Week 42, Day 1: The commandments given
Today’s Reading: Exodus 20:1-26
Some thoughts from the reading…
God speaks to Israel from the Mountain. He gives them the 10 commandments. The people are fearful and ask that God speak to Moses and then they will listen to what Moses tells them. This again is an interesting picture of a terrifying experience. Moses tells the people not to fear, that God is basically instilling the fear of Him in them so that they may not sin. He expects them to remember this day and not want to go against any of His commands. That the people would be careful to observe His commands and to correct any wrongs.
God also tells them about the kind of place they are to sacrifice on. The altar is not to be crafted. They are not to build it with stones that have been cut. His altar is not to be gamorous in appearance. Instead it was to be a simple earthen altar or made from uncut stones. I believe this goes back to knowing man’s nature. If man were allowed to fashion the altar with gold, silver and well crafted stones, the altar might become the focal point of their worship. No, their focus of worship was to be directed towards God and I believe to help the people keep this perspective they were to have a simple altar. An aside note, if you have ever wondered why Catholic cathedrals have so many statues and ornate carvings, etc in them. I have heard that it dates back to the medieval times. If you have a massive group of uneducated people and the priest is drolling along in latin during the whole service, you need to provide something for the people to focus on or to keep their attention. Thus the surroundings provided something to distract the people or to hold their attention. I do not know if this is 100% accurate but it does make sense. The place of worship thus becomes the center of attention and a focal point of your “feeling” of devotion – since it is so beautiful. Simple surroundings for worship are logical when you consider that the focus is not on the place, the structure but on who we have come to give praise to.
Question: Which of the 10 commandments sticks out to you? Is there one that catches your attention more than the others?
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Week 41, Day 5: At Mount Sinai
Today’s Reading: Exodus 19:1-25
Some thoughts from the reading…
Israel has come to be camped by “the mount of God” (18:5). It has been about two months now since Israel left Egypt. The Lord declares at the mount that if Israel will obey His voice and keep His covenant then they will be His own possession and a holy nation. All the people respond that all the Lord has spoken they will do. Thus begins the process to complete the covenant with Israel. The people consecrate themselves. Then begins a series of journeys up and down the mountain for Moses and certain others with him to receive and confirm the covenant.
Question: Why do you think that it was so important that the people did not touch the mountain? Why do you think God displayed such power when He came down on the mountain (smoke, fire, the whole mountain quaked violently vs 18)?
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Week 41, Day 4: Jethro’s advice
Today’s Reading: Exodus 18:1-27
Some thoughts from the reading…
Moses’ father-in-law comes to him at this time. He bring his wife Zipporah and their two sons. After seeing Moses judging over the disputes among the people all day long, Jethro tells Moses that this will wear him out. He advices him to appoint men who “fear God, men of truth, those who hate dishonest gain”. They were to judge over the minor disputes, leaving the major disputes for Moses to decide. I liked how it is recorded that Jethro says for Moses to do this thing if God so commands you (vs. 23). I am not sure if Jethro was a priest of God in Midian or if he was a priest to some idol before this time. But certainly after hearing of all that the Lord did for Moses and Israel he is convinced that Jehovah is the almighty God, vs. 11. His advice is wise and he expresses wisdom by advising that Moses do this if God wants him to.
Often times I think we do things and then later, looking back hope that it was the right thing to do. Certainly there will be many decisions that we make where there is not a passage of scritpure directly speaking of such a decision/ circumstance. But we do need to seek out doing what pleases God. Let us pray that we would honor God in our decisions. That we would do what will help us to be good servants to Him. Eph 5:10 says “trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.” Let us give diligence to counseling God’s word and to praying before we make decisions about what to do.
Question: What lessons can be learned from the aspect of Moses doing all the work by himself? Why would this wear him out? Think of direct applications that can be made for the church today.
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Week 41, Day 3: The Waters of Massah
Today’s Reading: Exodus 17:1-16
Some thoughts from the reading…
Once again the sons of Israel complain about their condition. It seems that this is a very common theme for them. I do want this to serve as a warning for us though. Do we grumble and complain about how we are not getting what we want or “need”? How quick are we to only see the negative in life? I think we often fault Israel and rightly so for not seeing what all God has done for them and trusting that God will take care of them but how many times do we do the same in our lives? We are so richly blessd in this life. So often how we handle things or how we view things depends on our attitude. Do we have an attitude of thanksgiving and trust in God?
Did you notice a familiarity with this passage? Here we have Moses going with the elders before the people and striking the rock so that water will be brought forth. He also named the place Massah and Meribah. Meribah is the name that might stand out to you. In Num 20:8-13 we have a second time where Israel was complaining for water. That time they were at Kadesh and Moses was told to speak to the rock. After this waters of Meribah, Moses is told that he will not be able to enter the promise land because He did not believe God to treat Him as holy before the people. Just keep in mind that these are two different accounts and it will not be a point of confusion, even though they are very similar events.
