Reading today describes an encounter Moses has with God who outlines the construction of the tabernacle chapters 24 through 27.

Chapter 24 –

God’s covenant with Israel was inaugurated with a ceremony with Moses, Aaron’s sons, and seventy elders of the people were called to approach the Lord. This indicates that worship begins with a divine invitation.

Once received Moses relays the commandments from the Lord to the people. We learn from God because He decides to tell us. We need that revelation. Moses builds an altar and sacrifices are offered. They eat and drink and God is allowing them to see some of His glory. He then summons Moses up to the mountain. He summons him to give him the law and he is accompanied by Joshua.

Chapter 25 –

The following chapters provide the instructions God gave Moses for the construction of the tabernacle. Preparing its furnishings, outfitting the priests, and consecrating everything for the Lord’s service.

The Israelites are to make the tabernacle and all its furnishings. This would be a tent where God would make His presence known. God gives specific instructions as to its construction down to the type of wood, the gold overlay each intricate detail He has laid out for them.

Chapter 26 –

These verses outline how the tabernacle is framed and constructed. This was not a structure that man devised a plan for it was directly from God. A curtain was to be made to separate the holy place which contained the table and the lampstand from the most holy place, which contained the mercy seat on the ark. Only the high priest could pass through the curtain into the most holy place – – only once per year on the Day of Atonement. On the day of Jesus the curtain was torn by an unknown hand indicating that man can now approach God directly.

Chapter 27 –

The next item to be made ws the altar which would be used for sacrificing burnt offerings to the Lord. It was to be overlaid with bronze and all the utensils were made of bronze.

Verses 9 to 19 describe the rectangular courtyard for the tabernacle including all details on construction. The height did not allow anyone to look inside and they were to burn only pure olive oil crushed from olives as fuel for the lampstands.

Today we begin our reading in Exodus twenty where the Ten Commandments are given to the children of Israel. We will be reading through chapter twenty-two today.

Chapter 20 –

Verse 1-26

We see the centerpiece of God’s covenant with Israel is given to them in the form of the ten commandments. They present the minimum standards and reflect the righteousness of God. People have a desire to do wrong so these establish a guideline for people to follow.

• Do not have other gods besides me,
• Do not make an idol for yourself,
• Do not misuse the name of the Lord your God,
• Remember the sabbath day and to keep it holy,
• Honor your father and your mother,
• Do not murder,
• Do not commit adultery,
• Do not steal,
• Do not give false testimony,
• Do not covet.

These are the ten given to the people. How do you interpret these and apply them in your life<

They were to erect an altar with only natural materials untouched by human hands.

Chapter 21 –

Verses 1-11

These next three chapters present the ordinances that are more specific than the ten commandments.

An Israelite may sell himself into slavery for various reasons, maybe to pay off a debt. Slaves were in a vulnerable situation and had to be protected especially female slaves (21:7-11).

Verse 12 – 36

Personal injury judgements are now spoken of these verses. The most serious is homicide and the death penalty is prescribed for it. Physical or verbal abuse if a parent was a capital crime. Compensation was required to the injured party.

Here is an interesting note. Compensation was mandatory for accidentally causing a premature birth, even if the no injury resulted. Clearly then an unborn infant is considered a person with basic rights.

Animal owners were accountable for any injury or injuries their animals inflicted upon another party. Thieves must make full restitution, if Aman damaged a neighbor’s crops, he had to make full restitution.

Crimes such as sorcery, bestiality, and sacrifices made to gods were capital offenses. The people were not to curse God or his appointed people.  Laws were strict in those days requiring compensation for wrongdoing.

Chapter 22 –

Verses 1-9

The Israelites were to deal fairly with all people, showing no favoritism whatsoever. No person was to be treated with injustice.

Verses 10-13

Israel was to observe a variety of Sabbaths and festivals of rest for the people. This was expanded to provide a sabbath for the land to recognize God owned the land.

Verse 24-19

Three festivals are outlined in these verses: the Festival of Unleavened Bread held in conjunction with the Passover, The Festival of the Harvest also known as the “The Festival of Weeks” or “Passovers.” And finally, The Festival of Ingathering took place at the end of the year.

