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Exodus 19:1-1-20:22 (St 8)

Email the worksheet at the end of this page to your participants and get them to fill it out prior to the study.

Applying our Tools: Previous Studies

Big Idea from previous week

A saved people should respond in praise with a desire to do God’s will.

NOTE: An Old Testament reader would instantly understand that what is being spoken about here in Exodus 19 and 20 is a Suzerain Treaty. Hopefully you can see that as you worked through the handout (see last page).

Structure

19:1-8 Covenant between God and the descendants of Abraham

19:9-25 The Lord’s people must be holy, for he is holy (See Lev. 11:45)

20:1 Stipulations of the contract – to love him and to love one another

20:18-22 The people respond in fear

Applying our Tools: Exegesis – What does the text say?

1-8 - What is the Abrahamic promise conditional upon? (Genesis 12:1-7)

- What blessings was Abraham promised?

- Abraham had to act in faith and leave, otherwise there were no ‘behavioural conditions’.

- To be a blessed & great nation bringing blessing to the whole earth

- What is the Mosaic promise conditional upon? (Exodus 19:5-6)

- What blessings are Israel promised?

- Israel must fully obey and keep God’s covenant. ..

- To be a treasured possession (See Gen 17:7-8, Ex 6:7)- To be a kingdom of priests (special relationship with God)- To be a holy nation (set apart from other nations)

How do Israel respond. They promise to do everything the Lord has said.

SUMMARY: God makes a covenant with Israel


9-25 What do we our repeated words tell us about God?

- death, not permitted to live, break-out against, smoke & fire, tremble

God is a consuming fire anyone who approaches that is not clean (Holy)

What do we our repeated words tell us about Israel?

- consecrate, wash

Israel requires cleansing to even come near to the mountain where his presence is.

What is Moses job? He is a mediator

SUMMARY: Israel must be cleansed to approach YHWH


20:1-17 For each one of the commandments, who would be blessed by the command being obeyed (God, or Israel)

Commandments 1 to 4, God is blessed.

Commandments 5 to 10, the neighbour is blessed.

- How do we know that the commandments are not necessary for Israel’s salvation?

- Then what is the purpose of the commandments?

(see Matthew 22:36-40)

- Because they have already been rescued (20:1)

- To keep in close relationship with God & to be a blessing to others around them.

SUMMARY: Israel are to love God and one another


20:18-22 What is Israel’s response to the pyrotechnics on the mountain?

1) They trembled with fear.

2) They ask Moses to mediate.

3) They were at a distance.

Look back to 19:9, what does the Lord show us about our need for a mediator?

They respond in fear to the Lord, but they are able to trust Moses because they are able to relate to him!

SUMMARY: The people respond in fear

Applying our Tools: Hermeneutics – How do we apply this to ourselves

BIG IDEA: Israel reverently agree to God’s relational covenant; they will obey him and love him and their neighbour to receive blessing.

HEAD: Are Abraham’s covenantal promises at risk if this generation of Israel don’t obey?

HEART: Post Jesus… Which statement is true; ‘fear God’ or ‘Jesus is my friend’?

HANDS: Take one commandment and explain how it could help you to love Jesus more this week.

SuzeraintyNOTE TO LEADERS: Delete the answers (in blue) and send a copy out to your participants prior to the study.

Suzerainty treaties between near-eastern nations were prevalent in Ancient Palestine. The Hittites, Egyptians and Assyrians were all Suzerains to Israel between 1200 and 600 BC.

Typical Suzerain Treaty Exodus 19 & 20

Time and Place (19:1-2) 3rd month after the Exodus, at Mt. Sinai

Preamble: Identifies the parties involved in the treaty Party 1: (19:3) House of Jacob, people of Israel

Party 2: (19:4) God who carried them out of Egypt

Party 2: (20:2) YHWH who brought you out of Egypt

Prologue : The deeds already done by the Suzerain for the vassal (19:4 & 20:2) YHWH’s name is bound to his acts of salvation

Stipulations : Terms to be upheld by the vassal for the life of the treaty

(19:6) Obedience

(20:3-17) The 10 Commandments

Divine witness to the treaty: I.e. the deities of both Suzerain and vassal

(20:22) YHWH himself (speaking from heaven)

Blessings if the stipulations of the treaty are upheld and curses if not

(19:5-6) They are to become a kingdom of priests

(20:5-6) Sin will be punished but blessings for those who love God

(20:12) Honour father & mother and so live long in the land

Sacrificial Meal: Both parties share a meal.

