Category: Exodus

God gave Moses instructions for the construction of a lampstand for the tent. After all, it is difficult to serve God in the Tent of Meeting when you stumble into the Table of the Presence! But as with the other items in the tent, their use went beyond the practical, to help teach the Israelites…

Moses receives instructions to build a table, which will belong in the outer room of God’s tent. This table serves as the home for the bread of presence, which symbolised God’s presence and provision for his people. Not surprisingly then, this bread pointed forward to the true bread, Jesus, who is God present with us…

In the first verses of chapter 25, God instructed the people to provide materials for the building of God’s Tabernacle, his dwelling place with them. In verses ten to twenty-two, God instructs Moses on the construction of the Ark of the Covenant. But he does not just ask for a box, he explains the finish…

After freeing the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and entering into a covenant relationship with them at Sinai, God begins to explain to Moses the requirements for his dwelling-place with them, which they would construct from their own contributions. This giving was to be freely given, generously contributed from their wealth, and dedicated for God’s…

In this passage, the covenant ratification ceremony is completed by Israel’s representatives enjoying fellowship with God. Then, following their return down the mountain, Moses ascends again to commune further with God, enjoying his presence. In these events, we see not only the mirror of the sacrament of communion, but also the great and glorious presence…

God had provided an historical context for their relationship, expressed his terms, and highlighted the benefits and curses of obedience (or not). All that was left was the ceremony, which begins in Exodus 24:1-8 with a call to ascend, recording the covenant, and a ritual confirming the covenant. In this event, we have a picture…

Sometimes the Christian walk feels like a slog. You feel like you never get anywhere. Enemies without, and your own attitude and actions within, make you feel like you are heading for defeat. But what we feel is not the case. God has rescued us from slavery to sin, and will deliver us to a…

Not many of us are called to the mission field or the pastorate, but all of us are called to put God first. In this section of the divine laws given at Mount Sinai, God circles back to where he began: a focus on worshiping him. Here, God commands Israel to show reliance on him…

True Justice and Mercy were goals of the Israelite system of justice as well. Both Justice and Mercy reflect God’s character, and should radiate in the lives of God’s people. False witness, mercy to our enemies and to strangers, and ensuring the fair administration of justice were vital parts of the Israelite’s life under the…

True social justice is about protecting a just social order, based on a sacred order. God’s laws given to Israel were focused on precisely that. In this passage, God provides rules which protect the social order, the social fabric, and those who exercised different roles in society. Those principles should continue to motivate us, God’s…