INTRODUCTION TO EXODUS

Exodus is the second book of Moses. It begins with Abraham's descendants in slavery in Egypt. They had become a great multitude, but their life in slavery was hell. Pharaoh represents all systems and men who oppress other men. The lives of the slaves in Egypt is a vivid picture of slavery to sin. The slaves in Egypt had secure jobs and enough to eat. But they had no hope and no direction. They learned to accept fatalistically an existence without freedom and without meaning.
Exodus 2:24 says that God heard their groaning and remembered his covenant with Abraham (Ge 15). He saved and trained one man, Moses, and sent him to deliver his people.
The key verses of Exodus are 19:4-6. These verses provide an outline for the book. "You have seen what I did to Egypt..." God performed ten acts of judgment on the Egyptians, and brought Israel out of Egypt (1:1-13:16). "And how I carried you on eagle's wings and brought you to myself." God enabled his people to cross the Red Sea as on dry land. He trained his people in the wilderness and brought them to Mount Sinai (13:17-19:25). There he gave them the law and made a covenant with them (20:1-40:38). His purpose was to make them a holy nation and a kingdom of priests. The first half of the book is about getting Israel out of Egypt; the second half, about getting Egypt out of Israel.

A KING WHO DID NOT KNOW JOSEPH

Exodus 1:1-14
Key Verse: 1:8

1. The Israelites filled the land (1-7)
God had brought Jacob's family--70 persons--to Egypt so that he might make them into a great nation. Now, 400 years later, they had become a great multitude. They could never have become such a numerous and homogeneous people if they had remained as nomads in Canaan. Furthermore, God used the furnace fires of Egypt to mold them into a nation.

2. Egyptian policies (8-14)
Joseph had been instrumental in saving Egypt, but when the dynasty changed, the new king did not remember him. The king only knew that the land was filled with Hebrews, and he feared them. Because of fear, greed and the desire for an easy life, the Egyptians enslaved and oppressed the Israelites. The Egyptians tried to reduce their numbers by using them ruthlessly to do hard labor. They wanted many weak Israelites to die. God was with the Israelites, however, and they continued to increase in number.

Prayer: Lord, in the darkest and most senseless times you are working out your purposes. Teach me to trust you.

One Word: The Sovereign God turns evil into good

WOMEN WHO FEARED GOD

Exodus 1:15-22
Key Verse: 1:17

1. Shiphrah and Puah fear God (15-19)
The cruel policies of the king did not slow down the birth rate of the Hebrews. The more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied. So the king of Egypt took more drastic measures. He commanded the two Hebrew midwives to kill the newborn baby boys. But the midwives feared God more than they feared the king. The lamp of faith in Israel had not gone out.

2. God blessed the midwives (20-22)
The king rebuked the midwives because the Israelites continued to increase in numbers. They told the king that Hebrew women were stronger than Egyptian women. God blessed the midwives with families, and he blessed the nation with increased population. God blesses and uses people who fear and obey him more than they fear men. The king, however, did not give up. He ordered the boy babies thrown into the Nile.

Prayer: Lord, teach me to love and fear you so that you may use me as a blessing to this nation.

One Word: Fear God more than the king

GOD SAVED MOSES

Exodus 2:1-10
Key Verse: 2:10

1. Moses' parents (1-4)
Moses' parents (Jochebed and Amram) were Levites. Their second son was born under an edict of death. They defied the king's edict and hid the baby as long as they could. His mother believed that God had a special purpose for her son. She believed that God who gave him to her would save him and use him. By faith, she did what she could, and God did the rest (Heb 11:23).

2. Pharaoh's daughter (5-10)
Moses' mother put him in the Nile River, but she did not throw him in; she made a water-proof basket, placed the baby in it, and put it among the reeds near the river bank. It was no accident that Pharaoh's daughter was the one who discovered him. So God provided Moses with a palace education. And his own mother was given a chance to instill faith in his heart as she nursed him and prayed for him.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for saving one person in order to save a nation. Help me to see the great importance of one person.

One Word: God drew him out of the water

MOSES' WILDERNESS TRAINING

Exodus 2:11-25
Key Verse: 2:25

1. Moses chooses to be a Hebrew (11-14)
Moses grew up in Pharaoh's palace, but he knew that he was a Hebrew. The suffering slaves were his own people. He could not repudiate them in order to enjoy princely privileges and the easy palace life. He realized that God had saved him and had given him the finest education in the land for a purpose. But when he acted out of human passion and killed an Egyptian, he found that his people resented him. They rejected his help and leadership, and he became a fugitive.

2. The priest of Midian (15-25)
When Moses fled into the wilderness of Midian, he lost everything. He had no direction. There in the wilderness he met Jethro and began to build a new life. Dreams of helping his oppressed people were gone. He married a country girl and became a family man, and for 40 years he took care of the dumb sheep of his father-in-law. But God who heard the groaning of his people was training one proud and able man to be their humble shepherd.

Prayer: Lord, train and use me in your work. Help me to wait on you.

One Word: Learn patience and faith

GOD CALLS MOSES

Exodus 3:1-10
Key Verse: 3:8

1. Holy ground (1-6)
Moses was taking care of sheep on the far side of the desert near Mount Sinai when he saw a bush burning. He went near to see why it was not consumed in the fire, and God called him by name. God who called Moses was not some vague spirit; he was the God of history, the God of promise, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob--the God his father had trusted. Holy ground is the place where a person meets God.

2. Go, I am sending you (7-10)
God called Moses to give him a mission. God saw the misery of his people in bondage. He came down to bring them out. He promised to bring them to a land flowing with milk and honey, a broad and good land–a land full of enemies to overcome. Despairing slaves needed hope and vision. He said to Moses, "Go, I am sending you. Bring my people out." God's promise planted hope in their hearts. God's promises are sure, but we must believe and act on them.

Prayer: Lord, the most desolate ground is holy when you are there to give us vision and hope.

One Word: God keeps his promises

"I AM" HAS SENT ME TO YOU

Exodus 3:11-22
Key Verse: 3:14

1. Who am I? (11-12)
Moses asked, "Why me?" when God told him to go and bring his people out of Egypt. God answered, "I will be with you." And he told Moses to bring the people to worship him on Mount Sinai. He would meet them there. This would be the sign that it was God who had sent Moses.

2. Who are you? (What is his name?) (13-15)
For 400 years God had been silent. But he had been there, watching as they multiplied and suffered. Now he was sending Moses to bring them out of their misery in Egypt. But Moses wanted to know the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. So he asked God his name. God's name is "I AM Who I Am" (YHWH or LORD). He is the God who exists. He was and is and always will be.

3. God promised; they would listen (16-22)
God told Moses what to do and what would happen, and how God himself would strike Egypt and bring them out of bondage.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for being there. Teach me to seek you and to trust and obey you.

One Word: God is with us now and forever

WHAT IS THAT IN YOUR HAND?

Exodus 4:1-17
Key Verse: 4:2

1. What is that in your hand? (1-9)
Once Moses had been confident of his ability to lead his people. He had depended on his palace education and human skill. But when he was able and confident, his people had rejected him. Now, after 40 years in the wilderness, he had forgotten everything. He was helpless. He told God, "No one will listen to me." So God asked, "What is that in your hand?" Moses had his shepherd's staff in his hand. That was enough. God made this ordinary staff become an extraordinary sign to confirm God's calling and Moses' leadership.

2. Who gave man his mouth? (10-17)
Moses' second objection was a lack of eloquence. God answered, "Who made your mouth?" God promised to be with him to help him. Still Moses said, "Send someone else." So God sent Aaron to be his mouth. God promised to tell them what to say and do. Then he told Moses to take his staff and go to Egypt.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for reminding me that I can do your work with what I have in my hand--if you are with me.

