><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Exodus) CHAPTER 23:20-24:18 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 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 Christians 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: II; Heb. 9: 22. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Exodus) Chapter 23:20-24:18 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- God demands obedience and singleness of worship, but promises great protection from sickness and miscarriage or barrenness. That is a really amazing promise. He promises also to send His terror ahead of them and throw nations into confusion and make their enemies run away. Moses was the special one chosen to communicate with the Lord. (In the NT, Jesus is the mediator of a "new covenant" .) The division of the blood shows the dual aspect of the covenant. That on the altar is a symbol of God's forgiveness and mercy to accept the people, while that on the people represents an oath of obedience. (NIV Study Bible). The key word is obedience. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Exodus 23:20 - 24:18 The Covenant with Moses at Sinai The Blessings CHILDREN - "There shall be no one miscarrying or barren in your land;" LONGEVITY - "I will fulfill the number your days." 23:26; PROTECTION - "--- l make all your enemies turn their backs to you." 23:27. BOUNDARY - "--- from the Red Sea ---to the River of Euphrates;---" 23:31 The Conditions of the Covenant OBEDIENCE - "Be on your guard -- and obey His voice; ---." 23:21; WORSHIP NOT OTHER GODS - "-- not worship their gods, --." 23:24; NO OTHER COVENANTS - "-- no covenant w/them or their gods." 23:32; RESPONSE - "--- all the people answered -- We will do!" 24:3. Form of the Covenant A blood covenant, 24:6; Half of the blood sprinkled on the altar, 24:6; Half of the blood sprinkled on the people, 24:8. Confirmation of the Covenant "And the glory of the Lord rested on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it for six days; and on the seventh day He called to Moses from the midst of the cloud. And to the eyes of the sons of Israel the appearance of the glory of the Lord was like a consuming fire on the mountain top." 24:16-17 FOOTNOTES: Compare this covenant with the one that the Lord made with Abram in Genesis 15. That was a meat offering. Both Abram and the Lord walked through the middle of the halves of the offerings (traditional way for making a covenant in that time). However, the Lord did not show up until very late "and it came about when the sun had set, that was very dark, and behold, there appeared a smoking oven and a flaming torch which passed between these pieces." Gen. 15:17. The Lord promised Abram the same boundary as it recorded in Exodus 23:31. This is a prophecy not yet fulfilled. I trust it will happen some day, but may be in my days of the Lord; because He told us He would come back like a thief!!! Bible is an exciting book to read. Watch and Pray for the Blessings given to you and me. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) God promises great things for the people, but also demands certain things in return. He promises protection, and deliverance to the promised land; being an enemy to their adversaries, and deliverance of those enemies into their hands; removal of sicknes, no miscarriage; and fixing of their boundaries of their land. He requires: obedience, true worship of Him alone, servitude/humility; No covenants with the inhabitants of the land. God promises us similar things. He promises never to leave us nor forsake us, he promises that He will hear our prayer if we ask it in His name, and He promises all things will work for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. 2) This day was significant because it marked the ratification of the covenant. it was the sealing and accepting of God's contract with Israel. The people committed themselves to obedience. This covenant is referred to as the ministry of condemnation because it sets up an accountability that cannot be met. No matter how hard they tried, no one was able to keep the Law. Praise God for the ministry of righteousness which God delivered as the new covenant through His Son Jesus Christ. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Exodus) CHAPTER 25 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) What was the twofold purpose of the Tabernacle? See verse 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 I Jn. 2: I, 2 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Exodus) Chapter 25 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- A sanctuary is a holy place, "set apart". We should also have this place of our own. An actual, physical place where we study Bible really stimulates us to worship Him. The OT Tabernacle was a place for the Lord to dwell with them, and meet with them. The ark was a place for the Lord to give His commands to the Israelites. He gave directions to Moses from the cover of the ark. Later on, it would characterize Jerusalem as God's earthly royal city (NIV Study Bible). The cherubim were symbols of royalty, and were the bearers of the throne-chariot of the Lord. Psalm 18:10, "He mounted the cherubim