Week 44, Day 1: The altar of incense
Today’s Reading: Exodus 30:1-38
Some thoughts from the reading…
It seems interesting to me that after the instructions about the construction of the tent of meeting and the articles to go inside, we now have instruction given regarding the altar of incense and the laver for washing. Whatever reason for mentioning these articles now, there are some points that stand out to me from this section of instructions. First, God warned them to not offer any “strange” incense on this altar (verse 9). Remember that Nadab and Abihu were killed because they offered strange fire upon the altar (Lev 10:1). The Lord gave specific instruction on what incense to use on the altar (verses 34-38). Strange incense is any other kind, type, variation of this specified incense. Altering or subsituting another incense is what would make it strange incense. In Nadab & Abihu’s case, the strange fire was fire that came from a different source (location) than where they were to take the fire.
The second thing that I think is a good point to note is in verse 13-15. Each person of Israel was to pay a half shekel to the Lord as a ransom for himself (vs. 12). I note this because whether rich or poor, the same amount was to be paid by each person. This indicates that each person was worth the same. They each had to pay the same price for their ransom, no matter their riches. The value of a person is not in their possessions. When we stand before God on the day of judgment we will all answer for our own actions regardless of what we have accumulated during this lifetime. And no matter how much we have, we will not be able to buy our way out of what is justly due.
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Week 43, Day 5: The priest are consecrated
Today’s Reading: Exodus 29:1-46
Some thoughts from the reading…
Now that the instructions for constructing the tent of meeting have been given, the next “step” is to consecrate the priest to serve before the Lord. Aaron and his sons are taken with their priestly garments and spend 7 days to go through this process. 7 is a number that we see repeated throughout the scriptures used in connection with holiness. This process would set them apart as holy and able to serve in the role of priests. At the same time they were to make atonement for the altar and consecrate the altar as well (vs. 37). This action introduces an interesting action that we will see from time to time. During certain occations the priests were to anoint the articles of the tent with blood. By doing this they were cleansing the items, purging them. We will talk more about this as we see this taking place.
Question: Why was their a need to go through a process to consecrate the priests and the altar?
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Week 43, Day 4: The priestly garments
Today’s Reading: Exodus 28:1-43
Some thoughts from the reading…
It is impressive to envision what the garments of the high priest looked like. They were to be “for glory and for beauty” (vs 2). There is an impressive amount of gold and fine jewels that were a part of his attire. And I do not imagine this attire as being common in appearance in any way. The person who made these garments was skilled and endowed with the spirit of wisdom by God (vs. 3). Thus I believe the skill and craftmanship going into these garments would rival the best craftmanship that we could think of. If you have ever seen the works of skilled craftmen of the past you can have some picture of what these men could have made. Fabrege is one example. This man made some exquisite works of art. They have some amazing detail crafted into the work (look up the imperial egg on the internet for an example). This might give us some understanding of what a skilled person whom God gave a spirit of wisdom could accomplish. These garments were not something that looked like a 4th grader made in wood shop. They were crafted “for glory and for beauty”. I am not saying that the garments had to be something complex in design, they could have been simple in design, but they were certainly beautiful to behold.
I also want to encourage you to consider what the high priest would have looked like when he was working around the tent of meeting. All of the gold shinning in the sunlight must have been impressive. Even in the material of his garments themselves, gold was woven into the material (Exo 39:3). Gold thread was woven into the garments themselves. It must have been very impressive to see the high priest.
Something else that I think is interesting is the addition of bells to the high priest’s robe. So as he walked around there was a tinkling sound heard (vs. 35). This passage mentions that these bells were on him so that he will be heard coming and going before the Lord and not die. I do not understand why this is needed but it was what God commanded to be done.
Question: Why do you think God gave these skilled workers a spirit of wisdom?
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Week 43, Day 3: The altar
Today’s Reading: Exodus 27:1-21
Some thoughts from the reading…
The instructions for constructing the tent of meeting is finished in chapter 27. I am impressed with the dimensions of the bronze altar. It is 5 cubits square (7.5 feet x 7.5 feet). That is a huge altar. It is 4.5 feet tall. The altar was designd to handle the sacrifices of a nation. If Israel sacrificed to God as commanded they would need a BIG altar to complete the required sacrifices. When you read of some of the festivals or special occations you get an impression of how many animals could be sacrificed in one day on this altar.
The altar was to be made with horns on the corners. Horns are often a symbol of power. Later we will see people take hold of the horns of the altar when seeking mercy (1 Kings 1:50-51 & 1 Kings 2:28). We are not given a stated reason for why the horns were to be a part of the altar.