One Word: What is that in your hand?

MOSES RETURNS TO EGYPT

Exodus 4:18-31
Key Verse: 4:20

1. My firstborn son (18-26)
The firstborn son has a special place in his father's heart. God called Israel his firstborn son. Later, the slaying of the firstborn of Egypt by the passover angel was the event that softened Pharaoh's hard heart. Gershom was Moses' firstborn son. Moses had not circumcised him--given him to God. He had been living in a foreign country and had no sense of identity with God's people. He had lived a family-centered life. When Moses became very sick in the inn on the way to Egypt, Zipporah circumcised their son. A man with God’s mission must not live a compromised life.

2. Good news of God's love (27-31)
When Moses told Aaron and the elders of Israel the good news that God was concerned about them and had sent a deliverer, they believed him and bowed their heads and worshiped.

Prayer: Lord, pull all the roots of humanism from my heart, so that you may be the center of my life and ministry. Help me to tell the good news of deliverance from sin through Jesus.

One Word: God's love is not compromising

LET MY PEOPLE GO!

Exodus 5:1-21
Key Verse: 5:1

1. This is what the Lord says (1-5)
God’s word to Pharaoh was, “Let my people go.” Pharaoh rejected God's sovereign authority. He said, "Who is the Lord, that I should obey him? I do not know the Lord and I will not let Israel go." Pharaoh represents all the proud men of all times who deliberately reject God's sovereignty and do not acknowledge the authority of his word.

2. Bricks without straw (6-21)
When Pharaoh heard Moses' persistent request, he became very angry. He increased the work load of the slaves to their breaking point. He said that their problem was laziness. When men hear the word of God and reject it, they become more evil, and God's people suffer more. Moses had come to help, but it seemed that he only made matters worse. The Israelite foremen turned on Moses saying, “You have made us a stench to Pharaoh.” They feared Pharaoh more than they feared God.

Prayer: Lord, give me grace to speak your word without compromise, and faith to trust you no matter what the consequences.

One Word: "This is what the Lord says..."

GOD'S PROMISE TO REDEEM AND DELIVER

Exodus 5:22-6:27
Key Verse: 6:6

1. Lord, why have you brought trouble? (5:22-23)
Moses' effort to help the people brought more suffering. He cried out to God.

2. I am the LORD (1-8)
God is God Almighty who made a promise to Abraham. He revealed himself to Moses as the LORD, the Redeemer and Savior. He knows all about their suffering, and he cares. He remembers his covenant. His new name reveals his love and faithfulness. He promises to free them from slavery in Egypt, to redeem them by mighty acts of judgment. He will take them as his own people and he will be their God. He will bring them to the land he promised Abraham.

3. Israel's broken spirit (9-27)
The cruel bondage had broken the spirit of the people. They would not listen; they had no strength to believe God's promise. So God would teach them to believe. He sent Moses to Pharaoh. Moses’ family record identifies him as an Israelite of the tribe of Levi. He and Aaron obeyed God and went.


Prayer: Lord, help me to trust and obey you when the going gets tough.


One Word: Our God is almighty; he is love

THE EGYPTIANS WILL KNOW THAT I AM THE LORD

Exodus 6:28-7:13
Key Verse: 7:5

1. Aaron will be your prophet (6:28-7:6)
God knew that fluent speech would not convince Pharaoh. But Moses was still worried about his language problem, so God sent Aaron to be his spokesman. Even though Aaron would speak to Pharaoh in fluent Egyptian, God knew that Pharaoh would not listen. God's word would only make his heart harder. God himself would bring Israel out of Egypt with mighty acts of judgment. Then the Egyptians, the Israelites and all the world would know that God is the sovereign ruler of all the earth.

2. Aaron's staff becomes a snake (7:7-13)
Moses and Aaron stood before Pharaoh a second time. When Pharaoh asked for a miracle to prove their authority, Aaron threw down his staff and it became a snake. But the Egyptian magicians did the same thing, and Pharaoh's heart became harder. He did not repent. When God's word is rejected, the heart becomes hard.

Prayer: Lord, hasten the day when all the earth will know that you are God, and all people everywhere will bow down and worship you and obey your word.

One Word: Listen to God's word

THE FIRST THREE ACTS OF JUDGMENT

Exodus 7:14-8:19
Key Verse: 8:10b

1. The Nile turns to blood (7:14-25)
Pharaoh got up early to go out to the river, and Moses was waiting for him with God's message: "Let my people go..." Moses warned Pharaoh that if he did not heed God's word, he would turn the Nile River, the source of life and object of worship in Egypt, into blood. Aaron stretched out the staff, and the water turned to blood.

2. Frogs and the finger of God (8:1-19)
After seven days, Moses went to Pharaoh again with God's word: "Let my people go..." But Pharaoh's heart was still hard. So Aaron again stretched out his hand and staff, and frogs filled the land. They were everywhere--in beds, ovens, pots and pans. The magicians did the same thing by magic arts. But they couldn’t get rid of the frogs! Pharaoh pled with Moses to get rid of the frogs. When he did, Pharaoh again hardened his heart. He refused to acknowledge God's work. So Aaron struck the dust, and gnats filled the land. The magicians surrendered, saying, "This is the finger of God."

Prayer: Lord, teach me to listen to your word and acknowledge your mighty work.

One Word: Pay attention to God's word

GOD MAKES A DISTINCTION

Exodus 8:20-9:12
Key Verse: 8:22

1. Flies everywhere but Goshen (8:20-32)
God wanted Pharaoh, Egypt and Israel to know that the plagues were not just unfortunate natural disasters; they were God's hand of judgment on Egypt. He made this clear when he sent swarms of flies to plague Egypt, but protected his people. Egypt was ruined; Pharaoh said, "Go, just to worship...and pray for me." So Moses prayed, and the flies left. But Pharaoh reneged.

2. The Lord’s hand on animals and men (9:1-12)
Moses spoke God's word to Pharaoh again (1). He warned that the fifth act of judgment would strike the livestock of Egypt. The Egyptian livestock died, but not even one cow of Israel got sick. God keeps his word, even though Pharaoh is a liar. The sixth act of judgment fell on the bodies of men. All the Egyptians, including the presumptuous magicians, broke out with painful boils. But Pharaoh's hard heart became harder.

Prayer: Lord, help me to hear and obey your word with awesome respect and a repentant heart.

One Word: The Lord is in this land

THE FULL FORCE OF THE PLAGUES

Exodus 9:13-35
Key Verse: 9:16

1. Proclaim God’s name in all the earth (13-26)
God could have wiped the Egyptians off the face of the earth with one blow. But he did not. He had a larger purpose in these acts of judgment: he wanted to show them his power, so that his name might be proclaimed in all the earth--he had a world mission purpose. Moses warned the Egyptians, and those who feared the word of the Lord brought their livestock inside. Then Moses stretched out his staff and the hail, accompanied by thunder and lightning, poured down. It was the worst hail storm in Egypt's history. But no hail fell in Goshen.

2. This time I have sinned (27-35)
The terrible display of God's power frightened Pharaoh, so he acknowledged his sin and asked for relief; he agreed to let the Israelites go. Moses spread out his hands toward the Lord, and the thunder and hail stopped. But Pharaoh sinned again and would not keep his promise to let them go.

Prayer: Lord, may your name be proclaimed in all the earth; grant that all men everywhere may repent and turn to you.

