Exodus Bible Study Notes Chapter 29

6/13/2012

Exodus 29

-The commands for consecration, ordination, and anointing the priests of the LORD are given here in this chapter. There are specific rules and guidelines that are to be followed for proper order and designation of the holy place where the LORD would meet with His people. The key factor is that He is the LORD their God who brought them out of the land of Egypt (slavery, a metaphor for sin and the lost and dying life before Christ’s salvation). God would dwell with them as their LORD. This is absolutely significant and necessitates a solemn set of rituals to purify the holy place. *Application* What do we do to consecrate our lives before God? He has expectations for us that our laid out for us in the Scriptures. He expects us to abide by these good precepts for wisdom, success, favor, and blessing. Shunning the Word of the LORD has disastrous consequences in our lives. Pay attention to what He tells you to do for the sake of obedience and proper fellowship with Him. You won’t regret it even though there may be pain in the offering; persecution and testing are what I am referring to here. God desires to dwell with us just as much as He did when the children of Israel. Let Him walk beside you through His Holy Spirit. You’ll experience the most amazing things in life! He is our comforter, counselor, convictor, illuminator, enabler, and helper (Acts 1:8, John 14:26). This is the abundant life that the LORD wants you to have in Him (John 10:10).

Verse to Memorize: Exodus 29:46

Exodus Bible Study Notes Chapter 28

6/12/2012

Exodus 28 

-God outlines the holy garments for Aaron, and his sons, to wear as priests before the LORD. These robes, tunics, ephods, turbans, and sashes were for the glory and beauty of worship in the presence of the LORD so that they could minister unto God consecrated and set apart. *Application* We know that it is the heart that God is most concerned about and this consecration was to be an outward demonstration of an inward reality. Sadly, we see in the course of Israel’s history there were many times that the outward appearance did not match up with the inward reality (Jeremiah 32:32). God looks ultimately at the heart and will judge us not on what we present outwardly, but what the inner man truly is (1 Samuel 16:7, Proverbs 27:19, Jeremiah 17:10, Luke 6:45).

-The stones of the ephod are interesting in eschatology. The foundation stones of the New Jerusalem closely resemble these precious stones laid out here for the priests (Revelation 21:19-20). This to me demonstrates the glory and beauty of what God is preparing. The LORD is amazing in splendor and radiance and will bestow all good things in His glory to His people.

-The names of the tribes of Israel are to be worn as a memorial. God wanted His people to always remember and honor the history of His works and power that He demonstrated in setting the captives free. This was a simple but effective way to do that.

-The names of the sons of Israel were to be carried in the breastplate of judgment over the heart of the priest when they entered the holy place. They, the priests, carried the judgment of the sons of Israel over there heart before the LORD continually. They were anointed, ordained, and consecrated as ministering priests before God (Exodus 28:41). *Application* This once again points to the ultimate high priest, Jesus Christ, who daily bears our burden of sin before the LORD (Psalm 68:19). He, like the priests of old, was the “go between” with the Father to bridge the gap between the holy and the profane. The priests bore the judgment so that the people would not have to die. This is the propitiation that Christ gives us as believers in Him (Romans 3:25, Hebrews 2:17, 1 John 2:2; 4:10).

Verse to Memorize: Exodus 28:2

Exodus Bible Study Notes Chapter 27

6/11/2012

Exodus 27 

-The bronze alter and the courtyard measurements and requirements for the tabernacle are outlined in this chapter. The bronze alter would be the first thing one encountered when entering the tabernacle courtyard. This was the place where sacrifices were made. Its presence was a constant reminder to the people that the only way they could come before God was through a sacrifice. *Application* Paul tells us in Romans 12:1-2 that by the mercies of God we are to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God. This is the radical transformation that comes with the initiation of the new covenant ratified in the blood of Jesus Christ by His death, burial, and resurrection (Hebrews 8:6-9:28). The Savior’s once and for all time sacrifice releases us from the penalty and burden of sin when we accept it by faith into our lives. This changes us from a sinful-separated state with the Father into a union, which is sealed by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30). The Spirit transforms us into saints, making us servants and soldiers of the most high God conforming more and more into His image (Romans 1:1, Philippians 2:25, 2 Timothy 2:3-4). This process is what the Bible calls sanctification (Romans 6:19-23, 2 Thessalonians 2:13, Hebrews 12:14). Thank God for His incredible grace to sacrifice Himself so that we could have eternal life with Him! He bought us with a price (1 Corinthians 6:20).

