Old Testament – The NIV Study Bible commentary today notes that Exodus 35:4 through 39:43 are for the most part repeated from chapters 25 through 28; 30:1-5; and 31:1-11, sometimes verbatim, but with the verbs primarily in the past rather than the future tense and with the topics arranged in different order. This type of repetition was a common feature of ancient Near Eastern literature and was intended to fix the details of a narrative in the readers mind. I really like in today’s readings in chapter 35 that people freely brought their offerings for the tabernacle (much of which was likely given to them by the Egyptians as the Exodus from Egypt began, as you’ll recall from Exodus 12:33-36), as we see in verses 20 through 22 – “So all the people left Moses and went to their tents to prepare their gifts. If their hearts were stirred and they desired to do so, they brought to the LORD their offerings of materials for the Tabernacle and its furnishings and for the holy garments. Both men and women came, all whose hearts were willing. Some brought to the LORD their offerings of gold–medallions, earrings, rings from their fingers, and necklaces. They presented gold objects of every kind to the LORD.”
Bible.org’s commentary on Exodus Chapter 35 titled “Concerning Contributions” is at this link. Bible.org’s commentary on Exodus Chapter 36 titled “The Tabernacle, The Dwelling Place of God” is at this link.
Worship Video: Today’s readings reminded of Phil Wickham’s song “How Great Is Your Love:”
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “So Bezalel, Oholiab and every skilled person to whom the LORD has given skill and ability to know how to carry out all the work of constructing the sanctuary are to do the work just as the LORD has commanded.” Exodus 36:1 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you are using the skills that God has given you for His Glory, and not your own works.
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings? Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!
God bless, Mike
p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.
p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.
p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!
Today Exodus chapter 32 verse 1 made me think about spiritual “boredom” – “When Moses failed to come back down the mountain right away, the people went to Aaron. “Look,” they said, “make us some gods who can lead us. This man Moses, who brought us here from Egypt, has disappeared. We don’t know what has happened to him.” I guess what made me think in this verse was this – Moses was gone only 40 days and 40 nights, up Mt. Sinai. Granted, the Israelites were in the middle of nowhere, so this actually might be quite a long time for him to be gone in these circumstances. But, my thought is this – Do you think maybe the Israelites had somehow gotten “bored” with God? And I ask this because I wonder if maybe we today get “bored” with God or “bored” with our faith? And if so… why? Why did the Israelites get bored? Why do we get bored? What makes me nervous about getting bored with our faith is that what we see take place later in this chapter to the Israelites I think can happen to us – we can pursue false Gods and indulge in dangerous sins. Typically, I find faith in God and a relationship with God to be the most adventurous thing on earth! However, I will admit that there have been seasons in my walk where I somehow got bored with my faith. And I think if I honestly look back at those seasons, I think the boredom came because I stopped moving forward in my relationship with God. I let my faith kind of stagnate as a status quo. I started to get distracted by worldly things. And I got spiritually bored. And this was not good. So – I wonder – what’s our cure for boredom in our faith? What keeps our faith fresh? Part of me thinks that daily spiritual disciplines are part of the answer. Reading the Bible every day. Really praying every day. Giving thanks to God every day. How about for you? What do you do to keep your faith fresh? If you have any spiritual disciplines or habits you are willing to share with others please post up in the Comments section below! Thanks.
Today in verses 7 & 8 about the golden calf – “Then the LORD told Moses, “Quick! Go down the mountain! The people you brought from Egypt have defiled themselves. They have already turned from the way I commanded them to live. They have made an idol shaped like a calf, and they have worshiped and sacrificed to it. They are saying, `These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you out of Egypt.’” What about us in our lives today? Are we so different from the Israelites? Do we make our own versions of “golden calves” today? Do we have idols that we worship? Money? Career? Popularity? Relationships? Addictions? Our Intelligence? Technology? Do these idols stand in the way of our worship of God? Do they stand in the way of our relationship with God? Do these idols defile us? Do we think sometimes that these idols have actually “brought us out of Egypt” – instead of God? Will we give up these false idols and return to worshipping only God the Father, Son & Holy Spirit with all of our hearts, minds, soul and strength? Will you give up your “golden calf” at the feet of Jesus today? Below is the painting “The Adoration of The Golden Calf” by Nicolas Poussin from 1633 –
Verse 30 stood out for me in this chapter as Moses interceded to God for the people of Israel after their sin – “The next day Moses said to the people, “You have committed a terrible sin, but I will return to the LORD on the mountain. Perhaps I will be able to obtain forgiveness for you.”” And today, we have one more powerful than Moses who intercedes for us to God – and that is Jesus. Our High Priest. The Suffering Servant. The Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Commentary on Exodus chapter 32 at bible.org is at this link. Commentary on Exodus chapter 33 at bible.org is at this link. Below is a portrait by artist Guy Rowe of Moses speaking to God, what looks to be the “stiff-necked” people, and the broken tablets from today’s readings. It seems like 32:31-32 might be the fitting verses for this image below – “So Moses went back to the LORD and said, “Oh, what a great sin these people have committed! They have made themselves gods of gold. But now, please forgive their sin—but if not, then blot me out of the book you have written.”