One Word: Proclaim his name

THAT YOU MAY KNOW AND TELL YOUR CHILDREN

Exodus 10:1-29
Key Verse: 10:2

1. God's purpose in the signs (1-2)
The plagues were not only to humble the proud Egyptians; they were also to teach God's people his power and the certainty of his righteous judgment. They were to make this lesson history by teaching it to their children, so that future generations might fear and obey the Lord.

2. Locusts and darkness (3-29)
Moses warned Pharaoh about the impending invasion of locusts, and his officials put pressure on him to release the slaves. But Pharaoh calculated the material loss that losing slaves would bring, and he did not want to give up the easy life that slave labor afforded, so he refused. The locusts brought destruction beyond the stretch of his imagination, so he repented again. But as soon as the locusts were gone, he changed his mind. The ninth plague was darkness. It was a portent of the death soon to overwhelm the land.

Prayer: Lord, help us to fear and obey you, and plant faith in our children.

One Word: Tell your children

THE FINAL ACT OF JUDGMENT

Exodus 11:1-10
Key Verse: 11:9

1. The last act of judgment (1-3)
Moses had become famous in Egypt, and the Egyptians had developed a great respect for the people whom God had protected so awesomely. Now, God's time for the exodus was at hand. One more plague would strike the hearts of the Egyptians, and they would drive the Israelites out of Egypt. The Israelites would not leave empty-handed. They must believe God and obey him and prepare to leave.

2. The firstborn of Egypt will die (4-10)
Moses warned Pharaoh that all the firstborn of Egypt, from Pharaoh's son to the firstborn of the lowest slave girl, and the firstborn of the cattle, would die. The Israelites, however, would be protected. Moses delivered God's word and left in anger. He had grown from a hesitant man who needed his brother to do his talking, into a powerful spiritual general and teacher of God's word.

Prayer: Lord, help me to believe your promises and teach your word honestly.

One Word: Listen to God's word

THE BLOOD WILL BE A SIGN

Exodus 12:1-13
Key Verse: 12:13

1. A lamb without defect (1-11)
Chapters 11-13 deal with the passover. The nation of Israel was born in blood--the blood of the passover lamb. Jesus Christ is our Passover Lamb. The Lord gave Moses instructions about how to prepare and eat the passover meal: The lamb was to be without defect; its blood was to be put on the doorframes of each Israelite house. The flesh was to be roasted, and the meal was to be eaten in haste, with everyone dressed for travel. It was an act of faith and a matter of life and death to follow these instructions.

2. I will pass over you (12-13)
That night the Lord God of Israel would pass through Egypt with his hand of judgment. He would judge the powerless gods of Egypt; he would judge the proud Egyptians; his hand of judgment would strike all people who were not under the blood of the passover lamb.

Prayer: Lord, cover me with the blood of the Lamb of God (Jn 1:29).

One Word: Saved by the blood

CELEBRATE THIS DAY

Exodus 12:12-30
Key Verse: 12:17

1. It is the Passover (12-28)
God’s hand of judgment would fall on Egypt that night. He would pass through Egypt, slaying the firstborn of the Egyptians; he would pass over the houses marked with the blood of the Passover lamb. The Israelites were to celebrate this day down through the generations and teach their children about God’s grace and mercy, for it was the day of deliverance from slavery in Egypt (24-27). Moses told the people to go at once and slaughter the Passover lamb, and put its blood on their doorframes. The people worshiped God and obeyed.

2. At midnight (29-30)
At midnight the Lord struck down all the firstborn in Egypt. Only those households protected by the blood of the Passover lamb were spared. God struck the heart of Pharaoh; his own son died and his hard heart melted in grief. He let Israel go.

Prayer: Lord, help me to remember that you saved me through the blood of Jesus, the Passover Lamb, and to teach your awesome love to my children.

One Word: Celebrate what God has done

THE EXODUS

Exodus 12:31-51
Key Verse: 12:31

1. "Go, worship the Lord...also bless me!" (31-36)
Pharaoh's son died. So he summoned Moses and Aaron that night and ordered the Israelites to leave Egypt. The Egyptians feared God. They urged the Israelites to hurry, and, when asked, gave them all their valuables, fulfilling God's promise to Abraham (Ge 15:14) in awesome detail.

2. The Lord kept vigil that night (37-51)
They left in such a hurry that they didn't have time to add yeast to the dough. Later, they baked the unleavened bread in the desert--and ever after celebrated the Passover with unleavened bread. In verses 43-51 the Lord gives Passover regulations. So Israel left Egypt--430 years after Jacob and his sons had come. Jacob's family of 70 had become a multitude of 600,000 men, plus women and children. Many non-Israelites left with them. The Lord kept vigil that night to bring them out of slavery.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for keeping your promise to help all who believe and obey you to make an exodus from slavery to sin.

One Word: God brings us out of slavery

WITH A MIGHTY HAND THE LORD BROUGHT US OUT

Exodus 13:1-16
Key Verse: 13:14

1. Consecrate every firstborn male (1-2,11-16)
There were two ceremonies which God gave his people to remind them of his grace in delivering them from Egypt. First, every firstborn male, whether man or animal, was to be consecrated to the Lord. The firstborn belongs to God. The firstborn son must be redeemed by an animal sacrifice. God must have first place in the heart and life of every family and of every man and woman.

2. Keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread (3-10)
Second, they were to keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread and the Passover each year. By consecrating the firstborn and keeping the Passover they could remember God's grace and teach their children that God is almighty and that he loves them. God's people must plant a sense of history in their children.

Prayer: Lord, just as you brought your people out of bondage by your mighty hand, you redeemed me from slavery to sin by the precious blood of Jesus. Help me to remember your grace and faithfully teach my children and my sheep.

One Word: The mighty hand of the Lord

THE LONG WAY

Exodus 13:17-22
Key Verse: 13:18

1. Armed, but not ready for battle (17-19)
The shortest way from Egypt to Canaan was due east and then north. But God led his people south, toward the Red Sea. Why? They were too weak to fight the Philistines. They were infected with the fatalism of a slave mentality, and they needed to see and feel God's almighty power. He wanted to train them at the Red Sea; he wanted to train them in the desert; and he wanted to meet them at Sinai (3:12). Moses took Joseph's bones. This was tangible evidence that God keeps his promises (Ge 50:25).

2. To guide them on their way (20-22)
They were like sheep without a shepherd, so God came to their aid. He gave them direction. God led them through the wilderness with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. He led them by the long way. But the long way with God's sure leading is shorter than any shortcut.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the hard things that teach us faith. Lead me, and train me to live by faith.

One Word: So God led the people...

STAND FIRM AND SEE THE LORD'S DELIVERANCE

Exodus 14:1-14
Key Verse: 14:13

1. I will gain glory for myself (1-9)
All glory and praise belongs to the Creator God. God wanted to get glory from the proud Egyptians. He led them into a trap. He sent the fleeing Israelites into a pocket by the Red Sea. Pharaoh's heart was hardened by greed and pride; he saw the possibility of getting the slaves back. He realized that his comfortable lifestyle would be drastically altered without slave labor, and the situation of the fleeing slaves looked helpless, so he mustered his chariots and went after them.

2. Don't be afraid; stand firm (10-14)
The Israelites saw the Egyptians approaching and were terrified. There was no way of escape. They turned on Moses in anger and despair. They forgot about God's mighty acts in Egypt. A slave mentality has no spiritual awareness, no sense of history. Moses didn't know what to do either, but by faith he told them to trust God.

Prayer: Lord, give me faith to trust you in every circumstance; glorify your name.

