
Ex 36:1-3.
The offerings are delivered to the workmen.
Ex 36:4-7.
The liberality of the people is restrained.
Ex 36:8-13.
The curtains with cherubims.
Ex 36:14-18.
The curtains of goats' hair.
Ex 36:19.
The covering of skins.
Ex 36:20-30.
The boards with their sockets.
Ex 36:31-34.
The bars.
Ex 36:35-36.
The vail.
Ex 36:37-38.
The hanging for the door.
Exodus chapter 37
Ex 37:1-9.
The ark and mercy seat with cherubims made.
Ex 37:10-16.
The table of shew-bread with its vessels.
Ex 37:17-24.
The candlestick with its lamps and instruments.
Ex 37:25-28.
The altar of incense.
Ex 37:29.
The anointing oil and sweet incense.
Exodus chapter 38
Ex 38:1-7.
The altar of burnt offering.
Ex 38:8.
The laver of brass.
Ex 38:9-20.
The court and its hangings.
Ex 38:21-31.
The sum of what the people offered and the use to which it was applied.
Exodus chapter 39
Ex 39:1.
The cloths of service and holy garments.
Ex 39:2-7.
The ephod.
Ex 39:8-21.
The breastplate.
Ex 39:22-26.
The robe of the ephod.
Ex 39:27-29.
The coats, mitre, and girdle of fine linen.
Ex 39:30-31.
The plate of the holy crown.
Ex 39:32-43.
All is finished, reviewed, and approved by Moses.
Exodus chapter 40
Ex 40:1-12.
The Tabernacle is commanded to be reared, anointed, and consecrated.
Ex 40:13-15.
Aaron and his sons to be sanctified.
Ex 40:16-33.
Moses performs all things accordingly.
Ex 40:34-38.
A cloud covers the Tabernacle.
[1] 'ff.' is an abbreviation for 'following.' See note [2]. It is written after a page or line number to indicate that you refer to both the page or line mentioned and the following pages
[2] 'f' is an abbreviation for 'following.' It is written after a page or line number to indicate that you refer to both the page or line mentioned and the one after it.
[3] As far as I can tell, Burn lines is a reference either to Moses and the burning bush or the burning of the city of Lachish, or perhaps the burning of Rome is in view here.
