God's Covenant with His People

Exodus chapters 1-15 are where God fights Pharaoh for the possession of the people of Israel. Chapters 16-18 are introduction to the next section chapters 19-24 where God makes Israel a nation and his covenantal people. Here, with Moses as their essential mediator, God provides a covenantal closeness with his people where he is present with them by the pillar of cloud and pillar of fire. Law is added as an advancement for the revelation of God to his people. The law replaces visions and dreams as the means of revelation of God to his people. Plus the continual presence of God is a major advance in the relation of God with his people.