This is the final chapter of this book. God instructs Moses to erect the tabernacle and tent of meeting on the first day of the new year (which would be in the month of Nissan (March/April). So, the first year since leaving Egypt was coming to a close. And now, the Israelites are facing the dawning of the second year. The trip from Egypt to Canaan could have been traveled in a few months (considering there was over a million people) but God had them tarry at certain places. He had them camp before Mt. Sinai for most of the year. Now, on the first of the new year, Moses does as God commanded him, erecting the tent of meeting with the tabernacle within and the roof overhead. He placed all of the furnishings in the tent just as God had told him to do. Moses was so dedicated to obeying God. His time on the mountain must have created a deep and abiding relationship between Moses and YHWH. Of all the Israelites, Moses, understood YHWH's worth and the necessity to obey Him was unquestionable.
After everything is in place and the priests anointed for their service, YHWH fills the tent of meeting with His Presence (the cloud by day/fire by night). This Presence was so intense that even Moses could not enter the tent of meeting. How bright the light of the pillar must have been and how thick the clouds of the pillar. It seems that YHWH aimed to make the tent of meeting impenetrable as long as His Presence filled it. No one can push through to the presence of God. God has to allow it on His grounds for His reasons. The Israelites must have sensed the weight of His Glory and knew that YHWH definitely was in charge of them and their situation. I don't think God revealed His Presence this way to keep His people away from Him. I think He revealed Himself this way so that they would comprehend how powerful and holy He is, both creating trust and fear in them.
The chapter closes by saying that as long as YHWH's Presence was over the tent of meeting, they put.
I got it wrong. In Leviticus (chapter 4 or 5 I think) there is a mention of the perpetual fire of the sacrifice that was NEVER to be put out day and night. THAT was what I believe finally went out around AD 70. It would be an extrabiblical text. Clearly, when the curtain rent after the death of Messiah the inner sanctuary was accessible to all believers through His death and subsequent Resurrection. It would seem that the further sacrifices would no longer be effective at best; perhaps there somehow was some protection until that generation passed before the inevitable judgment came in time and space. We are reminded of Hebrews here where Christ ever intercedes for us at the right hand of God for the propitiation of our sins (may be one or two verses).
In the sacrifices; it is also interesting that His blood covers the mercy seat in heaven; and it is certainly possible that in Isaiah where He returns with garments dipped in blood (also in Revelation in Armageddon)-that could literally be the blood of His sacrifice. That would show that we are either covered by His blood or our blood will be required (or explains the verse of falling on Him or the ROCK falling on us).
Just to expand a little on my comment, I notice that Abraham saw the two manifestations of God together in the dark of night when the covenant of the land was made, while in Exodus the two manifestations always appear separated by day and night in Exodus as far as I am aware. I am not sure what that difference means, but it reminds me that the Spirit of God was over the waters in the dark when light is first spoken into being and then the separation of day and night occurs in the first day of the current creation.
Abraham's covenant of the land is given to his seed, which Paul says is Christ. In Christ, God's Word and His wrath are once again united at the cross where the New Covenant in Christ's blood is established. Coincidence? New creation? Just something to ponder.
I was thinking of the initial part of the Exodus and later on after the Tabernacle was completed. This would correspond also to the later building of the much more ornate and sizeable temple under Solomon; which indeed is probably the last time that there was such a presence there outwardly visible. It is said at the time of AD 70 and the fulfullment of the judgment of the Lord on Israel that was to happen before that generation passed that there were supernatural events. I believe at that time there was some sort of continual burning candle that went out if I am correct about that.
Today; I was comparing the bowl judgment when no man can stand in the inner court of the HEAVENLY temple until the judgments were complete. I don't know any other passages that compare with Exodus 40 where even the most godly person; or the Levite priest sanctioned to enter the Holy of Holies annually was not allowed in there. In Revelation; it shows a sort of finality; just as it did to the Egyptians at the finale of their judgments and just prior in the Dead Sea. It is noteworthy that in the seal and trumpet judgments; prayers came up as incense before the Lord. It would seem that at the consummation of events the Lord acts in this way. It is noteworthy that the rebellion of Israel was the only thing that took that glory away; as God had and still in fact retains certain covenant promises. Mercifully; now with Christ His Spirit dwells within our body; i.e. His Body or Tabernacle and we are "sealed until the day of redemption." (Ephesians). He has kept His face hidden for our own good; for in all His glory no man can stand.
I'm new at this commentary stuff; it is helping me study the Word better. I'm certain others can give more detailed responses. I didn't have a theme here that I put any real time or study into; it was just a thought.
