><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Exodus) CHAPTER 15:22-16:36 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) What reason is given twice in this passage as to why God allowed His Redeemed people to suffer thirst, dissapointment, and hunger? Cf Dt8:2,3;1Pet 1:6,7 2) WHat response is demanded from those for whom God provides? In what ways does God's provision test this response? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Exodus) Chapter 15:22-16:36 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- The Lord wanted to test the Israelites' obedience. When God provides for us, we must follow His guidelines. The manna could not be kept overnight, and there were other specific instructions for the Sabbath. God provided in a way that the Israelites had to obey Him or else suffer the consequences. The manna would smell and rot with maggots if kept until morning. Those who try to do things in their own, "fleshly-minded" way will fail (e.g. Cain), whereas those who follow God's way (e.g Abel with a blood sacrifice) please Him. 2 Jn 1:6 says, "AND THIS IS LOVE: THAT WE WALK IN OBEDIENCE TO HIS COMMANDS. As you have heard from the beginning, His command is that you walk in love." -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Exodus 15:22-16:36 Take Your Daily Bread "And they gathered it morning by morning, every man as much as he should eat;" Ex. 16:21 We need to come before the Lord to take our fresh daily bread. Otherwise, "--- it bred worms and became foul;--" and Moses would be angry with you, because you do not follow the instructions from the Lord. EX. 16:20. In Chapter 12:40-50, Israelites were instructed to remember the Passover. In Chapter 13:3-6, they were told about the Feast of Unleavened Bread; to honor God with the first fruits of harvests, Lev. 23:9-14. These two feasts are in memorial of their redemption from slavery in Egypt, Ex20:8-11; Deut. 5:12-15. Now, we come to a point to observe the Sabbath. It was instituted to commemorate the wonderful preservation of their deliverance from Egyptian slavery. They are now free from the Pharaoh's bondage. The Lord demanded them, without choice, for this most important of the sacred festivals It is a day of rest. A holy day set aside to sanctify it for special purposes - in honor of God as their Creator and Redeemer. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 15:22-16:36 -------------------------------- 1) God allowed the people to suffer thirst, dissapointment, and hunger to humble them, and to test their obedience to Him. Deut 8:2,3 2 "You shall remember all the way which the LORD your God has led you in the wilderness these forty years, that He might humble you, testing you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not. 3 "He humbled you and let you be hungry, and fed you with manna which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that He might make you understand that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by everything that proceeds out of the mouth of the LORD. Verse 3 is quoted by Jesus when tempted by Satan after going hungry. 1 Peter 1:6,7 6 ¶ In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, 7 so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; This shows the testing under fire and refinement process God uses to purify those He calls. Without the refinement process, God would be left with subpar vessels. It is for this reason that we too go through suffering, trials, and test, that we may come our being more precious than gold tested by the refiner's fire. 2) God demands obedience and submission to His will. It can be seen through the provision of the manna. There was enough for a daily portion and double for the sabbath, but still the people tested God and saved up more. The result of our own attempts to provide for our own good is usually a cheapened rotting form of the great manna that God provides for us. May each of us be satisfied with the manna God has provided for us for the day, and not attempt to store up manna or go searching when God wants us resting. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Exodus) CHAPTER 17 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) What is the significance of the sequence of the two events recorded in this chapter? 2) What lessons are taught here about the importance of prayer and its relationship to activity in the life and witness of the church? What further lesson was Israel meant to learn from the defeat of Amalek?(v14-16) =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Exodus) Chapter 17 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- By lifting up his hands, Moses showed the Israelites' complete dependence on God for the power to defeat the Amalekites. The people had grumbled previously at Massah (means "testing") and Meribah ("rebellion). They began to doubt the Lord's presence with them. However, it was clear in their battle with the Amalekites that the Lord controlled the battle and gave them victory. We also need to lift up our hands/pray to the Lord each day. It shows our dependence on the Lord. The less we pray, the more we are showing that we believe God cannot or will not help us. The solution to our anxieties is also prayer, as it says in Phillipians 4:6-7 (everything by prayer and petition...). -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Exodus 17 17:1 - 7 Water from the Rock - Christ, the Living Water "Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock in Horeb; and you shall strike the rock, and water will come out of it, that the people may drink." 17:6 "and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ." I Corin. 10:4 The rock that was smitten and cleft to flow out the living water for God's chosen people (Exo. 17:6) was a physical rock. Yet it is a spiritual rock, cleft by God to flow out the water of life, John 19:34, to satisfy the thirst of His believers. 