As we consider the articles of the tent of meeting, keep in mind that all of these things were “shown to you in the mountain”. Moses had been shown what all he was to build (26:30, 27:8). I think it is important for us to remember that as we try to invision how some of these things looked, whatever their final appearance was, Moses had been shown exactly what he needed to do in order to construct the place and items of worship to God.
Question: What do you think would have happened if Moses had decided not to follow all the instructions shown to him on the mountain? How do you think Moses would be remembered?
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Week 43, Day 2: Instructions for the Tabernacle (Cont.)
Today’s Reading: Exodus 26:1-37
Some thoughts from the reading…
We are given some indications in chapter 26 regarding the dimensions of the tabernacle. I find it a little challenging to follow exactly how the curtains all fit together. Notice that the curtains are to be made of “fine twisted linen”, mad with cherubim, and made by a skillful workman. The skillfulness of the workman would be aided by God (chapter 31:2-7) which we will talk about more later. For now I want to simply point to a few concepts that we are introduced to. First, we see mentioned in verse 1 & 31 cherubim. Images of these creatures were to be woven into the curtains of the tent. All around the tent would be images of these creatures. Golden cherubim were also mentioned in Exo 25:17-22 as being fashioned to be upon the ark of the covenant, with their wings overspreading the mercy seat. From between the two cherubim Jehovah would speak. These heavenly beings are often spoken of in reference to the throne of God. We are not given clear details regarding what all these creatures do but they appear to be some kind of servants of Jehovah. We see them depicted in other passages (Ezek 1:4-11 & 10:1-2 & Rev 4:5-8) but I do not know that we have any detailed description of what a cherubim looks like. Exodus 25:20 mentions that they have wings and that they face the mercy seat (seems to indicate that they have one face). Whatever they are in appearance, they are always depicted as in the presence of God. I do believe that cherubim are the same creatures as the seraphim in Isaiah 6:1-8 because of similarities between the two.
The other thing I wanted to point towards is that we are also introduced in this chapter to the concept of their being a separation within the tent, the holy place and the holy of holies (vs 33). This separation will become more important for our understanding as Bible students as we continue to study God’s interaction with His people.
Question: Why do you think the articles of the tent and the pillars, posts, etc were made out of gold or overlaid with gold?
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Week 43, Day 1: Instructions for the Tabernacle
Today’s Reading: Exodus 25:1-40
Some thoughts from the reading…
God gives Moses instructions about constructing the tabernacle. He gives instruction regarding the ark, table of showbread and the lampstand. What stood out to me is that there is a statement that is stated at the beginning of these instructions and then restated at the end. Follow the pattern shown to you (verse 9, 40). This stands out to me because I know it is repeated by the Hebrew writer in Heb 8:4-5. This warning was given to Moses to make sure that he followed all the instructions just as they were given. It was important for Moses to do just as he was told to do. There was no room for substitution or replacing something with another. This is key to keep in mind because we have similar instruction given to us in the NT. We must follow the pattern that has been given to us for the church. Make sure His church is doing and working as He has instructed. Don’t change it or add to it.
Question: What items were later placed inside the ark of the covenant?
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Week 42, Day 5: Finalizing the Law
Today’s Reading: Exodus 24:1-18
Some thoughts from the reading…
In chapter 24 we see the “final” phase of entering into a covenant between Israel and Jehovah. We have had a series of journeys on Moses’ part going up and down the mountain to convey messages from God to Moses. Now comes the time where Moses tells the people all the words of the Lord (vs. 3) and they respond, “All the words which the Lord has said we will do.” Moses writes down all the words of the Lord, builds an altar and burnt and peac offerings are made. Then again Moses reads the book of the covenant (the words written down in verse 3) and the people repeat that they will do all and be obedient. The people are then sprinkled with the blood from the sacrifices – making the covenant. Then Moses, Aaron, his sons Nadab & Abihu and 70 elders of Israel go up on the mountain andd see God and eat a meal there. Moses is then called to come up further on the mountain with Joshua. Where he is for 40 days.
Up till now we have been told of a series of events that have taken place but here the covenant is completed/ made. The final part of this process is impressive when the glory of the Lord rested on Mount Sinai. It reminds me of when the glory of the Lord filled the temple after Solomon completed its construction (1 Kings 8:10-13, 2 Chron 5:13-14). Only in this account the image is more impressive since the glory of the Lord was like a consuming fire on the top of the mountain. Can you imagine such a scene.