-The other consideration in this passage for us today is the continual burning of the lamp required from evening to morning as a perpetual statute throughout the generations for the sons of Israel. The priests, Aaron and his sons, had this responsibility. *Application* Light as we know illuminates. The pure olive oil is representative of the Holy Spirit and the gifts and graces He gives us as believers. He, the Holy Spirit, is the One who illuminates our understanding of God through His revealed Word. God’s tabernacle in our world today is the church, the body of believers in Jesus Christ (who is the Head). We are to light the world with the message and knowledge of the Almighty to those who are lost and dying (Matthew 5:14-16). Go light your world with the love of Christ!

-Again, all these components of the God’s design in the tabernacle are pointings and tutors to our new covenant life in Christ Jesus helping us understand our roles and responsibilities in Him.

Verse to Memorize: Exodus 27:1

Exodus Bible Study Notes Chapter 26

6/9/2012

Exodus 26

-The curtains and boards for the tabernacle are described in great detail for us in this chapter. Fine twisted linen of blue, purple, and scarlet material made up the curtains and veils, the work of skillful craftsmen. There were curtains made out of goat hair curtains and rams’ skins with a covering of porpoise skins above. Acacia wood made up the boards fitted together and standing upright for the sides and corners of the tabernacle.

-The veil description and the layout between the holy place and the holy of holies are given. The shape of the tabernacle accurately makes the shape of a cross from the western top to the eastern bottom. This is not just ironic; it is a pointing to the Deliverer who would come and tear down the veil of separation between God and man. This Deliverer was none other than Jesus Christ, our blessed redeemer.

Verse to Memorize: Exodus 26:30

Exodus Bible Study Notes Chapter 25

6/8/2012

Exodus 25

-The LORD gives Moses instructions for the tabernacle beginning in this section of Scripture. The instructions begin with telling the Israelites to raise a contribution for God. As the people’s hearts are moved shall the contribution be raised (Exodus 25:2). *Application* God’s work is usually accomplished through His people and their generosity. He wants our freewill offerings as demonstrations of our devotion and love for Him even in the modern era. We are not necessarily raising the items requested here in Exodus, but God does move our hearts to give to His causes all the time if we care to listen to His Spirit within us. Who or what is God asking you to bless for His Kingdom’s sake today?

-The detailed descriptions of the Ark, the table of showbread, and the golden lampstand are given in the subsequent passages of this chapter. These complicated instructions give us a glimpse into God’s greatness and transcendent quality. These were to be carefully crafted items that could be transported, which demonstrated God’s willingness to go with the children of Israel wherever they ventured. He is not a God who leaves and forsakes. God is with us, Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14; 8:8-10, Matthew 1:23). *Application* Christ in you, the Holy Spirit’s presence, is our hope of glory (Colossians 1:27).

-God will speak from His mercy seat above the Ark of the Covenant. The testimony of His Word was to be placed into the Ark itself. The word for mercy here in the Hebrew is kaporet, which literally means “atonement,” giving the sense of wiping away, covering over, pacifying, making propitiation. Some of you may be familiar with the Jewish Yom Kippur, which is the Day of Atonement having the same basic Hebrew root for word meaning. *Application* Obviously this has significance of meaning to us as well. God gives His commands but sits enthroned upon a mercy seat that is all about forgiveness and peace. He has always provided a covering for those who would call out to Him in faith (Genesis 3:21; 6:14, Romans 10:13). What a gracious God we serve!

-So we can sum up here some incredible aspects of the LORD shown in these worship requirements. First, in the Ark we see His presence, which will go with them throughout their journey and bring them peacefully into His good graces. Second, the table of showbread is significant because of His provision. Jesus said that He was the bread of life (John 6:29-51). He is the ultimate One who provides us with what we need in relationship with the Father. God provides! Thirdly, the golden lampstand signifies light and a clearing away of the darkness. Jesus also said that He was the Light of the world (John 8:12). In light we can see the right way to go and not stumble around in the darkness. Christ is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6)!