This is not included in our passage

Adapted from Wikipedia

1. Rameses Israel was thrust out of Egypt (Ex. 12).

2. Succoth from here, YHWH attends them in a pillar of cloud or fire (Ex. 13:20-22).

3. Pi-hahiroth Israel passed through the Red Sea (Ex. 14).

4. Marah The Lord healed the waters of Marah (Ex. 15:23-26).

5. Elim Israel camped by 12 springs (Ex. 15:27).

6. Wilderness of Sin The Lord sent manna and quail to feed Israel (Ex. 16).

7. Rephidim Israel fought with Amalek (Ex. 17:8-16).

8. Mount Sinai, The 10 Commandments given (Ex. 19-20).

9. Sinai Wilderness Israel constructed the tabernacle (Ex. 25-30).

10. Wilderness Camps 70 elders called to help Moses govern the people (Num. 11:16-17).

11. Ezion-geber Israel passed through the lands of Esau & Ammon in peace (Deut. 2).

12. Kadesh-barnea spies sent, but Israel rebels failing to enter the land; Kadesh became their main camp for many years (Num. 13:1-3, 17-33; 14; 32:8).

13. Eastern Wilderness Israel avoided conflict with Edom & Moab (Num. 20:14-21; 22-24).

14. Arnon River Israel destroys the Amorites (Deut. 2:24-37).

15. Mount Nebo Moses viewed the promised land, but won’t enter it (Deut. 34:1-4).

16. Plains of Moab Israel divide the land (Num. 33:50-56).

17. Jordan River Israel crossed the Jordan (Josh. 3:1-5:1).

18. Jericho captured (Josh. 6).

Exodus 20:22-23:33 (St 9)

Applying our Tools: Previous Studies

Big Idea from previous week

Israel reverently agree to God’s relational covenant; they will obey him and love him and their neighbour to receive blessing.

Structure

20:22-26 Right worship

Ch 21 to 23 THE RULES21:1-1121:12-2721:28-3622:1-1722:18-23-12

Rules for slavesRules for murder / manslaughterRules for responsible ownershipRules against theftRules for holiness & social justice

23:13-19 Right worship

23:20-33 The Lord will deliver them into the promised land


20:22-26 Are the laws necessary for Israel’s salvation, and if not, what are they for (see v.24)

No it comes after the rescue, it is for their blessing. God will bless them wherever he is honoured.

Have you heard v23 before? Why do you think it is repeated here

[from the 10 commandments] It should reinforce their experience at the foot of the mountain, where they agreed the covenant with fear and trembling

Did you notice the bracket (sandwich)

20:22-26 (right worship)

21 – 23:12 (rules)

23:13-19 (right worship)

Why do you think it is structured this way?

Worshipping God also looks like obedience to his rules (God’s way of doing things).

See also Romans 12:1-2

SUMMARY: Right worship brings blessings


Ch21 to 23:12 Notice that some areas are characterized by an absence of punishment, whilst others have dire

consequences (St Helen’s notes).

21:1-11 Concerning Slaves- What is the key principle for treating male

slaves well (2-6)? - What is the key principle for treating female

slaves well?

- If the slave is Hebrew, he must be freed after 7 years of service.

- If you take a female slave for a wife, treat her as a wife!

21:12-27 Concerning Murder- What is the key principle outlined in this

section (note looking at the punishments for non conformance will help you).

- See v.24 - there is a natural and equitable justice - the punishment seems to fit the crime. Eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth...

21:28-36 Concerning Ownership- What is the key principle outlined in this

section (note looking at the punishments for non conformance will help you).

- See v.36 - there is the same idea of natural and equitable justice – one cannot blame a bull for its nature, but you can blame the owner for not behaving responsibly!