Question: How can we help ourselves view things with thanksgiving and the right kind of attitude?
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Week 41, Day 2: Manna & Grumblings
Today’s Reading: Exodus 16:1-36
Some thoughts from the reading…
Chapter 16 has Israel returning to grumbling. This is not very suprising considering that before the people had even crossed the red sea they were crying out about being taken away to die in the wilderness. The people had seen the miracles done by God and had been shown that Jehovah is the almighty God. Yet here they are out in the middle of the wilderness and are hungry. What do they do? They do not request food or petition that God provide for them. Instead they grumble against Moses and Aaron, thus grumbling against God. “Would that we had died by the Lord’s hand in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the pots of meat, when we ate bread to the full, for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.” What an accusation.
God provides for Israel the manna. But I like the way that He tests Israel through this to see if they will obey Him. They are given certain instructions about how much to gather and when to gather. At least two times we are told that they did not listen to Moses’ instructions. Some let some of the manna remain over night. It became foul and had worms in it. Some did not gather two days worth on Friday and went out to gather on the Sabbath. You can understand how frustrating this would be to see Israel complaining about not being provided for and then they will not follow simple commands. Sometimes people seem to shoot themselves in the foot. They want help but then seem to do everything to kick against those helping or against the help being continued.
Question: Israel has not yet come to Mount Sinai and received the Law of Moses. And yet we see a command here for them not to gather on the Sabbath but to rest. Why do you think this is?
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Week 41, Day 1: The Song of Moses
Today’s Reading: Exodus 15:1-27
Some thoughts from the reading…
The song in chapter 15 is a song of deliverance and praise for God. Israel has just witnessed the destruction of Pharaoh’s mighty army. 600 chariots. A very formidable army has just been wiped out before their eyes. I can imagine that this song would have been very joyful and sung loudly. It is interesting to note that the Israelites mention how news of God’s deeds will affect the inhabitants of the land of Canaan. News of this mighty act would cause trembling, anguish, dismay, terrow and dread to fall on the enemies that lay before Israel. And thus we see when Israel comes to the land of Canaan that the people are terrified.
It is good for us to remind ourselves of the great deeds that God has done. He can control the elements of the earth and has power over all things in this world. We need to remember that all things are possible with God and trust in Him fully. Whether it is a formidable foe or a lack of water in the wilderness, God can deliver us. Let us not forget the mighty deeds God has done. “Who is like You, majestic in holiness, awesome in praises, working wonders?”
Question: What miracle recorded in the scriptures stands out most in your mind? Is there one or a few that really impress you and stick in your mind?
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Week 40, Day 5: Pharaoh’s end
Today’s Reading: Exodus 14:1-31
Some thoughts from the reading…
When will some people learn? We have seen in our Proverbs study verses that speak of how a fool will not receive instruction. Although he is struck repeatedly he refuses to learn (Prov 17:10). Pharaoh seems to fall into this category. He has received sign after sign. Repeatedly he has been shown through his suffering that he must yield to God’s will. But now he regrets having sent Israel away and goes off to pursue them.
God uses this occation as another time to demonstrate His power. Moses instructs Israel that God will fight for them while they keep silent. They will not have to do anything, God will do it all. And if there was any doubt that Pharaoh should have come to his senses earlier, you would think that a pillar of fire standing between your camp and Israel’s camp would reinforce that there is a power here that you cannot overcome.
Israel’s passing through the red sea is nothing but a miracle. No matter how peopel might want to explain it away. I think it is neat to note that they passed through on dry ground. Where a sea had been you would expect a great deal of mud. But God provided an easy pathway for them to journey through.
Question: Have you ever known of someone who it did not matter what you said to them or what happened, they simply would not believe or obey God?
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Week 40, Day 2: The Last Plague
Today’s Reading: Exodus 11:1-10
Some thoughts from the reading…
Chapter 11 is very short, only 10 verses. And yet it announces the end of Israel’s stay as slaves in Egypt. I think the way things are stated in chapter 11 are a little confusing. Verse 8 tells us that Moses went out from Pharaoh in hot anger. This statement concludes the dialogue Moses had with Pharaoh at the end of chapter 10. Pharaoh had warned Moses that he would die if he were to come before Pharaoh again. We are told a few details at the beginning of chapter 11 that appear to be mentioned here but are not necessarily part of the final dialogue between Pharaoh and Moses. The details about speaking in the hearing of the people (vs 2) appears to be what Moses was told to do when he was instructed about the last plague. Moses tells Pharaoh at their final meeting about the last plague and then departs in anger.