One Word: Trust God; stand firm

WHY ARE YOU CRYING? MOVE ON

Exodus 14:15-31
Key Verse: 14:15

1. Move on (15-18)
The time to stand still was over. It was time to move on. But where? The sea was ahead, and the Egyptian army was advancing from behind. The Lord told Moses to raise his staff and divide the water and lead the Israelites through on dry ground. God would harden the Egyptian's hearts with prideful self-confidence, and they would follow Israel into the sea--to their death. God would be glorified in victory.

2. The Lord's protection (19-31)
The angel of the Lord and the pillar of cloud moved between the Israelites and the advancing Egyptians. Moses obeyed the Lord and stretched out his hand, and the waters divided. The Israelites went through the sea on dry ground. When the Egyptians pursued, the two walls of water collapsed and covered their chariots and horses and men. They tried to escape, but were thrown into confusion. That day God saved Israel from the Egyptians.

Prayer: Lord, in times of trouble help me to believe and obey. Help me to move on to claim your victory.

One Word: Stop crying and move on

THE SONGS OF MOSES AND MIRIAM

Exodus 15:1-21
Key Verse: 15:2

1. Who is like you, O Lord? (1-18)
Moses and the Israelites did not celebrate victory over Pharaoh and deliverance from Egypt with a wild party, eating and drinking. They celebrated with a song of praise to God for the greatness of his majesty, for his awesome power and glory. Moses sang about “God who is my strength, my song and...my salvation.” How a person handles success and victory is a test of his faith.

2. Singing and dancing women (19-21)
When the waters of the sea covered Pharaoh’s horses and chariots and soldiers, and the Israelites walked through on dry ground, the Israelites, led by Miriam and the women, sang and danced with tambourines. They, too, celebrated the Lord's victory.

Prayer: Lord, you saved me from sin and death through the blood of Jesus. You are my strength and song. You are my salvation. You are a great and awesome God. Praise be to your name.

One Word: God is my salvation and my song

I AM THE LORD WHO HEALS

Exodus 15:22-27
Key Verse: 15:26

1. Water for thirsty people (22-25a)
The people forgot God's grace and power in three days--for they could find no water in the desert. Then, they found a spring--but the water turned out to be bitter. They were disappointed and forgot God. They didn't pray--they grumbled against Moses. They were deeply infected with a slave mentality. When Moses cried out to God in prayer, God showed him what to do, and the water was healed.

2. Listen to God’s word and be healed (25b-27)
God was testing his people. Just as he healed the water, he would heal them of the diseases of Egypt–if they would listen to his word and obey it. They were infected with a slave mentality and all of the habits of life and ways of thinking that go with it. Slaves quickly forget grace. God heals men through his word. The next stop was Elim, where there was abundant water. This was a sign of God’s abundant blessing.

Prayer: Lord, heal me of my slave mentality that makes me forget your grace.

One Word: God's word brings healing

BREAD FROM HEAVEN

Exodus 16:1-36
Key Verse: 16:4

1. The meat pots of Egypt (1-3)
The people had come out of slavery in Egypt, but they were still stamped with a slave mentality. They were free. Before them lay the wonderful land God had promised. But still they longed for the free food and the irresponsibility of slave life in Egypt.

2. I will test them (4-9)
God told Moses that these people needed not only bread, but also training. He would give them bread--and also teach them obedience, diligence and faithfulness.

3. The glory of the Lord (10-36)
The Lord overwhelmed them by appearing in a cloud of glory. His instructions were very concrete: He wanted the people to get up early each morning and gather daily bread. They were not to get too much nor too little. They should honor the Creator by keeping the Sabbath. They should depend on God with humble and thankful hearts. Moses also taught them a sense of history
.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for spiritual and physical food--and for your training.

One Word: Depend on God and obey him daily

MOSES LIFTED HANDS OF PRAYER

Exodus 17:1-16
Key Verse: 17:11

1. Water from the rock (1-7)
The people grumbled and blamed Moses because they had encamped at a place where there was no water. They were full of a spirit of rebellion. Moses reached his human limits. He cried out to the Lord in prayer. The Lord told Moses to strike the rock; when he did, fresh water gushed out. God is gracious to undeserving sinners.

2. The Lord is my Banner (8-16)
When the Amalekites attacked, Joshua led a small army out to fight. Moses stood on a high hill with the staff of God in his hand, and his hands lifted in prayer. As long as his hands were lifted, the Israelites were winning. He couldn't eat or sleep while the battle was going on. When he got tired, Aaron and Hur held up his hands. The Lord gave victory through Moses' prayer and Joshua's sword. Moses built an altar and called it, "The Lord is my Banner,” for hands were lifted up to the throne of the Lord.

Prayer: Lord, teach me to overcome the flesh and pray until the victory is won.

One Word: Lift up hands to the Lord.

JETHRO VISITS MOSES

Exodus 18:1-27
Key Verse: 18:9

1. Jethro praises the Lord (1-12)
Moses' wife Zipporah and their two sons had been staying with her father Jethro. Now Jethro came to bring them to Moses, who was encamped with the people of Israel near Mt. Sinai. Jethro was not an Israelite, but he loved truth. When Moses told him what God had done to the Egyptians for Israel's sake, and how God had saved them, Jethro praised God. He became a worshiper of the God of Israel. He offered sacrifices to God and ate a fellowship meal with Moses and the elders of Israel.

2. Jethro's good advice (13-27)
Jethro was a mature man; he was not like the childish Israelites. When he saw the people standing around seeking Moses' help from morning to night, he advised Moses to delegate some of the work to trustworthy judges. He reminded Moses of his first responsibility--to teach the Bible to the people and to represent them in prayer before God. Moses had a humble, learning mind and he took Jethro's good advice.

Prayer: Lord, give me eyes to see your work and a heart to praise your name.

One Word: See God's work; praise his name

A KINGDOM OF PRIESTS

Exodus 19:1-8
Key Verse: 19:6a

1. On eagles' wings (1-4)
The Israelites were deeply infected by a slave mentality. They were childish--thoughtless, quarrelsome, irresponsible and demanding. They needed God's discipline. An eagle trains the young eaglet to fly by dropping him and catching him (Dt 32:11). God brought his people out of Egypt and led them through the desert to Mount Sinai on eagles' wings. In the desert they faced hunger, thirst and enemies; God taught them his power and his love. Now he was ready to give them his word.

2. A kingdom of priests (5-8)
There were many nations in the world, but God chose Israel. He wanted to give them his word, and make a covenant with them--an extension of his promise to Abraham. He wanted to bless them and train them to live by his word so that they could become a holy nation. He wanted to use them as a kingdom of priests--his missionaries to bring the rest of the world back to himself.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your word and your calling. Help us to become a kingdom of priests to serve you in our time.

One Word: Holy nation; kingdom of priests

THE HOLY MOUNTAIN

Exodus 19:9-25
Key Verse:19:16,17

1. To establish leadership (9)
Freed slaves are rebellious because they do not know the limits of freedom. They need to fear God, for this is the beginning of wisdom. God taught them awesome respect for himself and for his servant Moses. They could trust and obey Moses because they saw that he talked with God.

2. Preparing to meet God (10-15)
Man is unrighteous in thought, word and deed--but he longs for holiness. God is holy; man can only partake of his holiness by receiving and obeying his word. God put limits around the holy mountain, and instructed the people to consecrate themselves so that they might meet him.

3. The Lord descends (16-25)
The people assembled at the foot of the mountain. God descended to the top of the mountain in fire and thunder; he showed them his power and glory as smoke billowed up and the mountain trembled. He called Moses to come up. The people trembled.

Prayer: Lord, give me awesome respect as I come to you to pray and study your word.

