Leviticus 6-7 continue with different types of offerings:
Guilt offering: this is when someone deceives his neighbors what is entrusted to him; or if he finds lost property and lies about it. He is to return the lost or stolen property in full, plus 20% more. Also he has to bring to the priest a ram from the flock as a guilt offering so that the priest can make atonement for him.
The Burnt offering: The burnt offering is to remain on the altar hearth throughout the night, till morning, and the fire must be kept burning on the altar. (I don't really understand this one, other than the fact that the fire cannot go out).
The Grain offering: A portion of it is to be burnt as an aroma to please God; the rest will be eaten by the priest but without yeast. They are to eat it in the courtyard of the Tent of meeting. Also here it is documented that the priests (Aaron and his sons) will give a tenth to God.
The Guilt offering: It needs to be slaughtered and blood sprinkled against the altar on all sides. Again only the priest lineage can eat the offering that's burned. (and the offering belongs to the priest that offers it).
The Fellowship offering: Thankful offering should have cake without yeast offered alongside it. The offering should also be presented with cake with yeast - it belongs to the priest who offers it.
God also told the Israelites not to eat fat or blood of any bird or animal. If someone does this, he must be cut off from his people. (not sure why - maybe for sanitary/health reason that God warned His people?)
When a fellowship offering is brought, the breast should be waved (a "wave offering) and then the breast is for the priest. A portion of the offering is to be allocated to the priests.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Leviticus 3-5
Offerings and sacrifices were nothing new to the Israelites, but some people were abusing sacrifices, so God had to start regulating them (according to bible.org).
Leviticus 3- Fellowship offering (also known as peace offering) was given to God when the Israelites wanted to give thanks to God. These offerings were optional. This sacrifice is similar to the burnt offering, but you can sacrifice either a female or a male animal, but it can't be fowl/poultry.
Leviticus 4- A sin offering had to be given to God if the person unintentionally sinned by breaking one of God's commandments. That person had to sacrifice a young bull that was also free of sin. If the whole community sins, then they have to give an offering of a young bull when they are aware that they have sinned. If a leader sins unintentionally, then he has to bring a young goat (not sure why a goat vs bull. Which one is more valuable?). If it's a member of a community, then that person has to bring a female goat -- not sure what the difference between a member of a community is and the first person.
Leviticus 5- A few sins are listed, and if anyone is guilty of those, then that person must confess his sins and give a burnt offering of a lamb or goat. A grain substitution can be made if he can't afford a lamb or a goat, and then it's carried on like a grain offering. For all other sins, the person must give a guilt offering, but first "he must make restitution for what he has failed to do in regard to the holy things, add a fifth of the value to that and give it all to the priest."
Leviticus 3- Fellowship offering (also known as peace offering) was given to God when the Israelites wanted to give thanks to God. These offerings were optional. This sacrifice is similar to the burnt offering, but you can sacrifice either a female or a male animal, but it can't be fowl/poultry.
Leviticus 4- A sin offering had to be given to God if the person unintentionally sinned by breaking one of God's commandments. That person had to sacrifice a young bull that was also free of sin. If the whole community sins, then they have to give an offering of a young bull when they are aware that they have sinned. If a leader sins unintentionally, then he has to bring a young goat (not sure why a goat vs bull. Which one is more valuable?). If it's a member of a community, then that person has to bring a female goat -- not sure what the difference between a member of a community is and the first person.
Leviticus 5- A few sins are listed, and if anyone is guilty of those, then that person must confess his sins and give a burnt offering of a lamb or goat. A grain substitution can be made if he can't afford a lamb or a goat, and then it's carried on like a grain offering. For all other sins, the person must give a guilt offering, but first "he must make restitution for what he has failed to do in regard to the holy things, add a fifth of the value to that and give it all to the priest."
Leviticus 1-2, Psalm 90-91
I'll start with Psalm 90-91. There is some debate on who actually wrote these Psalms. Some argue that it was written by Moses, but some say that Psalms is written much later. It seems that our Bible plan thinks it's written by Moses or else we wouldn't be reading it so early!