22:1-17 Concerning Theft- What is the key principle outlined in this

section (note looking at the repeated words within the section will help you).

- Where one party experiences monetary loss from the action of another – restitution must be made (generally double what was lost)

22:18-23:9 Holiness & Social JusticeDo you see the bracket v21 & v9 why do you think these verses are repeated?What three groups are singled out for special treatment:

- (22:18-20; 23:1-2, 7-8) - (22:21, 12) - (22:22, 25, 26-27; 23:6, 11) - (22:28-31)- (22:28)

What does this part of the passage tell us about God’s character (notice 23:3)?

Israel know what it is to be oppressed and therefore should not oppress others!

- The immoral & idolators - Outsiders - The poor - God - Their rulers

We see God’s justice & equity

SUMMARY: Obeying the law shows an understanding of God’s concern for justice and equity


23:13-19 What are the three festivals they are to celebrate?

1) v152) v163) v16

What are the three feasts representing?

- Feast of unleavened bread - Feast of harvest - Feast of Ingathering

Salvation (unleavened bread), and God’ s continued provision (harvest & ingathering)

Note on v19: Cooking a goat in its mother’s milk was a sacrifice made by the existing Canaanites in the land as a fertility practice.

SUMMARY: Right worship means remembering God’s salvation & provision


23:20-33 Which of the Genesis promises do these verses remind you of?

“I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you;I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse;and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” (Gen 12:2-3)

What is required of Israel to receive the blessings? Pay attention, listen and obey (v21-22)

Who will do all the work? God will

SUMMARY: God will be faithful to his promises

Applying our Tools: Hermeneutics – How do we apply this to ourselves

BIG IDEA: The right response to a faithful and just God’s salvation and provision is obedience which brings blessing.

HEAD: - 23:3 says that we should not show favouritism to a poor man... In what ways might we do this? - 23:9 and 22:21 say we should not mistreat or oppress an alien (foreigner)... In what ways are

foreign nationals mistreated in this country? [note for leader - due to lack of papers many foreigners are exploited through low pay]

- 23:10 tells us how we should help the poor... What is the principle being taught [note for leader – it is not charity, enable the poor to earn their own living!]

HEART: The passage shows us that God is VERY concerned with the poor... Are we?

HANDS: What could we as a group do to help a foreign national in our church?

Exodus 24:1-18 (Study 10)

Instructions for the group – Homework, divide up the text, and see if you can spot the Chiasm (Sandwich)

Applying our Tools: Previous StudiesBig Idea from previous week

The right response to a faithful and just God’s salvation and provision is obedience which brings blessing.

Structure1-2 Moses and 708 elders invited to worship… at a distance

3-8 God’s covenant word sealed through blood and sacrifice

9-11 Moses and the elders fellowship with God

12-18 Moses the mediator enters God’s glory

Applying our Tools: Exegesis – What does the text say?1-2 What are the stipulations for approaching the Lord

– there are 3 categories:The elders to worship at a distance.Only Moses may approach the Lord.The people may go nowhere near!

How have we seem this same idea of Moses being treated differently in previous chapters?

He alone goes up the mountainHe alone is the spokesperson for God

SUMMARY: Worshipping God must be done at a distance!

Applying our Tools: Exegesis – What does the text say?3-8 - Did you find the Chiasm (Sandwich) in this

section?- What’s the meat (emphasis) of the chiasm?- What’s the repeated phrase?

(see on the next page) .- Sacrifice and blood for Israel (the 12 tribes).- Everything the Lord has said we will do/obey.

What are God’s promises to Israel so far?---- (23:22-25; 20:24) & (22:31; 19:5; 6:7)What are Israel’s promises to God?---- (19:5) and (24:3, 7)

--- If they are obedient the Lord will bless them and curse their enemies (23:22-25; 20:24). He will make them His people (22:31; 19:5; 6:7)---They promise to obey every word (19:5; 24-3-7)

The people of Israel themselves are gathered and represented by the 12 pillars near the altar. The blood is sprinkled first representing the fact that “God should be satisfied” and after the people have declared they will obey they too have blood thrown over them. This represents the mercy of God (accepting a sacrifice of atonement rather than their blood. It also serves to consecrate them into the priesthood. [St Helen’s notes]

SUMMARY: Israel promise obedience to the covenant through sacrifice!

