Exodus 35:5-6 "Take ye from among you an offering unto the Lord: whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it, an offering of the Lord; gold, and silver, and brass, And blue, and purple, and scarlet and fine linen and goats hair..."
It is a long list that is needed for the building of the tabernacle and other things. The people took to this task as if with new energy.
v25 "And all the women that were wisehearted did spin with their hands, and brought that which they had spun, both of blue, and of purple and of scarlet and of fine linen. v26 And all the women whose heart stirred them up in wisdom spun goats hair."
This seems to be the attitude that prevailed in Israel. Everyone gave offerings and did that which would help with the job of building the sanctuary. So much so that in Chapter 36 verse 6 nd 7 they had to be stopped.
"And Moses gave commandment and they caused it to be proclaimed thoughout the camp, saying, Let neither man nor woman make anymore work for the offering of the sanctuary. So the people were restrained from bringing. v7 For the stuff they had was sufficient for all the work to make it, and too much."
So chapter 36 continues with descriptions of how the work went on.
It is great when people do so well that someone has to say that's all we need.
Psalm 31:23 "O love the Lord, all ye his saints: for the Lord preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer."
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
New Tables Exodus 34
Exodus 34:1 "And the Lord said unto Moses, Hew thee two tables of stone like unto the first: and I will write upon these tables the words that were in the first tables, which thou brakest."
I think I stated someplace that Moses had to write on the second tables but I have learned something already today. He did hew the tables but the Lord has said here that he would rewrite them. The broken ones are in the ark. I wonder where the second ones are now.
It appears that the Lord rewrote the part broken by Moses but then in verse 27 Moses does some writing "And the Lord said unto Moses, Write thou these words; for after the tenor of these words I have made a covenant with thee and with Israel."
In this chapter the Lord and Moses seem to have a personal conversation before the commands are given. Moses again pleads with the Lord to go among us, and admits that the people are stiffnecked as the Lord had said in our last chapter.
The Lord goes on to describe to Moses how he will prepare the promised land for Israel. He also reminds Moses of the necessity not to mix with the people of that land because of the danger of temptation to worship their gods. The Lord uses the name Jealous in verse 14 saying "For thou shalt worship no other god: for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a Jealous God:"
In the Bible names are very descriptive of who the person is. Different names of the Lord are given us throughout the Bible revealing more of who he is to us.
After the great disappointment in the actions of the people in making the image while Moses was gone on the mount, a wonderful verse is given us verse 6 And the Lord passed by before him and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, lonsuffering and abundant in goodness and truth."
It would take all those qualities to put up with us: mercy, grace, lonsuffering
Then we are told of his goodness and truth. We can trust him to do right and tell us the truth.
Then he deals with the firstborn belonging to him and feast.
v29 "And it came to pass when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of testiony in Moses hand, when he came down frm the mount, that Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him."
So much did he shine that he the people were afraid and Moses put a veil on his face when he talked with them but removed it when he talked with the Lord again.
Proverbs 3:26 "For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken."
I think I stated someplace that Moses had to write on the second tables but I have learned something already today. He did hew the tables but the Lord has said here that he would rewrite them. The broken ones are in the ark. I wonder where the second ones are now.
It appears that the Lord rewrote the part broken by Moses but then in verse 27 Moses does some writing "And the Lord said unto Moses, Write thou these words; for after the tenor of these words I have made a covenant with thee and with Israel."
In this chapter the Lord and Moses seem to have a personal conversation before the commands are given. Moses again pleads with the Lord to go among us, and admits that the people are stiffnecked as the Lord had said in our last chapter.
The Lord goes on to describe to Moses how he will prepare the promised land for Israel. He also reminds Moses of the necessity not to mix with the people of that land because of the danger of temptation to worship their gods. The Lord uses the name Jealous in verse 14 saying "For thou shalt worship no other god: for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a Jealous God:"
In the Bible names are very descriptive of who the person is. Different names of the Lord are given us throughout the Bible revealing more of who he is to us.
After the great disappointment in the actions of the people in making the image while Moses was gone on the mount, a wonderful verse is given us verse 6 And the Lord passed by before him and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, lonsuffering and abundant in goodness and truth."
It would take all those qualities to put up with us: mercy, grace, lonsuffering
Then we are told of his goodness and truth. We can trust him to do right and tell us the truth.
Then he deals with the firstborn belonging to him and feast.
v29 "And it came to pass when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of testiony in Moses hand, when he came down frm the mount, that Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him."
So much did he shine that he the people were afraid and Moses put a veil on his face when he talked with them but removed it when he talked with the Lord again.
Proverbs 3:26 "For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken."
If you are reading please leave a note
Doing this study keeps me on a sort of schedule to read so I will continue as long as my health allows. I hope it helps someone do the same. Feel free to leave a note that you were here. It is very encouraging. Thanks.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Exodus 33 Moses Prays
Exodus 33:13 "Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, show me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight: and consider that this nation is thy people."
v14 "And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest."
v15 "And he said unto him, If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence."
The situation is very tense here. Moses has come down and found the people deep in sin. The Lord is pretty disgusted with the people and the Moses sets up the tabernacle outside the camp. He and Joshua go into the tabernacle but at one point Moses goes outside the tabernacle and Joshua remains. It is outside the tabernacle that the conversation between the Lord and Moses takes place.