Psalm 90 is titled a Prayer of Moses, so either it's written by Moses or someone writing from Moses' point of view. This Psalm basically outlines how short our lives are, and how scared we are because God can end our lives at any time. To sum up- he anger of God is upon us. But then the mood in the psalm shifts and it's a lot more optimistic ans uplifting. Moses then says "Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days...May your deeds be shown to your servants, your splendor to their children. May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us."
Psalm 91 is a pretty famous Psalm, and you may recognize the lines from a popular worship song. The shadow of the Almighty will protect all who trusts in him. If people trust in Him completely, then harm will come to them, and God will send his angels to protect them. People won't have to fear anymore because they can live in security through God.
Leviticus 1 describes how the burnt offering should be carried out, and Leviticus 2 lays out the process for the grain offering. The burnt offering has to be from a perfectly healthy male animal. Steps are describes on how to prepare the animal for the offering. For the grain offering, only a handful is ceremonially burnt, and the rest is given to Aaron and the other priests.
Psalm 90 is titled a Prayer of Moses, so either it's written by Moses or someone writing from Moses' point of view. This Psalm basically outlines how short our lives are, and how scared we are because God can end our lives at any time. To sum up- he anger of God is upon us. But then the mood in the psalm shifts and it's a lot more optimistic ans uplifting. Moses then says "Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days...May your deeds be shown to your servants, your splendor to their children. May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us."
Psalm 91 is a pretty famous Psalm, and you may recognize the lines from a popular worship song. The shadow of the Almighty will protect all who trusts in him. If people trust in Him completely, then harm will come to them, and God will send his angels to protect them. People won't have to fear anymore because they can live in security through God.
Leviticus 1 describes how the burnt offering should be carried out, and Leviticus 2 lays out the process for the grain offering. The burnt offering has to be from a perfectly healthy male animal. Steps are describes on how to prepare the animal for the offering. For the grain offering, only a handful is ceremonially burnt, and the rest is given to Aaron and the other priests.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Exodus 36-40
The Israelites who had been chosen by God to build the tabernacle (Bezalel, Oholiab and others) were given craftsmans skills. Moses summoned people to come help both with building (if they had the skills) and providing materials (through freewill offerings). Amazingly, the Israelites continued to bring offering after offering until Moses had to tell them to stop because there was already enough material.
Bezalel, Oholiab and the other skilled workers began building all the parts of the tabernacle, the Ark, the table, the lampstand, altars, basins for washing, the courtyard, and all the priestly garments (ephod and breastplate) exactly to God's specifications (as outlined earlier in the chapter).
Moses inspected their work, saw that it was good and to God's specification, and he blessed them. God then gave them explicit instructions on how to set it up. When this all done, a cloud covered the Tent of Meeting and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. No one could enter while the Lord was there.
As they went along on their journey, they would always wait until the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle. Then they would pack up and move. By day, the cloud was above the tabernacle, by night, it was a flame.
Some Useful Background Information
Tabernacle: a portable "dwelling place" for God, and derives from the Latin word tabernaculum, which means "tent." Interestingly, most Jewish synagogues in the last 2000 years have been inspired and/or modeled off of this ancient description of the tabernacle in the Bible!
Lampstand: if you read the description of the lampstand, it sounds like the Jewish menorah.
Six branches extended from the sides of the lampstand—three on one side and three on the other.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Exodus 33-35
So God told Moses to lead the people to the promised land flowing with milk and honey. The Lord, however, will not go with them because they are a "stiff-necked" people and He might just be angry and destroy them on the way. It's quite distressing to hear of God's anger on the people!! But even though the people committed the greatest sin (worshipping man-made gods!) - God extended His grace and promised to send an angel to be with them to protect them along the way.