Applying our Tools: Exegesis – What does the text say?9-11 What’s the repeated phrase? v9 and saw the God of Israel.

v11 they saw God…

The words “but God did not raise his hand against these leaders of the Israelites” sits in the middle of these repeated phrases. Why is this so surprising in light of v.1; 19:12, 21?

It’s surprising because previously they would have died if they’d gone anywhere near God!

Israel were now able to ‘see and to eat and drink’ with God…. What has made this possible?

1) An offer from God to approach and worship2) Sacrifice & blood was needed for them to be

made clean (he accepts an animal’s blood rather than requiring theirs)

3) Agreement to obey the Lord.

John 1:18 and Exodus 33:20 tell us that nobody is able to see God and live. What they saw of his surroundings and presence generally spoke so powerfully that it was enough for them to say that they saw him.

SUMMARY: Moses and the elders fellowshipped with God

Applying our Tools: Exegesis – What does the text say?12-18 Intro: Israel remains three distinct groups, Moses, the Elders and the people…

On what day does Moses Get called into God’s glory and why do you think that’s significant?

Day 7 – represents completion (remember creation)… It signifies the day of rest – Israel are ready to rest with the Creator! Peace with God!See Hebrews 4:10

We saw that all Israel were covered by the sacrifices (24:4) and that the elders fellowshipped with him (24:11) – but only Moses is invited into God’s glory. Israel still need a mediatorAs Moses walks into the cloud he remains unharmed! It has always been God’s way to draw in one that his presence might be mediated to the many. When Jesus walked into the cloud of the Lord he came away with the words “This is my beloved Son; listen to him (Mark 9:7). [St Helen’s notes]

SUMMARY: Moses the mediator enters God’s glory

Applying our Tools: Hermeneutics – How do we apply this to ourselvesBIG IDEA: Until Israel sacrificed and agreed to obey they couldn’t enter God’s fellowship, but still need a mediator.

HEAD: Rewrite your summary sentence in light of what Jesus has done

HEART: When do you doubt that you have full access to God?

HANDS: In your quiet time, read and reflect on Hebrews 9 and 10 – feedback to the group next week.

CHIASM:

3When Moses went and told the people all the LORD's words & laws, they responded with one voice,

"Everything the LORD has said we will do."

4Moses then wrote down every-thing the LORD had said.

He got up early the next morning and built an altar at the foot of the mountain & set up 12 stone pillars representing the 12 tribes of

Israel. 5Then he sent young Israelite men, and they offered burnt offerings and sacrificed young bulls as fellowship offerings to the

LORD. 6Moses took half of the blood and put it in bowls, and the other half he sprinkled on the altar.

Exodus 25 to 31 (Study 11)

Instructions for the group – This is a very large chunk of text, (7 chapters), so don’t apply your tools, just read through, and ask them to make a summary of what

is required for a priest’s consecration (29:1-44).


Until Israel sacrificed and agreed to obey they couldn’t enter God’s fellowship, but still need a mediator.

Structure24:12-18 Moses is promised the tablets of the Law

25:1-27:19 The Tabernacle construction: God’s dwelling from inside to out

27:20-30:10 The Priestly consecration: God’s dwelling mediated

30:11-31:17 The Tabernacle’s completion: God’s dwelling perfected

31:18 Moses is given the tablets of the Law

Applying our Tools: Exegesis – What does the text say?25:1-27:19 (25:2) – What kind of offering is Moses

expected to receive from Israel?An offering freely given from the heart.

(25:8) – What is significant about God dwelling amongst the people –

(i) Think back to God’s promises (Gen 17)(ii) Think back to Israel at Sinai (Ex. 20)

(i) Fulfillment of Gen 17:8; Ex 6:7 (They will be my people and I will be their God).

(ii) Ex. 20 – The people were terrified, and were not allowed to approach God without a mediator – the mediator had to be consecrated and holy (20:22-23).