In verse 3 the Lord tells Moses that he will take them to the land promised but will not go in midst of the people but rather he will send angels to prepare the way for them.
Here the phrase used often since is born "v5 "...Ye are a stiffnecked people..."
Moses seeks to see the Lord and is hid in a cleft of the rock v21-23 and sees part of the Lord but not his face.
v17 "And the Lord said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name."
I find this a very beautiful chapter. The situation is bad. The people are out of fellowship with the Lord. Moses, in the midst of this trouble, finds comfort from the Lord.
Psalm 22: 10-11 "I was cast upon thee from the womb: thou are my God from my mother's belly, Be not far from me; for trouble is near, for there is none to help."
v14 "And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest."
v15 "And he said unto him, If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence."
The situation is very tense here. Moses has come down and found the people deep in sin. The Lord is pretty disgusted with the people and the Moses sets up the tabernacle outside the camp. He and Joshua go into the tabernacle but at one point Moses goes outside the tabernacle and Joshua remains. It is outside the tabernacle that the conversation between the Lord and Moses takes place.
In verse 3 the Lord tells Moses that he will take them to the land promised but will not go in midst of the people but rather he will send angels to prepare the way for them.
Here the phrase used often since is born "v5 "...Ye are a stiffnecked people..."
Moses seeks to see the Lord and is hid in a cleft of the rock v21-23 and sees part of the Lord but not his face.
v17 "And the Lord said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name."
I find this a very beautiful chapter. The situation is bad. The people are out of fellowship with the Lord. Moses, in the midst of this trouble, finds comfort from the Lord.
Psalm 22: 10-11 "I was cast upon thee from the womb: thou are my God from my mother's belly, Be not far from me; for trouble is near, for there is none to help."
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
False Gods Exodus 32
Exodus 32:1 "And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him."
Contrast this verse with the promise of the people back in chapter 20 verse 23
"Ye shall not make with me gods of silver, neither shall ye make unto you gods of gold."
chapter 19 verse 8 "And all the people answered together, and said, All that the Lord hath spoken we will do. And Moses returned the words of the people unto the Lord."
Imagine for a moment our forefathers working feverishly on the Declaration of Independence and coming up with a good plan for the people and the country. Exhausted and excited they come to the people only to find they had went over to the enemy. Perhaps Moses felt emotions and disappointment similiar to what they would have felt when he came from talking with God and found false gods in the camp.
We know now that Israel survived but at that point in time they were on the verge of nonexistence.
verse 9-10 "And the Lord said unto Moses, I have seen this people and behold it is a stiffnecked people; Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them: and I will make of thee a great nation.
It sounds like the Lord was saying, never mind all the plans from Abraham, Issac and Jacob and the rescue from Egypt. I'll just start all over with you Moses.
Not only is the Lord angry but Moses is very unhappy as well.
verse 19-20 "And it came to pass, as soon, as he came nigh unto the camp, that he saw the calf and the dancing: and Moses' anger waxed hot, and he casst the tables out of his hands, and brake them beneath the mount. And he took the calf which they had made and burnt it in the fire and ground it to powder, and strewed it upon the water, a made the children of Israel drink of it."
The people are guilty and they have no defense. Between them and the wrath of God stands one man. Moses. Three thousand men v28 fell that day under the judgment of God but the nation survived because of Moses and the mercy of the Lord.
verse 31-32 "And Moses returned unto the Lord and said Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold. Yet now if thou wilt forgive their sin; and if not, blot me, I pray thee out of thy book which thou has written."
But the Lord did not put the peope's sin on Moses but rather plagued them v35 "And the Lord plagued the people, because they made the calf, which Aaron made."
In another time and another place, another man stood before God in defense of people who had sinned. This time the sins of the people were placed on the man and a way of salvation was made.
Romans 5:19 "For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. v21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord."
Psalm 6 1-2 "O Lord rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure. Have mercy upon me, O Lord; for I am weak: O Lord, heal me; for my bones are vexed."
Contrast this verse with the promise of the people back in chapter 20 verse 23
"Ye shall not make with me gods of silver, neither shall ye make unto you gods of gold."
chapter 19 verse 8 "And all the people answered together, and said, All that the Lord hath spoken we will do. And Moses returned the words of the people unto the Lord."
Imagine for a moment our forefathers working feverishly on the Declaration of Independence and coming up with a good plan for the people and the country. Exhausted and excited they come to the people only to find they had went over to the enemy. Perhaps Moses felt emotions and disappointment similiar to what they would have felt when he came from talking with God and found false gods in the camp.
We know now that Israel survived but at that point in time they were on the verge of nonexistence.
verse 9-10 "And the Lord said unto Moses, I have seen this people and behold it is a stiffnecked people; Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them: and I will make of thee a great nation.
It sounds like the Lord was saying, never mind all the plans from Abraham, Issac and Jacob and the rescue from Egypt. I'll just start all over with you Moses.
Not only is the Lord angry but Moses is very unhappy as well.
verse 19-20 "And it came to pass, as soon, as he came nigh unto the camp, that he saw the calf and the dancing: and Moses' anger waxed hot, and he casst the tables out of his hands, and brake them beneath the mount. And he took the calf which they had made and burnt it in the fire and ground it to powder, and strewed it upon the water, a made the children of Israel drink of it."