Exodus chapter 34 verses 6 & 7 are beautiful and we will hear these words repeated again later in the Old Testament a few times: “”I am the LORD, I am the LORD, the merciful and gracious God. I am slow to anger and rich in unfailing love and faithfulness. I show this unfailing love to many thousands by forgiving every kind of sin and rebellion.” How do these words resonate with you? Do you believe God is merciful and gracious? Slow to anger? And rich in unfailing love and faithfulness? Have you asked God for forgiveness for your sins and rebellion?
Verses 33 through 35 in today’s readings tell us: “When Moses had finished speaking with them, he put a veil over his face. But whenever he went into the Tent of Meeting to speak with the LORD, he removed the veil until he came out again. Then he would give the people whatever instructions the LORD had given him, and the people would see his face aglow. Afterward he would put the veil on again until he returned to speak with the LORD.”
And today’s guest commentary on these preceding verses is from none other than Paul! This is the Bible giving commentary on the Bible. Here is Paul in his 2nd letter to the Corinthians chapter 3 verses 7 – 18 (read this carefully… read this twice… this is good….) – “That old system of law etched in stone led to death, yet it began with such glory that the people of Israel could not bear to look at Moses’ face. For his face shone with the glory of God, even though the brightness was already fading away. Shouldn’t we expect far greater glory when the Holy Spirit is giving life? If the old covenant, which brings condemnation, was glorious, how much more glorious is the new covenant, which makes us right with God! In fact, that first glory was not glorious at all compared with the overwhelming glory of the new covenant. So if the old covenant, which has been set aside, was full of glory, then the new covenant, which remains forever, has far greater glory. Since this new covenant gives us such confidence, we can be very bold. We are not like Moses, who put a veil over his face so the people of Israel would not see the glory fading away. But the people’s minds were hardened, and even to this day whenever the old covenant is being read, a veil covers their minds so they cannot understand the truth. And this veil can be removed only by believing in Christ. Yes, even today when they read Moses’ writings, their hearts are covered with that veil, and they do not understand. But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, then the veil is taken away. Now, the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, he gives freedom. And all of us have had that veil removed so that we can be mirrors that brightly reflect the glory of the Lord. And as the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him and reflect his glory even more.” Not a bad commentary, eh?
Below is an image for verses 29 & 30: “When Moses came down the mountain carrying the stone tablets inscribed with the terms of the covenant, he wasn’t aware that his face glowed because he had spoken to the LORD face to face. And when Aaron and the people of Israel saw the radiance of Moses’ face, they were afraid to come near him.”
Bible.org’s commentary on Exodus chapter 34 titled “A New Beginning” is at this link.
Worship Video: Our readings today reminded me of this Maverick City song with Kirk Franklin called “My Life is In Your Hands:”
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “‘I have seen these people,’ the LORD said to Moses, ‘and they are a stiff-necked people.’” Exodus 32:9 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you are not stiff-necked. Pray that you are soft hearted and open to the Lord’s leading in your life each and every day.
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings? Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!
God bless, Mike
p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.
p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.
p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!
Today in Exodus chapter 29 we read about the dedication of Aaron and his sons as priests!
Verse 37 stood out to me in this chapter: “After that, the altar will be exceedingly holy, and whatever touches it will become holy.” It’s interesting to consider the verses prior to this – with the 7 days of sacrifices of young bulls. For some reason this verse reminded me of Jesus and how people could simply touch the tassels of his robes and they would be healed. I think it’s fair to say that Jesus was much more holy than this altar was – and Jesus did not require purification rituals or sacrificing of bulls to make Jesus holy, as this altar did. Jesus “embodied” holiness! (and we’ll get to the power of Jesus’ body in today’s Matthew readings…) Below is an image of the altar of burnt offering in use:
In Chapter 30 we read about the incense altar. I read a commentary that said the incense from this altar represented prayers to God from his people. We can see this similarity in Revelation chapter 8 verses 3 & 4: “Then another angel with a gold incense burner came and stood at the altar. And a great quantity of incense was given to him to mix with the prayers of God’s people, to be offered on the gold altar before the throne. The smoke of the incense, mixed with the prayers of the saints, ascended up to God from the altar where the angel had poured them out.” It is wonderful imagery to realize that our prayers to God are like fragrant incense!
Today in Exodus chapter 30 we read about the bronze basin. The bronze basin was used by the priests to cleanse themselves before performing their duties. It was cast from bronze mirrors donated by women who served at the entrance of the Tabernacle.