(26:33) - What’s the purpose of the curtain? To separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place.

(26:35) – Take a look at the Tabernacle Illustration, what becomes very clear as we see how it has been laid out?

The closer we get to the Most Holy Place (God’s presence) fewer people are allowed in.

Cleansing and atonement is required before entering God’s presence (for he is Holy)

SUMMARY: Provision is made for God to dwell with his people

Applying our Tools: Exegesis – What does the text say?27:20-30:10 How do the priests represent Israel?

(1) 28:9-12, 21(2) *28:29-30(3) 28:38

* For Israel the heart was about logic, not emotion.

(1) For God to remember His promises to Israel(2) To make wise decisions on Israel’s behalf(3) Bear any guilt for offerings that were

blemished or imperfect

What provided protection for the priests(1) 28:34-35(2) 28:41(3) 28:42-43

(1) Only Aaron is allowed in the Most Holy place. This distinguishes him.

(2) The priests must be anointed, ordained and consecrated in order to serve (made holy)

(3) The priests must wear undergarments so as not to incur guilt and die.

What does consecration (making holy) require? 29:1-44

1-3 A basket of bread, bull & ram4 Wash5-9 Anoint & dress them10-16 Slaughter the bull as a sin offering17-18 Slaughter 1 lamb as a burnt offering19-27 Slaughter 2nd lamb to sprinkle blood &

use it and the bread as a wave offering32-33 The priests are to eat the offerings35-44 Every day for 7 days they must sacrifice

to consecrate; the priests, the altar & the tent of meeting

- Why do you think it needed 7 days?- What was achieved?

- Peace with God (Rest), on the 7th day God rested).- God would dwell among them / be their God.

SUMMARY: God requires the people he dwells with to be holy

Applying our Tools: Exegesis – What does the text say?30:11-31:17 30:10,12 What is the purpose and cost of the

Day of Atonement?Purpose – to atone for sin against GodCost – The cost is a their lives, but God accepts a half shekel & a sacrifice

SUMMARY: Any sin must be completely atoned for

Applying our Tools: Exegesis – What does the text say?31:18 The two tablets (the Law) was placed in the

Most Holy Place // In the presence of God – What is the significance?

The character of God is closely bound to his Holy Law.

Applying our Tools: Hermeneutics – How do we apply this to ourselvesBIG IDEA: God makes provision for his people to atone for their sin, so that he may dwell with them

HEAD: How is our dwelling with God the same as Israel, and how is it different?

HEART: Do you feel the presence of God’s indwelling Spirit? How / How not?

HANDS: Do you take your sin as seriously as God does? What are you working on right now?

The Tabernacle

Exodus 32:1-33:7 (Study

12)


God makes provision for his people to atone for their sin, so that he may dwell with them

Structure32:1-6 Israel breaks the first three commandments!

32:7-14 The burning anger of the LORD and the intercession of Moses

32:15-29 The burning anger of Moses and the punishment of apostasy

32:30-33:7 The delay in judgement and the removal of presence

Applying our Tools: Exegesis – What does the text say?32:1-6 (32:1) Read Ex. 19:8-9 & 20:19, how do these

verses make 32:1 more astonishing?They asked for Moses to be their voice and they should have trusted him.

(32:1-6) Read Ex. 20:3-5, 23.What does it mean that Aaron made an idol in the shape of a calf and says that it will be used in a festival to the LORD (YHWH)?

They have created their own gods (v1). But they still call that idol (the calf) The LORD (Israel’s special name for the God which rescued them from Egypt).Not only do they create their own gods… but they then pass them off as the LORD who rescued them!

SUMMARY: Israel breaks the first three commandments!

Applying our Tools: Exegesis – What does the text say?32:7-14 (32:7) How does God describe Israel and what

does that indicate?...your people, who you brought up out of Egypt . It is almost as if God no longer wants to be their God!Remember his promise in Exodus 6:7!

(32:10) How does God feel about their sin and what consequence does it have for his promises to Abraham?Read Exodus 20:1-6 – is God right to be angry and to threaten death?

He is angry, but will continue that promise through Moses.Yes… According to the terms of the Mosaic covenant (which they agreed)!