The people are guilty and they have no defense. Between them and the wrath of God stands one man. Moses. Three thousand men v28 fell that day under the judgment of God but the nation survived because of Moses and the mercy of the Lord.
verse 31-32 "And Moses returned unto the Lord and said Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold. Yet now if thou wilt forgive their sin; and if not, blot me, I pray thee out of thy book which thou has written."
But the Lord did not put the peope's sin on Moses but rather plagued them v35 "And the Lord plagued the people, because they made the calf, which Aaron made."
In another time and another place, another man stood before God in defense of people who had sinned. This time the sins of the people were placed on the man and a way of salvation was made.
Romans 5:19 "For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. v21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord."
Psalm 6 1-2 "O Lord rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure. Have mercy upon me, O Lord; for I am weak: O Lord, heal me; for my bones are vexed."
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
A Dark Day
Moses has been on the mountain taking instructions from the Lord for the tabernacle and how the people are to live. Meanwhile, the people complain that he has been gone a long time. They go after Aaron to satisfy their boredom. What Moses finds upon his return is enough to make even him mad.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Bezaleel Exodus 31
Exodus 31:1-3 "And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri the son of Hur, and the tribe of Judah: And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship."
We should note that God called Bezaleel by name.
We should note that God called him for a purpose.
We should note that God gave him the ability (filled him with wisdom and understanding).
We should note that God spoke to the man in charge so Bezaleel would have the authority.
We should not v6 that God gave Bezaleel some help. (Aholiab)
Verses 12-17 is the command to keep the sabbath. They may work six days but are to rest on the seventh. It is a reminder to Israel that God created six days and rested the seventh.
V18 "And he gave unto Moses when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God."
Notice that the word is tables not tablets. They will end up in the ark of the covenant later. Also that these two were written by the finger of God.
Later after trouble in the camp and Moses goes back to the mountain, I believe we will find that Moses had to bring tables and write down what God said himself rather than God writing with his finger. We'll get to that later.
Moses has been alone on the mountain with the Lord for a long time. Chapter 19-31. God has given Moses a lot of instructions to carry out. I expect Moses was pretty excited and eager to tell the people what he had heard but there is not joy upon his return.
Psalm 119:97 "Oh how love I the law! it is my meditation all the day."
We should note that God called Bezaleel by name.
We should note that God called him for a purpose.
We should note that God gave him the ability (filled him with wisdom and understanding).
We should note that God spoke to the man in charge so Bezaleel would have the authority.
We should not v6 that God gave Bezaleel some help. (Aholiab)
Verses 12-17 is the command to keep the sabbath. They may work six days but are to rest on the seventh. It is a reminder to Israel that God created six days and rested the seventh.
V18 "And he gave unto Moses when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God."
Notice that the word is tables not tablets. They will end up in the ark of the covenant later. Also that these two were written by the finger of God.
Later after trouble in the camp and Moses goes back to the mountain, I believe we will find that Moses had to bring tables and write down what God said himself rather than God writing with his finger. We'll get to that later.
Moses has been alone on the mountain with the Lord for a long time. Chapter 19-31. God has given Moses a lot of instructions to carry out. I expect Moses was pretty excited and eager to tell the people what he had heard but there is not joy upon his return.
Psalm 119:97 "Oh how love I the law! it is my meditation all the day."
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Altar Exodus 30
Exodus 30:10 "And Aaron shall make an atonement upon the horns of it once in a year with the blood of the sin offering of atonements; once in the year shall he make atonement upon it throughout your generations: it is most holy unto the Lord."
The Lord repeated himself that the blood was to be applied to the altar once a year. It is noteworthy that when the Lord repeats something it is very important. Of course, the whole Bible is important but we should pay attention when it is repeated.
In this chapter the elaborate making of the altar is described. It sits before the ark where the Lord comes to meet with the high priest in the most holy place. There is a great process of cleansing as one enters the front gate and approaches the veil. Inside is where the atonement is made by blood for the sins of the people.
In the new testament and speaking of Christ things are different "Hebrews 7:22-25 "By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them."
In our chapter the blood was applied once a year. Christ blood was applied for all eternity.
Location of the altar: v6 "And thou shall put it before the veil that is by the ark of the testimony, before the mercy seat that is over the testimony, where I will meet with thee."
Note that the ark is called the ark of the testimony.
The chapter also discusses how the tabernacle is to be supported financially. An offering of 1/2 shekel was to be given by everyone 20 years old and above. v14, 15, 16
v23-38 deals with making of oil and a perfume and how to make it to be used to anoit the priest and no one else. The formula was not to be copied.
v38 "Whosoever shall make like unto that, to smell thereto, shall even be cut off from his people."
Proverbs 25:19 "Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint."
The Lord repeated himself that the blood was to be applied to the altar once a year. It is noteworthy that when the Lord repeats something it is very important. Of course, the whole Bible is important but we should pay attention when it is repeated.
In this chapter the elaborate making of the altar is described. It sits before the ark where the Lord comes to meet with the high priest in the most holy place. There is a great process of cleansing as one enters the front gate and approaches the veil. Inside is where the atonement is made by blood for the sins of the people.
In the new testament and speaking of Christ things are different "Hebrews 7:22-25 "By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them."