Chapter 31 verses 1 through 3 stood out to me today: “The LORD also said to Moses, “Look, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, grandson of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. I have filled him with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, intelligence, and skill in all kinds of crafts.” These verses make me wonder about our lives. Has God chosen you? What has God given you as gifts and skills? Do you believe that your gifts, skills, and wisdom come from God? Are you using these gifts, skills, and wisdom in the service of God?
In verse 13 we read: “Tell the people of Israel to keep my Sabbath day, for the Sabbath is a sign of the covenant between me and you forever. It helps you to remember that I am the LORD, who makes you holy.” How about for you? Do you think taking one day of rest – true rest – as a Sabbath is a good idea? Is there an activity that you are doing 7 days a week, that you can do just 6 days a week? Are you over-scheduling yourself maybe 7 days a week? Can you take 1 day a week to not be scheduled? Tons of great Biblical commentary on the Sabbath is online at bible.org at this link, and at this link, and at this link.
Today’s OT readings finish with verse 18: “Then as the LORD finished speaking with Moses on Mount Sinai, he gave him the two stone tablets inscribed with the terms of the covenant, written by the finger of God.”
Worship Video: Today’s final verses in our Exodus readings reminded me of the movie The Ten Commandments. Here’s a nice trailer someone put together of the movie:
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Say to the Israelites, ‘You must observe my Sabbaths. This will be a sign between me and you for the generations to come, so you may know that I am the LORD, who makes you holy.’” Exodus 31:13 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you enjoy the gift of a Sabbath day of rest each week.
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings? Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!
God bless, Mike
p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.
p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.
p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!
Today in Exodus chapters 26 & 27 we read about God’s plans for the Tabernacle, the Altar and the Courtyard. I have to admit, I have zoned out a bit when reading these chapters in years past. But for some reason this year these details were fascinating to me today! Why the change? I’m not 100% sure, other than I do think repeated study of the Bible year after year does bear fruit and does grow our interest in every iota of God’s Word. So, if by chance you felt like you were zoning out a bit when reading these chapters today, don’t be discouraged. The interest will definitely come with time and further study of all of God’s Word. Let me recommend to you that you don’t skim over chapters like these though. Please do read each word. If you skim this year, you’ll skim next year and you’ll miss out on the fruit that will come from this study. I have found images really help my understanding of chapters like these, so I’ll post up a few images, which will hopefully help you visualize what we’ve read about today. Below are a couple of images of the tabernacle and its layout:
Today in Exodus chapter 28 we read about the ephod for the priests! The ephod was a sleeveless outer vest that typically extended down to the hips and had a waistband to hold the front and back of the ephod to the priest’s body. The ephod is the blue cloth in this image below, and the chestpiece you’ll see has the four rows of gemstones:
The high priest wearing the ephod and chestpiece:
Exodus chapter 28 verse 1 stood out to me in today’s readings: “Your brother, Aaron, and his sons, Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar, will be set apart from the common people. They will be my priests and will minister to me.” Here we see that the priests are being set apart as mediators between the people of Israel and God. And this role is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ as our high priest. Jesus is now the mediator between God and us. Personally, I still do see so much value in pastors and clergy in our lives and churches today. We’ll study more about these important roles in Paul’s writings in the New Testament. However, I also personally believe that we can approach the throne of God through Jesus Christ as our mediator – and that we don’t need another human mediator here on earth to approach God. Jesus is more than enough. Do you believe that Jesus is our high priest today? Do you believe that Jesus is the mediator between you and God?
More information on the Urim and Thummim we read about today is online at this link.
Worship Video: My reflection above about Jesus being our high priest reminded me of the Delirious song “What a Friend I’ve Found:”
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Tell the Israelites to bring me an offering. You are to receive the offering for me from everyone whose heart prompts them to give.” Exodus 25:2 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you hear prompts you to give generously to the LORD’s work each and every day of your life. Pray that you will give 100% of yourself to the LORD and His will for your life.
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings? Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!
God bless, Mike
p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.
p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.
p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!
Today in Exodus chapter 23 we read about the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the Festival of Harvest, and the Festival of Final Harvest (also known as Festival of Booths or Ingathering or Tabernacles). Commentary on Exodus chapter 24, entitled “The Magnificent Meal on Mt. Sinai” is at bible.org at this link. This old covenant meal was a foreshadowing of Jesus’ new covenant Last Supper with his disciples just before his death and resurrection. In chapter 24 Moses is called up on the mountain for forty days and forty nights – similarly Jesus spent forty days and forty nights in the desert after his baptism and before beginning his public ministry. Below is a wonderful image by C.F. Vos of Moses receiving the Law from God on Mount Sinai:
Worship Video: Today’s readings reminded me of this wonderful song by Keith & Krysten Getty called “The Lord is My Salvation:
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “When Moses went and told the people all the LORD’s words and laws, they responded with one voice, ‘Everything the LORD has said we will do.’” Exodus 24:3 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you will do everything that the LORD has said you should do, by God’s grace, and through a saving faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings? Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!
