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Exodus 26: Plans for the Tabernacle

Overview:

Exodus 26 provides detailed instructions from God to Moses on how to construct the Tabernacle, a sacred dwelling place for God's presence among the Israelites. The chapter describes the design and materials for the Tabernacle's framework, curtains, coverings, and inner structure. It specifies:

The Curtains: Ten finely woven linen curtains embroidered with cherubim, joined together in two sets of five, forming the Tabernacle's inner walls. Additional coverings made of goat hair, ram skins dyed red, and durable leather are also described for outer protection.

The Frames and Bars: Acacia wood frames overlaid with gold form the Tabernacle’s structure, secured with silver bases. Crossbars are made to hold the frames together.

The Veil and Entrance Curtain: A richly embroidered veil separates the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies), where the Ark of the Covenant is placed. Another curtain serves as the entrance to the Tabernacle.

The detailed craftsmanship reflects God's holiness and the importance of following His instructions precisely. The chapter emphasizes the sacredness of the Tabernacle as a meeting place between God and His people.

Points to Remember:

In this way, the Tabernacle will be made of one continuous piece.

Holy place and Most Holy Place inside the tent

Reflection:

God is a meticulous God. He place everything to the right places. He is also so precised that He knows where things will end and where to place them. He decides and wants His decisions to take place. He knows how everything will turn out and look like even before it is made.

This signifies that in our lives, He already know where everything will end, how everything will go as it unfolds, and how it will look like when our lives are done.

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Exodus 25: Offering for the Tabernacle

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Exodus 24: Israel Accepts the Lord's Covenant

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Exodus 23: Call for Justice

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Exodus 22: Protection of Property

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Exodus 21: Fair Treatment of Slaves

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Exodus 20: The Ten Commandments For The Covenant Community | Proper Use Of Altars

Overview:

Exodus 20 is one of the most significant chapters in the Bible, as it contains the Ten Commandments, the foundational laws given by God to the Israelites at Mount Sinai. Here's a brief overview:

Introduction (verses 1-2): God identifies Himself as the one who brought the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt.

The Ten Commandments (verses 3-17):

Commandments about God:

No other gods before Me.

Do not make or worship idols.

Do not misuse the name of the Lord.

Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy.

Commandments about relationships: 5. Honor your father and mother. 6. Do not murder. 7. Do not commit adultery. 8. Do not steal. 9. Do not bear false witness. 10. Do not covet.

The Israelites' Reaction (verses 18-21): The people are terrified by the thunder, lightning, and the sound of the trumpet accompanying God's presence. They ask Moses to mediate between them and God.

God's Instructions on Worship (verses 22-26): God emphasizes the importance of worshiping Him without idols and gives guidance on building altars in a simple and humble way.

The chapter underscores God's holiness, His covenant relationship with His people, and the ethical and moral principles that guide human relationships with God and others.

Note From The Bible:

"who rescued you from the place of your slavery."

God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods."

"I lay the sins for the parents upon the children; the entire family is affected–even children in the third and fourth generations."

"But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands."

"You must not misuse the name of the LORD your God. The LORD will not let you go unpunished if you misuse His name."

"Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the LORD your God."

"None of your household should do any work. The LORD blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy."

Reflections:

We should always remember that Jesus already saved us from the consequences of sin. Let us not stay imprisoned by it and/or controlled by its desire to go back.

We should not let anything in this world take God's place in our hearts: not people, not things, not anything that will snatch your highest form of love for God.

God will always reward us with unlimited love if we learn to just love Him first and obey His commands for us.

Never ever use God's name vainly. He dislikes it when we drag Him in a situation where He should not be dragged just for the sake of our defense.

Always set ONE DAY a week to just spend time with God. No work should be done, just pure fellowship with God and Holy Spirit. God made this day Holy, so let us be disciplined to set a day with Him. He already gave us six days to do other things necessary for us in this world.