and flew; he soared on the wings of the wind." -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Exodus 25 The Tabernacle The tabernacle is the center of worship while the Israelites lived through the wildness. It was built with the offering of every man that gives WILLINGLY. It is God's desire to live among us, 25:8. The Truth Concerning God Dwelling Among Men in the Tabernacle, Ex. 25:8; in the Temple, I Kings 8; in the man Christ Jesus, John 1:14; in the Church , Ephesians 2:20-22; in the Holy City, Rev. 21:3. The Truth Revealed in the Tabernacle The Bronze Altar - Christ's atonement of sin, Ex. 27:1 and John 1:29; The Bronze Laver (basin) - cleansing truth for our walk, Ex. 30:18 and John 13:5; The Golden Lampstand - Christ's light of grace, Ex. 25:31 and John 8:12; The Table of Shewbread - Christ sustaining power, Ex. 25:23 and John 6:35; The Golden Alter - Christ's intercession, Ex.30:1 and John 17; The Mercy Seat - Christ's becoming our sacrifice, Ex. 25:17 and Romans 3:25. [Salem Kirban Reference Bible] Closing Verse - Hebrews 9:24 "For Christ did not enter a holy place made with hands, a mere copy of the true one, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us" -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) THe tabernacle was to be a sanctuary for God to dwell among men v8. It was also to serve as the meeting place for God's speaking and directing of men. The word for dwell is indicative of a permanent residence, and place to reside. The word sanctuary indicates a sacred holy place. The tabernacle was God's holy residence among men. (Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible) 2) Again, the idea of the tabernacle/specifically the mercy seat being the meeting place of God and man is described. This indicated the separation of God and man and the approach only through the Holy of Holies and the mercy seat. When Christ died upon the cross, the temple curtain dividing the Holy of Holies was torn from the top. indicating a tearing from within and opening access to God to every man through Jesus Christ. This passage reminds me of a chorus titled Commune with me. Commune with Me - Kirk Dearman. Commune with me, commune with me, between the wings of the cherubim, commune with me. I worship You, I worship You, between the wings of the cherubim, I worship You, I'll meet you there, I'll meet you there between the wings of the cherubim, I'll meet you there. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Exodus) CHAPTER 26-27 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 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). =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Exodus) Chapter 26-27 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- The Tabernacle curtains were made of goat hair, were made of blue, purple and scarlet yarn. These were royal colors. Also, the dyes were from shellfish in the northeast Mediterranean. Did you know that this dyeing industry was so important that the promised land, Canaan, meant "the land of purple"? (NIV Study Bible). -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Exodus 26 - 27 The Gate and Door to the Everlasting Light The Tabernacle reveals to us the redemption of believers. For a sinful man to approach God, he must go through the Gate, 27:16, of salvation. It was made of four colors - heavenly blue, royal purple, bloody scarlet and fine linen, a type of the righteousness of Christ. Then, come to deliver a burnt offering in the brazen altar in the court yard to wash away our sins. After that, a wash basin to purify us in the bath (laver in Greek) with the water of His Word, Eph. 5:25. After these processes, we are qualified to approach the door, Ex 26:36-37; John 10:7, to the Holy Place to worship God. This place has covering (ceiling) and curtains, 26:7. There are pictures of Cherubims on them - a type of heavenly creatures. Now, we stay in a place with a lamp burning continuously with oil of beaten olives. The light of the Holy Spirit is always with us. Ex. 27:20. This light started from Moses time it continues through to this day shining with the glory of God through the Church. "--- if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin." I John 1:7. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) The curtains of the Tabernacle were of Linen, blue, purple, and scarlet material. There were 10 curtain layers. This created the Holy of Holies. THe next layer was the Holy place, that was covered with a tentlike covering. THe next layer was the courtyard with a gate and surrounded by pillars and screened with curtains. From without it would look plain and very tentlike. From within it would be a majestic looking palace fit for the King of Glory. Just as Christ was described in Isaiah 53:2 as not being very outwardly noticeable, so was the Tabernacle. But for the insider, He is everything to gain and nothing to lose. May we too count all things loss to gain Christ. Phil 3:8. 