God bless, Mike
p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.
p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.
p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!
Exodus chapter 20 brings us the Ten Commandments! A great overview and commentary on the Ten Commandments is online at bible.org at this link. I think this image below is helpful in that it shows the first 4 commandments are about our relationship with God and the next 6 about our relationship with people:
Verse 19 in this chapter is intriguing as the Israelites speak to Moses: “”You tell us what God says, and we will listen. But don’t let God speak directly to us. If he does, we will die!”” The NIV Study Bible commentary suggests that this is the first time that people asked for a “mediator” between them and God. And that mediator is initially fulfilled in Moses, then in the Aaronic / Levitical priests, then in the prophets, and then finally in Jesus Christ – our final mediator. Powerful for each of us to consider… Who is the mediator between you and God?
I liked reading and considering the simplicity of God’s instructions on the proper use of altars in verses 24 & 25: “”The altars you make for me must be simple altars of earth…. Build altars in the places where I remind you who I am, and I will come and bless you there. If you build altars from stone, use only uncut stones. Do not chip or shape the stones with a tool, for that would make them unfit for holy use.” For some reason the simplicity of these altars stood in stark contrast to the religiosity Jesus goes after in our Matthew readings today. Maybe God likes us to keep things simple? This is an interesting thing to consider. The gospel message is not complicated. It’s simple. Sometimes I think we do a pretty good job of complicating it for ourselves or others though. When maybe instead we should just be sharing with others our simple altars to God….
Exodus chapter 21 dives into some regulations surrounding slavery. I know this brings up some questions. The One Year Bible Companion today covers this topic at a high level: “The Hebrews, though freed from slavery, had slaves themselves. A person could become a slave because of poverty, debt, or even crime. But Hebrew slaves were treated as humans, not property, and were allowed to work their way to freedom. The Bible acknowledges the existence of slavery but never encourages it.” For further study on this topic – Bible.org has commentary on slavery in the Bible at this link, and at this link, and at this link.
Today in Exodus chapter 21 we read the very well-known verses 24 & 25: “If an eye is injured, injure the eye of the person who did it. If a tooth gets knocked out, knock out the tooth of the person who did it. Similarly, the payment must be hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise.” What you may not realize about this “law of retaliation” is that it actually was meant to limit the punishment to fit the crime, which prevented cruel and barbaric punishments that were seen in many ancient cultures. Meaning – before this law it might have been seen as “acceptable” for someone to kill someone in return for knocking out an eye – whereas this law limited the retaliation to fit the crime. Jesus of course invokes the higher law of love in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5 verses 38 through 42: “You have heard that the law of Moses says, `If an eye is injured, injure the eye of the person who did it. If a tooth gets knocked out, knock out the tooth of the person who did it.’ But I say, don’t resist an evil person! If you are slapped on the right cheek, turn the other, too. If you are ordered to court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too. If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles. Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow.” Do you see how Jesus exemplified this higher law of love for us through his ministry, life, death and resurrection? Bible.org has a great article titled “Jesus and the Law of Retaliation (Lex Talionis)”at this link.
I find it very fascinating to read all of the laws in these chapters today. I think what is incredible is to remember is that these laws are coming directly from God to the Hebrews. I find it very encouraging that God is so interested in the minutiae details that are discussed in these laws! God is not an impersonal God who just sets up the universe like a clock and lets it tick. God is engaged and concerned with our behavior – back then and today! Do you believe that God is engaged and concerned with your behavior today?
Worship Video: Today’s readings in Exodus about the Ten Commandments reminds me of Nichole Nordeman’s song “Holy:”
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me. “ Exodus 20:2-3 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you have no other gods before the LORD your God. Pray that you worship the LORD only. Pray that you would repent of any idols in your heart – seen or unseen. Pray that the deep idols would be rooted out and redeemed in Jesus’ blood.
Comments from You and Questions of the Day: Since we’ve arrived at the Ten Commandments in our readings today, now is an appropriate time to ask – are the Ten Commandments important to you? Why? Have they always been important to you? I will confess that there was a time early in my Christian walk where the Ten Commandments didn’t really matter to me. All that mattered at that time was my faith in Jesus. But, then, I personally felt that I was not moving forward as a disciple of Jesus’ without meditating upon and considering and, yes, applying the Ten Commandments to my life. Am I perfect when it comes to the Ten Commandments? Of course not, this side of heaven. But meditating upon the Ten Commandments and meditating upon my actions – in relationship with Jesus and inviting Jesus into this process – has changed my heart and my actions. Do you think that we should meditate upon the Ten Commandments and our actions? Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings? Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!