I imagine elsewhere in your commentaries that you have pointed out the similarity of the presence of God described in Exodus as a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night to the manifestation of God's presence that passed between the pieces of the sacrifice Abraham was command to make when God established the Covenant of the promise of the land with him in Genesis 15:17. Abraham saw a smoking furnace and a burning lamp, which to me suggests that the source of the pillar of cloud (smoke?) was connected to God's revelation in wrath and the source of the pillar of fire was connected to God's revelation through His Word acting as a lamp unto our feet even at night. Could you give your thoughts (again?) on the connection between what Abraham saw and Moses and the Israelites saw, since I appear to have missed it in what I have read so far in your commentaries?
At this stage in Exodus 40; the Tabernacle was finally prepared; with the ark of the Testimony; and the candle along with the items within the ark and exterior decorations commanded. At this point; the glory filled the Tabernacle (verse 34). Moses and Aaron joined the tent of the congregation and immediately when God's presence came even Moses couldn't enter because of the Presence. It was once again a "fire by night"; and the cloud was there during the day (verse 40); probably the same appearance as the smoke in earlier passages.
The earlier chapters show the great struggles that Moses endured; along with the patience of God and evidence of the Godhead. It would appear that the "Angel" God promised to send that is seen not only in Exodus but other parts of the Pantetauch (can't spell that right) was none other than Christ Himself. Moses had acted as a sort of intercessor; who stopped God from breaking out and destroying all the rebels after the abominable golden calf episode. Christ; of course would be the final fulfillment of the intercessor for all of the sin of God's elect; and Himself be the sacrifice. This seeming dichotomy of wrath and sacrificial love; grace and mercy between the Father and Son gives us some insight into the "hidden things of God" ( Deut. 29:29). Overall; we see how God has the characteristics of perfect love and perfect wrath and yet is not in conflict because of this. We need to remember that it was God who loved the world ( John 3:16) who; because He can't look at sin and we can't endure His full presence and live; that He had to send His son as a propitiation for our sins. This would satisfy the Father to crush His son ( Isaiah 53 and other passages).
Although the sacrifices at the Temple are no longer needed; it appears that a memorial or ceremonial Temple will be on earth in the future ( Ezekiel 48). The earthly construction was a representation of the heavenly pattern; with Cherubim and the design overall.
In 1 Corinthians 7:13-15, we read of a marriage that has a Christian spouse & a non-Christian spouse. If they're happy to remain together (in spite of their differences & associated problems), then they should keep the sanctity of the marriage by remaining together. However (in v 15), if the non-Christian spouse really wants to separate or divorce, he/she shouldn't be stopped from doing so & they should separate.
BUT, for many Christians they now see that a licence is given here for a re-marriage to take place, because the verse says, "A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases". This is not the case. Paul means that a Christian should not be in 'bondage' (or, being caged or chained up in a constant state of suffering, abuse or hatred) because of being compelled to hold the marriage together; one party should be free to go.
Nevertheless, the other Scripture remains in force, "And I (Jesus) say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery." ( Matthew 19:9). So, if there's a separation/divorce, the believing spouse has to remain unmarried or else they would be committing adultery. The reference to "fornication", given by the Lord, was when it was found out by a spouse, during the betrothal or after a marriage had taken place, that there was 'uncleanness' in the other: i.e. where one was unfaithful at that time. In those days, the betrothal period was part of the marriage bond - not like today, when a couple could opt to cancel the engagement for any reason.
We're introduced to Paul (then known as Saul) from Acts 7:58 onwards. Saul, by his own claim, was a Jew & a Pharisee (a religious leader, studied in Jewish Law), from the tribe of Benjamin ( Philippians 3:5,6). He also hailed from Tarsus, Celicia in Asia Minor (now Turkey). If you're keen to see the city & you have a map of Turkey, Tarsus is located between the cities of Mersin & Adana on the South coast.
Then from Acts chapter 9, you can read of Saul's mighty encounter with the risen Jesus Christ & from that event, Saul believed on Jesus, was baptized & later he was also referred to as Paul ( Acts 13:9). We generally hear the name Paul being used from hereon.
Paul wasn't one of the 12 disciples who walked with Jesus. However, since Paul had seen the Lord, received teaching from him (from Heaven while in the deserts of Arabia: Galatians 1:17), & called by Jesus to be His apostle ( Romans 1:1), the other apostles after some initial hesitance acceptance him. And of course, we know that God used Paul mightily to preach to both the Jews & the Gentiles of His saving Grace (his mission however was primarily to the Gentiles). Paul went on several missionary journeys & established several Churches, even in his own country. How very sad though, that Turkey now has Islam as its predominant religion, when at the time of Paul, he would have "turned the world upside down" with the power of the Gospel even in his home country.
