Eden to Eternity Vol. 1, Exodus 30-40
Come along with me as I complete The Daily Grace Co.’s Eden to Eternity study!
This chronological Bible study requires us to dive into the 66 books of God’s Word while encouraging self-reflection and application. In the following posts, I intend to discuss the content, existing themes, and perceived messages throughout the Bible so we may dwell in scripture together.
I hope that together we can approach God's word with an open heart and fall more in love with Christ, who had our eternal salvation in mind all along!
Exodus: 2/66 | Author: Moses (assumed) | Old Testament | Pentateuch/Torah | 1805-1440 B.C. (estimated)
30. The Incense Altar, Atonement Money, Bronze Basin, Anointing Oil, and the Sacred Incense
This section concludes the procedures to be carried out by the Israelites so that God can be worshipped by His people. Verse 10 of Chapter 30 says, "The altar is especially holy to the Lord."
31. God's Provision of the Skilled Workers, Observing the Sabbath, and the Two Stone Tablets
Bezalel and Oholiab were "appointed by name" by God to construct a divine meeting place.
"I have filled him with God's Spirit, with wisdom, understanding, and ability in every craft to design artistic works in gold, silver, and bronze" (Exodus 31:3, CSB).
The Lord also reminds Moses of the importance of resting on the seventh day, the Sabbath.
"You must observe my Sabbaths, for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations, so that you will know that I am the Lord who consecrates you" (Exodus 31:13).
After these statutes were discussed, Moses received two stones, "tablets inscribed by the finger of God" (Exodus 31:18).
32. The Gold Calf
Meanwhile, the people below Mt. Sinai grew impatient. In waiting to hear from God, they took matters into their own hands and decided to fashion together an idol made of gold. Aaron facilitated this act and encouraged a feast to be held in its honor.
Immediately, God ordered Moses to return to the disobedient crowd so that His anger could burn against them. The once-shy man pleaded with God to forgive the Israelites. So, He relented.
With the tablets in hand, Moses returned to the base of the mountain. Furious with the events in front of him, he shattered the tablets and threw the idol into a fire. Moses questioned Aaron's intentions, to which Aaron replied, "You yourself know that the people are intent on evil" (32:22).
Moses, aware of the extent of sin, told the people he must return to the mountain to repent on behalf of the people. God replied, "Whoever has sinned against me I will erase from my book. Now go, lead the people to the place I told you about; see, my angel will go before you. But on the day I settle accounts, I will hold them accountable for their sin" (32:33-34).
33. The Tent Outside the Camp and the Lord's Glory
The Lord tells Moses in verse 3,
"Go up to a land flowing with milk and honey. But I will not go with you because you are a stiff-necked people; otherwise, I might destroy you on the way."
The people responded in sadness. An angel sent by God is not equivalent to having God Himself. Their despair was so deep that they removed the jewelry they adorned themselves with.
A short distance outside of the camp of the Israelites, Moses established a tent of meeting so that people could approach the Lord. As described in Exodus 33:9, "When Moses entered the tent, the pillar of cloud would come down and remain at the entrance to the tent, and the Lord would speak with Moses." The Lord was not seen or heard in such an intimate way by anyone other than Moses, where "[He] would speak with Moses, just as a man speaks with his friend" (33:11).
Friend to friend, Moses asked God who would accompany him on his trek to the promised land. He requested to learn the ways of the Lord to better understand Him and to be suited for stewardship over God's people.
To which God replied,
"My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest" (33:14).
Rightfully worried, Moses begged. "If Your presence does not go, don't make us go up from here" (33:15).
Being the comforter of all comforts, God encourages Moses.
"I will do this very thing you have asked, for you have found favor with me, and I know you by name" (33:17).
Moses asks God to fully reveal Himself. God explains that humans would perish at the sight of His full glory (33:20). However, the Lord directed Moses to a holy rock, where he could go and be covered so that he could catch a glimpse of God's back instead of His face.
34. New Stone Tablets, Covenant Obligations, and Moses's Radiant Face
Moses was ordered to cut two new stone tablets. He kneeled and worshiped when God appeared as a means of the persisting cloud. God reminded Moses of His character: compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in faithful love and truth (34:6).
Yet another covenant was formed; God declared that He would "perform wonders" for the Israelites (34:10). This will differentiate them from the others God is separating them from. In this covenant, God reminded Moses that He is jealous for His people. They are not to worship false idols or engage in sinful behaviors that would alienate them from His holiness.