God bless, Mike
p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.
p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.
p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!
Today in Exodus chapter 16 we read about Manna and Quail from heaven. Verses 29 & 30 were powerful for me today, as God speaks about the Sabbath: “”Do they not realize that I have given them the seventh day, the Sabbath, as a day of rest? That is why I give you twice as much food on the sixth day, so there will be enough for two days. On the Sabbath day you must stay in your places. Do not pick up food from the ground on that day.” So the people rested on the seventh day.” You will probably read on this blog over and over and over again about the Sabbath… I am a huge fan of the concept! And such a poor practitioner of it… I honestly think the Sabbath is one of the most compassionate things God ever created for us. And, don’t get me wrong – my personal view is not legalistic in the sense of the Sabbath…. But…. personally, I think the Sabbath is just such a blessing of a gift to us. And I think we – I – us – humans – often do such a bad job of really taking a Sabbath. Really taking 1 day a week to really rest and relax and be with God. Recently I read in our local newspaper about a Hasidic Jewish rapper who came through our town on tour – yes, seriously, there is a Hasidic Jewish rapper who is getting hugely popular nationally. Anyhow, the article – in our secular newspaper – wrote about how this rapper will not perform on Fridays or Saturdays in observance of the Jewish Sabbath Law – and Hasidic Jews strongly observe most all of the Laws still today (I believe… except for animal sacrifices – simply because there is not the Temple in Jerusalem today for the sacrifices). Anyhow – I’m going off on some tangents here – but, the point is, that when I read about how this guy will not perform shows on the 2 best money-making nights of the week for concerts, because of his observance of the Sabbath – I dare say his love of God and his appreciation of the Sabbath – it really struck me. And it really reminded me of how really really bad I am at truly resting and being with God 1 day a week. And I’m not feeling guilty about this per se… but maybe I am feeling convicted… 🙂 Basically – I am feeling that God is really calling me to slow down and simply rest and be with him 1 day a week. A Sabbath.
Verse 31 quick comment – “In time, the food became known as manna. It was white like coriander seed, and it tasted like honey cakes.” I love that manna means “What is it?”! That is awesome… I think you’ll notice throughout our Bible readings this year that names can often be very descriptive of locations, happenings, personalities – and can even be simple questions like “What is it??” Great commentary on Exodus chapter 16 entitled “Boot Camp and “C” Rations” 🙂 is online at bible.org at this link. Below is “The Gathering of Manna” from 1614 by the Italian painter Guido Reni:
Today in Exodus chapter 17 we read about the Israelites defeating Amalekites. We are introduced to Joshua in verse 9. Joshua is from the tribe of Ephraim and he has a strong faith in God and loyalty to Moses, along with leadership skills. He will be Moses’ successor who leads the Israelites into Canaan 40 years later. Below is a painting from 1915 by Hungarian artist Adolf Fenyes of “The Jews Defeating Amalek’s Army”:
Verse 12 reminded me of how oftentimes we cannot always do things on our own – we oftentimes need our friends help: “Moses’ arms finally became too tired to hold up the staff any longer. So Aaron and Hur found a stone for him to sit on. Then they stood on each side, holding up his hands until sunset.” Who are your Aaron and Hur? Who is holding you up your arms when they get tired? And whose arms are you holding up when their arms get tired?
In Exodus chapter 18 we read about Jethro’s visit of Moses and Jethro’s wise advice to Moses. This chapter has been pointed out to me as something I should take heed of a couple of times over this past year or so… Like Moses in this chapter, I think I have a hard time delegating! 🙂 But, indeed, Jethro’s advice in verses 17 & 18 about how Moses was settling every single case is something I need to reflect upon often: “This is not good!” his father-in-law exclaimed. “You’re going to wear yourself out–and the people, too. This job is too heavy a burden for you to handle all by yourself.” How about you? Are there areas of your life where you are doing too much? Where you need to delegate to others? Where you need to “let go and let God”? Are you wearing yourself out? Will you follow Jethro’s advice to Moses? Great advice on how to avoid “burnout” in our lives as based on Exodus chapter 18 titled “The Tyranny of the Urgent” is online at bible.org at this link. Below is an image of Moses as the judge of the people’s cases from today’s readings:
Exodus chapter 19 is a significant chapter because the Israelites arrive at Mt. Sinai! Exodus chapter 19 verse 3 all the way through Exodus chapter 24 verse 18 is what is called by many commentators “The Sinaitic Covenant.” You’ll recall that we have already read about the Noahic Covenant in Genesis 9:8-17, the Abrahamic A Covenant in Genesis 15:9-21, and the Abrahamic B Covenant in Genesis 17. Per the NIV Study Bible, this Sinaitic Covenant was “made with Israel as the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and as the people God has redeemed from bondage from Egypt. This Sinaitic Covenant is a conditional divine pledge to be Israel’s God on the condition of Israel’s total consecration to God as his people who live by his rule and serve his purposes in history.” Tomorrow we read about the Ten Commandments! Welcome to Mt. Sinai! Today in Exodus chapter 19 Mount Sinai plays quite a prominent role in the narrative. Below is an image of Mt. Sinai that I think correlates well with verse 18: “All Mount Sinai was covered with smoke because the LORD had descended on it in the form of fire. The smoke billowed into the sky like smoke from a furnace, and the whole mountain shook with a violent earthquake.”