So, if you read the Book of Acts, especially from chapter 7 onwards, you'll learn more of what I've shared here. And then his letters to the Churches are filled with wisdom, that which he learned from Jesus to teach Christians on how to live the Christian life victoriously.
You're doing very well, Eric. Well done. Sadly though, you won't see them entering the Promised Land till the Book of Joshua as much of the Laws & instructions are to be given to the people & rehearsed before them in the intervening books. These books are also interesting as they give a lot of insight to what was required of God's people & how they should live & worship Him. And if you look closely, you might just see some things there that point to Jesus. Happy reading & hunting. God bless you.
Exodus done. Day 29 of Bible read in a year. I was hoping the end of Exodus would read they made it to the promise land of Canaan. Maybe it will continue on next book?
"On the first day of the first month shalt thou set up the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation." All of God's ways are perfect from the beginning and are brought to pass each in its proper time and place. First is the Tent set up, and within the Tent first is set the Ark in its place, as it were yet in the dark. Then is set the Table and all its things in order, and then the Lampstand.
"On the first day of the first month shalt thou set up the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation." The Tabernacle being set up in the beginning of the year, is because Jesus is the reason we live; and the sign of God among men, to teach us about His holiness, glory and beauty, providing us a place of mediation, salvation and communion while we are journeying through this wilderness.
One thing for sure is that the children of Isreal sinned against God time after time even wben he proved himself to them time after time. The most beautiful part of it is he gave them a chance to repent and to come on the Lords side. What a mighty God we serve.
Exodus to me shows that the people of God were stubborn, they were living in bondage and they wanted to continue living that way, as slaves. They did not believe that God would have brought them out.
We realise from this chapter that the cloud of the glory of God came upon the tabernacle after all the work and instructions given to Moses and the people had been fully executed to completion. This tells us that God will always and only honour total obedience and complete faithfulness to service. There is no tolerance for partial obedience and partial service with the LORD. If we therefore want the glory and honour of the LORD in ourlives and ministries, then it requires complete and total obedience to the WORD OF GOD and to the specific assignment and instructions that HE JEHOVAH has given us as individuals and as a a Church. The question we then need to be asking ourselves is 'are we totally obeying the WORD OF GOD? ' Are you giving total and complete obedience and faithfulness to the specific assignment and instructions the LORD has given us as individuals and as a Church or family?
we must always seek holyness,, live by it, knowing that our lord is our redeemer.the Israelites rested in the glory of god and moved in the glory of god so must be a christian
This is the final chapter of this book. God instructs Moses to erect the tabernacle and tent of meeting on the first day of the new year (which would be in the month of Nissan (March/April). So, the first year since leaving Egypt was coming to a close. And now, the Israelites are facing the dawning of the second year. The trip from Egypt to Canaan could have been traveled in a few months (considering there was over a million people) but God had them tarry at certain places. He had them camp before Mt. Sinai for most of the year. Now, on the first of the new year, Moses does as God commanded him, erecting the tent of meeting with the tabernacle within and the roof overhead. He placed all of the furnishings in the tent just as God had told him to do. Moses was so dedicated to obeying God. His time on the mountain must have created a deep and abiding relationship between Moses and YHWH. Of all the Israelites, Moses, understood YHWH's worth and the necessity to obey Him was unquestionable.
After everything is in place and the priests anointed for their service, YHWH fills the tent of meeting with His Presence (the cloud by day/fire by night). This Presence was so intense that even Moses could not enter the tent of meeting. How bright the light of the pillar must have been and how thick the clouds of the pillar. It seems that YHWH aimed to make the tent of meeting impenetrable as long as His Presence filled it. No one can push through to the presence of God. God has to allow it on His grounds for His reasons. The Israelites must have sensed the weight of His Glory and knew that YHWH definitely was in charge of them and their situation. I don't think God revealed His Presence this way to keep His people away from Him. I think He revealed Himself this way so that they would comprehend how powerful and holy He is, both creating trust and fear in them.
The chapter closes by saying that as long as YHWH's Presence was over the tent of meeting, they put.
In the sacrifices; it is also interesting that His blood covers the mercy seat in heaven; and it is certainly possible that in Isaiah where He returns with garments dipped in blood (also in Revelation in Armageddon)-that could literally be the blood of His sacrifice. That would show that we are either covered by His blood or our blood will be required (or explains the verse of falling on Him or the ROCK falling on us).