Verses 20-26

Here God is going to provide an angel to guide and direct them. But the caveat was they had to obey Him, they had to wipe out their enemies and destroy or demolish their objects.

Verses 27-33

God thoroughly promised to drive their enemies out of the land gradually or the land would become desolate. He outlined the borders of the Promised for them. They were to make no covenants with any people.

Today we are reading beginning with Exodus chapter sixteen

Chapter 16

Verses 1-7

We see the Israelites grumbling and note in verse it says all the congregation. That means six hundred thousand men plus women and children. Can you imagine thinking making bricks in Egypt was a better life than this. But God heard their grumbling and provided for them. They were to gather only a day’s need of food He provided.

Verses 8-21

God was leading them and protecting them but they could not see His hand any to clearly. He gave specific instructions for them to follow. Take what you need for the daily supply, our daily bread. Verse twenty but they did not listen to Moses and left some part until morning and it bred worms and became foul.

Verses 22 -35

They were told to gather twice as much on the sixth day because they were to observe the sabbath and no manna would be available yet some go out to gather it (vs. 27). No one was supposed to go out and they rested on the sabbath.

Chapter 17

Verses 1-7

Grumbling begins again as they have no water and again wish they were making bricks rather than having their freedom. But once again God provides and gives Moses’ instruction on striking a rock at Horeb. God will always provide we must wait for His moving.

Verse 8 – 15

The first war is recorded in Exodus with a battle against Amalek. Moses gave the plan to Joshua and he went to the top of the hill. Interesting that when Moses raised his arms Joshua prevailed but when they dropped Amalek prevailed. Be sure to check out the account of what happened in verses eleven through thirteen.

Chapter 18

Verses 1 – 16

Jethro the father-in-law of Moses comes to visit and Moses tells him all that has happened to Pharoah and their journey out of Egypt. Jethro rejoiced over all that happened and in their success. Have you ever known someone who could enjoy the success of another?

Verses 19 – 27

Jethro counseled Moses and encouraged Moses to be the mediator not the judge. He should be telling the people about God and how to follow Him but that he should select men who were God-fearing to judge. Moses could continue to judge every major case but the minor cases should be left to others to decide.

Moses listened to Jethro and chose leaders to serve in the young nations new judicial system. God used a Gentile man to prove wise counsel to a Jewish nation.

Chapter 19

Verses 1 – 17

God told Moses if the people will obey the voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be My own possession among the peoples, of all the earth. They are to follow certain instructions a s to wash their garments and be ready to hear from God when called to listen.

Moses brings all the people to the foot of Sinai to hear from God.

Verses 18 – 24

When God revealed His presence to the people they all shuddered. Thunder and lightning along with a dark cloud appeared and the deafening sound of a trumpet. Moses ascended the mountain to hear from God the goes back to tell the people what God has told him. The people were to remain at the mountain’s base.

Our reading today takes us through chapters 13, 14, and 15 where we read of the deliverance of the Israelites from the hand of Pharoah and the Egyptians.

Chapter 13 –

Since God had destroyed the firstborn males of all the Egyptians and spared the firstborn of Israel, He declared that Israel were to consecrate or dedicate to Him their own firstborn. When theyarrived in the land of the Canaanites every firstborn was to be presented to the Lord. This became a teaching moment for the parents to teach their children about their deliverance.

Important to note the path that God took them on toward the Red Sea. If they had gone in a different direction, it would have been toward Philistine which would have meant a battle they were not ready for at this time. He led them along the road to the wilderness and to the Red Sea.

Chapter 14 –

At this point, the Lord had Moses’ change direction of the Israelites (14:1-2). He did this so Pharoah would hear of it and become convinced that they were wandering around the land in confusion. God’s judgement was not yet complete on Egypt, one more time Pharaoh’s heart would be hardened.

He acted as God knew he would and he regretted allowing the “worker” to leave Egypt. He garners six hundred chariots and sped after them. Israel sees them coming and is immediately terrified of the sight and cries out for God’s help. They were in a dilemma. Often God uses a dilemma to show us who He is. They even start murmuring they would be better of back under bondage making bricks sound ungrateful to you.