Worship Video: Today’s readings in Exodus remind me of Chris Tomlin & Christy Nockels song “Glorious:”
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: “‘Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.” Exodus 19:5-6 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you are fully obeying God. Pray in thanksgiving that you are God’s treasured possession, through your saving faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Pray in thanksgiving that the whole earth is the Lord’s.
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings? Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!
God bless, Mike
p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.
p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.
p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!
In Exodus chapter 13 we read about God’s instructions for the dedication of the firstborn. Note that based on this law that Jesus, the firstborn of Mary & Joseph, was dedicated to God in the Temple in Jerusalem as we see in Luke chapter 2 verses 21 through 24: “On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise him, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he had been conceived. When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been completed, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”), and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.”” I think it’s also interesting to note that Mary & Joseph did not present a lamb, but a pair of doves or two young pigeons. This portion of the law came from Leviticus chapter 12 verse 8: “If she cannot afford a lamb, she is to bring two doves or two young pigeons, one for a burnt offering and the other for a sin offering.”” Below is an image of Jesus being dedicated in the temple:
Today in Exodus chapter 13 verse 17 we read what I found to be an intriguing verse: “When Pharaoh finally let the people go, God did not lead them on the road that runs through Philistine territory, even though that was the shortest way from Egypt to the Promised Land. God said, “If the people are faced with a battle, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” That last sentence really stood out to me. It makes sense. It was wise for God to do this. But… then I think about our lives today. What if we are faced with a challenging spiritual battle our lives? Will we change our minds about God and return to our “Egypts”? Our Egypts might be the places where we are / were comfortable – enslaved to a sin though we may have been. As I think more about this, I do believe that God is sensitive in our lives, just as he was in the Israelites lives in this verse, as to what we can handle. I do not think he will send us a temptation or a trial greater than we can bear. But I also know that trials do come. And I pray that as the trials come, that we don’t go back to our “Egypts”! but that we press on toward the “Promised Land”. Below are a couple of maps – both showing the “traditional” routes of the Exodus. There have been some other routes suggested in recent years – if anyone has thoughts/info on these alternate routes, please post up in the Comments below.
In verse 21 we read: “The LORD guided them by a pillar of cloud during the day and a pillar of fire at night. That way they could travel whether it was day or night.” Do you sing in your church the worship song, “Lord you’re leading me. With a cloud by day. And in the night. Glow of a burning flame. Everywhere I go I see you. Everywhere I go I see you.”? I LOVE this song – and today we read about where this song came from. (I think this song is on one of Michael W Smith’s Worship CD’s as well) God’s presence was made manifest among the Israelites in the cloud by day:
And in the pillar of fire by night:
Imagine seeing these pillars of cloud by day or fire by night and being led by God out of Egypt and in the desert! And then in Exodus chapter 14 we read about the parting of the Red Sea. Great commentary on Exodus chapter 14 and the Red Sea is at bible.org at this link.
In Exodus chapter 15 we read an amazing song that Moses and the Israelites sing to God after passing safely through the Red Sea! Some commentaries say that this is the oldest recorded song in the world! Music played an important part in Israel’s celebration and worship. Does music play an important part in your celebration and worship of God? (I know not everyone is musically inclined, so don’t feel bad if this is not a yes.) In what ways does worship music manifest itself in your life? In church, do you really sing the songs to God and God only? And not worry about what your voice sounds like to your neighbors? In your car, do you ever bust out with some loud and true worship singing to God? How do you typically “sing” your praise to the Lord? (couldn’t resist this photo below… 🙂
The other comment to make on the song in chapter 15 is that this song seems to be a very significant development in the relationship of the people of Israel and God. The people of Israel now seem to really embrace and worship God as their God as we see in verse 2: “The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my victory. He is my God, and I will praise him; he is my father’s God, and I will exalt him!” Wow… I love that language. Is God your strength? And your song? Commentary on The Song of the Sea and Exodus chapter 15 is at bible.org at this link.
Worship Video: Today’s readings in Exodus remind me of Sara Groves song “Painting Pictures of Egypt:”
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him.” Exodus 15:2 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you would not want to return to your “Egypt” – whatever that might be. Pray that you would keep your eyes, mind and heart fully on Jesus and His Promised Land ahead.