17:8 - 16 Jehovah - Nissi; The Lord is my Banner, Great triumphs over the trial of the bitter spring water; the trial over facing the hunger at Sin; the trial of suffering thirst at Rephidim camp; the struggle of the flesh oppression against the spirit - to fight against the Amalekites, the long-standing enemies; they were descendents of Esau's grandson, Amalek, Gen. 36:12. HALLELUJAH !!!!! -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) We see in this chapter two distinct events. The first being the water from the rock, and the second, the deliverance of the Amalekites into the hands of the Israelites. In the incident with the rock and the water, the people complained to Moses again about the conditions and God's provision. There was no water for them to drink, and they did not trust the Lord to provide. God gave Moses the way for the people to be satisfied. Just as in the New Testament God provides Christ, the stream of living water, who satisfies body and soul. 2) The importance of prayer is shown in the second incident in the chapter. The defeat of the Amalekites was brought about by the prayer of the leader of God's people. Moses when he lifted up holy hands saw the Israelites prevail in their war against the enemy. The next interesting note is that when their leader Moses got tired, there were others to lift him up and to keep up the prayer support to cause the victory for God's people. We too need to lift up our leaders in the church as well as each other that we (the Bride of Christ) may see the victory in life. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Exodus) CHAPTER 18 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) COnsider the parts played by Jethro, Moses, and God in this chapter. What can we learn about guidance from this? 2) What kind of men are to be chosen as rulers of the people of God? Cf Acts 6:1-4. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Exodus) Chapter 18 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- Good advice from godly men is to be heeded. If we make company of godly people, we will surely receive godly advice. Proverbs 27:17, "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." That is why it is important that we choose good, Christian friends. Although we should not shun unbelievers (Jesus didn't), clearly we can encourage and build up the character of fellow believers. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Exodus 18:21 The Able Men "--- you shall select out of all the people ABLE MEN who fear God, [1] men of truth [2], those who hate dishonest gain [3] ---" [1] "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge" Proverbs 1:7 [2] "if he does not land money on interest or take increase, if he keeps his hand from iniquity, and executes true justice between man and man, if he walks in My statutes and My ordinances so as to deal faithfully he is righteous and will surely live, declares the Lord God." Ezekiel 18:8-9 [3] "For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith, and pierced themselves with many a pang." I Timothy 6:10 These are the godly men and women in church As pillars in God's house. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) Jethro gives Moses wise counsel from a point of greater life experience. Moses heeds the wise advice of his father in law. We can see here that Jethro told Moses what to do but salted it with, if God find it pleasing then continue to do it. The key element here is to seek what God desires, not what we think is right or will work. As a leader, it is important to take the counsel of those wiser and more experienced, but as a leader of God's people, we need to seek His will first, a good counsel giver such as Jethro will realize this. 2) When choosing leader, we should look for godly persons who are upright and trustworthy. Acts 6:1-4 says: 1 ¶ Now at this time while the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint arose on the part of the Hellenistic Jews against the native Hebrews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily serving of food. 2 So the twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, "It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables. 3 "Therefore, brethren, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task. 4 "But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word." May these examples be our charge when we select leaders to lead the body of Christ. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Exodus) CHAPTER 19=20 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) What revelation is given in these chapters concerning a) the character of God, and b) His purposes for His people? 2) What are the standards of worship and behaviour that God expects of His people? Try to summarize them briefly in your own words. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Exodus) Chapter 19-20 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- We get the picture of a Holy and "untouchable" God in the old testament. His Holiness made it impossible to even touch the foot of His mountain without being put to death. However, He wanted a relationship with His people, v5, "NOW IF YOU OBEY ME FULLY AND KEEP MY COVENANT, THEN OUT OF ALL NATIONS YOU WILL BE MY TREASURED POSSESSION. ALTHOUGH THE WHOLE EARTH IS MINE, YOU WILL BE FOR ME A KINGDOM OF PRIESTS AND A HOLY NATION." Such an honor and privilege, but required full obedience. We see in Jesus a "better" way, a humble servant who emobodied God Almighty. Our High Priest, Heb. 7:25-6, "Such a high priest meets our need - one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day...He sacrificed for their (our) sins once far all when he offered himself." Praise God that we can now approach Him through Jesus, our righteousness. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Exodus 19:6 A Kingdom of Priests "You shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. These are the words that you shall speak to the sons of Israel." Priests are the mediators between God and men, after the order of Aaron. "For every high priest taken from among men is appointed on the behalf of men in things pertaining to God, in order to offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins;" Hebrews 5:1 "where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek." Hebrews 6:20 "You also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." I Peter 2:9 "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;" I Peter 2:9 Priesthood: Appointed human priests - Aaron - Levi Everlasting priests - Melchisedec - Christ - Christians Exodus 20 Sabbath "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy ---" 20:8 "-----. The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath." Luke 6:1-5 Coveting "You shall not covet your neighbor's house; ---" 20:17 In Mark 10, when the Rich Young Ruler came to Jesus about inheriting eternal life. Jesus asked him about the first nine Commandments. His answer was "Teacher, I have kept all these things from my youth up." Mark 10:20. Then, Jesus referred to him about the Tenth Commandment - coveting: "One thing you lack; go and sell all you possess, and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me." Mark 10:21. He could not make it. Mark 10:22 "But at these words his face fell, and he went away grieved ---" This man had all the worldly possessions. He was young, rich and with authority. All these worldly goodness could not satisfy his heart. He knew there was something missing. However, he walked away sadly and waiting for the judgment day. Coveting, coveting and coveting, It is the hardest among them all. WATCH OUT !!!!!! -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) In these chapters, we see the essence of who God is. In Chp 19 we set the stage for perhaps one of the greatest revelations of God in the Old Testament - the giving of the Law. In 19 the people are prepared for the accepting of the Law. They accept God as their leader and guide, and submitted to His will. 2) In chp 20 we are given the 10 commandments. The Law. This and subsequent Mosaic law handed down in the next chapters would guide and shape the nation of Israel for generations to come. It is the foundation still to this day of much of the Jewish nation. We can summarize them in a few statements. First, God wants us to love Him, and Him only and to do so with respect and obedience (commandments 1-4). Next, we are to treat those around us with respect, starting from our immediate family our to others. Commandments 5-10. This is an oversimplification, but really does categorize the commandments. Love God, Love Others. If we would only live by the Golden Rule that Jesus used to summarize the Commandments, we would all be much better off. Love the Lord your God with all you heart, with all your strength, and with all your mind. Love your neighbor as yourself. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Exodus) CHAPTER 21:1-32 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) What are the principles underlying the laws about persons? In particular, what kind of relationship between slave and master is contemplated in v2-6? 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. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Exodus) Chapter 21:1-32 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- The laws regarding people seem to be based on a respect for human life, and punishment when that is violated. Notice the section title is "Hebrew Servants". The Lord's chosen people must not remain slaves forever - they are freed in the seventh year. The death penalty was inflicted in cases of violence and neglect, such as killing another person intentionally, attacking parents, even cursing of parents, killing either a pregnant woman or her baby wile fighting with another man. Animals (bulls) should also be put to death if they attack people. The owner would be held responsible for his animal if he failed to restrain it. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- I Exodus 21:1-32 Mosaic Law After Moses selected the able men to serve the Lord, 18:25-26. He set the rules as social code for them to be judges. Hebrew Slaves, 21:2 Hebrews are God's people, Genesis 14:13, who can not be slaves of anyone more than six year. "If you buy a Hebrew slave, he shall serve for six years; but on the seventh he shall go out as a free man without payment. How Would You Select Your Slaves? If you were a master in Moses' days, how would you select your slaves according to Mosaic Law? I would select may slave while he was single, 21:3. If I like the slave, I would find a woman for him, 21:3. With wife and children, he would be rooted WILLINGLY to live as my household and I would gain a faithful lifetime slave. Would you do the same? If not, why not? The Lord chooses us the same way. He wants us willingly to pierce our ears with a permanent mark to serve Him. Do you have a "pierced ear hole" for others easily to identify that you are a slave of God, Jesus Christ? Moses Code About Killing 21:12 "He who strikes a man so that he dies shall surely be put to death." Regarding a man strikes his slave, 21:21, "If, however, he survives a day or two, no vengeance shall be taken; for he is his property." Would Mosaic Law of punishing slave to death be an acceptable rule in today's social law? I do not think it would be practical anymore. The point is that the law would be set on the basis of cultural background of the time with the concept that masters own their slaves. Today, nobody should own his servant anymore. However, Mosaic Law would