Moses to their recue through God. Don’t be afraid. Stand firm and see the Lord’s salvation…The Lord will fight for you; you must be quiet. God did not give Israel a plan of attack only said to them “see His salvation.” They needed to turn from fear and see the Lord will fight for them.

God instructs Moses to extend his staff over the Red Sea and when he does the sea is parted and dry ground appears before their eyes. An escape route has been placed before them. Do we look for unexpected miracles in our lives?

As the Egyptians begin to pursue God threw them into confusion and caused their wheels to swerve. They realized that God was fighting for His people and tried to get away but to no avail. God tells Moses to stretch his hand over the sea and the waters come together. Not one Egyptian survives. Pharoah who defied the Lord is now dead.

Chapter 15 –

As a result of being delivered they begin to sing praise to God who delivered them. God has shattered their enemy as well as His enemy. The gods of Egypt had proven to be powerless against our mighty God.

The final verses of the song look to the future God will lead the people He has redeemed. Miriam the first prophetess identified in the Bible leads the women in  celebration of their freedom.

Three days travel and they’re grumbling again. No water a necessity in the wilderness, but in spite of the bitter water God once again comes to their rescue. Despair struck them and God delivers. God instructed Moses to throw a tree … into the water and as a result it becomes drinkable. WE would expect the Israelites had learned God would deliver them after crossing the Red Sea but three days alter they have forgotten what he could do.

After the test, God explained a statue for the Israelites. If you carefully obey the Lord your God…I will not inflict any illnesses on you that I inflicted on the Egyptians. For I am the Lord who heals you.

God then directs them to an oasis of water where twelve springs of water flowed and seventy date palms grew. He was constantly with them.

Pharoah continues to harden his heart toward the God of the children of Israel as we read today from chapters 10 to 12. More plagues come upon the Egyptians because of Pharoah.

Chapter 10 –

God could have easily led His children out of Egypt without all the plagues being palce d up the Egyptians but He wanted true repentance from them. All he wanted was obedience but over and over we see rejection

Locusts cover the land and even eat and destroy the grain left from the plague of hail. All vegetation is once again destroyed. There was nothing green left. God shifted the wind and the locusts were gone as quickly as they came in when Pharoah repented. Even Pharoah’s servants were asking him how long will this man be a snare to us?

Pharoah refuses to allow them to leave and darkness comes over Egypt as promised by Moses and Aaron. Note verse 23 but all the sons of Israel had light in their dwellings. Again Pharoah says he will allow them to go and worship but refuses (again) and now threatens Moses that if he ever saw him again he would kill him.

Chapter 11 –

This is a rather short chapter but leads us into the last plague and by far the most severe. Moses was thought of very highly in the land of Egypt both to people and the servants of Pharaoh. This plague would kill the first born of all the children and the cattle as well.

Chapter 12 –

Chapter 12 describes the greatest of Israel’s annual festival: Passover. By faithfully putting into practice this ritual the Israelites would be protected by God from the plague of the first born. Then every year after this one they were to celebrate the Passover to remember how God saved them. The month in which Passover was to be celebrated would be the first month of the Jewish calendar (12;2). It includes portions of the moths of March and April.

Each family was to select a twelve-year-old male lamb, unblemished on the fourteenth. The Israelites wee to take some blood and place it on the both doorposts as well as the lintel of the door. They were also dressed for travel and to hurriedly eat the meat roasted along with unleavened bread and bitter herbs.

This Passover foreshadowed the coming of Jesus. Once Moses received the instructions of the Lord, he passed them along to the elders of Israel. When the Israelites heard what was about to happen, they bowed and worshipped God.

At midnight the firstborn of the those without the blood on their doorposts and lintels were struck dead and loud wailing was heard throughout Egypt. When this occurred the Israelites were free and the Egyptians gave them silver…gold…and clothing.

Six hundred thousand able bodied men left Egyptian soil that night in the exodus. With women and children the number of people were two million God had certainly blessed the people from the seventy descendants of Jacob who had come to Egypt, they were in Egypt a total of four hundred and thirty years. This is just as the Lord had promised Abraham.