(32:11-13) Moses uses 3 reasons to seek God’s favour what were they? HINT: Look at linking words…

v14) Did God change his mind?

Moses reminds God :V11) He rescued Israel for a purpose.V12) That He IS their God – a nation upon whom His name (reputation) rests.V13) To remain faithful to his promises.V14) He relented, but the people were still punished (see 32:34) – that punishment was merely delayed.

Kidner Commentary: According to tradition, that whole generation died in the wilderness. God’s action was not arbitrary: on repeated occasions, Israel has shown themselves utterly devoid of faith by which alone it is possible to please God. Had they been allowed to enter the promised land, they would never have the faith to overcome the Canaanites. They were not in any sense acting ‘out of character’ in worshipping the golden bull. Indeed in so doing,

they clearly showed their essentially unchanged nature, as they would again given any future opportunity.

SUMMARY: God angrily rejects Israel, but Moses reminds Him of his promises!

Applying our Tools: Exegesis – What does the text say?32:15-29 (32:19) What does Moses breaking the

tablets represent?(32:20) What does Moses burning, grinding and scattering represent?

He is breaking the covenant between God and his people.He symbolically destroys the false god.

(32:21) Aaron is right, but what was his job? (see 28:30).

He was also to be a mediator between Israel & the Lord, and as the high priest was to be the chief decision maker on their part (in the matter of holy things)

(32:23-24) Why are these verses so ridiculous?

V23 – they saw what YHWH did to Egypt’s gods!V24 – he threw gold into a fire & fully sculpted calf came out!

(32:26-29) Who in effect is responsible for this judgement?

God – through Moses & the Levites.The people (non-levites) themselves made a choice (v26), they failed to repent

SUMMARY: God punishes Israel’s sin through his mediator

Applying our Tools: Exegesis – What does the text say?32:30-33:7 How was judgement meted out (32:28, 34

and 35)?32:28 – 3,000 people died.32:34 – Further punishment promised32:35 – people were struck with a plague

How was further judgement averted (33:3 & 4)?

God would no longer travel with them!

In light of these two things, why is verse 1-3a so surprising?What does this show about God?

Despite everything, God will still remain faithful to his promises!He is faithful to his word NO MATTER WHAT!

SUMMARY: God shows he is just, faithful and merciful

Applying our Tools: Hermeneutics – How do we apply this to ourselvesBIG IDEA: In the face of sin, God is angry, just, merciful and faithful

HEAD: Do you see the God of the New Testament in this passage?

HEART: Think about a specific sin you struggle with, what are it’s consequences; 1) to your life, 2) to God and 3) to others around you?

HANDS: How do you see grace at work today 1) in believers, and 2) in non-believers?

Exodus 33:8-34:35 (Study

13)


In the face of sin, God is angry, just, merciful and faithful

Structure33:8-11 God speaks to Moses face to face

33:12-23 Moses intercedes on behalf of Israel and God agrees

34:1-34:26 The Lord renews his covenant because he is faithful, and merciful

34:29-35 The Lord speaks to his people face to face through Moses

Applying our Tools: Exegesis – What does the text say?33:8-11 What is the same about the Tent of Meeting

(33:8-11) & what was intended for the Tabernacle (Ch’s 25 to 31)?1. God’s presence?2. The ark of the Testimony?3. The curtains separating different areas?4. The priests Vs Moses?5. The use of sacrifices?

1. God meets them there (25:22, 33:9)2. Highly significant (God’s presence is there),

missing with Moses (remember the Testimony (covenant) was smashed/broken by Moses).

3. Required for their safety, only the High Priest (Aaron could enter). No curtain for Moses.

4. Priests had to wear special clothes (28:41), be cleansed (29:4) & only allowed access after sacrifice (29:1). Moses has no special instructions, he simply walks into the tent!

How does Moses’ relationship differ to that of the rest of Israel

There is again an intimacy for Moses, but a great distance for Israel… At the moment they are still under his wrath! (See 33:3, 5)Notice also that the Tent of meeting is ‘Outside’ the camp (33:7).

SUMMARY: God speaks to Moses face to face!