still be acceptable on theft issue such as "If the thief is caught while breaking in, and is struck so that he dies, there will be no blood guiltiness on his account. But if the sun has risen on him, there will be bloodguiltness on his account. ---" 22:2-3a. The Basis of the Christian Moral Life, Titus 2:11-13 "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, We shold live soberly, righteously, and godly, In this present world; Looking for the blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;" -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) This chapter outlines the laws that Moses gave to the men he appointed to help handle disputes. It would become part of a great oral tradition that would be passed on for generations and followed by the people. This first section deals with the issue of slavery. It sets up the terms of entry into a slave contract and the means of exit. In v6 it speaks of the ownership of the slave being identified by the piercing of the ear. We too should be identified to the world as slaves of the Most High by the piercing of our ear with our actions that demonstrate the faith which we hold. 2) The death penalty was issued in response to a human death, willfully commited by any creature, even an animal. This shows us the sanctity of human life in God's eyes. Mark 9:43-48 says: 43 "If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life crippled, than, having your two hands, to go into hell, into the unquenchable fire, 44 where THEIR WORM DOES NOT DIE, AND THE FIRE IS NOT QUENCHED. 45 "If your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life lame, than, having your two feet, to be cast into hell, 46 where THEIR WORM DOES NOT DIE, AND THE FIRE IS NOT QUENCHED. 47 "If your eye causes you to stumble, throw it out; it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye, than, having two eyes, to be cast into hell, 48 where THEIR WORM DOES NOT DIE, AND THE FIRE IS NOT QUENCHED. This type of eye for an eye thinking was very prevalent in the days when this was setup amongst other nations as well. The code of Hammurabi in Babylonian society were based upon such laws. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Exodus) CHAPTER 21:33-23:19 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 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 22:27;23:7. Against what sin does He say that His wrath will wax hot? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Exodus) Chapter 21:33-23:19 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- If one uncovers a pit, inter-owner bull injury, theft of animals, theft in general and owner defense, grazing guidelines, fire, entrusting valuables to neighbors, illegal possession, asking neighbors to care for animals. All these have detailed procedures. The Lord was very clear on social/legal matters. God has compassion on the poor. He demands that they are treated justly and civilly, but also says not to show "favoritism" towards a poor man either. One point especially emphasized is to not convict the innocent or accept false charges; both were done to Jesus Christ, our Lord. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Exodus 21:33 - 23:19 Moral and Social Codes 22:20 "Whoever sacrifices to any god other than the Lord must be destroyed." 22:21 "Do not mistreat an alien or oppress him, for you were aliens in Egypt." 23:9 "Do not oppress an alien: you yourselves know how it feels to be aliens, because you were in Egypt." 22:22 Do not take advantage of a widow or an orphan. 22:28-29 "Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people. Thou shalt not DELAY to offer the first of the rip fruits, and of the liquors: the firstborn of thy sons shalt thou give unto me." 23:6 "Do not deny justice to your poor people in their lawsuits." Sabbatical Rest 23:10-11 "For six years you are to sow your fields and harvest the crops, but during the seventh year let the land lie unplowed and unused. Then the poor among your people may get food from it, and the wild animals may eat what they leave. Do the same with your vineyard and your olive grove." Sabbatical year is for the purpose of giving the soil a chance to rest and seek its chemical and biological balance for enhancing the overall productivity of the land for years to come. Farmers practice sabbatical rest for ultimate agricultural results. It is also a way that university professors to apply the same concept for refreshing their knowledge. It is a shame that other trades do not adopt this divine theory to stimulate their results. Hebrews 4:10 "for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his own work, ---" Mosaic Law - Mountain Sinai vs. Grace Through Christ - Mount Zion Hebrew 12:18 - 29 "You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom and storm; ----22. But you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. --- 28. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, 28. For our God is a consuming fire." -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) Careless neglect is shown in many ways in this chapter. The end result is usually restitution. Things covered here included: theft, property damage, dishonesty in transactions/ contracts. In all cases, there is a reckoning or recompensation that must be done so that things are made right. 2) There must be a reckoning for the wrongs done to those who are socially weak or unable to take care of themselves too(poor, widows, orphans...) This section shows God's love for those persons. In v28 it tells us we should not curse God, then almost equates cursing our leaders to the same. The affliction of widows and orphans is an offense for which His anger will burn. May we too heed these laws and look to their intent and the implications that these offenses have in our relationship to the God - man relationship.