Verses 43 – 51 describe how and who may partake in the Passover. Note one thing here they were not to break any bones regarding the sacrifice. When Jesus was crucified the soldiers did not break His legs – which was hastened to bring death quicker, He was already dead when they broke the legs of those beside Him.

Today we begin in the book of Exodus. No particular writer of Exodus has been identified but it was most likely Moses. Exodus opens up where the Book of Genesis ends with the death of Joseph. But by 1:8 the narrative has surpassed three hundred years.

The first half of the book describes to exodus of the Israelites out of Egypt through the miraculous deliverance of God in the plan. The second half explains how God entered into covenant relationship with Israel (in spite of their sins), gave them His law, and established the tabernacle.

Chapter 1 –

The word of God had come to pass as the descendants of Joseph did in deed multiply and after the death of Joseph and his brothers the new king came into power and did not know Joseph.  He decides to exploit the Israelites to make bricks and get economic results out of them.

Pharoah in his concern for the growing population decides to implement a program to kill all male babies but the midwives said they arrived too late to kill the babies who were born. When his plan did not work, he commanded all his people to throw every son born to the Hebrews into the Nile.

Chapter 2 –

A woman from the family of Levi had a very beautiful son and she hid him for three months trusting God over the Pharoah. At some point she could hide him no longer, she prepares a basket and places him in the Nile River. Pharoah’s daughter arrives to bathe and finds the basket. Moses is now saved from death.

He ultimately became the son of Pharoah’s daughter who names him Moses. He grows but is alarmed at the oppression of his people and rises against an Egyptian and kills him for assaulting and fighting with a Hebrew. Once he kills the Egyptian in fear he flees.

Chapter 3 –

Moses was an eighty-year-old man working for his father-law when things dramatically changed for him on Mount Horeb. Moses is about to have afresh encounter with God. The burning bush story now comes into play with Moses. Moses hid his face from God – in other words he took God seriously.

God had singled Moses to lead His people out of Israel but Moses found a series of excuses to try to avoid his calling and mission. Upon arguing with God we hear a familiar phrase from God “I am who I am.” By describing himself this way He is affirming His self-existence and self-sufficiency. Moses tells the people he is sent by the one true God.

God made it clear to Moses that Pharoah would not consent to freeing the people. As a result God would respond in ways of miraculous power. The Israelites and Moses were to act in faith trusting God for the outcome.

Chapter 4 –

Moses was still nervous asking what if they did not believe him. God instructs him to throw his staff on the grown then pick it up. This still wasn’t good enough. He says he has never been eloquent and his mouth is sluggish. God knew of the weaknesses of Moses and He is aware of ours but that should not be a deterrent to not follow the leading of God. Moses excuses wee to no avail.

Chapter 5 –

The moment of confrontation has arrived and Moses is standing before Pharoah telling Pharoah he is to let the people go. Pharoah could have avoided a great deal of grief had he listened to God speaking through Moses. Pharaoh refused to obey.

The Israelites had been in captivity and forced to make bricks so in order to punish them he took away the straw for making bricks but did not reduce the demand for bricks although now they had to obtain their own straw. The Israelites scattered throughout the land to collect stubble for the bricks.

Now comes the blame game – the people blamed Moses so he shifted the blame to God. He accused God of making matters worse since He had not yet delivered them.

Keep in mind God told Moses Pharoah would not listen what did he expect?

Exodus chapters 6 through 9 we see Aaron’ s staff become a snake and plagues one through seven are placed on the Egyptians because of one man – Pharoah.

Chapter 6 –

God did not rebuke Moses because He saw the strain Moses was under Now God said you will see what I will do to Pharoah. God reminded Moses of the covenant He made with the patriarchs and He was going to fulfill His promise in the covenant made with them.

God’s plan was to set Israel free for fellowship not that they do their own thing but the worship and fellowship with Him. But the people refused to listen because of their broken spirit.

The story is interrupted by listing the genealogy of the of the heads of the family.

God identified who He wanted to lead the people out of Egypt.

