The Scriptures —Study 23— Exodus 32

Study 23 From The Book of Exodus Is: Exodus 32

1.      How does Aaron illustrate the dangers of compromise when essentials are at stake?  What did compromise lead to? Why was God’s anger kindled against the people?

2.      What features of Moses’ character stand out in this chapter? What may we learn from this example?

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The Scriptures —Study 22— Exodus 30 and 31

Study 22 From The Book of Exodus Is: Exodus 30 and 31

1.      Chapter 30. The altar of incense and the bronze laver speak of the need for prayer and for daily cleansing.  Cf. Ps. 141: 2; Jn. 13:10; 1 Jn. 1:8, 9. What lessons can we learn from this chapter on these important subjects?

2.      Chapter 31. What was God’s part and what man’s in the designing and making of the Tabernacle? See verses 1-11 and cf. 25:2, 9.

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The Scriptures —Study 21— Exodus 29

Study 21 From The Book of Exodus Is: Exodus 29

1.    In this instruction concerning the consecration of the priest, distinguish the various parts of the ceremony: the cleansing, the robing, the anointing, and the sacrifices.  How does our High Priest stand out in marked contrast to Aaron?   Cf. Heb. 7:26-28.

2.   Verses 38-46. What was the significance of the daily burnt offering morning and evening? What are the counterparts to these activities which are possible for us to share in?

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The Scriptures —Study 20— Exodus 28

Study 20 From The Book of Exodus Is: Exodus 28

1. For the order in which the priest’s garments were p
   
   ut on, see Lv. 8: 7-9. Each has some significance: the cost of pure linen (verse 39) indicating the high priest as a righteous man; the blue robe (verses 31-35) as a heavenly man; the ephod with the names of the tribes (verse 3:29) as a representative man; the mitre with its golden plate (verses 36-38) as a holy man. Reflect how in all these ways the high priest of Israel in his priestly garments was a type of Christ.
2. What may we learn from this chapter convening the way in which to draw nigh to God on behalf of others? How must we be clad, and what ought we to be concerned to do?

Notes

1. The ephod was a shoulder garment, covering breast and back.
2. The breastplate was probably a bag or pouch fastened to the front of the ephod, and called ‘the breastplate of judgment’ because of contained the Urim and Thummin, which were used to ascertain the divine will. Cf. Nu. 27:21; Ezr. 2:63. Their exact form and use is not now known.
3. Aaron bore the names of the tribes upon his shoulders (the place of strength and upon his heart (the place of affection).

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The Scriptures —Study 19 — Exodus 26 and 27

Study 19 From The Book of Exodus Is: Exodus 26 and 27

1.      Chapter 26. What four layers of curtains covered the Tabernacle? What appearance would it have from without, and what from within? Cf. the contrast between Christ seen from without (Is. 53:2), and seen from within (Phil. 3:8).

Note. It will prove helpful to draw a ground plan of the Tabernacle so far as it has been described in these two chapters, with the court, the holy place, and the most holy place, and the altar, table of showbread, candlestick and ark in their proper positions.  

                                          

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The Scriptures —Study 18 — Exodus 25

Study 18 From The Book of Exodus Is: Exodus 25

1.      What was the twofold purpose of the Tabernacle? See verses 8, 22 in particular.

2.      Notice the three articles of furniture described in this chapter, but observe specially the ark and what is said of it in verses 20, 22. What is the significance of the fact that only above the mercy seat could God and man meet and commune together? Cf. 1. Jn.2:1, 2.

Note.  Verses 17-22.  The ‘mercy seat’ or proprietary covering was a slave of pure gold, with cherubim at either end. This acted as a lid on the ark, covering the tables of testimony inside. On it the high priest sprinkled blood to make atonement.  Cf. Lv. 16:15, 16.

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The Scriptures —Study 17— Exodus 23:20-24:18

Study 17 From The Book of Exodus Is: Exodus 23:20-24:18

1.      23:20 – 33. Consider the promises God makes to the people and the demands He makes of them.  Can you think of parallel spiritual promises made to Christian and demands made of them in the Christian life?

2.      24:1-18. Why was this a day of significance and importance in the history of Israel?  To what did the people commit themselves? Why is this covenant called (in 2 Cor. 3:7, 9) a ‘dispensation of condemnation’ and of ‘death’? What was God’s answer to the situation thus created? Cf. Lv. 17:11; Heb. 9:22.

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The Scriptures —Study 16— Exodus 21:33-23:19

Study 16 From The Book of Exodus Is: Exodus 21:33-23:19

The laws in 21: 33-22:15 relate mainly to questions of property, and the remainder of the portion contains miscellaneous precepts.

1.      What instances of careless neglect, leading to injury or loss for others, are given in 21:33-22:15?  And what does God demand of the offender in such cases? Can you think of modern parallels to the careless neglect described here? 

  

2.      Gather out from 22:16-23:19 illustrations of the truth of the claims God makes here concerning Himself.  For these claims see 23:27; 23:7. Against what sin does He say that His wrath will wax hot?       

            

Note. Some of these laws are similar to those found in the famous code of Hamurabi, but the provisions are much more merciful. Notice in 22:31 the reference to being ‘consecrated’ to God. Cf. Lv. 11:44, 45.

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The Scriptures —Study 15— Exodus 21:1-32

Study15 From The Book of Exodus Is: Exodus 21:1-32

The laws in this portion concern relations between people, particularly those between slaves and masters.  While slavery is tolerated, its severity is mitigated in various ways.

1.      What are the principles underlying the laws about persons? In particular, what kind of relationship between slave and master is contemplated in verses 2-6? Cf. also Dt. 15:12-18; Je. 34:12-17.

2.      For what kinds of transgression was the death penalty inflicted? See also 22:18-20; 31:15. Why is this? Cf. Mk. 9:43-48.

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The Scriptures —Study 0— Exodus Introduction

Study 0 From The Book of Exodus Is: Introduction

Here is a reminder of what Exodus is all about.  

Although the twentieth chapter of the Exodus divides it into two distinct parts, we must remember that the book is really one.  The narrative of the opening chapters leads up to the law-giving of the later ones, and is bound to it with an intimate connection. When our section opens, Israel is encamped at the foot of Sinai. Behind them are the great experiences of God’s judgements upon journey. ‘Not a hoof’ was ‘left behind’ (Ex. 10:26). God had delivered Israel from bondage and separated them from Egypt that He might call them to himself and make known His will to them. In just the same way God has called us from the bondage of sin and the world, redeemed us with the precious blood of Christ, baptized us with His Holy Spirit, and separated us unto Himself.  Israel met with God on Sanai.  We have met with Him too, not only among the thunders of the law, but also in the face of Jesus Christ.  Holiness is His intention for us, as it was for them.

This shows how relevant these chapters of the Bible are.  There are many pictures not only of holiness and holy living which we can apply to our own lives, but also pictures of the great principles and doctrines of atonement, and above all of the suffering of our Saviour in redeeming us from sin.

The Immediate Context    

The voice of God had proclaimed the Ten Commandments from Sinai (Ex. 20:1-16). On account of the people’s fear they fled from the mountain (20:18, 19) and asked that Moses should tell them God’s commands.  Moses therefore went up into the mountain (20:21, 22), and the words of chapter 21 are the words of God spoken to Moses alone on the mountain, with the command that he is to pass them on to the people.