Applying our Tools: Exegesis – What does the text say?33:12-23 (33:12) who is the ‘whom’ Moses is referring

to?What does Moses want to know about him?

God

How he (and Israel) can continue to find favour

(33:14) What is God’s response?- What does that mean:(1) go with him(2) give him rest(3) the you refers only to Moses, what about Israel?

- He will be with him & give him rest.

(1) I will be your God, and you will be my people(2) Peace with God(3) Israel is under God’s wrath, not included!

What does Moses do, to intercede on behalf of He reminds God of his promises:

Israel (note, we’ve seen this before)… - They will be my people & I will be their God (associated with his presence and HIS people)

How does God respond, and why does he respond?

He relents because he is pleased with Moses and he knows him by name.

How does God show Moses his glory? 1) Through the proclaiming of his name (33:18)2) Through his presence with us (33:19)3) Through his words/actions (33:19 “I will have

mercy on whom I have mercy and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion”).

Kidner (Commentary): God’s revelation will be of his ‘name’ (that is, His nature) proclaimed in terms of his deeds to man. God’s nature is here defined as goodness and this is further described as grace and mercy.

SUMMARY: Moses intercedes on behalf of Israel and God agrees!

Applying our Tools: Exegesis – What does the text say?34:1-28 How does verse 1 speak into Ex. 32:19? The covenant is being renewed.

God proclaims his name in V5, and we see what is associated with that name in verses 6 & 7. What are God’s self proclaimed qualities?Mercy & faithfulness (34:6)

Love & grace (34:7a)Just (34:7b)

Where have we seen these qualities in Exodus so far?

[So it’s a self-proclaimed name, but backed up by his actions in history.]

- Rescue from Egypt (justice against Egypt and love & faithfulness in the rescue of his people).

- Love & grace as he fed and watered them in the desert (despite their lack of faith & grumbling).

Justice against those who didn’t repent at the golden calf incident). Grace for those who did.

What does the new covenant require (v9-11)?

What else does God require (v11-35)

For Israel:1) God’s presence with them (v9)2) Mercy (forgiveness) (v9)

For God1) Obedience (v11)

The specifics of obedience, God will give them land, but:- They must love him only (v12-17)

- They must remember his salvation (v18-27)

Why is verse 27 so amazing ?- What does it show about God?- What does it show about Moses’

intercession?- Did God change his mind?

God is so forgiving in spite of all that sin!!!- Gracious & forgiving.- His intercession worked!- No, it was always his plan to show Israel mercy,

we saw that even though they are unfaithful he is always faithful! [*See note at the end]

SUMMARY: The Lord renews his covenant because he is faithful, and merciful

Applying our Tools: Exegesis – What does the text say?34:29-35 Why did Moses place a veil over his face? Because Aaron and all the Israelites were afraid.

What were they afraid of? They were afraid of Moses’ reflection of God’s glory (holiness), the same as on Sinai (Ex 20:19).

How great is the power of sin. They shivered and trembled even before the rays of glory of Moses! [Stone’s Chumash, Torah commentary]

Why is the veil replaced when Moses is not speaking to God or to Israel?(See 2 Cor. 3:13-18)

The idea is a veil hides the glory of God from those with hard hearts.However, those who have the Spirit of God see his glory clearly (in Christ), just as they too reflect Christ.

SUMMARY: The Lord speaks to his people face to face through Moses

Applying our Tools: Hermeneutics – How do we apply this to ourselvesBIG IDEA: God works through mediators to mercifully show his glory to a sinful people.

HEAD: God forgave Israel despite their infidelity. Who are you struggling to forgive right now?

HEART: Do I radiate God’s glory…

HANDS: Are you actively working on your sanctification? Which are of your life are you currently busy with?“We can be glory-reflectors, people who radiate divine glory. When our veils are lifted and we see the face of Jesus, it transforms us so that we reflect God’s glory, bringing light to the world and praise to God. The message is that change takes place in our lives as we turn to see the glory of God in Jesus.” [From You can Change, Tim Chester].

