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

Exodus Bible Study Notes Chapter 22

6/5/2012

Exodus 22

-The law section continues with property rights and various and sundry laws for societal well being.

-Restitution is a main theme for property rights and thieves are given their pay back demands if and when they are caught. One interesting concept is the fact that there is to be no bloodguiltiness for murder when one is breaking into your house. *Application* I live in Texas, and we take full use of this biblical concept for the protection of property here in this conservative state. God gives us the right to defend our property from the thief, but it does not rid us of the horror of having to be violent in a situation in which someone is trying to violate us and our family. We pray these types of things never happen. Consistently pray Psalms 91 over your house and household.

-In the sundry law section we are faced with a diversity of situations and God’s view on them. A dowry is mandated, while sorcery (witchcraft, pharmakos in Greek from which we get pharmacy, kashaph in Hebrew), bestiality, and sacrificing to another god are all outlawed by punishment of death. Strangers are to be treated with kindness and no affliction, nor are widows and orphans. This will cause the anger of God to be on them and He will hear their cry. Money is not to be loaned to His people at interest. *Application* God did not want them to be creditors, greedy and money grubbing with selfish ambition. How do we do in this area?

-A curse on God or rulers of the people is outlawed. The offering of the firstborn of sons and animals is to be performed on the eighth day. It is interesting that Jesus’ parents offered Him up to the LORD in this manner (Luke 2:21-24). Jesus was a law abiding Jew in every point. Where He came into contention with the Jewish rulers where in their man made interpretations of God’s perfect laws. *Application* This raises the question of whether or not we as new covenant believers should follow all of God’s rules prescribed here in these law sections. My opinion here is that it would be good and right to obey them, but it is certainly not a requirement any more. The Jerusalem council, which you can read about in Acts chapter 15 gives what the early church required of Gentile converts to Christ Jesus. This has been the standard for the church in this age in which we live.

-The last law denoted in this chapter has to do with eating dead animals found out in the field. They were not to eat the flesh torn to pieces. This was to be left for the dogs. *Application* Sorry guys, it is not proper to eat road killJ. Nature will take care of them.

Verses to Memorize: Exodus 22:22, 28

Exodus Bible Study Notes Chapter 21

6/4/2012

Exodus 21

-Chapter 21 begins a long portion of ordinances that are set before the children of Israel. These are the statutes that the LORD has given for success in the land that they will inhabit for the purpose of perpetuity and welfare. These laws are fair and binding and will point the way toward helping people see the need for a gracious Savior because failure in these practices is inevitable. Those who live by the law will die by the law (Leviticus 18:5, Deuteronomy 27:26, Galatians 3:12). The basic premise is an “eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise (Exodus 21:24-25).” *Application* The primary point to consider is this, “the law can restrain evil, but can never impute righteousness.” These laws will perpetuate a cordial society where people consider others in their actions. The issue of slavery is addressed but not condoned.

Verse to Memorize: Exodus 21:24

Exodus Bible Study Notes Chapter 20

6/2/2012

Exodus 20 

-God speaks the Ten Commandments to Moses. The first four have to do with our vertical relationship with Him (love God). The last six have to do with our horizontal relationships with others (love your neighbor as yourself).

-Here is the summary basic meaning of the commands:

1) Exclusivity of God, there is no other

2) No idols, likeness of God, this has lead to some not allowing art forms of the LORD, be careful what you worship

3) His Name is holy, punishment involved in taking His Name in vain

4) Reverence for His day of rest, His completion, we need a break and God knows this well, keep Him at the center, abide in Him, do no work on this day

5) Respect of parents, longevity in the land, continuation of norms and values across generations

6) Deals with the violent nature of man and the value of human life

7) Faithfulness to your spouse, no cheating on your personal covenant to your spouse before God

8) Taking from someone else’s possessions wrongfully, lack of respect and kindness

9) Lying, be honest, no deceit

10) Deals with greed and lust for things, be content

-The people are greatly afraid at the sound of His voice and wouldn’t go near. Moses says, “Don’t be afraid; for God has come in order to test you, and in order that the fear of Him may remain with you, so that you may not sin (Exodus 20:20).” *Application* This summarizes God’s heart for us. The price for sin is death and God will do whatever it takes to keep us from that demise. Have you passed His test of faith? Fear Him and live.