In our chapter the blood was applied once a year. Christ blood was applied for all eternity.
Location of the altar: v6 "And thou shall put it before the veil that is by the ark of the testimony, before the mercy seat that is over the testimony, where I will meet with thee."
Note that the ark is called the ark of the testimony.
The chapter also discusses how the tabernacle is to be supported financially. An offering of 1/2 shekel was to be given by everyone 20 years old and above. v14, 15, 16
v23-38 deals with making of oil and a perfume and how to make it to be used to anoit the priest and no one else. The formula was not to be copied.
v38 "Whosoever shall make like unto that, to smell thereto, shall even be cut off from his people."
Proverbs 25:19 "Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint."
Monday, June 04, 2007
Hallow the Priest Exodus 29
Exodus 29:1-3 "And this is the thing that thou shalt do unto them to hallow them, to minister unto me in the priest's office: Take one young bullock and two rams without blemish And unleavened bread and cakes unleavened tempered with oil and waffers unleavened anointed with oil, of wheaton flour shalt thou make them And thou shalt put them into one basket and bring them in the basket with the bullock and the two rams."
Outline:
-The sacrifice and ceremonies of consecrating the priests v1
-The continual burnt offering v38
-God's promise to dwell among the children of Israel. v45
We have seen the precise building of the tabernacle and the garments for the priest. The offerings are just as precise. First of all, before the priest can minister to the Lord and represent the people, they must be consecrated. Some offering is to be burned as a burnt offering v25 unto the Lord. Some is for a wave offering v26-27. Then there is the continual sacrifice of the two lambs. I'd like to zero in on verse 20-21 where the priest and their garments are consecrated.
Exodus 29:20-21 "Then shalt thou kill the ram, and take of his blood and put it upon the tip of the right ear of Aaron and upon the tip of the right ear of his sons and upon the thumb of their right hand and upon the great toe of their right foot and sprinkle the blood upon the altar round about. And thou shalt take of the blood that is upon the altar and of the anointing oil and sprinkle it upon Aaron and upon his garments and upon his sons and upon the garments of his sons with him: an dhe shall be hallowed and his garments and his sons' garments with him."
The last part of the chapter contains the promise. If you will do all this I(the Lord) will dwell with you. We must remember that a holy God is making arrangements to live among a sinful people. Although they are chosen for a purpose, there is still the sinful nature that must be dealt with.
v43 "And there I will meet with the children of Israel and the tabernacle shall be sanctified by my glory." v45 "And I will dwell among the children of Israel and will be their God."
In review, we should be aware that Moses is on the mountain top receiving all this from the Lord. He is on Mt Sinai and there are "thunders and lightenings and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud..." 19:16. It is a serious, historical time in the lives of the children of Israel. They have only recently come from under 400 years of slavery.
I should also remind us that the promise of Abraham still carries within the children of Israel.
The events hear lead us to an understanding of events many years later when Christ comes to earth and becomes our high priest to plead our case before God the Father.
Hebrews 9:11-14 "But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come by a greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands that is to say not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy palce having ordained eternal redemption for us. For if the blood of bulls and of goats and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean sanctifieth to purifing of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God.
So, in all these instructions and the years of practice that follow, they are but a very real and necessary practice to teach the redemption process and give us understanding of the final sacrifice for sin: the Christ.
Psalm 33:20-22 "Our soul waiteth for the Lord: he is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name. Let thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us, according as we hope in thee."
Outline:
-The sacrifice and ceremonies of consecrating the priests v1
-The continual burnt offering v38
-God's promise to dwell among the children of Israel. v45
We have seen the precise building of the tabernacle and the garments for the priest. The offerings are just as precise. First of all, before the priest can minister to the Lord and represent the people, they must be consecrated. Some offering is to be burned as a burnt offering v25 unto the Lord. Some is for a wave offering v26-27. Then there is the continual sacrifice of the two lambs. I'd like to zero in on verse 20-21 where the priest and their garments are consecrated.
Exodus 29:20-21 "Then shalt thou kill the ram, and take of his blood and put it upon the tip of the right ear of Aaron and upon the tip of the right ear of his sons and upon the thumb of their right hand and upon the great toe of their right foot and sprinkle the blood upon the altar round about. And thou shalt take of the blood that is upon the altar and of the anointing oil and sprinkle it upon Aaron and upon his garments and upon his sons and upon the garments of his sons with him: an dhe shall be hallowed and his garments and his sons' garments with him."
The last part of the chapter contains the promise. If you will do all this I(the Lord) will dwell with you. We must remember that a holy God is making arrangements to live among a sinful people. Although they are chosen for a purpose, there is still the sinful nature that must be dealt with.
v43 "And there I will meet with the children of Israel and the tabernacle shall be sanctified by my glory." v45 "And I will dwell among the children of Israel and will be their God."
In review, we should be aware that Moses is on the mountain top receiving all this from the Lord. He is on Mt Sinai and there are "thunders and lightenings and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud..." 19:16. It is a serious, historical time in the lives of the children of Israel. They have only recently come from under 400 years of slavery.
I should also remind us that the promise of Abraham still carries within the children of Israel.
The events hear lead us to an understanding of events many years later when Christ comes to earth and becomes our high priest to plead our case before God the Father.