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Exodus 19: The Lord Reveals Himself

Overview:

Exodus 19 describes the Israelites' arrival at Mount Sinai after their exodus from Egypt. The chapter sets the stage for the giving of the Ten Commandments and the establishment of the covenant between God and Israel.

Key Events:

Arrival at Sinai (Verses 1–2): The Israelites reach the wilderness of Sinai three months after leaving Egypt and camp near the mountain.

God’s Covenant Proposal (Verses 3–6): God speaks to Moses on the mountain, instructing him to tell the people that they will be His treasured possession and a holy nation if they obey His voice and keep His covenant.

People’s Agreement (Verses 7–8): Moses conveys God’s words to the people, and they agree to do all that the Lord commands.

Preparations for God’s Revelation (Verses 9–15): God tells Moses that He will appear in a dense cloud so the people can hear Him. The Israelites are instructed to consecrate themselves, wash their clothes, and prepare for three days.

God’s Appearance on Mount Sinai (Verses 16–25): On the third day, God descends on Mount Sinai with thunder, lightning, a thick cloud, and the sound of a trumpet. The mountain trembles as the Lord speaks. The people are warned not to approach the mountain, emphasizing the holiness of the moment.

Themes:

God’s Holiness: The mountain is set apart as holy, and strict boundaries are established to prevent the people from approaching irreverently.

Covenant Relationship: The chapter emphasizes the unique relationship between God and Israel, based on obedience and trust.

Preparation for Revelation: The consecration and purification underscore the need for spiritual readiness to encounter God.

Exodus 19 is a prelude to the monumental giving of the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20.

Notes From The Bible:

"Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the peoples on earth; for the earth belongs to Me."

"must purify themselves so that the Lord does not break out and destroy them."

Reflections:

God takes care of His people, especially when they obey Him.

It is important for God that we obey Him because we can't fully follow His will if we don't.

It is also very important to purify ourselves before facing the Lord. It is important for Him that we are cleansed before Him. So repent before entering His presence.

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Exodus 18: Jethro's Visit To Moses | Jethro's Wise Advice

Overview:

Exodus 18 describes a visit from Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, who brings Moses’ wife and sons to reunite with him. Jethro praises God after hearing about His deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt. Observing Moses' heavy burden of settling disputes among the people, Jethro advises him to delegate authority by appointing capable men to assist as judges for minor cases, allowing Moses to handle only the most important matters. Moses follows this advice, establishing a more efficient system of leadership. The chapter highlights the value of wise counsel and shared responsibilities.

Notes From Reading:

Moses' father-in-law, Jethro, is a priest of Midian.

Moses have two sons, namely: - Gershom, the firstborn. - Eliezer, the secondborn.

Reflections:

When it comes to leadership, never take all the loads with you. Find people who are reliable and loyal, who knows how to handle matters maturely, and make them lead, alongside you.

Give these chosen leaders the tasks to settle small disputes with the people and report it to you. When it comes to major ones, you as the top leader must handle it.

These way, you will not wear out. And you are also teaching people how to be good leaders themselves.

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Exodus 17: Water From The Rock | Israel Defeats The Amalekites

Overview:

Exodus 17 highlights God's provision and protection for the Israelites in the wilderness. When the people complain about the lack of water, God instructs Moses to strike a rock, miraculously providing water. Later, when the Amalekites attack, God grants victory through Moses’ upheld hands, supported by Aaron and Hur, and Joshua's leadership in battle. These events demonstrate God's care and power amid the Israelites' struggles.

Notes From Reading:

Reflections:

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Exodus 16: Manna And Quail From Heaven

Overview:

Exodus 16 in the Bible describes the Israelites' journey after leaving Egypt and their experiences in the wilderness:

Complaints

The Israelites ran out of food after a month of traveling and began to complain against Moses and Aaron. They wished they were back in Egypt, where they had plenty of food.

God's promise

God heard the Israelites' complaints and promised to provide them with bread from heaven in the morning and meat in the evening.