* DOES GOD CHANGE HIS MIND? We must carefully distinguish God’s hidden counsels from his revealed will. Neither God’s nature nor his secret plan changes. Rather, it is God’s revealed plans that change. The judgment that he has warned that he will bring on the people is averted – precisely because God has predestined before the ages in his secret counsel. The dynamic give-and-take so obvious in the history of the covenant must be distinguished from the eternal decree that Scripture also declares as hidden in God’s unchanging… counsel (Eph 1:4-11).

Michael Horton, The Christian Faith, 2011

Exodus 35-40 (Study 14)

This is a large chunk of text that will generally appeal to the DIY’ers among you! Get your participants to read through quickly and highlight verses that stand out for them.


God works through mediators to mercifully show his glory to a sinful people.

Structure35:1-4 The promise of rest with God

35:5-9 Moses mediates God’s instructions to the Nation of Israel

35:10-39:43 Israel willingly obeys

40:1-15 God explains how rest is achieved through Moses

40:16-33 Moses willingly obeys

40:34-38 God rests with his people

Applying our Tools: Exegesis – What does the text say?35:1-4 35:15 is a bit of a recap of the whole of the

Bible story so far – so let’s recap:- What’s the significance of the 7th day?- What does rest with God look like?

………………………………………………………………………………………………- Rest with God (as God rested on the 7th day).- .Like being back in the Garden of Eden, living in peace in the presence of God (Gen 17:7 & Ex 29:45).

- Read Hebrews 4:9-11, what is essential for anyone seeking God’s rest?

Obedience

SUMMARY: The promise of rest with God!

Applying our Tools: Exegesis – What does the text say?35:5-9 Read Exodus 25:1-7, what’s the difference God is speaking to Moses in Ex25, Moses is speaking to

Israel in Ex.35.

What’s Moses’ role? He is God’s messenger / mediator.

SUMMARY: Moses mediates God’s instructions to the Nation of Israel!

Applying our Tools: Exegesis – What does the text say?35:10-39:43

How do Israel respond to Moses (God’s) instructions? [see particularly repeated words in Ch.’s 35 & 36]

They obey, willingly and with great skill.

SUMMARY: Israel willingly obeys!

Applying our Tools: Exegesis – What does the text say?40:1-15 What is Moses’s role? He must place the ark of Testimony in the most holy

place. He must ensure that everything within that place is holy; the tabernacle (9), the altar (10), the basin (11), Aaron and his sons (12-15).

What does it mean for the Ark of the Testimony to be placed in the most holy place? [See Ex 25:22]

“There I will meet with you…. “ It is basically inviting the Lord’s presence to be with them – to hold him to the promise “I will be your God”.

SUMMARY: God explains how rest is achieved through Moses!

Applying our Tools: Exegesis – What does the text say?40:16-33 Who does all the work within the tent (v16,

v33) and why? (V16, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29)Moses completes it just as he was commanded

SUMMARY: Moses willingly obeys!

Applying our Tools: Exegesis – What does the text say?40:34-38 - Read Ex. 19:22, do you see any parallels?

- What’s the problem in both cases?- How will the Tabernacle help?

- Israel are always at a distance / Moses as mediator- A holy God can not live with an unholy people.- Their priests can sacrifice to atone for sins / the priests also mediate on their behalf.

What’s the good news at the end of the book of Exodus?

God is dwelling with his people. His promise to be their God has been fulfilled.

Imagine you’ve never read the rest of the Bible… How confident would you be in Israel continuing in their peaceful co-existence with God?

Based on previous chapters, we’ve seen that Israel forget very easily and are prone to faithlessness. So we shouldn’t be very confident at all!

SUMMARY: God rests with his people!

Applying our Tools: Hermeneutics – How do we apply this to ourselvesBIG IDEA: Rest with God comes alongside obedience & is facilitated by a mediator

HEAD: Jesus has ‘freed us from the Law’ (Acts 13:38-39), so is obedience still mandatory for our rest (peace) with God?

HEART: How is Moses like Jesus? How is Moses not like Jesus?

HANDS: Do you rest in what Jesus has done for you….1) Tell the group something you are anxious about…2) What are you not believing about what Jesus has done for you?

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