Hebrews 9:11-14 "But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come by a greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands that is to say not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy palce having ordained eternal redemption for us. For if the blood of bulls and of goats and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean sanctifieth to purifing of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God.
So, in all these instructions and the years of practice that follow, they are but a very real and necessary practice to teach the redemption process and give us understanding of the final sacrifice for sin: the Christ.
Psalm 33:20-22 "Our soul waiteth for the Lord: he is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name. Let thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us, according as we hope in thee."
Friday, June 01, 2007
Priest garments Exodus 28
Exodus 28:6 "And thou shalt make a plate of gold, and grave upon it, like the engravings of a signet HOLINESS TO THE LORD."
The colors and materials reflect those used in the building of the tabernacle leaving me the impression that the two parts (garments of the priest and tabernacle) are all one.
I'd like to point out two verses that I find very touching. They show that the Lord ever had the children of Israel on his mind.
Exodus 28:11-12 "With the work of an engraver in stone, like the engravings of a signet, shalt thou engrave the two stones with the names of the children of Israel: thou shalt make them be set in ouches of gold. And thou shalt put the two stones upon the shoulders of the ephod for stones of memorial unto the children of Israel: and Aaron shall bear their names before the Lord upon his two shoulders for a memorial."
What a difference time makes. It seems that in our day many (but not all) ministers do not bear their people before the Lord. By their living standards, they appear to be living above their people. Something is the matter when a preacher buys a luxury car from the pennies of the widows and poor.
Psalm 119:89 "Forever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven."
The colors and materials reflect those used in the building of the tabernacle leaving me the impression that the two parts (garments of the priest and tabernacle) are all one.
I'd like to point out two verses that I find very touching. They show that the Lord ever had the children of Israel on his mind.
Exodus 28:11-12 "With the work of an engraver in stone, like the engravings of a signet, shalt thou engrave the two stones with the names of the children of Israel: thou shalt make them be set in ouches of gold. And thou shalt put the two stones upon the shoulders of the ephod for stones of memorial unto the children of Israel: and Aaron shall bear their names before the Lord upon his two shoulders for a memorial."
What a difference time makes. It seems that in our day many (but not all) ministers do not bear their people before the Lord. By their living standards, they appear to be living above their people. Something is the matter when a preacher buys a luxury car from the pennies of the widows and poor.
Psalm 119:89 "Forever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven."
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
The Priest - and his garments Exodus 28
Exodus 28:1 "And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office, even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron's sons."
Previously we saw the instructions for building the tabernacle. It is full of intricate details. Now we see the great detail placed on making the garments for the priests. Today I will give an outline of chapter 28.
-Aaron and his sons are set apart for the priest's office
-Holy garments are appointed
-The ephod
-The breastplate with twelve precious stones
-The urim and Thummim
-The robe of the ephod with pomegranates and bells
-The plate of the mitre
-The embroidered coat
-The garments for Aaron's sons
V5 "And they shall take gold, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen."
Psalm 103:14 "For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust."
Previously we saw the instructions for building the tabernacle. It is full of intricate details. Now we see the great detail placed on making the garments for the priests. Today I will give an outline of chapter 28.
-Aaron and his sons are set apart for the priest's office
-Holy garments are appointed
-The ephod
-The breastplate with twelve precious stones
-The urim and Thummim
-The robe of the ephod with pomegranates and bells
-The plate of the mitre
-The embroidered coat
-The garments for Aaron's sons
V5 "And they shall take gold, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen."
Psalm 103:14 "For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust."
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Exodus 27 "Tabernacle" The Light
Exodus 27:20 "And thou shalt command the children of Israel, that they bring thee pure olive oil beaten for the light, to cause the lamp to burn always."
Let us not forget that Moses is still on the mountain taking instructions from the Lord while the children of Israel wait.
It would be difficult to talk about anything God does without noticing the presence of light. We know from John that he is light. There is also the association of Satan and darkness. So, the distinction is unmistakeable. I add that God does things openly while Satan does things in a deceptive manner.
John 1:1-9 "In the beginning was the Word (Jesus), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light, That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world."
The oil in the lamp represents the Spirit of God while the light represents Jesus. It is through the Spirit that we know the Christ. The Spirit reveals Christ to humanity which is worldly and can not otherwise understand spiritual things.
So, in the tabernacle, we not only see a place of worship and communion for man with God. We also see how a relationship comes about between man and God. There is an order of things for sinful man to stand before a holy God. While (I must say) God is merciful, and just and loving, he is also righteous.
On an earthly level, it is sort of like going to court without a lawyer to represent you. The judge will most likely do exactly as the law reads. But a lawyer might point out circumstances which give the judge a reason to be merciful. So with God. He has stated what man is to do and man does something else instead. Then comes Christ to represent us. He bore our penalty and his blood testifies to that fact before God the Father. We are therefore justified, not because we are faultless but because the penalty has already been paid.
Romans 3:24-25 "Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation though faith in his blood to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;"
Psalm 116:12-13 "What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord."
Let us not forget that Moses is still on the mountain taking instructions from the Lord while the children of Israel wait.
It would be difficult to talk about anything God does without noticing the presence of light. We know from John that he is light. There is also the association of Satan and darkness. So, the distinction is unmistakeable. I add that God does things openly while Satan does things in a deceptive manner.