Chapter 7 –

Moses and Aaron had the right credentials to do the work. Pharoah’s heart was hardened and he refused to listen to Moses as he spoke through Aaron. Moses and Aaron did just as the Lord had commanded them to do., they go to Pharoah and to try to persuade him to release the Israelites and let them go by signs from God with the staff of Aaron. He magicians copy the same acts of God but their staffs are swallowed by the staffs of Aaron.

The first plague is brought to the Egyptians by turning the water into blood in the River Nile. The magicians did likewise but probably on a smaller scale (7:22). Even if they could mimic the actions they could not reverse it.

Chapter 8 –

Moses and Aaron return with these words “Let my people go, so that they may worship me” (8:1). This time with Pharoah’s refusal a plague of frogs come upon the Egypt and frogs are everywhere. Pharaoh relinquishes and the frogs are gone but he does not follow through and then gnats came upon the land. Pharoah was given many opportunities to repent yet he failed to do so. The next plague is swarms of flies and insects but look closely at verse 22, what does that tell you about the area where the Israelites were?

The next plague is one brought to livestock in the field. The livestock of the Hebrews would not die only those of the Egyptians. Although Pharoah saw none of the livestock of the Hebrews dead he refused to relent.

Chapter 9 –

Then came the plague of boils covering the nation to where even the magicians could not stand face to face with Moses. Before unleashing the seventh plague on Egypt God warned Pharoah to release the Israelites. God was giving him a chance to repent realize God was God and he was not.

In verse 16 we see “I have let you live for this purpose, God continued, to show you My power end to make my name know on the whole earth.  Because of the unwillingness of Pharoah plague number seven was to come this time hail ws to rain down as the worst hail in Egypt. Everyone not under some type of cover would die both man and animal. Guess what it hailed everywhere but in Goshen where the Israelites were.

Pharoah ultimately confesses his guilt and begs Moses to pray for him. Moses however said to him I know that you still do not fear the Lord God. (9:30).

This is an interesting note in verse 31 to 35. Even in the midst of the plagues God was still merciful to Egypt. The flax and barley were destroyed, but the wheat and the spelt were not damaged because they ripen late.

Today we conclude our journey through the Book of Genesis. It is a wonderful journey to look at the creation story, the life of Abraham and his family. In Genesis we see deceit, lying, faith, and ultimately deliverance.

Chapter 48

Jacob’s life was coming to an end he brought his two sons to receive a special blessing from Jacob. Joseph places the sones in front of Jacob in order for them the receive their blessing with Manasseh on right as the first born and Ephraim on the left. But Jacob crosses his hands much to the shock of Joseph. Interesting that Joseph would be upset after all his father and grandfather were younger brothers as he was.

Jacob as he reflects on his life sees how God had led him as he tended sheep and now sees God leading and protecting as he cared for the sheep under his watch.

Jacob bestows on the two boys, two blessings. The lesser blessing that they grow (48:16) a blessing we would want for our grandchildren. to be numerous within the land. The second was they be called by (his) name and the names of (his) fathers Abraham and Isaac (48:16).

Even though the family would grow numerous in Egypt God would deliver them back to the land of their fathers.

Chapter 49

He then called all the other brothers of Joseph to his bedside for their final blessing of their father. Joseph offers prophetic words to his sons beginning with the three oldest: Rueben, Simeon, and Levi. He dismisses them for leadership: Rueben had slept with his father’s concubine, Simeon and Levi were men of violence because of the attack on Shechem because of the sin against their sister Dinah.

One might think that Joseph would be the obvious choice to continue the messianic line but it would be Judah. He was full of power and majesty like a lion. The milk and wine imagery was meant to communicate richness and plenty.

He follows with the remainder of the sons:

• Zebulun would be given land by the sea and become fishermen,
• Issachar would become a laborer and ultimately his life would lead to slavery,
• Dan would prove to be treacherous like a snake by the road. He leases the land to the Philistines and ends up in idolatry.
• Gad, Asher, and Naphtali (all sons by a concubine as was Dan) Gad would be attacked by raiders living in conflict, Asher would live a life worthy of his name which meant “blessed” and Naphtali would be a free people living in the mountains to the north.