One Word: Fear God and obey his word

FOUR COMMANDMENTS ABOUT LOVING GOD

Exodus 20:1-11
Key Verse: 20:3

1. I brought you out of slavery (1-2)
God's commandments rest on his grace. He saved his people from bondage in order to bless them and make them a blessing.

2. You shall have no other gods before me (3)
God demands first place in our affections and in our lives. He alone is God.

3. You shall not make any idols (4-6)
We must worship God in God's way. We must not use visible objects as aids to worship. God is a Spirit. We must worship him in spirit and in truth.
4. You shall not misuse God's name (7)
We must not use God's holy name in a disrespectful way. Furthermore, God's name represents his person. If we call ourselves God's people, we must act like God's people.

5. Keep the Sabbath day holy (8-11)
We must worship and serve God one day in seven; this is real rest. Furthermore, we must work hard for six days.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for teaching us how to live. Write your commandments on my heart.

One Word: Love God with all your heart

SIX COMMANDMENTS ABOUT LOVING OUR NEIGHBORS

Exodus 20:12-17
Key Verse: 20:17a

1. Honor your father and mother (12)
In an age of disrespect, we must maintain spiritual order. We respect parents because they are parents.

2. Basic respect for persons and property (13-16)
Murder, adultery, stealing and lying to defame another person are expressly forbidden. Killing babies is wrong; sex outside of marriage is wrong; taking what belongs to another is wrong; lying to destroy another's character is as bad as murder. Jesus makes these laws even stronger (Mt 5:17-48). These four commandments are the foundation stones of an orderly society. They define the limits of human freedom. When we keep them we are truly free.

3. You shall not covet (17)
This commandment concerns motives and desires. How can I control my inner desires? Paul was knocked down by this commandment (Ro 7:7). We are sinners who need God's grace and mercy continually.

Prayer: Lord, purify my heart; keep my mouth and my hands and feet from sinning.

One Word: Love your neighbor as yourself

FEAR GOD; DON’T SIN

Exodus 20:18-26
Key Verse: 20:20

1. Do not be afraid; fear God only (18-21)
There are two kinds of fear: One kind paralyzes our senses and makes us prisoners of Satan. When the people were terrified by the thunder, smoke and lightning, Moses said, "Do not be afraid." We must not allow fear of people or of situations or even fear of death to capture us. This kind of fear is the devil's tool to make us his prisoners (Heb 2:14,15). The other kind of fear is fear of God. The fear of God keeps us from sinning. The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom (Pr 9:10).

2. Idols and altars (22-26)
God loves us and wants us to put him first in our hearts. He hates idolatry. People must be careful not to worship anything their own hands have made. Even the altar of sacrifice must not be carved, lest it become an object of worship. Idolatry slips into men's hearts easily, but we must fear God and cast out idols.

Prayer: Lord, help me to love and fear you and honor your word, so that I may not sin against you.

One Word: Fear God; don't fear men

LAWS PROTECTING PERSONS

Exodus 21:1-36
Key Verse:21:24

1. Laws regarding servants (1-11; 20-21;26-27)
Slavery was a part of Hebrew society, for it was a part of the culture of the ancient world. In most nations, a slave had no rights; he was at the mercy of his master. But God's laws protected the rights of slaves. It also taught that the basic rights of women, even slave women were to be respected. His law set a new direction; it lighted a candle in a dark world.

2. Personal injuries (12-36)
It is always hard to strike a balance between the rights of the injured and the rights of those who cause the injury. God's law set a standard for justice. The "eye for an eye" principle was given to make irresponsible people responsible for their actions. God's justice does not allow personal vengeance or retaliation.

Prayer: Lord, help me to have a sense of justice so that I may know the value of forgiveness. Teach me to be responsible for my influence on others.

One Word: Justice and responsibility

PROPERTY AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Exodus 22:1-31
Key Verse: 22:26,27

1. Protection of property (1-15)
Those coming out of a slave society have little respect for the property of others. These laws teach that a person must be responsible for damage that he causes to another's property. Here, the word "restitution" is repeated. Punishment is meted out, not as vengeance, but to teach responsibility. The 6th commandment, "You shall not steal," is the basis of these laws.

2. Social responsibility (16-31)
Power corrupts people. There was a tendency in the former slave society for the strong to take advantage of the weak, for this is what they had learned from slave life. These laws protected the lives, property and honor of weak people. Verses 21, 29b and 31a remind God's people of who they were and of whose they are. Concern for others rests on God's mercy and compassion.

Prayer: Lord, give me your compassionate heart and your wisdom so that I can be a responsible citizen and person.

One Word: Once a slave; now, God's holy people

DON’T FOLLOW THE CROWD

Exodus 23:1-19
Key Verse: 23:2

1. Don't pervert justice (1-9)
Often we are influenced by the world around us and become very selfish. Some people deliberately pervert justice because of a grudge or because they despise the poor, the weak, or the alien. Others are simply too busy and too selfish to lend a hand to someone in need. God’s word reminds us that we are responsible for making our society just and fair for all people. We are responsible for helping the weak, for righting wrongs as we see them, for seeing that weaker people get a fair chance. We must remember God's grace in delivering us from the lonesomeness of alien life in an unfriendly world, and making us his own children.


2. A time to rest and celebrate (10-19)
The land needs rest; the poor need an opportunity; God's people need to come to God for refreshment of body and soul. God's people need training in thanksgiving. So God ordained 3 annual festivals--three times to come before the Lord, remember his grace and show practical and joyful thankfulness.


Prayer: Lord, help me not to be selfish. Help me to take time to thank and enjoy you.

One Word: Don’t follow the crowd; enjoy God

DON'T BE REBELLIOUS; LISTEN

Exodus 23:20-33
Key Verse: 23:21

1. Pay attention to God's angel (20-26)
A rebellious spirit has no place in the life of God's child. God promised that he would send his angel before his people to protect and lead them to the promised land. But they must obey him. His first command was to make no compromise with the Canaanites. The Canaanites were under God's judgment, for their religion and lifestyle were corrupt and corrupting. God promised to bless his people if they would worship him.

2. I will drive them out little by little (27-33)
God would give victory to his people little by little. They must go in by faith and obey God one step at a time. As they advanced and occupied, he would give them the land. This is how God gives spiritual victories, too. He wants us to advance little by little, challenging Satan's strongholds within and without. He will give victories according to our faith.

Prayer: Lord, help me to trust you and advance, challenging Satan's strongholds in my life and in the world.

One Word: Don't rebel; obey God's word

THE COVENANT SEALED IN BLOOD

Exodus 24:1-18
Key Verse: 24:7,8

1. We will obey God's word (1-8)
The sealing of the covenant between God and his people was like a wedding ceremony. Moses told the people God's laws; they made a decision to be God's people. Then Moses wrote down God’s word. After sprinkling the blood of sacrificed animals on the altar, Moses read the Book of the Covenant. The people responded, "We will obey the Lord." Then Moses sprinkled them with blood; the covenant was sealed, their sins were forgiven. They became God's holy people. This ceremony looks forward to the new covenant–the blood of Jesus shed for our sins.

2. A fellowship meal (9-11)
Moses and the priests and elders of Israel represented the nation as they ate a glorious fellowship meal before the Lord. Real fellowship among God's people must be before the Lord.

3. Moses goes up the mountain (12-18)
God called Moses back up the mountain to give him the law and the commandments; the Bible is the core of the covenant relationship.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the new covenant in Jesus' blood. We are your people.

One Word: A covenant sealed in blood

MAKE A SANCTUARY FOR ME

Exodus 25:1-40
Key Verse: 25:8

1. I will dwell among them (1-8)
God wanted to dwell with his people, but God is holy and man is sinful. So God gave Moses instructions to build a sanctuary. First, the people must make an offering. They must welcome God. God had given Moses the moral laws; the covenant relationship was sealed in blood. Now, the sacrificial system provided a way for sinful man to be forgiven and live in God's presence.