Manna

God fulfilled his promise by sending manna, a white, coriander-seed-like food that tasted like honey wafers. The Israelites were told to gather enough manna for each person in their tent, but only for one day. On the sixth day, they were to gather twice as much to prepare for the sabbath.

Memorial

Moses instructed the Israelites to keep a jar of manna as a memorial for future generations.

Lessons

The Israelites' experiences with manna taught them to trust God and to observe the sabbath. God's provision of food was a reminder that the Israelites' journey was a journey of liberation, not just a journey of hardships.

Questions:

What is Manna?

It is a Hebrew word meaning "What is it?" This is the question that people asked, since they had never seen anything like it before.

It was white like coriander seed, and it tasted like honey wafers.

Reflections:

I will test them in this to see whether or not they will follow my instructions.

Your complaints are against the LORD, not against us.

Those who gather a lot had nothing left over, and those who gathered only a little had enough. Each family had just what it needed.

The Lord asked Moses, "How long will these people refuse to obey my commands and my instruction?" They must realize that the Sabbath is the LORD's gift to you.

On the Sabbath day you must each stay in your place.

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Exodus 15: A Song Of Deliverance | Bitter Water At Marah

Overview:

Moses and the Israelites sing a song to God. They praise the LORD for his glorious triumph. They recount the floods that covered the Egyptian chariots and God's majesty, fury, and strength in consuming them, contrasting this with Egyptian arrogance. They sing that there's no one like the LORD among the gods.

Questions:

In Exodus 15, why is the right hand important? Why not the left hand? What's its relevance to God?

The right hand symbolizes God’s power, authority, and protective care for His people. It reinforces His ability to act mightily on behalf of those who trust in Him, making it a powerful and culturally significant metaphor that resonated deeply with the Israelites.

Right hand: Symbol of power and strength, Divine favor and authority, Judgement against oppression. In the context of biblical symbolism, the left hand is not considered less powerful or incapable; rather, it simply has a different symbolic role. The right hand became more associated with power, authority, and blessing due to cultural practices and norms, but this doesn’t imply that the left hand is "weaker" or unimportant.

Left hand: Symbol of mystery and support, Dual aspect of God's nature, Completeness and balance.

Who is Miriam?

Miriam is the eldest sister of Moses and Aaron. It was she who watched in a distance when Pharaoh's daughter found Moses hidden among the reeds–a desperate attempt by his mother to save his life–and it was she who quickly offered to find a nurse for the baby, bringing Moses' own mother to do it.

Had not it been for Miriam, the story might have worked out complete differently, showing how even the smallest steps of faith can be used by God in ways we cannot imagine.

Reflections:

"Your right hand, LORD, is glorious in power."

"But you blew with your breath,..."

"People you purchased passed by."

God truly lead his people well. His love is even so indescribable.

We can see that Miriam was really relevant in the story of God, however, because of his negative character, criticizing Moses in Number 12, he faced God's judgement. We should be careful on how we treat others because when we do them no good, we harbor the consequences.

"If you will listen carefully to the voice of the LORD you God and do what is right in his sight, obeying His commands and keeping all his decrees, then I will not make you suffer any of the disease I sent you on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD who heals you."

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Exodus 14: Egyptians Pursue Israel | Escape Through The Red Sea

Overview:

Exodus 14 is about the Israelites crossing the Red Sea and escaping the Egyptian army:

The Israelites' departure: After Pharaoh allowed Moses and Aaron to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, Pharaoh changed his mind and sent his army to pursue them.

The Israelites' encampment: The Israelites camped near the Red Sea, with the desert behind them and the Egyptian army closing in.

The Lord's instructions: The Lord told Moses to tell the Israelites to turn back and camp facing the Red Sea.

The Israelites' crossing: The Lord parted the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry land.

The Egyptian army's destruction: The Lord caused the Red Sea to fall upon the Egyptian army, killing many of them.