Comments from You and Questions of the Day: Back to my reflections above on music from the song in Exodus 15 – One thing I personally struggle with is listening to worship / Christian music versus secular music. I grew up listening to all the 80’s / early 90’s bands you could think of. And I have come to realize that many of the lyrics from these bands are really full of hopelessness, existentialism, sexuality, addiction, narcissism, etc. And yet, for some reason I typically still like the tunes… I had one friend tell me that after he became a Christian he literally threw away most of his CD collection – which was all secular CD’s. I guess I still sometimes struggle with being in the world and not of the world. What do you think is the line of listening to / enjoying secular music, versus it literally being bad for you? Please let me know your thoughts on secular music – do you listen to it? Do you avoid it? Are you cautious about it in any way? Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings? Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!
God bless, Mike
p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.
p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.
p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!
In Exodus chapter 10 today we read about the Plague of Locusts! In ancient times locust plagues were greatly feared and were often considered to be a sign of divine judgment.
Next up is the plague of darkness. Some Biblical commentaries have found Pharaoh’s statement to Moses to be quite appropriate and ironic that he said this during the plague of darkness in 10:28: “The day you see my face you will die.” Apparently Moses couldn’t quite fully see Pharaoh’s face during the plague of darkness? Makes sense to me. Commentaries have also suggested that this verse was a death threat to Moses, and that this death threat was responded to with the coming plague on the firstborns of Egypt, including Pharaoh’s son. Below is an image of the plague of darkness:
In Exodus chapter 11 we read in verses 4 & 5: “So Moses announced to Pharaoh, “This is what the LORD says: About midnight I will pass through Egypt. All the firstborn sons will die in every family in Egypt, from the oldest son of Pharaoh, who sits on the throne, to the oldest son of his lowliest slave. Even the firstborn of the animals will die.” And an appropriate image for this announcement might be this – (except for the fact that they were in the midst of the plague of darkness… so this image should have the lights turned off. Oh well… 🙂
Today we read in Exodus chapter 12 about God giving Moses and Aaron instructions on the First Passover. Verse 2 stands out: “From now on, this month will be the first month of the year for you.” Here we see that God is actually instituting a new religious calendar for the Hebrews with the month that Passover is in being the first month of the calendar year. This month is in the March-April spring timeframe and is called Abib or Nisan in Hebrew. The feasts that were and are celebrated in this 1st month were – Passover, Unleavened Bread, and Firstfruits. Here is a very interesting note on the Jewish calendar from the NIV Study Bible – “In the ancient Near East, new year festivals normally coincided with the new season of life in nature. The designation of this month as Israel’s religious New Year reminded Israel that its life as the people of God was grounded in God’s redemptive act in the Exodus… Israel’s agricultural calendar began in the fall, and during the monarchy it dominated the nation’s civil calendar. Both calendars (civil and religious) existed side by side until after the exile. Judaism today uses only the calendar that begins in the fall.” Below is an image of the Jewish religious calendar:
The significance of Passover was that God was introducing the concept of a sacrifice or a substitute for a life. The lamb was sacrificed as a substitute for the Hebrews first-born sons. The blood of the lamb was placed on the doorposts as a sign that the household had sacrificed an innocent life – the lamb. By the blood of the unblemished/perfect lamb, the household was protected from death. This is a foreshadowing of Jesus’ ministry. Jesus is the sacrificial lamb for us. He was a substitute for us and our sins. He was an innocent unblemished/perfect lamb – sinless. By Jesus’ blood, we are protected from eternal death. Do you see the parallels between Passover and Jesus’ death on the cross?
Exodus chapter 12 verse 11 is of note: “Wear your traveling clothes as you eat this meal, as though prepared for a long journey. Wear your sandals, and carry your walking sticks in your hands. Eat the food quickly, for this is the LORD’s Passover.” By wearing their traveling clothes, the Hebrews were faithfully acknowledging God’s Word that they would very soon be freed from slavery and bondage in Egypt. The Exodus would soon begin! And the traveling clothes signified that the Hebrews were ready for the journey! How about us today? Do you think that God may still call us on journeys today? Do you think that God might be calling you on a journey this year? If so, will you be ready for the call? Will you wear your “traveling clothes”, so that when the “Exodus” comes, you are ready for it? Below is a sketch by 19th century English painter Dante Gabriel Rossetti showing the Israelites wearing their traveling clothes for the Exodus:
Bible.org’s commentary on the plagues of Exodus titled “The Finger of God” is at this link and commentary on “The Passover and the Plague of the Firstborn” is at this link.
This is a big day in our readings today – The Israelites officially begin their exodus from Egypt! Today in Exodus chapter 12 we read about God instituting the Festival of Unleavened Bread along with Passover. These both are still observed today by practicing Jews. Verse 14 states the importance of these festivals to the Israelites: “You must remember this day forever. Each year you will celebrate it as a special festival to the LORD.”