2. The ark, the table and the lampstand (9-40)
At the heart of the sanctuary was the ark, and in the ark was the Bible--the Book of the Covenant. The law teaches men God's righteous requirements; it exposes the sinfulness of mankind. The atonement cover covered God's justice with God's mercy. Blood was sprinkled there. This was the place where the Holy God met the forgiven man (22). The Bread of the Presence on the table represented God's life-giving presence. The lampstand also represented God's living presence as the light of the world.

Prayer: Lord, cleanse us of sin and come and dwell among us, your people.

One Word: I will dwell among them

COME TO GOD IN GOD’S WAY

Exodus 26:1-37
Key Verse: 26:30

1. Made for a pilgrim God (1-29)
We can learn about God's character from his instructions for building the sanctuary. The tabernacle was the tent which housed the ark of God. First, it was made to travel. God is a pilgrim God who would travel with his people to the promised land. Second, it was beautiful on the inside and rather dull and common-looking on the outside. God loves beauty; he especially loves inner, hidden beauty. Jesus was described as one with no beauty or majesty to attract us to him. But his inner beauty is matchless. He is full of grace and truth, love and compassion.

2. God is concerned about details (30-37)
The inner curtain separated the Most Holy Place--the throne room of God--from the Holy Place. The table with the bread of the Presence and the lampstand and lamps, symbolizing God's living presence, were in the Holy Place. God gave detailed instructions. Everything was to be done according to his pattern. Sinful human beings must come to the Creator God humbly, in God's way.

Prayer: Lord, help me to study your word deeply so that I may serve you in your way.

One Word: According to God's pattern

THE ALTAR AND THE COURTYARD

Exodus 27:1-21
Key Verse: 27:21

1. The bronze altar (1-19)
The bronze altar was for burnt offerings. It was placed outside the tabernacle in the courtyard, which enclosed the whole sanctuary. Blood sacrifices were offered there to atone for sin (Lev 17:11). Thank offerings of grain were also offered there. This bronze altar was hollow, for it too must accompany the people to the promised land.

2. Keep the lamps burning (20-21)
The oil for the lamps was pure olive oil. The high priest should light the lamps each evening, and he and his sons should keep the lamps burning until morning. God does not sleep (Ps 121:4); he watches over his people day and night. As long as the lamp of God is burning, there is light and hope in the world.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for Jesus, whose blood shed on the cross for the sins of the world makes the altar obsolete--and enables us to understand its meaning. Let the oil of the Holy Spirit burn continually in my heart.

One Word: God forgives sin and gives light

THE PRIESTLY GARMENTS

Exodus 28:1-43
Key Verse: 28:29,30

1. Sacred garments for dignity and honor (1-5)
In Moses' day, only Aaron and his sons were priests. Today, all believers are priests (1Pe 2:9,10). Priests are also sinful people. Their beautiful garments covered their weaknesses. Even God's servants cannot come into the presence of the Holy God unless he clothes them in his righteousness.

2. The ephod and the breastpiece (6-43)
The ephod and the breastpiece were fastened together and worn over the other garments. The names of the 12 tribes of Israel were engraved on the shoulder pieces of the ephod and on 12 precious stones affixed to the breastpiece of decision. The priest was an intercessor. He bore the people on his heart each time he entered the sanctuary. He sought God's will for the people. The mysterious Urim and Thummim had something to do with this. The priest brings the people to God and God's will to the people. This was a priestly task.

Prayer: Lord, help me to share in the priestly task of bringing the unbelieving world to you.

One Word: A priestly task (Ro 15:16)

I WILL MEET YOU THERE

Exodus 29:1-46
Key Verse: 29:42-46

1. Consecrate the priests (1-37)
The priesthood was not a political office; it was assigned to Aaron and his descendants. They were priests by God's grace alone, for they were sinners who had to be forgiven and cleansed like everyone else. Their beautiful robes did not make them holy; only blood, which represents life, can atone for sin (Lev 17:11).

2. The daily sacrifice for sin (38-46)
Each day the priest must sacrifice two lambs for the sins of the people. This blood sacrifice teaches that God is holy and sin is serious. These blood sacrifices point to Jesus, the Lamb of God, whose blood poured out for sinners validated the Old Testament sacrificial system--and made it obsolete. The holy God comes to dwell with his people when their sins are covered by the atoning blood.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for Jesus, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world. Thank you for taking away my sins and coming to dwell with me.

One Word: God dwells with forgiven sinners

THE ALTAR OF INCENSE

Exodus 30:1-38
Key Verse: 30:6b

1. A place of prayer (1-10)
The golden altar of incense was for prayer. It was placed in the Holy Place, in front of the curtain that was before the ark and atonement cover. The other items located in the Holy Place all are described in chapter 25. This altar of incense is described here to show that the way to God is opened after blood sacrifices for sin. The High Priest burns incense here morning and night to pray for the people.

2. Atonement money (11-16)
Every person should be counted, and each one, regardless of his human condition, should offer to the Lord a half shekel as atonement for his life. Every person is a sinner, and every person's life is equally precious before God.

3. For cleansing and consecrating (17-38)
The priests must wash their hands and feet whenever they enter the Tent of Meeting. The oil for anointing was made with a special formula, as was the incense.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for opening a way for sinners to come to you in prayer.

One Word: Draw near to God with clean hands

THE WORKERS AND THEIR WORK

Exodus 31:1-18
Key Verse: 31:3

1. Bezalel and Oholiab (1-11)
Artistic skill is a gift from God. God's gifts should be used according to God's will and should bring glory to God. The sanctuary and all its furnishings were designed by God himself. He called and equipped workmen to build it. These workmen were God's servants. Their most beautiful work was an expression of their obedience--not an expression of the freedom of the sinful nature. True art should glorify God.

2. Keep the Sabbath (12-18)
God gave men the Sabbath so that they might worship him and share in his holiness. The men appointed to build the sanctuary especially must take time to worship God, remembering that he is the Creator of the heavens and the earth and the Giver of every good gift. God's servants must not become so busy doing God's work that they forget to worship God.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for giving us your work to do, and for giving us your Holy Spirit to enable us to do it.

One Word: Use talents for the glory of God

THE GOLDEN CALF

Exodus 32:1-14
Key Verse: 32:14

1. The anger of the Lord burns (1-10)
While Moses was on the mountain, Aaron was in charge below. The people were no longer slaves, but their slave mentality remained. They wanted a god they could see; they wanted tangible, immediate benefits. They pressed Aaron to make a god for them. So he collected their gold earrings and made a golden calf. The people worshiped it in a drunken orgy. The Lord's anger burned. He decided to destroy them and start all over again through Moses' descendants.

2. Moses' prayer of intercession (11-14)
Moses was not an opportunist; he was a shepherd. He prayed for the Israelites with all his heart, reminding God of how he had delivered them from Egypt and of the oath and promises he had made to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He pointed out that God's honor was at stake, for if he destroyed Israel, the Egyptians would say that his purpose in bringing them out of Egypt was evil. God listened to Moses' prayer and relented.

Prayer: Lord, cleanse the idols from my heart; teach me to wait on you.

One Word: Don't worship golden calves

MOSES' ANGER BURNS

Exodus 32:15-35
Key Verse: 32:32

1. The broken tablets (1-20)
Moses carried in his hands the two stone tablets written by the finger of God. But when he saw what the people were doing, his anger burned; he smashed the tablets. He burned the idol, ground it to powder, sprinkled it on the water and made them drink it. This was holy anger!