Now the tent of meeting is where Moses talked to God. it's quite amazing to see how God actually could talk to Moses "as a man speaks with his friend". Moses boldly asked God to continue to show him favor - and asked God to show His glory. God said that no one could see his face or they would die - but He would let Moses see his back...
God also told Moses to bring 2 more stone tablets so that He could write again the commandments. As God passed by Moses, He proclaimed his compassion and grace and love and faithfulness - but also stated that he would not leave the guilty unpunished.
Moses pleaded to God to forgive the people's sin and wickedness, to which God has made yet another covenant--that He would drive out all the pagans, but the Israelites were not to worship any other Gods, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God. (NB: I thought it was an interesting choice of word to describe God is a jealous God.) Then God told them how to celebrate the Passover, how to observe the Sabbath, and how people are to bring the first fruits of their soil to the Lord.
So Moses was with God for 40 days and 40 nights (without eating and drinking), writing down the 10 commandments. When Moses came back down from Mount Sinai, his face was radiant because he met with God. So he put a veil on him when he spoke with the people.
Moses told the people about the Sabbath, and he also told what God commanded: for all the skilled and willing-hearted to make the tabernacle the way that God has envisioned/designed. (NB: I didn't detail how the design of the tabernacle would be - but I did a Sunday school class before on the tabernacle, using this model: http://www.the-tabernacle-place.com/) It's actually quite amazing how every little thing has a meaning to it!)
Now the tent of meeting is where Moses talked to God. it's quite amazing to see how God actually could talk to Moses "as a man speaks with his friend". Moses boldly asked God to continue to show him favor - and asked God to show His glory. God said that no one could see his face or they would die - but He would let Moses see his back...
God also told Moses to bring 2 more stone tablets so that He could write again the commandments. As God passed by Moses, He proclaimed his compassion and grace and love and faithfulness - but also stated that he would not leave the guilty unpunished.
Moses pleaded to God to forgive the people's sin and wickedness, to which God has made yet another covenant--that He would drive out all the pagans, but the Israelites were not to worship any other Gods, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God. (NB: I thought it was an interesting choice of word to describe God is a jealous God.) Then God told them how to celebrate the Passover, how to observe the Sabbath, and how people are to bring the first fruits of their soil to the Lord.
So Moses was with God for 40 days and 40 nights (without eating and drinking), writing down the 10 commandments. When Moses came back down from Mount Sinai, his face was radiant because he met with God. So he put a veil on him when he spoke with the people.
Moses told the people about the Sabbath, and he also told what God commanded: for all the skilled and willing-hearted to make the tabernacle the way that God has envisioned/designed. (NB: I didn't detail how the design of the tabernacle would be - but I did a Sunday school class before on the tabernacle, using this model: http://www.the-tabernacle-place.com/) It's actually quite amazing how every little thing has a meaning to it!)
Friday, April 23, 2010
Exodus 31-32
The Lord instructs us to observe the Sabbath beacuse it is a holy day and doing work on that day will result in death (but this is the old testament laws right?) Israelites were instructed to obey the Sabbath for generations to come.
So Chill out and Relax on Sunday and Rest =)
Moses went up to the mountain to get the tablet. the people he led did not know if he was coming back. Aaron gathered all the gold and made idols out of them for them to worship. They started worshiping the idols and made God angry. He was going to destroy them. Moses however pleaded on their behalf and asked Him to remember the servants he promised he will give numeours descendants. God relented and did not destroy the idol worshippers.
When Mosses himself saw the worshippers going amok, he too was very angry. He rallied his troops that were with the Lord and destroyed sent them out to kill those who were against the Lord. Mosses asked for forgiveness on behalf of the idol worshippers and God promised to be with him and his people as they go to the promise land.
So Chill out and Relax on Sunday and Rest =)
Moses went up to the mountain to get the tablet. the people he led did not know if he was coming back. Aaron gathered all the gold and made idols out of them for them to worship. They started worshiping the idols and made God angry. He was going to destroy them. Moses however pleaded on their behalf and asked Him to remember the servants he promised he will give numeours descendants. God relented and did not destroy the idol worshippers.