Abraham's covenant of the land is given to his seed, which Paul says is Christ. In Christ, God's Word and His wrath are once again united at the cross where the New Covenant in Christ's blood is established. Coincidence? New creation? Just something to ponder.
I think you dos just fine in your post. It gives us food for thought
Hope you have a good day.
Today; I was comparing the bowl judgment when no man can stand in the inner court of the HEAVENLY temple until the judgments were complete. I don't know any other passages that compare with Exodus 40 where even the most godly person; or the Levite priest sanctioned to enter the Holy of Holies annually was not allowed in there. In Revelation; it shows a sort of finality; just as it did to the Egyptians at the finale of their judgments and just prior in the Dead Sea. It is noteworthy that in the seal and trumpet judgments; prayers came up as incense before the Lord. It would seem that at the consummation of events the Lord acts in this way. It is noteworthy that the rebellion of Israel was the only thing that took that glory away; as God had and still in fact retains certain covenant promises. Mercifully; now with Christ His Spirit dwells within our body; i.e. His Body or Tabernacle and we are "sealed until the day of redemption." (Ephesians). He has kept His face hidden for our own good; for in all His glory no man can stand.
I'm new at this commentary stuff; it is helping me study the Word better. I'm certain others can give more detailed responses. I didn't have a theme here that I put any real time or study into; it was just a thought.
Agape. Rich P
The earlier chapters show the great struggles that Moses endured; along with the patience of God and evidence of the Godhead. It would appear that the "Angel" God promised to send that is seen not only in Exodus but other parts of the Pantetauch (can't spell that right) was none other than Christ Himself. Moses had acted as a sort of intercessor; who stopped God from breaking out and destroying all the rebels after the abominable golden calf episode. Christ; of course would be the final fulfillment of the intercessor for all of the sin of God's elect; and Himself be the sacrifice. This seeming dichotomy of wrath and sacrificial love; grace and mercy between the Father and Son gives us some insight into the "hidden things of God" ( Deut. 29:29). Overall; we see how God has the characteristics of perfect love and perfect wrath and yet is not in conflict because of this. We need to remember that it was God who loved the world ( John 3:16) who; because He can't look at sin and we can't endure His full presence and live; that He had to send His son as a propitiation for our sins. This would satisfy the Father to crush His son ( Isaiah 53 and other passages).
Although the sacrifices at the Temple are no longer needed; it appears that a memorial or ceremonial Temple will be on earth in the future ( Ezekiel 48). The earthly construction was a representation of the heavenly pattern; with Cherubim and the design overall.
"as the LORD commanded Moses."
BUT, for many Christians they now see that a licence is given here for a re-marriage to take place, because the verse says, "A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases". This is not the case. Paul means that a Christian should not be in 'bondage' (or, being caged or chained up in a constant state of suffering, abuse or hatred) because of being compelled to hold the marriage together; one party should be free to go.
Nevertheless, the other Scripture remains in force, "And I (Jesus) say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery." ( Matthew 19:9). So, if there's a separation/divorce, the believing spouse has to remain unmarried or else they would be committing adultery. The reference to "fornication", given by the Lord, was when it was found out by a spouse, during the betrothal or after a marriage had taken place, that there was 'uncleanness' in the other: i.e. where one was unfaithful at that time. In those days, the betrothal period was part of the marriage bond - not like today, when a couple could opt to cancel the engagement for any reason.
Then from Acts chapter 9, you can read of Saul's mighty encounter with the risen Jesus Christ & from that event, Saul believed on Jesus, was baptized & later he was also referred to as Paul ( Acts 13:9). We generally hear the name Paul being used from hereon.
Paul wasn't one of the 12 disciples who walked with Jesus. However, since Paul had seen the Lord, received teaching from him (from Heaven while in the deserts of Arabia: Galatians 1:17), & called by Jesus to be His apostle ( Romans 1:1), the other apostles after some initial hesitance acceptance him. And of course, we know that God used Paul mightily to preach to both the Jews & the Gentiles of His saving Grace (his mission however was primarily to the Gentiles). Paul went on several missionary journeys & established several Churches, even in his own country. How very sad though, that Turkey now has Islam as its predominant religion, when at the time of Paul, he would have "turned the world upside down" with the power of the Gospel even in his home country.
So, if you read the Book of Acts, especially from chapter 7 onwards, you'll learn more of what I've shared here. And then his letters to the Churches are filled with wisdom, that which he learned from Jesus to teach Christians on how to live the Christian life victoriously.
Was he one of the disciples?
2. When persons are speaking in unknown tongues but no interpretation follows.
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