The book of Exodus is a story about 'going out' and as such, it touches upon something all humans have in common. In this study, J. Gerald Janzen explains the story of the exodus from Egypt as both the story of a particular people and a revelation of God's concern for the liberation and redemption of all people. The lessons of Exodus are both encouraging and sobering, encouraging because they hold out hope for all who are oppressed by forces over which they have no control, and sobering because they caution the liberated not to perpetuate the evils under which they suffered.