The Israelites' response: The Israelites sang songs of praise and thanks to the Lord.

Exodus 14 is a well-known story in the Bible that demonstrates how God can be a weapon for those who feel helpless.

Questions:

Why do God always want to harden one's heart to show His power? Is it not cruel?

To Demonstrate God’s Power and Authority: God’s hardening of Pharaoh's heart served to demonstrate His power over the mighty Egyptian empire and its deities. By hardening Pharaoh’s heart, God created a situation where the Israelites’ liberation was clearly the result of divine intervention, not merely a ruler’s change of heart. This revealed God’s supreme authority to both the Egyptians and the Israelites.

To Show the Consequences of Rebellion: Pharaoh was known for his oppressive rule and refusal to let the Israelites go, despite multiple warnings and plagues. The hardening of his heart emphasized the destructive nature of defying God’s will and served as a warning about the consequences of stubborn pride and oppression. God allowed Pharaoh's resistance to build, creating a powerful lesson about the dangers of unchecked power and hard-heartedness.

Free Will and Accountability: The text alternates between stating that God hardened Pharaoh's heart and that Pharaoh hardened his own heart, suggesting a complex interaction between divine influence and Pharaoh’s own choices. Pharaoh repeatedly rejected Moses’ requests before God intervened directly, implying that his initial resistance was his own. This back-and-forth underscores the idea that, while God used Pharaoh’s hardened heart to achieve His purpose, Pharaoh was also accountable for his own stubbornness and pride.

A Catalyst for Israel’s Faith: Through these events, God intended to deepen Israel’s trust in Him. Witnessing God's power over Pharaoh, the plagues, and the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea solidified Israel's faith and understanding of God's unique role as their deliverer.

While the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart can appear harsh, it served to expose the destructive nature of an unyielding heart and to establish a profound lesson about God’s justice, power, and the significance of aligning oneself with divine purpose. The story emphasizes that resisting God’s will leads to dire consequences, and it serves as a reminder of the value of humility and responsiveness to truth.

Reflection:

Hardening of heart is the result of divine intervention. God created a situation where the Israelites’ liberation was clearly the result of divine intervention, not merely a ruler’s change of heart.

"Don't be afraid. Just stand still and watch the LORD rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The LORD himself will fight for you. Just stay calm."

"The LORD is fighting for them against Egypt!"

"They put their faith in the LORD and in his servant Moses."

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Exodus 13: Dedication Of The Firstborn

Overview:

Exodus 13 is about the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt and the commands God gave to them, including:

Consecration of the firstborn. God commanded the Israelites to consecrate all their firstborn, both human and animal, to him. This was a reminder of God saving the Israelites' firstborn from death during the 10th plague (death for Egypt's firstborn) and Passover.  

Observance of the Feast of Unleavened Bread. The Israelites were to observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread (no yeast bread - symbolises the spread of sin) as a reminder of their deliverance from Egypt.  

Transmission of knowledge to children. The Israelites were to teach their children about the deliverance from Egypt.  

God's care for the Israelites. God led the Israelites out of Egypt by guiding them with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.  

Questions:

Why is the firstborn offspring important in Exodus 13?

The focus on the firstborn in Exodus 13 has both symbolic and practical roots within the context of the ancient Near Eastern worldview and Israelite culture.

Symbol of Strength and Leadership: In many ancient societies, the firstborn son held a unique status as the primary heir, carrying on the family legacy and often inheriting leadership responsibilities. By setting apart the firstborn, the Israelites symbolically dedicated their strength and future to God, showing that their most valued "first fruits" belonged to Him.

Divine Ownership and Sacrifice: The firstborn of every household—whether of humans or animals—was seen as the "first fruits" of a family’s labor and blessings. Offering the first of what was produced

2. Why is it not allowed to eat food with yeast?

The prohibition against eating leavened (yeast-containing) bread during certain festivals, especially Passover (Exodus 12:15-20), holds both symbolic and historical significance in the Jewish tradition.