John 1:1-9 "In the beginning was the Word (Jesus), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light, That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world."
The oil in the lamp represents the Spirit of God while the light represents Jesus. It is through the Spirit that we know the Christ. The Spirit reveals Christ to humanity which is worldly and can not otherwise understand spiritual things.
So, in the tabernacle, we not only see a place of worship and communion for man with God. We also see how a relationship comes about between man and God. There is an order of things for sinful man to stand before a holy God. While (I must say) God is merciful, and just and loving, he is also righteous.
On an earthly level, it is sort of like going to court without a lawyer to represent you. The judge will most likely do exactly as the law reads. But a lawyer might point out circumstances which give the judge a reason to be merciful. So with God. He has stated what man is to do and man does something else instead. Then comes Christ to represent us. He bore our penalty and his blood testifies to that fact before God the Father. We are therefore justified, not because we are faultless but because the penalty has already been paid.
Romans 3:24-25 "Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation though faith in his blood to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;"
Psalm 116:12-13 "What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord."
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Tabernacle
Exodus 26: 33 "And thou shalt hang up the veil under the taches, that thou mayest bring in thither within the veil the ark of the testimony: and the veil shall divide unto you between the holy place and the most holy."
The tabernacle was like a tent in a tent. There was a large door for the people to enter and another where the priest entered into the holiest of holies.
This seperation between the people and the Lord takes us back to the garden of Eden where man sinned and was therefore seperated from God by that sin. A verse in the New Testament should be noted here.
Matthew 27:51 "And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; v52 And the graves were opened and many bodies of the saints which slept arose v53 And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.
I mention this because as the veil represented the seperation between God and man, so the renting of the veil represented that by the death of Jesus the seperation has been removed through Him alone.
The tabernacle was 45 ft long, 15 feet wide and 15 feet high. The outer curtains were 150 feet by 70 feet. The outer door was 30 feet wide. There was a thick covering which included goats hair and one source says badger skin.
One would enter the outer opening(sanctuary) with the candlestick on the left and the shewbread on the right. The altar is ahead and then beyond the veil the ark of the covenant. An urn is provided for the priest to wash his hands and feet before entering the holiest.
The tabernacle was about 9 months in the making. I am reminded that it was about 9 months to wait for the birth of the Savior. Of course, Israel waited hundreds of years.
The opening to enter was facing east which probably accounts for the reverence to the now walled up eastern gate in Jerusalem.
As with much in the Bible, a book could be written on the tabernacle and the meaning of all the articles in its making and those placed inside. As mentioned the veil has great significance, but then so does all of it. The mercy seat should be noted and thanks given for. It is good to have a mercy seat before the judge of the universe, for it was oft sprinkled with blood in times past for the sins of the people. We will find later that Christ offered his own blood on the mercy seat in heaven for our sins and was accepted for our atonement.
Psalm 71:17-18 "O God, thou hast taught me from my youth and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works. Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have showed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to everyone that is to come."
The tabernacle was like a tent in a tent. There was a large door for the people to enter and another where the priest entered into the holiest of holies.
This seperation between the people and the Lord takes us back to the garden of Eden where man sinned and was therefore seperated from God by that sin. A verse in the New Testament should be noted here.
Matthew 27:51 "And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; v52 And the graves were opened and many bodies of the saints which slept arose v53 And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.
I mention this because as the veil represented the seperation between God and man, so the renting of the veil represented that by the death of Jesus the seperation has been removed through Him alone.
The tabernacle was 45 ft long, 15 feet wide and 15 feet high. The outer curtains were 150 feet by 70 feet. The outer door was 30 feet wide. There was a thick covering which included goats hair and one source says badger skin.
One would enter the outer opening(sanctuary) with the candlestick on the left and the shewbread on the right. The altar is ahead and then beyond the veil the ark of the covenant. An urn is provided for the priest to wash his hands and feet before entering the holiest.
The tabernacle was about 9 months in the making. I am reminded that it was about 9 months to wait for the birth of the Savior. Of course, Israel waited hundreds of years.
The opening to enter was facing east which probably accounts for the reverence to the now walled up eastern gate in Jerusalem.
As with much in the Bible, a book could be written on the tabernacle and the meaning of all the articles in its making and those placed inside. As mentioned the veil has great significance, but then so does all of it. The mercy seat should be noted and thanks given for. It is good to have a mercy seat before the judge of the universe, for it was oft sprinkled with blood in times past for the sins of the people. We will find later that Christ offered his own blood on the mercy seat in heaven for our sins and was accepted for our atonement.
Psalm 71:17-18 "O God, thou hast taught me from my youth and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works. Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have showed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to everyone that is to come."
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Tabernacle Exodus 26 and 27
At this point I suggest reading these two chapters. Notice the attention to detail and the quality of the materials. It is a place of majesty and made to be mobile. Years ago I helped put up, took down and moved a huge gospel tent many times. We only lost one to a twister. The details are important and skipping one can cause serious problems.
Candlestick for the Tabernacle
Exodus 25:31 "And thou shalt make a candlestick of pure gold: of beaten work shall the candlestick be made: his shaft and his branches, his bowls, his knobs and his flowers, shall be of the same."
I believe this golden candlestick represents Christ.