Chapter 12 verses 29 & 30 tell us: “And that night at midnight, the Lord struck down all the firstborn sons in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn son of Pharaoh, who sat on his throne, to the firstborn son of the prisoner in the dungeon. Even the firstborn of their livestock were killed. Pharaoh and all his officials and all the people of Egypt woke up during the night, and loud wailing was heard throughout the land of Egypt. There was not a single house where someone had not died.” Below is Dutch painter Laurens Alma Tadema’s “Death of the Pharaoh’s Firstborn Son” from the year 1872:
Verses 37 & 38 are amazing: “That night the people of Israel left Rameses and started for Succoth. There were about 600,000 men, plus all the women and children. And they were all traveling on foot. Many people who were not Israelites went with them, along with the many flocks and herds.” 600,000 men equals probably at least 1.2 million people all together – and probably close to 2 million. This is a massive Exodus! Verse 38 is very interesting in that some Egyptians were joining the Israelites in this Exodus! Think these Egyptians believed in God?
Worship Video: Today’s readings reminded me of Matthew West’s song “Truth Be Told:”
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “All the Israelites did just what the LORD had commanded Moses and Aaron.” Exodus 12:50 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you will do just what the Lord commands you to do.
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings? Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!
God bless, Mike
p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.
p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.
p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!
Today in Exodus chapters 8 & 9 we read about many of the plagues! I’ve got to say, for some reason the plague of frogs really resonated with me in today’s reading. I’m not sure why – but for some reason I could really envision frogs being everywhere… and how disgusting this would truly be…
An interesting thing I read in a commentary today is that the plagues in some ways were direct attacks on the Egyptian “gods”. For example, the Egyptians had a god named Hopi, who was god of the Nile river. Hopi couldn’t stop the river from turning to blood. They had a cow-goddess named Hathor, who couldn’t stop the livestock from dying. They had a sun-god named Amon-Re who couldn’t stop darkness from coming over the land. (in tomorrow’s readings). God’s plagues were going after these false gods – and showing to Pharaoh and the Egyptians, and the Hebrews too I think, who the one true living God is, was, and forever shall be. Did you ever stop and wonder if there were masks out there that depicted the various plagues of the Exodus? Me neither. But they exist! 🙂
Chapter 8 verses 18 & 19 stand out: “Pharaoh’s magicians tried to do the same thing with their secret arts, but this time they failed. And the gnats covered all the people and animals. “This is the finger of God!” the magicians exclaimed to Pharaoh.” The magicians tricks were beginning to fail! They realized that God was creating the plagues with their exclamation, “This is the finger of God!” God’s name & fame was becoming known. Have you seen or experienced the finger of God in your life? Below is a super-sized image that will give you an idea of the grossness of the plague of gnats:
Chapter 9 verse 16 is powerful: “But I have let you live for this reason–that you might see my power and that my fame might spread throughout the earth.” In the New Testament, Paul quotes this verse in Romans 9:17, which we’ll view in context here from Romans 9:14-18 – “What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all! For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” It does not, therefore, depend on man’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy. For the Scripture says to Pharaoh: “I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden.” Wow… great stuff in this Roman’s verse… it does not depend on our desire or effort, but on God’s mercy. Do you believe in God’s mercy? Will you relinquish any of your own desire or efforts over to God’s mercy? As you probably have seen by now, I’m trying to cover many of the plagues in today’s readings with images… so now I give you pharaoh and the flies! 🙂
Exodus chapter 9 verse 20 is also powerful, as we read about some Egyptians beginning to believe in God: “Some of Pharaoh’s officials believed what the LORD said. They immediately brought their livestock and servants in from the fields.” How about us today? Do we believe what the Lord says? Like these Egyptians in this instance, do we then also immediately do what the Lord says? In verse 27 Pharaoh finally confesses his sin: “Then Pharaoh urgently sent for Moses and Aaron. “I finally admit my fault,” he confessed. “The LORD is right, and my people and I are wrong.” Though he doesn’t stay repentant for long. How about us – do we confess our sins to God – and then not stay repentant for long? Can we instead confess our sins to God and make a complete U-turn – go completely in the other direction and not look back? Below we have the plague of hail – and I guess that fire is from the lightning strikes.
Bible.org’s commentary on the plagues of Exodus titled “The Finger of God” is at this link.
Worship Video: Today’s readings in Exodus reminded me of Kristian Stanfill’s song “Day after Day:”
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Moses replied, “When I have gone out of the city, I will spread out my hands in prayer to the LORD. The thunder will stop and there will be no more hail, so you may know that the earth is the LORD’s.” Exodus 9:29 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you know that the earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it.
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings? Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!
God bless, Mike
p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.
p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.
p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!
Chronological Bible Blog 