Verse to Memorize: Exodus 25:9

Exodus Bible Study Notes Chapter 24

6/7/2012

Exodus 24

-Here in this chapter we see the people of Israel affirming the covenant with God. The important phrase that is repeated is this, “All that the LORD has spoken we will do, and we will be obedient (Exodus 24:7).” Moses writes down all the words of the LORD and there is a ceremonial altar built at the foot of the mountain with twelve pillars for the twelve tribes of Israel. Burnt offerings and peace offerings were offered to the LORD here. At this point some explanation must be made as to the meaning of these sacrifices. The animal’s shed blood was to represent the fact that one life had to be given for another as a substitute for the sinner. On one hand the blood symbolized the death of the animal, but it also represented the life that was spared as a result of the sacrifice. We see here that Moses sprinkled half of the blood of the animals on the alter to show that the sinner could once again approach God because something had died in their place. The other half of the blood was sprinkled on the people to represent the fact that the penalty of their sin had been paid and they could be reunited with God. This symbolic-ceremonial act would be repeated over and over again pointing to the once and for all time sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross for the sin of all mankind (Hebrews 7:27; 9:12; 10:10, 1 Peter 3:18). *Application* “Jesus paid it all, all to Him we owe, sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow.” (From Jesus Paid it All)

-It is interesting that Moses went up with Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and the seventy elders of Israel and saw God in splendid radiance, yet He did not stretch out His Hand against them. The Bible says they ate and drank in this presence (Exodus 24:11). This denotes how they were now in union with God because of their obedient commitment to the covenant and the sacrifices that were made.

-God calls Moses up on the mountain at this point to give him stone tablets with the law and commandments, which He had written for their instruction. The LORD’s appearance was glorious, like a consuming fire on the mountain top in cloud cover. Moses entered the midst of the cloud and was with the LORD for 40 days and nights. *Application* This communion with God is not just for servants like Moses. It can be for you as well. Jesus Christ has torn down the veil of separation between God and man and we can boldly approach His throne of grace in our time of need (Matthew 27:51, Mark 15:38, Luke 23:45, 2 Corinthians 3:16, Hebrews 4:16; 6:19; 10:12-23). Abide in Him and He will show you his radiant glory in fresh and unique ways. God loves His children and wants to spend time with us. What an amazing concept to contemplate!

Verse to Memorize: Exodus 24:7

Exodus Bible Study Notes Chapter 23

6/6/2012

Exodus 23 

-This chapter begins with some more sundry laws and regulations. These primarily revolve around justice being honest in one’s testimony and reports. The children of Israel are warned not to follow the masses in doing evil. This as we know is a tendency of man in his natural state and has had horrible consequences through the years. Jesus was a victim of mob mentality in His crucifixion (Matthew 27:20, Mark 15:11-15). One only has to think back to the scenes of Nazi Germany or the recent Arab Spring events to see the effects the masses have in stirring up a society to pervert justice and create chaos.

-Some laws for returning lost animals, even of the enemy, are given. The people are warned to stay from away from false charges and not to kill the innocent or the righteous. God will not acquit the guilty. *Application* We are all guilty under the curse of sin (Romans 3:23). Our only recourse is to trust in the Name of Jesus to forgive and cleanse us of all sin and unrighteousness (Ephesians 2:-9). To reject Christ is the unpardonable sin and will incur the ultimate wrath of a righteous God (John 14:6).

-Taking a bribe is also outlawed because it blinds the eyes of the clear-sighted and subverts the cause of the just. Strangers are not to be oppressed, which the children of Israel should easily be able to identify with. Harvest laws are expounded upon for the purpose of the poor and the animals and rest for the land and its people. Other gods are not to even be mentioned or heard from the mouths of the Hebrews. *Application* God wants exclusive worship and deserves it.

-Three national feasts are presented unto the LORD in which all the males were to appear before the LORD. These are the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Harvest (First Fruits), and the Feast of the Ingathering at the end of the year when the fruit of the field is gathered in. The choicest of the fruits are to be presented before the LORD. *Application* God wants our absolute best effort in every situation. Do you give Him half-hearted devotion or are you completely His (2 Chronicles 16:9)?

-The steps in the conquest of the Promised Land are given next with what the borders of the land should be. An angel will be given to the Hebrews to guard and lead. They are to listened to his voice and obey completely because he is from the LORD. No rebellion will be tolerated. The LORD outlines the people groups who will be destroyed and how that will happen in steps. No covenant with these enemies of God is to be made and they are not allowed to live in the land because they will incite the children of Israel to sin against the LORD and that will become a snare. Sadly, the children of Israel eventually fail to follow through with this command and we still feel the results of this in the Middle East today. God foreknew what needed to happen for complete peace, and when the children of Israel did not obey continual conflict and sin was inevitable. *Application* Only complete obedience to the LORD will be blessed completely.

Verse to Memorize: Exodus 23:33