January 29

January 29

Exodus 33–35

Scripture Text: Exodus 33:1–35:35

Series: Read the Bible in a Year

Go to January 30

The Lord commands the people to depart from Sinai, the desert land on the eastern side of the Red Sea. God will not go with them for fear of his anger at the stiff-necked people. So, he will send an angel before them. It is noteable that the angel will lead them and drive out the inhabitants of the land. God could have provided an angel before too. Why do you think he had gone before the people instead of sending an angel?

God has instructed Moses to build a tent of meeting in the tabernacle. As it had to been consttructed yet, Moses made a temporary tent of meeting outside the camp. It was a big deal. Though all could go there to met with God, when Moses went, the entire camp stood and watched. For when God met with Moses, his presence was visibly at the entrance to the tent. 

Joshua also went with Moses to the tent of meeting and would not leave when Moses did. Do you think this was because Joshua wanted to remain in God's presence?

The remainder of chapter 33 is about Moses wondering who go with him in leading the people, and asking to learn God's ways and see his face. Moses is suggesting that an angel is not good enough; he needs God himself to go with him to the promised land. God's presence is what makes Moses and the people distinct. In desiring God's company, Moses finds favor with God, and consents to attend him on the way. So, Moses presses harder, asking to knopw God so well that he may behold his face. The Lord allows Moses to see his back but not his face, as that would mean Moses' death.

Chapter 34 begins with writing new tablets on Mt. Sinai, the declaration of God's steadfast love and mercy, and Moses' request that God pardon the people's sin because he ()not the people) has found favor in God's sight. Do you see a foreshadowing of Christians being forgiven for Christ's sake?

God reminds Moses of various statutes, then Moses descends Mt. Sinai with a shining face for having been in God's presence so long. The frightened Aaron and the rest of the people. With shining face, Moses instructs the people, then veils his face, but when he would go to the tent of meeting to be with God, he would remove the veil again. He would not conceal himself from God, nor would he conceal this reminder of God's presnce when he instructed the people.

Moses reminds the people to rest on the Sabbath. Then the offerings are given for the construction of the tabernacle. The craftsmen are called to use these offerings in the making of the tabernacle.  

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