8 More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Exodus) CHAPTER 28 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) For the order in which the priest's garments were put on, see Lv. 8: 7-9. Each has some significance: the coat of pure linen (ver 39) indicating the high priest as a righteous man; the blue rob (verses 31-35) as a heavenly man; the ephod with the names of the tribes (verses 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 concerning 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? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Exodus) Chapter 28 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- Christ is our righteousness, our heavenly inheritance, the sacrifical lamb, and was without blame when he walked as an earthly man. Our response to this ought to be that of Colossians 3:23-24, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serivng." We should clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience (Col. 3:12b). -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Exodus 28 The Cloths for the High Priests When the priesthood was instituted in the Wilderness. Moses consecrated his brother Aaron as the first high priest of Israel. The high priest's dress represented his function as mediator between God and the congregation. He is a heavenly, righteous, representative and a holy man - a type of Christ. His dress represented his function as mediator between God and the people. His turban, mitre, identifies "Holiness to the Lord"; his garment is an ephod, a two-piece apron. He also wears a breastplate of judgment with twelve precious stones. In the pocket of the breastplate, directly over the high priest's heart, the mysterious stones, Urim-lights and Thummim-perfection, are there for major decision making. His most important responsibility occurs annually on the Day of Atonement. He enters to the Holy of Holies, in the tabernacle and makes sacrifice for himself and sins committed by all the people during the year. The personal obligations of a priest: They must not consume strong drink, Lev. 10:9; not clip bald spots on their heads, Lev. 21:5. They must not marry a harlot, divorced woman, widow or someone from another tribe. Their wife must be a virgin, Lev. 21:7. They could not have any bodily defects such as blindness or lameness, Lev. 21:16-21. "When Christ came as High Priest of the good things that are already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not man-made, that is to say, not a part of this creation. 12 He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption." Hebrews 9:11-12. "For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus." I Timothy 2:5. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) The high priest needed to cloth himself with righteousness(linen), heavenly covering(blue robe), man's representation(ephod), and holiness(gold plate). Similarly, Christ makes all these representations, but in the case of Christ, the perfect High priest, he does not need to PUT ON these things, He IS these, by His very nature. The high priest had to clothe himself in these characteristics, Christ is these by His nature and the actions He has performed. 2) If we seek to intercede for others in prayer, we need to insure that we ourselves are equipped for the task. We need to make sure we are righteous by clothing ourselves with Christ's righteousness, because our own will be as only filthy rags. We must put on the heavenly covering by humbling ourselves and seeking only the will of the Father. We must come to the father with ourselves and our will for those objects of intercession broken and the will of the Father in mind for those whom we are interceding. Finally, we must be make sure we are right with God and that we ourselves are coming with a clean slate. It is a daunting task to intercede on the behalf of others, and not one that can be taken lightly. We must constantly seek to break our will and let His will be done. Hebrews 4:16 Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Heb 10:19-25 19 Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; 24 and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, 25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Exodus) CHAPTER 29 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) In this instruction concerning the consecration of the priests, 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? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Exodus) Chapter 29 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- The daily sacrifices produced a pleasing aroma, an offering made to the Lord by fire. We should also, Rom 12:1, "THERFORE, I URGE YOU, BROTHERS, IN VIEW OF GOD'S MERCY, TO OFFER YOUR BODIES AS LIVING SACRIFICES, HOLY AND PLEASING TO GOD - THIS IS YOUR SPIRITUAL ACT OF WORSHIP." (Heb 13:16, I Pet 2:3 also very relevant to personal application of sacrifice) -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Exodus 29 Consecration of the Priests Consecration was done with one YOUNG bull and two rams WITHOUT BLEMISH, 29:1. "You shall take some of the blood of the bull and put it on the horns of the altar with your finger, and pour all the blood beside the base of the altar." 