2. The Levites are consecrated to God (21-29)
Aaron made lame excuses; Moses turned his attention to the people running wild. Drastic action was needed if the nation was to be saved. The Levites stood with Moses on God's side and put to death by the sword their own, out-of-control family members and friends. Order was restored and the nation was saved.

3. Moses' passion and his second prayer (30-35)
Moses put his own soul on the line as he prayed a second time for his people. Moses had a shepherd’s loved for them, but God was not ready to relent.

Prayer: Lord, help me to stand on your side in times of crisis. Teach me the passion and prayer of a shepherd.

One Word: Human compromise won't help

I WILL NOT GO WITH YOU

Exodus 33:1-6
Key Verse: 33:3

1. Go up--but without God (1-3)
God promised Abraham, Isaac and Jacob on oath to give the good land of Canaan to their descendants. God keeps his promises. He would give them the land and all of its material blessings, but he would not go with them. He would send his angel to drive out the Canaanites, but he would not give them the spiritual blessing of his own presence with them.

2. The people were distressed (4-6)
Moses and the people knew that a land flowing with milk and honey could never be a happy place if God were not there. Material abundance does not satisfy the soul. Material wealth without God is no different from hell. It was God's presence with them that made them a special and blessed people. So the people stripped off their ornaments and mourned. They repented before God, and Moses would not leave that place until God had agreed to go with them.

Prayer: Lord, give us a value system with the right priority. Give me a humble heart--not a stiff neck. Come and dwell with us.

One Word: There is no good life without God

THE TENT OF MEETING

Exodus 33:7-11
Key Verse: 33:11a

1. The tent outside the camp (7)
This Tent of Meeting had to be outside the camp, for as yet, the sacrificial system was not in place. God wanted to dwell in the midst of his people, but he would not do so until provision was made for their sins to be atoned for. So only Moses and young Joshua (11b) were permitted to meet God in this Tent of Meeting. Later, there would be another Tent of Meeting--inside the camp (Ex 40:1-7; Nu 2:2).

2. Moses meets God (8-11)
When Moses went out to the Tent of Meeting to meet God, the pillar of cloud descended to the entrance of the tent. All the people would stand and worship until Moses returned to the camp. There, Moses met and talked with God--not just once, but day after day. He was building a personal relationship with God. He was seeking to know God so that he might find out how he and his people might please God. More than anything, he wanted God to agree to go with his people to the promised land.

Prayer: Lord, help me to meet you day by day as Moses did. Thank you for Jesus, the one and only Mediator between God and man.

One Word: As a man speaks with his friend

LET YOUR PRESENCE GO WITH US

Exodus 33:12-23
Key Verse: 33:14

1. Moses' third prayer (12-16)
Moses went out to meet God in prayer day after day. Israel's problem could only be solved by God himself, so Moses turned from the problem to God. He knew that living in the promised land without God would be like living in hell. He knew that the only thing that made Israel different from the corrupt nations around her was the presence of God in her midst. So Moses prayed until God relented.

2. Moses and the glory of God (17-21)
Moses loved God. He wanted to know him better so that he might please him. He wanted to be changed in his inner man by the glory of God. He wanted to grow in the image of God by beholding the glory of God. He longed to see Christ (2Co 4:6), and to have the indwelling Holy Spirit (2Co 3:7-11,18). The problem of his people had brought him closer to God. Problems are opportunities to know God and grow in him.

Prayer: Lord, help me to make my problems opportunities to come to you so that I may behold your glory.

One Word: "My Presence will go with you"

MOSES' REPENTANT PRAYER

Exodus 34:1-9
Key Verse: 34:9

1. The Lord reveals his glory (1-7)
Moses chiseled out two stone tablets like the ones he had broken and went up the mountain to meet God. The Lord came down in a cloud and proclaimed his name, "The LORD." He revealed his just and merciful character. He is compassionate and gracious; he forgives sin; he abounds in love and faithfulness; but he punishes the guilty and unrepentant.

2. Moses' prayer of repentance (8-9)
When Moses first heard about the people's sin, he prayed, based on God's promises and God's character. Later, he prayed a passionate shepherd's prayer, offering his own life to atone for their sins. God did not relent. Moses then took time to make friends with God in prayer. He realized that he, too, was a sinner, and he asked God to forgive our sins. He made no excuses; he simply asked for forgiveness and for God's presence: "Let the Lord go with us."

Prayer: Lord, forgive me and forgive the sins of our nation and take us as your inheritance.

One Word: God hears a repentant prayer.

DON'T COMPROMISE

Exodus 34:10-28
Key Verse: 34:10

1. God is a Jealous God (10-17)
After Moses' repentant prayer and humble request, God proceeded to make a covenant with Israel. God's covenant is like a marriage contract. God's people must love and obey him and seek to please him. He promised to do wonderful things in and for them. He requires them, first of all, to be faithful. He does not want his people to compromise with those who worship idols. They were to drive out the Canaanites and make no treaties with those who were left. God calls his people to live by his word and not to compromise with worldly people.

2. Rejoice before him (18-28)
God's people were to celebrate the appointed feast days with joyful and thankful hearts. They were to keep the Sabbath as a day for rest in him; they were to redeem the firstborn with a blood sacrifice, remembering the passover and how God delivered them from bondage. God wants his people to glorify him and enjoy him forever.

Prayer: Lord, help me to love and serve you with a pure heart.

One Word: Now I belong to Jesus

MOSES' RADIANT FACE

Exodus 34:29-35
Key Verse: 34:29

1. When Moses came down (29-32)
Moses listened to God. He wrote down the words God told him. Then he came down the mountain. Because he had been with God, his face became radiant, and he was not even aware of it. The people were afraid to come near him. He called them together and spoke to them the words God had commanded him. His first task as God's servant and their shepherd was to be their Bible teacher.

2. The veil on Moses' face (33-35)
When Moses finished speaking to them, he put a veil over his face. As he lived and worked among men, the glory gradually faded (2Co 3:13). Then he would go back to meet God, and the radiance would be renewed. There was nothing special about Moses the man. But Moses who had been with God reflected God's glory in his face and in his life.

Prayer: Lord, grant that I may spend time with you until my face and my life shine with your glory.

One Word: Spend time with God and have a radiant face

FREEWILL OFFERINGS

Exodus 35:1-36:7
Key Verse: 35:29

1. Keep the Sabbath (1-3)
Even though they were going to do God's work and build God's house, they had to keep the Sabbath. Nothing is more important than worshiping God on his day.

2. Offer with a willing heart (4-29)
The people had sinned and repented. They had tasted God's mercy and forgiveness. Their hearts were full of thanksgiving. Moses gave them the privilege of making freewill offerings to God. They could offer the necessary materials for making the tabernacle and the priests' garments and/or skills. Their hearts were moved to offer their most precious things.

3. Spirit-filled workers (35:30-36:7)
God filled the master craftsmen, Bezalel and Oholiab, with his Spirit and gave them the necessary gifts to build the tabernacle and all of its accouterments. They and all the other skilled workers worked with glad and willing hearts. The people brought more than enough to complete the work.

Prayer: Lord, help me to serve you with a repentant, joyful and willing heart.

One Word: Life, time, materials are God's

THE TABERNACLE CURTAINS

Exodus 36:8-38
Key Verse: 36:35

1. The tabernacle (8-34)
The tabernacle was the tent that housed the ark and the other furnishings. God dwelt in a tent along with his people. It consisted of ten beautiful inner curtains. When all the curtains were hung, the tabernacle was 15' wide, 45' long and 15' high. The outer tent was woven of goats' hair, and the whole tent was covered with two more layers--one was ram skin dyed red and the other was the hide of sea cows. The delicate beauty and richness of the tabernacle was concealed by a rough exterior. Immanuel Jesus who came to dwell among men is like the tabernacle (Jn 1:14; Isa 53:2).