It consisted of:
-7 places for candles called bowels(shaped like almonds)
-6 branches (three on either side of the center candle)
-knobs
-flower
The shaft under the center candle was to have three branches on either side.
According to my comprehensive bible helps:
-location: left side of one entering holy place opposite shewbread table
-size: five feet high
3 1/2 across
made of: 1 talent of gold
It was to be all of one piece. The tongs and snuffdishes were of gold v38.
Suggested reading Revelation 1-2, Revelation 21:23
Psalm 4:6 "There be many that say, Who will show us any good? Lord, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us."
I believe this golden candlestick represents Christ.
It consisted of:
-7 places for candles called bowels(shaped like almonds)
-6 branches (three on either side of the center candle)
-knobs
-flower
The shaft under the center candle was to have three branches on either side.
According to my comprehensive bible helps:
-location: left side of one entering holy place opposite shewbread table
-size: five feet high
3 1/2 across
made of: 1 talent of gold
It was to be all of one piece. The tongs and snuffdishes were of gold v38.
Suggested reading Revelation 1-2, Revelation 21:23
Psalm 4:6 "There be many that say, Who will show us any good? Lord, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us."
Friday, May 11, 2007
Tabernacle Sidenote
I just ran across this site which appears to have some good details on the tabernacle. This site appears to be sound but as always on the internet use good judgment: http://www.the-tabernacle-place.com/
I could use your help
If you know the title and author of some good fundamental books or studies on the tabernacle or sermons, please leave a reference to them for our readers. I venture to say that J Vernon Mcgee has covered it, a link to his site is on the front page at right. I've listened to him for years and trust his wisdom. I'm sure there are others.
Exodus 25 Tabernacle or Sanctuary Part 1
Exodus 25: 8 "Let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them."
Jumping back to the previous chapter I should note that it contains a general guideline for the children of Israel. I say general because more details come later. The word general in no way should diminish the importance of these commands. Moses is going up into the mount to meet with the Lord and it was necessary to leave instructions for the people. You will note that the people agreed to do as instructed. So later if judgment comes we should remember that they did agree.
Exodus 24:3 "And Moses came and told the people all the words of the Lord, and all the judgments and all the people answered with one voice, and said, All the words which the Lord hath said will we do."
So you see as we proceed, we must realize that the people knew what they should do. We will see them falter but it is not through ignorance that they do it.
We have journeyed in our study from the garden of Eden where humanity sinned and saw the shedding of blood to make them coats to cover their nakedness. We have seen the flood and the ark of safety for Noah. Then we say the family of Abraham develop into a nation while in captivity in Egypt. They have now come out of Egypt under the guiding hand of Moses and the miracles of the Lord. The Lord desires to be near them but for God to dwell amonst a sinful people there must be strict guidelines, not to protect the Lord but to protect the people. For a holy God cannot look upon sin. As in Eden where the blood was shed, so must the dwelling be santified with blood as an atonement for sin and the blood stands as a protecting wall (if you will) between sinful people and a holy God. We have talked of this blood pointing to and representing the blood that Christ shed in the new testament.
And so in the building of the sanctuary we can see Christ and his work. There are books and studies on the tabernacle which go into great detail in what everything means. I simply want to note two things which will help in our study:
-when building the tabernacle, it started with the Lord as represented by the ark.
-In approach man begins with himself and moves toward the Lord, as represented by the washing and the progressive move toward the holiest of hollies. The mercy seat being sprinkled with the blood of atonement.
The colors of the tabernacle: (as accepted by scholars)
-Gold-diety - divine glory
-silver-redemption
-brass symbol of judgment
-blue: heavenly origin or nature
-purple: royalty
-scarlet: sacrifice
(from Scofield's footnotes)
Exodus 25:1-2 "And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel that they brng me an offering of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering."
And so a list is provided of material needed to make the tabernacle. This is not a tax on the people but as the verse says an offering from those who wish to give. You can tell from the list that it is going to be a thing of beauty and unlike anything seen before.
Gold stands out in the makings v30 "...thou shalt set upon the table shewbread before me alway." or showbread.
Again I go to my footnotes for guidance where I find that shewbread is a type of Christ. He is the life-sustaining Christ. As the manna was the life-giving Christ.
John 12:24 (Jesus talking) "Verily, verily, I say unto you Except a corn of wheat fall into the grond and die, it abideth alone, but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit."
Who can deny that from the death of Jesus many have come to believe? And so one grain of wheat has produced a bountiful crop.
Next we will see the details of the candlestick.
Psalm 126:6 "He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing bringing his sheaves with him."
Jumping back to the previous chapter I should note that it contains a general guideline for the children of Israel. I say general because more details come later. The word general in no way should diminish the importance of these commands. Moses is going up into the mount to meet with the Lord and it was necessary to leave instructions for the people. You will note that the people agreed to do as instructed. So later if judgment comes we should remember that they did agree.
Exodus 24:3 "And Moses came and told the people all the words of the Lord, and all the judgments and all the people answered with one voice, and said, All the words which the Lord hath said will we do."
So you see as we proceed, we must realize that the people knew what they should do. We will see them falter but it is not through ignorance that they do it.