The duration of writing the Ten Commandments was forty days and forty nights. When Moses descended from Mt. Sinai, his skin was radiant from speaking with God. His appearance was noticeable; it intimidated the Israelites when they saw him.
35. The Sabbath Command, Building the Tabernacle, Bezalel and Oholiab
The people came together as one community on a mission for God. Everyone contributed in the way in which they were called when it came to orchestrating the Tabernacle. Bezalel and Oholiab were chosen from the group due to their divine gifts that were intended for this moment.
36. Building the Tabernacle
37. Making the Ark, Making the Table, Making the Lampstand, and Making the Altar of Incense
38. Making the Altar of Burnt Offering, Making the Bronze Basin, Making the Courtyard, and Inventory of Materials
39. Making the Priestly Garments, Making the Ephod, Making the Breastplate, Making the Robe, and the Other Priestly Garments
The materials, fabrics, colors, and measurements were defined in detail as the place of worship neared completion. The workers each focused on their roles with dedication. Everyone collaborated with the shared interest of growing closer to God.
40. Setting Up the Tabernacle and the Lord's Glory
Similar to the process of building the Tabernacle, setting this place up for proper use also had precise guidelines. Everything was to be consecrated before usage, even the priests. Moses positioned everything carefully after receiving divine guidance.
When the preparations were completed, "the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle" (40:34). Moses was unable to enter due to God's presence within the tent. God, whether in the form of a cloud by day or fire throughout the night, could be witnessed by all Israelites during the exodus.
Reflections raised by the Daily Grace (p. 101, 103, & 105):
In what ways does God demonstrate His protection?
How has Christ enabled us to see the glory of God? (2 Corinthians 4:6)
Similar to the Israelites' sacrifices when building the Tabernacle, how does worshiping the Lord require sacrifices of our own?
Like Moses being hidden in the crevice of the rock, sometimes we are also isolated and tucked away so that our eyes may be opened to things we were not noticing amidst the chaos of everyday life. Exodus 33:21 depicts the Lord's gentle spirit perfectly:
"I will put you in the crevice of the rock and cover you with my hand."
We are not neglected or overlooked, we are safeguarded. As the hustle and bustle slows, our awareness is heightened. The ability to grow closer to God, bear fruit, and break generational curses grows. Inversely, maybe we are kept from people, places, and things to avoid harmful realities. God is our protector first, shielding us from all things that lead to the death of our spirit that He intended to last.
"As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us" (2 Corinthians 7:9).
When I fix my posture, I catch glimpses of God all over. Sunrises and sunsets, the morning dew, friendly small talk that is conveniently cathartic, reappearing scripture, or a renewed sense of the warm and fuzzies—my experiences could go on! He is in the details. Jesus emphasizes this honor and beauty in His selflessness. We are deeply cherished. We get to be God's people that He wants to heal and adore! When the world feels dark and lonely, remember that it must answer to the One who only desires us. Wait on the Lord; don't replace God in the waiting season!
2 Corinthians 4:6 says "For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ."
Worshipping God requires sacrifices of all kinds. The Israelites were called to contribute whatever they could, similar to modern tithing. They came together to ensure their place of worship was picture-perfect for God's presence to dwell in.
"Everyone whose heart was moved and whose spirit prompted him came and brought an offering to the Lord for the work on the tent of meeting." (Exodus 35:21).
Interestingly enough, Moses had to sacrifice his insecurity and fear of speaking to lead people and intercede when they angered God. This is a great reminder of God not wanting the best we have to offer, but instead, He often seeks the things that become heavy burdens in our lives. It means a great deal that we trust Him with these vulnerabilities. We may be required to surrender our greatly valued control, time, patience, health, finances, relationships, or pride to flourish in God's grace.
Are you willing to release what you're holding onto so that God can transform it into a powerful testimony?
Gratitude List:
"I thought of you" gifts
Dinner dates with friends
Generous baristas on cloudy days
Steam cleaners and robot vacuums (that withstand excessive dog hair)
Pomegranate seeds by the spoonfuls
Friend check-ins and celebratory milestones
Meeting people with a bold faith and glowing love for Jesus
Dog walks with hyperexcited canines
Health & wellness and love & life
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References
Daniels, K., Dickerson, T., Dickson, K., Hess, A., & Turner, S. (2022). Eden to Eternity (Vol. 1). The Daily Grace Co.
Exodus Bible Timeline. Bible Hub. (n.d.). https://biblehub.com/timeline/exodus/1.htm
Myers, R., & Williams, A. B. (2020). She Reads Truth Bible. Holman Bible Publishers.
