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.                 

The Scriptures —Study 28 — Romans 16:17-27

Study 28 From The Book of Romans Is: Romans 16:17-27

With this study, we end the book of Romans. In the next study we will go through the book of Exodus and of course since we started it a while back, we’ll pick up where we left off, from Exodus 21-40.

1.      (a) How may perverters of the gospel be recognized? Cf. 1 Tim. 6:3; Mt. 7:15-20. (b) How may we be safeguarded from them? Cf. 2 Jn. 10; 2 Tim. 2:14-16; 1 Thes. 5:22 (c) What encouragement have we in the conflict?

2.      How is God described? How does the present age differ from all that went before? What is the one all-important end to be achieved? Cf. 1:5. What is the method to be adopted?

Note.  Verses 25, 26. The mystery spoken of is fully expounded in the Epistle to the Ephesians. Cf., e.g., Eph. 3:3-6.

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