2. The Most Holy Place (35-38)
The curtain in verse 35 separated the Most Holy Place from the Holy Place. The ark was kept behind this curtain. Only the high priest went in, and he only once a year. This is the curtain that ripped from top to bottom when Jesus was crucified (Mt 27:51). He opened the way for all men to come to God.

Prayer: Lord, come and dwell in me today. Help me to make a Most Holy Place in my heart and enter it daily with the blood of Jesus.

One Word: God tabernacled among us

THE ARK AND THE ATONEMENT COVER

Exodus 37:1-9
Key Verse: 37:9 (25:22)

1. The ark (1-5)
The ark was the most sacred object in the tabernacle. It was a rectangular box overlaid with gold, which held the tablets of the Law Moses had received from God. The Law was given to teach God's righteous requirements and to train his people in holiness. It was made by Bezalel, the chief craftsman. The four rings with poles inserted in them were for carrying the ark, for God is a pilgrim who travels with his people to the Promised Land.

2. The atonement cover (6-9)
The atonement cover (also called "mercy seat") was the top or lid of the ark. It was made of one piece of pure gold with a cherub on each end facing inward, their wings overshadowing the cover. It was on this mercy seat that the high priest sprinkled blood from the altar to atone for his own sins and those of the people. Only then could sinful man come into the presence of the Holy God.

Prayer: Lord, your mercy and righteousness meet at the cross of Jesus. I come to meet you there.

One Word: Covered by God's mercy

THE PLACE OF PRAYER

Exodus 37:10-29
Key Verse: 37:25

1. The Table (10-16)
The gold table was placed on the north side of the Holy Place. Each week the Bread of the Presence was placed on it freshly (Lev 24:5-9). This represented God's sustaining presence in their midst.

2. The Lampstand (17-19)
The golden lampstand was beautiful. The flower-like cups for the lamps were pure gold. There were three branches on each side and one in the middle. The lamps burned all night. They represent the wakeful presence of God who keeps watch over his people.

3. The Altar of Incense (25-29)
The golden altar seems to be a part of the priest's equipment in chapter 30; here it is a focal point in the Holy Place. It is the place of prayer. The high priest, wearing the names of the tribes of Israel over his heart, burned a special incense there each morning and each evening (Ex 30:7-10). Once a year he sprinkled blood on its horns to atone for sin.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your sustaining presence--and for the privilege of prayer.

One Word: Let us seek God in prayer

THE ALTAR OF BURNT OFFERING

Exodus 38:1-31
Key Verse: 38:2

1. The bronze altar (1-20)
The altar of burnt offering was the focal point of the courtyard. This was the altar on which animal sacrifices were made for the sins of the people. It was the blood from this altar which was used to purify everything in the tabernacle, including the priests. The basin was for the priests who sacrificed the animals to wash their hands and feet. The curtains enclosed the tabernacle and altar and made the courtyard. This was the finishing touch. It was the sanctuary which was made according to the pattern God gave Moses on the mountain. It was a place for God to come and dwell among his people.

2. The materials used (21-31)
Moses kept a careful record of all the materials used for the tabernacle and its furnishings. Everything came from the freewill offerings of the people.

Prayer: Lord, how hastily I rush into your Presence! You are holy. Help me to approach you with reverence, trusting in the blood of Jesus.

One Word: No cleansing without blood

THE PRIESTLY GARMENTS

Exodus 39:1-31
Key Verses: 39:30

1. The Ephod and Breastpiece (1-21)
The sacred garments made for Aaron and his sons--the priests--were beautiful and full of symbolic meaning. Affixed to the shoulder straps of the ephod were two onyx stones engraved with the names of the 12 tribes. The breastpiece was attached to the ephod. On it were affixed 12 precious stones, each with the name of a tribe engraved on it. The high priest bore the people on his heart and on his shoulders every time he offered sacrifices or went to God in prayer. He was a mediator who spoke to God for the people, and to the people for God.

2. Holy to the Lord (22-31)
The bells and pomegranates which alternated around the hem announced the high priest's coming. He must not go carelessly into the Lord's presence. The sacred diadem, made of pure gold and fastened to the turban, had engraved on it, "HOLY TO THE LORD." He was declared holy by God.

Prayer: Lord, you have called us to be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. Help us to bring the world to you, and you to the world.

One Word: A holy life; a holy mission

AS THE LORD COMMANDED MOSES

Exodus 39:32-43
Key Verse: 32b,42,43

1. They brought the tabernacle to Moses (32-41)
The craftsmen finished making the tabernacle and all its furnishings. They had followed the pattern the Lord had given Moses. Such attention to detail meant that they had given their hearts fully to the task of preparing a sanctuary for God to come and dwell in their midst. The parts of the sanctuary are listed, including the sacred garments, the oil for the lamps, the incense, the anointing oil, the ropes and tent pegs. God cares about details. We must worship and serve him in his way, not in our own ways. God was laying foundations for mankind to understand the meaning of Jesus' sacrifice.

2. Moses blessed them (42-43)
Moses carefully inspected everything they had made. He saw that they had made it just as the Lord had commanded, so he blessed them all.

Prayer: Lord, help me to study the Bible carefully and believe and live according to its teachings. Help me to serve you without compromise or short-cuts, in your way.

One Word: Do it God's way

SETTING UP THE TABERNACLE

Exodus 40:1-33
Key Verse: 40:16

1. God commands Moses (1-15)
The Lord told Moses when and how to set up the tabernacle. The altar of incense–the place of prayer--was to be placed in front of the ark of the Testimony. The tabernacle and everything in it, and the bronze altar, were to be anointed with oil to make them holy. The consecration of Aaron and his sons is described in detail in Leviticus 8,9. The institution of the priesthood looks forward to the eternal priesthood of the great high priest, Jesus Christ.

2. Moses did everything as God commanded (16-33)
Moses set up the completed tabernacle on the first day of the first month--one year after the exodus. The Testimony (Bible) in the ark was the heart. He put the bread on the table, set up the lamps, burned incense on the gold altar and offered burnt offerings on the bronze altar. Finally, he put up the courtyard. Moses did everything according to the Lord's instructions, for he was preparing for the Lord to come and dwell in their midst.

Prayer: Lord, teach me the humility of Moses, who obeyed you in detail. Help me to make in my heart a place for you to dwell.

One Word: As the Lord commanded

THE GLORY OF THE LORD

Exodus 40:34-38
Key Verse: 40:34

1. The Lord enters his temple (34-35)
Everything was ready. The Shekinah (Lev 16:2; 2Sa 6:2; 2Ch 5:13; Ps 80:1) or the bright cloud of God's glorious Presence filled the tabernacle so that Moses could not enter it. This was the climax--the moment for which Moses and all the people had diligently prepared. They were ready to begin their pilgrimage from Mount Sinai to the promised land, for God would go with them.

2. The cloud by day and fire by night (36-38)
God led his people to the promised land. When his cloud rose from the tabernacle, they would break camp and leave, following him wherever he led. When the cloud settled again in the tabernacle, they would stop. He led them in a roundabout way, but during their travels he trained them. They learned to depend on him. He was training them to be a holy nation and a kingdom of priests--and to be happy in the promised land.

Prayer: Lord, dwell with us and lead us to the heavenly kingdom. Make us your holy people.

One Word: Follow God's leading

---

Attachment

• m_96.doc