When Mosses himself saw the worshippers going amok, he too was very angry. He rallied his troops that were with the Lord and destroyed sent them out to kill those who were against the Lord. Mosses asked for forgiveness on behalf of the idol worshippers and God promised to be with him and his people as they go to the promise land.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Exodus 29-30
Exodus 29 starts by describing procedure to ordain and consecrate Aaron's line as priests. Then the chapter describes how to do sin offering, burnt offering, wave offering, and fellowship offering. Only the ordained priests can eat the ram and bread made for ordination and offering. God was very specific about how to make the altar holy and consecrated, and how frequent the offerings are to be done. He promises that as these instructions are followed, He would dwell among the Israelites and the tent of meeting will be consecrated.
Exodus 30 continues with the specific instruction about the altar where incense is to be burned. Every day the priest will have to burn a specific incense twice, once in the morning and once at twilight. Annual atonement also needs to be done (for sin). Every Israelite over twenty years old has to pay half shekel as an offering to God. For atonement of life, everyone, no matter how rich or poor, would give the same amount. This amount will be used for service of tent of meeting.
God also instructed them to make a bronze basin for priests to wash their feet and hands as they would not die. God also tells them specific formulas to make anointing oil and incense - the same formula is considered as "holy". Using these things as enjoyable items (e.g. as perfume or as something to "enjoy fragrance) is prohibited.
Exodus 30 continues with the specific instruction about the altar where incense is to be burned. Every day the priest will have to burn a specific incense twice, once in the morning and once at twilight. Annual atonement also needs to be done (for sin). Every Israelite over twenty years old has to pay half shekel as an offering to God. For atonement of life, everyone, no matter how rich or poor, would give the same amount. This amount will be used for service of tent of meeting.
God also instructed them to make a bronze basin for priests to wash their feet and hands as they would not die. God also tells them specific formulas to make anointing oil and incense - the same formula is considered as "holy". Using these things as enjoyable items (e.g. as perfume or as something to "enjoy fragrance) is prohibited.
Exodus 27-28
Now they are to make an altar of burnt offering, but this altar is to be hollow and made out of boards. The instructions are just as detailed as before.
Then they are instructed to make a courtyard with curtains. Also, everything else used in the tabernacle need to be made of bronze.
He tells Moses to tell the Israelites to bring olive oil for the lamps (ooh must smell good!). In the Tent of Meeting, Aaron and his sons are told to keep the lamp burning throughout the night. Him and his sons are to serve as priests. God says that all the skilled men are to make sacred garments for Aaron to give him dignity and honor. He's to wear "a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a woven tunic, a turban and a sash. They are to make these sacred garments for your brother Aaron and his sons, so they may serve me as priests." An ephod is a priestly vest, and it closely resembles the shape of an apron. God goes into detail again about how the garments should be made.
What's strange is that God directs Moses to put the clothes on Aaron and his sons, consecrate them so they can serve as priests, and then make linen undergarments. Shouldn't the undergarments be made first and worn first??
Aaron and his sons have to wear the sacred garments "whenever they enter the Tent of Meeting or approach the altar to minister in the Holy Place, so that they will not incur guilt and die. This is to be a lasting ordinance for Aaron and his descendants." Die? What??
Then they are instructed to make a courtyard with curtains. Also, everything else used in the tabernacle need to be made of bronze.
He tells Moses to tell the Israelites to bring olive oil for the lamps (ooh must smell good!). In the Tent of Meeting, Aaron and his sons are told to keep the lamp burning throughout the night. Him and his sons are to serve as priests. God says that all the skilled men are to make sacred garments for Aaron to give him dignity and honor. He's to wear "a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a woven tunic, a turban and a sash. They are to make these sacred garments for your brother Aaron and his sons, so they may serve me as priests." An ephod is a priestly vest, and it closely resembles the shape of an apron. God goes into detail again about how the garments should be made.