-The last section of this chapter gives instructions for making alters. New religious traditions are being established and this is an attempt to prevent idolatry of any kind. God is unique and no human forms of craftsmanship are needed.

Verse to Memorize: Exodus 20:20

Exodus Bible Study Notes Chapter 19

6/1/2012

Exodus 19 

-The children of Israel come into the wilderness of Sinai in the 3^rd month to very day they left Egypt and camped in front of the mountain.

-Moses went up to God and the LORD called from the mountain with protective words and a recollection of what He had done for them. “If you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be My own possession among all the peoples, for all the earth is Mine (Exodus 19:5).” They would be a kingdom and a holy nation unto the LORD’s purposes. This has earthly and as well as heavenly implications as we move through the entire realm of God’s providential plan.

-Moses gives these words to the elders and they agree to do all the LORD has spoken. They agree to take on the covenant and will be God’s possession to be used of Him for the salvation of the world along with much persecution.

-Moses goes back to God with their words as a mediator on their behalf. God speaks from a thick cloud that the people may hear and believe in Moses’ words forever. God commands the people to be consecrated and cleaned and to be ready on the third day when He was to come down.

-Warnings were given not to go up on the mountain or even touch the border of it. Death would be the penalty; this was serious business.

-On the third day in the morning there was thunder and lightning and a very loud trumpet sound so that they all trembled in the camp. Moses brought them out of the camp to meet God and they stood at the foot of the mountain. Mt. Sinai was all in smoke because the LORD descended upon it in fire and it quaked violently. The trumpet grew louder and louder. Finally Moses spoke to God and He answered him with thunder.

-The LORD comes down on Mt. Sinai at the top and called Moses up. Then he instructed Moses to go back down and warn the people once again not to break through to the LORD in order to gaze at what was going on, which would make them perish. *Application* God is concerned for every minute detail in order to save us from disaster.

-Moses was told to have the priests consecrated and bring Aaron back up with him upon return, which Moses obeyed.

Verse to Memorize: Exodus 19:5

Exodus Bible Study Notes Chapter 18

5/31/2012

Exodus 18

-Jethro heard all God had done for Israel and came to Moses at the mount of God in the wilderness where Israel camped. Moses went out to his father-in-law in sweet reunion bowing before him and kissing him. They inquired of each other’s welfare and Moses told him of all God’s deliverance from Pharaoh and Egypt. Jethro acknowledged God as the greatest (the most supreme) because He delivered the people (Israel) when Egypt dealt proudly against them. *Application* This is a key phrase that gives us insight as to why the Lord’s wrath came against this nation in such a profound way. God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6, 1 Peter 5:5). This is a word of wisdom for our own lives as well as our nation.

-They made burnt offerings and sacrifices unto the LORD, and Aaron along with the elders ate a meal with them.

-Jethro saw all the business and all that Moses was doing for the people asking why he sat alone as judge from morning to evening every day. The reason was that the people needed to inquire of God for judgments and disputes of God and His laws.

-Jethro knew that Moses would not last long under this heavy burden and would not be able to endure. He advised him to select out men who: 1) feared God, 2) were of truth, 3) hated dishonest gain (bribes). These would be placed as leaders over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens. Moses would handle the major disputes and the others would take care of minor matters after being taught the statutes and laws. *Application* This was done under the principles of endurance, long-term vision, delegation, and multiplying ministry (2 Timothy 2:2). The old saying is true, “I’d rather get ten men to do the work than do the work of ten men.” God has crafted us for specific tasks and He wants us to relinquish authority for the betterment of progress and growth in anything we endeavor to do (1 Corinthians 12). God is the designer.

-Moses listened and did all his father-in-law said to do. He received wise counsel humbly and was able to lead for the entire 40 years in the wilderness because of this delegation practice. Moses did not burn out. He was the most humble man in the world (Numbers 12:3).

Verse to Memorize: Exodus 18:24