Question: Why was the burnt and peace sacrifices part of the ratifying of the covenant?
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Week 42, Day 4: So serve the Lord
Today’s Reading: Exodus 23:1-33
Some thoughts from the reading…
After giving several more commands, God emphasizes how He will bless Israel for serving Him faithfully. In verses 24-31 He tells them that He will bless them with bread and water, remove their sickness, no miscarriage or barrenness, give them length of life, and work against their enemies. All these things would be done if they would serve Him.
Some look at the number of commands given in the law of Moses and feel overwhelmed by how many are given. But I want to point out that we have here a time where God laid out detailed information to guide them in their lives. I hear people sometimes say today, “I wish the Bible just said don’t do that.” Sometimes I think we want to be told the “thou shalt nots” so that there is no doubt about something. But in many ways it all comes down to our attitude. Israel was not able to keep the law perfectly. Today many people ignore the commands God has given because they view the absence of “thou shalt nots” as a license to do whatever they want. If we have the right kind of attitude today we will honor the commands of God, search out and discern between good and evil in all matters, and serve God with our all. God has always rewarded those who serve Him faithfully.
Question: Which commands have you seen so far in the law of Moses that you think man would not have commanded? For example; I wonder would man have thought to give a command against oppressing strangers (23:9).
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Week 42, Day 3: Dealing with property
Today’s Reading: Exodus 22:1-31
Some thoughts from the reading…
As an aside note, as we read through the commands given in the Law of Moses I want to encourage you to look for places in our current laws that reflect a basis on the statutes given here. I have already seen a few places where I believe our laws reflect similarities to the commands given in the law of Moses (ex. instructions given on manslaughter in 21:12-14).
Chapter 22 primarily deals with a person’s property. If it is stolen, borrowed, or put in someone else’s care. I think that some of these different instruction are good to reflect on because it does give us some concepts about God’s expectations for their conduct. I like to consider these things because, although not commanded to do the same, I do think that these instructions can give us some understanding of how we ought to treat one another. Some examples. Verse 14-15 talks about when someone borrows something. You can see here a principle stressed. If you borrow something then you are responsible for it. Take care of it and make sure that you return it in good condition. Verse 5 indicates a person needs to respect their neighbor’s property. If you have mismanaged your land then you do not have the right to just do what you want with your neighbors land. I mention some of these examples because when we talk about walking in integrity and treating others as we want to be treated, we can get some additional understanding for how to do these things. These passages can stir us to think about different areas of applications. What would we do or expect should happen in some of these situations.
Question: Why would God command that no interest be charged to money lended to poor people, vs 25.
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Week 42, Day 2: Further Instructions
Today’s Reading: Exodus 21:1-36
Some thoughts from the reading…
Contrary to what some people think. The Law of Moses includes more than the 10 commandments. The 10 commandments are often emphasized and spoken of as the Law of Moses. But chapter 21 provides additional instructions for the people. Thus begins the giving of the Law of Moses by which Israel was expected to live.
Some of the instructions given are regarding slaves. And the instructions are not what you might expect. For example, God gives instructions regarding a man who is a slave. If the master gives him a wife and they have children, when the seventh year comes up, the man may go free but his family must remain with the master. Our society today has some very different views about what would be right and just in such a situation. I find it interesting to see some of these instructions and see what God commanded and then compare that to what we have deemed “right” to do or would “expect” is best. I wonder how many people today would be willing to accept God’s instructions regarding such situations if they had been commanded for us. I believe that based on man’s rejection of the NT passages addressing women’s roles and character and also passages regarding homosexuality, man would most likely find some way to dismiss the commands. The challenge for man is not to say, God commanded it, I agree with it, and therefore I’ll do it. The challenge for man is to say God commanded it, and I will do it. What we think or feel is right or best does not matter.
This chapter also has another reference that has much bearing when considering the issue of abortion. In verses 22-25, God gives instruction about when a pregnant woman is struck during a fight. If the child is born prematurely then the man is just fined. But if further injury happens then the penalty matches what harm was inflicted. This punishment would include death if the child died. Why this is important in the realm of discussing abortion is how God provides protection for an unborn child. Some today, even who claim to be Christians, believe that a child does not start living until they breath on their own. So if the child is not breathing on its own, it is not a person yet. Thus an attempt is made to agrue that abortion is not murdering anyone. This passage gives us one clear example of where God’s instructions show a regard for the life of the unborn child.
Question: Why do you think someone might want to make a distinction between the 10 commandments and the rest of the instructions given at Sinai? Think in terms of those who want to still keep the 10 commandments.
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