What's strange is that God directs Moses to put the clothes on Aaron and his sons, consecrate them so they can serve as priests, and then make linen undergarments. Shouldn't the undergarments be made first and worn first??
Aaron and his sons have to wear the sacred garments "whenever they enter the Tent of Meeting or approach the altar to minister in the Holy Place, so that they will not incur guilt and die. This is to be a lasting ordinance for Aaron and his descendants." Die? What??
Exodus 25-26
The Lord wanted an offering from the Israelites and gives Moses a laundry list of what they can give. Then he wanted a tabernacle built, which is portable dwelling place/sanctuary for God. There is a lot of debate about the tabernacle, but mainly the tabernacle is a symbolic one. God didn't actually live there.
God gives very elaborate plans on how to build this tabernacle, how long everything should be and what materials to use. Then he says to place the ark the Testimoney inside the tabernacle.
They are also instructed to build a table for offerings and to have bread of the Presence there at all times. They also are to make a lampstand, curtains, and a tent.
God gives very elaborate plans on how to build this tabernacle, how long everything should be and what materials to use. Then he says to place the ark the Testimoney inside the tabernacle.
They are also instructed to build a table for offerings and to have bread of the Presence there at all times. They also are to make a lampstand, curtains, and a tent.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Exodus 23-24
Exodus 23 continues the teaching/laws that God laid down for His people:
Exodus 24 describes how Moses confirmed the covenant with God by sprinkling blood onto the altar, and everyone said that they would do all that God said. God then told Moses to go up to the Mountain where God would give him the tablets of stone with laws and commands. So Moses went up and stayed there for 40 days and 40 nights. (it's funny how numbers tend to repeat in the bible. There's the 7's; 3's and then 40's....)
- Be fair and be honest. Do not look at a person's outside and decide on whether he/she is guilty.
- Observe the Sabbath - work for 6 days/years and rest on the 7. Worship only the true God. Celebrate 3 times a year - and present to God the best (for sacrifice/worship).
Exodus 24 describes how Moses confirmed the covenant with God by sprinkling blood onto the altar, and everyone said that they would do all that God said. God then told Moses to go up to the Mountain where God would give him the tablets of stone with laws and commands. So Moses went up and stayed there for 40 days and 40 nights. (it's funny how numbers tend to repeat in the bible. There's the 7's; 3's and then 40's....)
Monday, April 19, 2010
Exodus 21-22
This chapter sets out laws for the people, like how to treat Hebrew servants. You can only have a servant for 6 years because you have to let them go in year 7. But if he wants to continue being your servant, then he'll be your servant for life. Then there are other laws like the punishment for murder, assault, or what to do if someone's animal attacks a person.
Exodus 22 lays down the law for property, like stealing animals. Then there is social responsibility like seducing a virgin, bestiality, sacrificing to other gods, mistreating aliens, taking advantage of a widow or orphan, blaspheming God, holding back offerings, etc.
Exodus 22 lays down the law for property, like stealing animals. Then there is social responsibility like seducing a virgin, bestiality, sacrificing to other gods, mistreating aliens, taking advantage of a widow or orphan, blaspheming God, holding back offerings, etc.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Exodus 19-20
The Israelites came upon the desert at Sinai. Again, God reminded them of what he had done for them in Egypt. He also repeated
On the third day, they went out to the mountain to meet God. A trumpet sounded, thunder and lightening hit, and the mountain was on fire. Moses went up to the mountain, but everyone else stayed behind.
God gave Moses the Ten Commandments:
1. Have no other gods
2. Do not make idols
3. Do not use the Lord's name in vain
4. Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
5. Honor your father and your mother
6. You shall not murder.
7. You shall not commit adultery.
8. You shall not steal.
9. You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.
10. You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.
God told the Israelites not the make idols out of gold & silver, but instead to make an alter of earth and give burnt offerings.
Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession.God then said was going to come to them at the mountain, and warned them to make themselves clean (wash your clothes, abstain from sexual relations).
On the third day, they went out to the mountain to meet God. A trumpet sounded, thunder and lightening hit, and the mountain was on fire. Moses went up to the mountain, but everyone else stayed behind.
God gave Moses the Ten Commandments:
1. Have no other gods
2. Do not make idols
3. Do not use the Lord's name in vain
4. Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
5. Honor your father and your mother
6. You shall not murder.
7. You shall not commit adultery.
8. You shall not steal.
9. You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.
10. You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.
God told the Israelites not the make idols out of gold & silver, but instead to make an alter of earth and give burnt offerings.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Exodus 14-18
Wandering In the Desert
This next section goes into the Egyptian's time wandering in the desert after they have escaped from the Egyptians. There are two major themes here. One, we continue and finish off the theme we have been seeing earlier: God hardening Pharoah's heart and supporting the Israelites. Two: we see the Israelites continually complaining and wishing they were back in Egypt as slaves when times get tough, and the Lord continues to address their concerns.
Finishing Theme 1: Pharoah's last "hardening" of hearts
Pharoah again finds out the Israelites have left and decides to pursue them. He brings his chariots to follow them. The Israelites freak out but Moses assures them to trust in God. Moses parts the Red Sea and the Israelites cross on dry land. Pharoah's army follows, but God messes up their chariots and eventually allows the water to run back, drowning all of them. The Israelites were much awed by this and feared the Lord, putting their trust in Moses.
We see the lyrics to a praise song the Israelites have written about this event: "The horse and its rider he has hurled in to the sea."
However memories are short, and soon, the Isralites begin to complain, over and over again!
Complaint 1: "We are Thirsty!!!!"
The Israelites wander in the desert for three days without water and are thirsty. They complain. Moses cries out to God, and God provides wood, which he throws into a bitter pool of water, making the water drinkable. Here, God set his conditions:
Complaint 2: "We are hungry!"
About 45 days after leaving Egypt, the Isralites head out to the Desert of Sin. There, AGAIN, the Israelites somehow forget how difficult it was to be slaves, and can only remember how they could eat "pots of meat" while in Egypt. They wish to be back there. God told Moses he would rain down manna as food for them, but they were only to collect enough for the day. Some tried to collect more, but it would go bad, filled with maggots. On the 6th day they were supposed to collect double because they were not supposed to work (or go out!!!) on the sabbath. On that day, miraculously the manna did not go bad.
They ate this for forty years!!! (until they reached Canaan)
Complaint 3: We are Thirsty!!!
The Israelites head out from the Desert of Sin to Rephidim, but there was no water there. Again, they demanded to Moses "Give us water to drink!!!" Moses AGAIN pleaded with the Lord, and God gave him a stick, told him to hit a rock, and water would come out.
Soon after, a foreign people, the Amalekites, attached the Israelites!!!! Moses sent Joshua to bring some people to fight. God was with the people, and, as long as Moses held his hands up high, the Israelites would be winning. If he got tired and his hands fell, they would start losing. With help from Aaron and others to prop his hands up high all night, the Israelites were victorious.
A Judicial System is Born!
Moses had previously sent his wife and sons back to be with her father (Jethro) in Midian. One day, Jethro heard about the great things God was doing and decided bring his daughter (Moses' wife Zipporah) and their kids to go visit Moses & the Israelites . They had a wonderful time together, sharing stories. Jethro was thrilled to hear about the wonderful things God had done.
The next day, Moses again sat and listened to disputes among the people, giving out his advice. Jethro thought Moses was nuts, and that this would surely tire him out. He advised Moses to choose a few people to serve as judges. Moses did just that, appointing a few judges, who took care of most of the disputes. Moses would only take care of the difficult, complicated ones.