We have journeyed in our study from the garden of Eden where humanity sinned and saw the shedding of blood to make them coats to cover their nakedness. We have seen the flood and the ark of safety for Noah. Then we say the family of Abraham develop into a nation while in captivity in Egypt. They have now come out of Egypt under the guiding hand of Moses and the miracles of the Lord. The Lord desires to be near them but for God to dwell amonst a sinful people there must be strict guidelines, not to protect the Lord but to protect the people. For a holy God cannot look upon sin. As in Eden where the blood was shed, so must the dwelling be santified with blood as an atonement for sin and the blood stands as a protecting wall (if you will) between sinful people and a holy God. We have talked of this blood pointing to and representing the blood that Christ shed in the new testament.
And so in the building of the sanctuary we can see Christ and his work. There are books and studies on the tabernacle which go into great detail in what everything means. I simply want to note two things which will help in our study:
-when building the tabernacle, it started with the Lord as represented by the ark.
-In approach man begins with himself and moves toward the Lord, as represented by the washing and the progressive move toward the holiest of hollies. The mercy seat being sprinkled with the blood of atonement.
The colors of the tabernacle: (as accepted by scholars)
-Gold-diety - divine glory
-silver-redemption
-brass symbol of judgment
-blue: heavenly origin or nature
-purple: royalty
-scarlet: sacrifice
(from Scofield's footnotes)
Exodus 25:1-2 "And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel that they brng me an offering of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering."
And so a list is provided of material needed to make the tabernacle. This is not a tax on the people but as the verse says an offering from those who wish to give. You can tell from the list that it is going to be a thing of beauty and unlike anything seen before.
Gold stands out in the makings v30 "...thou shalt set upon the table shewbread before me alway." or showbread.
Again I go to my footnotes for guidance where I find that shewbread is a type of Christ. He is the life-sustaining Christ. As the manna was the life-giving Christ.
John 12:24 (Jesus talking) "Verily, verily, I say unto you Except a corn of wheat fall into the grond and die, it abideth alone, but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit."
Who can deny that from the death of Jesus many have come to believe? And so one grain of wheat has produced a bountiful crop.
Next we will see the details of the candlestick.
Psalm 126:6 "He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing bringing his sheaves with him."
Numbers in the Bible (Side note)
I would not venture to predict the end of the world based on numbers in the Bible. It is interesting from time to time to note numbers for they do have a meaning although I do not always catch on to them.
In the previous chapter Exodus 24 v 18 you will notice that Moses was forty days and forty nights in the cloud with the Lord. If you look at Genesis 7:12 the "And the rain was upon the earth forty days and forty nights. Then again in Luke 4:2 in the story of Jesus' temptation "Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered."
There may be other examples but I do not recall them at the moment. I cannot give any deep meaning to these but they should be noted now in case we find more clarity in later studies.
In the previous chapter Exodus 24 v 18 you will notice that Moses was forty days and forty nights in the cloud with the Lord. If you look at Genesis 7:12 the "And the rain was upon the earth forty days and forty nights. Then again in Luke 4:2 in the story of Jesus' temptation "Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered."
There may be other examples but I do not recall them at the moment. I cannot give any deep meaning to these but they should be noted now in case we find more clarity in later studies.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Exodus 24 "Come up unto the Lord"
Exodus 24:13 "And Moses rose up and his minister Joshua and Moses went up into the mount of God."
After the command for Moses to meet the Lord on the mountain it is 12 verses and a second command before Moses actually heads up the mountain to meet alone with God. During this time Moses reminds the people of the covenant and builds an altar. He then sprinkled the altar with blood. It seems that in verse 10 a select group saw God, at least the spot where He was "there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness." I do not pretend to understand that fully but I have no doubt they knew God was in the place.
A "cloud covered the mount" v15. It was into this cloud that Moses went alone and stayed for six days. v16 then on the seventh the Lord called unto Moses out of the midst of the cloud. What transpired in the 6 days, I cannot tell. Perhaps Moses did not know or could not see where God was but then he heard the Lord's voice and in v17 saw the "sight of the glory of the Lord was like devouring fire on the top of the mountain".
So Moses did as we should do and followed the voice of the Lord to where he was. Then for 40 days and nights "Moses was in the mount..."
The next chapter begins the instructions the Lord gave Moses. The detail is amazing. Think about it...The Lord is telling Moses how to do something.
Psalm 146:18 "The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth."
After the command for Moses to meet the Lord on the mountain it is 12 verses and a second command before Moses actually heads up the mountain to meet alone with God. During this time Moses reminds the people of the covenant and builds an altar. He then sprinkled the altar with blood. It seems that in verse 10 a select group saw God, at least the spot where He was "there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness." I do not pretend to understand that fully but I have no doubt they knew God was in the place.
A "cloud covered the mount" v15. It was into this cloud that Moses went alone and stayed for six days. v16 then on the seventh the Lord called unto Moses out of the midst of the cloud. What transpired in the 6 days, I cannot tell. Perhaps Moses did not know or could not see where God was but then he heard the Lord's voice and in v17 saw the "sight of the glory of the Lord was like devouring fire on the top of the mountain".
So Moses did as we should do and followed the voice of the Lord to where he was. Then for 40 days and nights "Moses was in the mount..."
The next chapter begins the instructions the Lord gave Moses. The detail is amazing. Think about it...The Lord is telling Moses how to do something.
Psalm 146:18 "The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