Joseph (his favorite) spends a great amount of time on Joseph and Benjamin, the sons by Rachel.

• Joseph would be a fruitful vine beside a spring (48:22). He would succeed not only for his sake but for the sake of others.
• Benjamin was characterized like a wolf that tears his prey and divides the plunder (49:27).

Jacob dies and asks to be buried with Leah who finally gets the honor that eluded her in her lifetime.

Chapter 50

Jacob is embalmed after the style and custom of the Egyptians showing royal honor, he is embalmed and mourning continues for seventy days a phenomenal showing of respect that reflects how the Egyptians loved Joseph.

The brothers all accept the gifts and blessings of their father yet they were uneasy knowing dad had died and possible Joseph still held some contempt for them. The were fearful and in doing so they lied (again) as many people would. They sent a message saying it was from their father saying they were slave.

Joseph’s response was once often quoted “You planned evil against me; God planned it for good.”

Joseph showed kindness to his brothers allowing vengeance to be had by God. The longer we hang onto an unforgiving spirit the more we harm ourselves.

Joseph ended his days living in peace.

You will find some longer reading today chapters 43 to 47 but it is interesting reading when you look at it from a perspective of deliverance.

Chapter 43

The famine continues and Jacob’s family soon runs out of food so Jacob sends his sons to Egypt to buy food.  Restoration is about to take place in the household of Jacob. Joseph inquires if there are any additional brothers in the house and they reply there is one who Joseph sends for his younger brother Benjamin. Jacob reluctantly sends Benjamin to Egypt. In addition to Benjamin he sends several valuable gifts.

When they return, they are taken to Joseph’s house where a feast is prepared for them. When they arrive, they meet with Joseph’s chief steward and try to make amends for what had happened. Simeon is reunited with his brothers. When Joseph sees Benjamin, he cannot control himself and excuses himself to weep over his brother.

Here is something interesting they were seated s to their birth order and no Egyptians would have known that.

Chapter 44

As Joseph’s brothers prepare to leave Egypt there is one final test as the silver cup of Josephs is placed in the sack of Benjamin therefore framing Benjamin with theft. The penalty for such an act would have been for the guilty party to become the slave of Joseph. The brothers of Joseph have changed at this point in their lives when Benjamin is found with the cup they all tore their clothes.

Upon returning back to Joseph after the cup is found Judah steps up once again and asks to stay in behalf of Benjamin.

Chapter 45

Joseph, unable to contain himself any longer, sends everyone away and the reunion occurs. Joseph who could have been bitter says this “God sent me ahead of you to preserve life” (45:5). Sometimes we do not understand God’s plans but think about this if anything had changed in Joseph’s life the plans of God could have been thwarted.

Pharoah was moved and gave the best of the land of Egypt and the richness of the land to his family. Restoration is taking place. Joseph as they leave tell them not to argue on the way home since it had taken years to bring unity. Jacob is stunned to know his son is alive and his spirit is revived. Hold on God is about to reveal a new plan to His followers.

Chapter 46

Even though Jacob was excited about leaving to see Joseph he must have thought about the promised land God had told him about. God appears to Jacob in a dream and he sees this journey is part of the promised land promise.

Twenty-two years had passed since Jacob had seen Joseph. It must have been quite a reunion and Jacob is ready to die now that he has seen his son. Joseph counsels them in Egyptian culture by explain to them how they should tell Pharoah of their occupation.

Chapter 47

Joseph’s family meets Pharaoh, they asked to settle in Goshen and Pharoah consents. The promise to Abraham had three parts:

• Multiplying his offspring,
• Giving them the promised land,
• Blessing all the families of the earth through them.

The famine drags on in the land. Under Joseph’s leadership the land avoids starvation, the Pharoah’s treasury is full of silver. Eventually the people of the land rum out of money and begin to barter with their livestock for food until all the horses, the flocks of sheep, the herds of cattle, and the donkeys in the region belonged to Joseph. Ultimately Joseph acquired all the land in Egypt for Pharoah requiring a tax of one fifth.