This next section goes into the Egyptian's time wandering in the desert after they have escaped from the Egyptians. There are two major themes here. One, we continue and finish off the theme we have been seeing earlier: God hardening Pharoah's heart and supporting the Israelites. Two: we see the Israelites continually complaining and wishing they were back in Egypt as slaves when times get tough, and the Lord continues to address their concerns.
Finishing Theme 1: Pharoah's last "hardening" of hearts
Pharoah again finds out the Israelites have left and decides to pursue them. He brings his chariots to follow them. The Israelites freak out but Moses assures them to trust in God. Moses parts the Red Sea and the Israelites cross on dry land. Pharoah's army follows, but God messes up their chariots and eventually allows the water to run back, drowning all of them. The Israelites were much awed by this and feared the Lord, putting their trust in Moses.
We see the lyrics to a praise song the Israelites have written about this event: "The horse and its rider he has hurled in to the sea."
However memories are short, and soon, the Isralites begin to complain, over and over again!
Complaint 1: "We are Thirsty!!!!"
The Israelites wander in the desert for three days without water and are thirsty. They complain. Moses cries out to God, and God provides wood, which he throws into a bitter pool of water, making the water drinkable. Here, God set his conditions:
"If you listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, who heals you."
Complaint 2: "We are hungry!"
About 45 days after leaving Egypt, the Isralites head out to the Desert of Sin. There, AGAIN, the Israelites somehow forget how difficult it was to be slaves, and can only remember how they could eat "pots of meat" while in Egypt. They wish to be back there. God told Moses he would rain down manna as food for them, but they were only to collect enough for the day. Some tried to collect more, but it would go bad, filled with maggots. On the 6th day they were supposed to collect double because they were not supposed to work (or go out!!!) on the sabbath. On that day, miraculously the manna did not go bad.
They ate this for forty years!!! (until they reached Canaan)
Complaint 3: We are Thirsty!!!
The Israelites head out from the Desert of Sin to Rephidim, but there was no water there. Again, they demanded to Moses "Give us water to drink!!!" Moses AGAIN pleaded with the Lord, and God gave him a stick, told him to hit a rock, and water would come out.
Soon after, a foreign people, the Amalekites, attached the Israelites!!!! Moses sent Joshua to bring some people to fight. God was with the people, and, as long as Moses held his hands up high, the Israelites would be winning. If he got tired and his hands fell, they would start losing. With help from Aaron and others to prop his hands up high all night, the Israelites were victorious.
A Judicial System is Born!
Moses had previously sent his wife and sons back to be with her father (Jethro) in Midian. One day, Jethro heard about the great things God was doing and decided bring his daughter (Moses' wife Zipporah) and their kids to go visit Moses & the Israelites . They had a wonderful time together, sharing stories. Jethro was thrilled to hear about the wonderful things God had done.
The next day, Moses again sat and listened to disputes among the people, giving out his advice. Jethro thought Moses was nuts, and that this would surely tire him out. He advised Moses to choose a few people to serve as judges. Moses did just that, appointing a few judges, who took care of most of the disputes. Moses would only take care of the difficult, complicated ones.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Exodus 10-13
Locusts
Pharoah seems a bit more willing to at least let the men go, but that was not enough, and the Lord brought locusts in. Similarly, Pharoah repented, asked Moses to pray on his behalf, which Moses did, and the plague was lifted. But again, like before, Pharoah hardened his heart again.
Darkness
So then God made the land dark for three days. This time Pharoah was willing to even let the women and children go, but then Moses requested livestock as well, and Pharoah said no.
Firstborn
God then gave explicit directions for the last plague. He told Moses that he would kill every firstborn except for those houses that had the blood of a lamb on the doorpost. The Israelites were to slaughter a lamb (year old male goats without defect), eat the meat, eat unlevened bread, and put the blood of the lamb on the doorpost. That would be a sign for the angels to "pass over" that house, thus not killing the firstborn. God also commanded them to celebrate this day for generations as a festival to the Lord - thus the significance of the Jewish Passover holiday today.