It is amazing to consider the distinction God showed between Israel and Egypt. With several of the signs we are told explicitly that Israel was not affected by the signs at all. The Egyptians alone were suffering because of these signs. Can you imagine how the Egyptian people would have marveled at this. All of these things are happening to them and not a single thing happens to the Israelites? No flies (8:22), no cattle dying (9:6), no boils (9:11), no hail (9:26), no darkness (10:23) and no death of the firstborn (12:13). How could anyone doubt or question that Israel was God’s people and that these signs were directed toward Egypt? No one could.
Question: Why do you think that Moses was greatly esteemed in the land of Egypt?
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Week 40, Day 1: Pharaoh Tries to Negotiate
Today’s Reading: Exodus 10:1-29
Some thoughts from the reading…
In chapter 10 Pharaoh seems to be finally coming around to admitting he will have to let Israel go to worship Jehovah. But he still wants to not give in to everything that is required. We see a back and forth where Pharaoh tries to say that Israel can go but only part of the people can go (vs 10). Then he tries to say that they can go but they cannot take all of their flocks with them (vs 24). Pharaoh is still thinking that he is in a position to negotiate with what God has commanded. At the very beginning when Moses came to Pharaoh he had said who is Jehovah that I should listen to Him (5:2)? Now Pharaoh has begun to recognize that he has to listen to what Jehovah says but he is still stubbornly trying to only give in to part of what is commanded. God knew that Pharaoh would have to be compelled to let Israel go and now we are told that God has hardened Pharaoh’s heart so that He could perfomr these signs (vs 1-2). God would make a mockery of the Egyptians and they would know that He is Jehovah.
Any time that someone raises their will up against what God has commanded or directed to be done they will not prosper. No matter who they are, king or just a lowly servant, we must all be able to see from the signs performed in Egypt that God must be honored and His will must be obeyed. So many times man wants to get puffed up and resist what God says to do. We want to go our own direction. To ourselves we might not say who is the Lord that we ought to listen to Him but we might think along the lines of “well I don’t want to do that”. Either way the result is the same – we set ourselves in opposition to God’s will. Humble yourselves before God. Yield yourself to Him. We are blessed that God is patient with us and has not taught us in the same manner that He taught Pharaoh.
Question: What does it take for you to see that you are wrong? Pharaoh seems to finally be coming around but will not yet let go completely. What has to happen before you will say, “I’m wrong?”
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Week 39, Day 5:
Today’s Reading: Exodus 9:1-35
Some thoughts from the reading…
The signs that God has Moses perform in Egypt intensify in chapter 9. Three more signs are given to Pharaoh. The livestock in the field are killed, the boils on man and beast, and the great hailstorm. Some confusion is generated from what is said in the first sign. This severe pestilence killed “all the livestock of Egypt”. And yet later in this chapter we see it mentioned that those Egyptians out in the field with their livestock were killed by the hailstorm. Some have pointed to this as a contradiction. How can all livestock have died and yet there are still some to be killed by the hail? Let me make some suggestions to explain why this is not a contradiction. 1st – the pestilence was going to kill all the livestock “which are in the field”. This could indicate that those livestock NOT in the field would be spared from the pestilence. Just like in verse 19, where the livestock not “brought home” would be killed by the hail. Only the livestock out in the field were killed by the livestock. So not every single last livestock was killed but ALL of those who were out in the field were. I think this is the most reasonable explanation. 2nd – The time from the pestilence until the hail storm is not mentioned. Could it not be that the Egyptians acquired more livestock from the Israelites after their’s had been killed? Those who jump to saying there is a contradiction here have not considered that clearly there are logical explanations that can be given.
Another observation: I think that in chapter9 we begin to see some indicators that Moses is beginning to “develop” into a leader. Earlier we had seen his hesitance to go to Egypt and speek to Pharaoh. Aaron was given to him to aid him and remove his excuse for not going. So far we have seen that when a sign was performed that Aaron was the one told to do some action to bring about the sign (strike the dust (8:16), stretch out his hand over the rivers (8:5)(7:14), and take his staff and throw it down (7:9). But in chapter 9 God says “let Moses” throw the soot into the sky to bring about the boils (9:8) and Moses is told to “stretch out” his hand toward the sky to bring the hail (9:22). Again, I think that what we are witnessing is the developing of Moses into a spiritual leader. It makes me think of what Paul said in Philip 3:12-16 & 4:13. Paul speaks about pressing on toward the prize of the upward call of God. And he says that I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. I may not be who I want to be – yet. But with God’s help I will be who I ought to be. Let us be shaped by God to be the people He desires.
Question: When someone says that there is a contradiction in the scriptures how should you handle it? How do you investigate it to find out the answers?
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