29:12. The blood sacrifice and cleansing in water, 29:4, was necessary for Aaron because he, too, was a sinner and needed it. "For the law appoints as high priests men who have weakness, but the word of the oath, which came after the law, appoints the son who has been perfected forever." Hebrews 7:28. The message reviewed to us in this chapter is that the Old Testament sacrifices COVERED our sin as an "at-one-ment", 29:33. Atonement in Hebrew word is kaphar; it means "covering". These Old Testament sacrifices never removed the sin of man (Hebrews 10:4). Christ sacrifice on Calvary once and for all put away sin (Romans 3:25). The word "atonement" does not appear in the New Testament. Christ becomes our propitiation to remove our sin from before God, Romans 5:11. [Salem Kirban] Further, the daily offerings were done in the morning and in the twilight, 29:38-39. Our devotion should also be practically to be in the morning and evenings. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) The priests were to be consecrated before God. This included an involved ritual with many parts. The first part was the washing. They were to be washed with water at the doorway to the tent of meeting. Next, they were to be anointed with oil on their heads. After this, they were to be clothed in tunics. Only after being washed and anointed(cleansed and filled) were they able to be clothed. Then, finally, there was a sacrifice made for them. In contrast to this, Christ, Our High Priest of a better covenant does not need to go through these rituals, but is cleansed, filled with the Spirit, clothed in righteousness, and blameless to begin with, and continually. Unlike the priests, who needed to be made this way and needed to be re-made continually, Christ is eternally the perfect High Priest. Heb 7:26-28 26 For it was fitting for us to have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens; 27 who does not need daily, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people, because this He did once for all when He offered up Himself. 28 For the Law appoints men as high priests who are weak, but the word of the oath, which came after the Law, appoints a Son, made perfect forever. 2) The daily burnt offerings given morning and evening were for drink offering, and a grain offering and an offering of fire before the Lord. The grain offering accompanied all the burnt offerings and was a praise and thanksgiving to the Lord. The drink offering was a symbolic pouring out symbolizing honor. These were as a petition, a morning and evening devotional time set aside for the Lord. To give honor and glory and praise to Him. May we too offer up our drink and grain offerings before the Lord and may we burn no strange fires to other gods, but worship the One True God. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Exodus) CHAPTER 30-31 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 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; I Jn. I: 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. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Exodus) Chapter 30-31 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Exodus 30 and 31 Sacred Life Trim the Lamp and burn incense in the Morning and at Twilight (scripture reading and prayers) - "Aaron shall burn on it sweet incense every morning; when he tends the lamps, he shall burn incense on it. And when Aaron lights the lamps at twilight, he shall burn incense on it, a perpetual incense before the Lord THROUGHOUT YOUR GENERATIONS." 30:7-8. Meanwhile, on Sabbath day, it is a day of resting and refreshing day before the Lord, 31:16-19. Christian life is a sacred life before God and the world. "--- for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." Hebrews 11:6b. "Therefore, do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of ENDURANCE, so that after you have done the will of God, you MAY receive the promise." Hebrew 10:35-36. As we go on to practice our faith, the worldly people may feel that it is a shame that these guys are wasting their time to search for something intangible. However, that is the definition of faith, Heb. 11-1. In fact, the ones who God calls to His service would also be equipped. "--I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in WISDOM, in UNDERSTANDING, in KNOWLEDGE, and in all manner of workmanship." Exodus 31:3. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) In Chapter 30 we see the description of the altar of incense and the bronze laver. These items served as a symbol of the need for daily prayer and cleansing. We need to offer up prayer to the Lord daily, and to seek His cleansing daily before approaching Him. PS 141:2 2 May my prayer be counted as incense before You; The lifting up of my hands as the evening offering. 1 Jn 1:9 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 2) God was the designer, man was the one who assembled the design into the final building. We can only be the assemblers of the grand design of God, but God delights when we take pride in the assembly work He has for us, no matter how repetetive or casual it may seem. If he has instructed us to build it, we must faithfully carry out the assembly of the grand architect and designer. Just as Noah executed the grand design of the ark for the salvation of his family, so the men in this chapter were faithful when called to carry out the design of the tabernacle.