That night, at midnight, all the firstborns in Egypt died (except for those who had the blood of the lamb on the door). There was great sadness and wailing. Pharoah could stand it no longer, and told them to leave. After 430 years, finally, the Israelites were free.
The Egyptians gave a bunch of stuff for the Israelites to take on their journey. The Lord proceeded to give the Israelites specific rules about the Passover (foreigner cannot eat of the meat, all Israelites must celebrate it, all males much be circumcised).
The Lord also asked the Israelites to consecrate to Him every firstborn. He said that they should eat unleavened bread for 7 days in observance of Passover.
Crossing the Sea
God led the Israelites on a longer route toward the Red Sea. God guided them in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night so they could travel day or night.
Pharoah seems a bit more willing to at least let the men go, but that was not enough, and the Lord brought locusts in. Similarly, Pharoah repented, asked Moses to pray on his behalf, which Moses did, and the plague was lifted. But again, like before, Pharoah hardened his heart again.
Darkness
So then God made the land dark for three days. This time Pharoah was willing to even let the women and children go, but then Moses requested livestock as well, and Pharoah said no.
Firstborn
God then gave explicit directions for the last plague. He told Moses that he would kill every firstborn except for those houses that had the blood of a lamb on the doorpost. The Israelites were to slaughter a lamb (year old male goats without defect), eat the meat, eat unlevened bread, and put the blood of the lamb on the doorpost. That would be a sign for the angels to "pass over" that house, thus not killing the firstborn. God also commanded them to celebrate this day for generations as a festival to the Lord - thus the significance of the Jewish Passover holiday today.
That night, at midnight, all the firstborns in Egypt died (except for those who had the blood of the lamb on the door). There was great sadness and wailing. Pharoah could stand it no longer, and told them to leave. After 430 years, finally, the Israelites were free.
The Egyptians gave a bunch of stuff for the Israelites to take on their journey. The Lord proceeded to give the Israelites specific rules about the Passover (foreigner cannot eat of the meat, all Israelites must celebrate it, all males much be circumcised).
The Lord also asked the Israelites to consecrate to Him every firstborn. He said that they should eat unleavened bread for 7 days in observance of Passover.
Crossing the Sea
God led the Israelites on a longer route toward the Red Sea. God guided them in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night so they could travel day or night.
Exodus 7-9
Moses and Aaron talk to Pharaoh to persuade him to let the Israelites out of the country. God tells them to perform miracles.
The next several events are very repetitive:
Aaron threw down his staff in front of the Pharaoh and it transformed into a snake. But then the Pharaoh called on his magicians who were also able to do it with their secret arts, so the Pharaoh's heart was hard and did not listen to them.
Then Moses and Aaron went and met the Pharaoh by the Nile. He asks him to let his people go, and struck down the Nile river and turned it into blood. The fish in the river died and became undrinkable. However, the magicians were also able it to do this with their secret arts.
Moses asked again to let his people go, and Aaron stretched his hand out to cover the land with frogs. The magicians were also able to do this with their secret arts. The Pharaoh said that if Moses took away the frogs, then he'd let them go, but just as the frogs all died, his heart hardened and would not let the people go.
Same thing happens with gnats, flies, livestock, boils, and hail.
The next several events are very repetitive:
Aaron threw down his staff in front of the Pharaoh and it transformed into a snake. But then the Pharaoh called on his magicians who were also able to do it with their secret arts, so the Pharaoh's heart was hard and did not listen to them.
Then Moses and Aaron went and met the Pharaoh by the Nile. He asks him to let his people go, and struck down the Nile river and turned it into blood. The fish in the river died and became undrinkable. However, the magicians were also able it to do this with their secret arts.
Moses asked again to let his people go, and Aaron stretched his hand out to cover the land with frogs. The magicians were also able to do this with their secret arts. The Pharaoh said that if Moses took away the frogs, then he'd let them go, but just as the frogs all died, his heart hardened and would not let the people go.
Same thing happens with gnats, flies, livestock, boils, and hail.