Symbol of Purity and Separation from Sin: Yeast, or leaven, became associated with sin or impurity in Hebrew thought. Just as a small amount of yeast permeates a whole batch of dough, sin was seen as something that could spread and corrupt. By removing yeast from their homes and diets during Passover, the Israelites symbolically demonstrated a cleansing from impurity and a return to purity and holiness.

Reminder of the Exodus: When the Israelites fled Egypt, they left in such haste that they didn’t have time for their bread to rise (Exodus 12:39). Eating unleavened bread during Passover serves as a reminder of this hurried departure and God’s swift deliverance, highlighting the urgency and readiness that marked their liberation from slavery.

Commitment to Obedience and Tradition: Observing the practice of eating unleavened bread, as instructed by God, became a mark of obedience and identity for the Israelites. It was a way to remember their history and keep their covenant with God alive through a concrete, annual ritual.

Thus, avoiding yeast during Passover is rich with meaning, reminding the Israelites of both the purity and faithfulness required in their relationship with God and the historical reality of their exodus from bondage.

3. What is the visible sign in Exodus 13 Verse 9?

In Exodus 13:9, the "visible sign" refers to the instructions God gives the Israelites to remember and celebrate their deliverance from Egypt. The verse says:

"This observance will be for you like a sign on your hand and a reminder on your forehead that the law of the Lord is to be on your lips. For the Lord brought you out of Egypt with his mighty hand."

The "sign on your hand" and "reminder on your forehead" are symbolic expressions, emphasizing that God's law and their freedom from slavery should be constantly remembered, visible, and close to them. These expressions imply that this memory should influence their actions (hands), thoughts (foreheads), and words (lips). Over time, these verses inspired the Jewish practice of wearing tefillin (phylacteries) — small boxes containing scripture passages, bound to the forehead and arm during prayer as a physical reminder of God’s commandments. actions (hands) - Remembering God's deliverance was meant to inspire them to act justly, uphold righteousness, and follow God's commands in every aspect of life. thoughts (foreheads) - The forehead represents thoughts and intentions. serves as a reminder that their minds and hearts should be aligned with God’s will, shaping their inner motivations and choices. words (lips) - Speech and teaching. suggests that they should speak of God's laws, share His teachings, and pass down the story of deliverance. This encouraged an oral tradition, where the story of Exodus and the law were shared with future generations to keep the covenant alive.

The sign, then, serves to keep the memory of God's deliverance and the importance of His commandments ever-present in daily life.

Reflections:

"When Pharaoh finally let the people go, God did not lead them along the main road, even though that was the shortest route to the Promised Land. God said, "If the people are faced with a battle, they might change their minds and return to Egypt. Thus the Israelites left Egypt like an army ready for battle." (verses 17-18) Sometimes, God does not give us the easiest way in life, not because He does not care for us or He leaves us abandoned, but because He does not want us to turn away from Him. In this manner, He wants us to seek and trust Him especially in times of "battles" and difficulties. He wants us to walk an extra mile so we don't get the chance to back down easily. He wants to see us winning the battle with Him in our hearts, and faith and hope as our guidance. "The LORD went ahead of them. He guided them during the day with pillar of clouds, and He provided light at night with pillar of fire." God is always ahead of us, even when everything seem unclear. He provides us the light so we can walk straight knowing He is there to light our paths in life. He is always present in times of doubt and darkness. He is always ahead. He is always leading the way, preparing it for us. We just need to really keep that faith knowing He is just around, even if we don't see Him physically, but He provides every means to make it known to us that He is alive, that He is always present.

Yeast symbolises impurity and the spread of sin.

Firstborns are reminders of "first fruits" of family's labor and blessing.

God reminds us to use our action in a just manner and uphold the righteousness of God in our everyday life. Our forehead to remind our hearts and minds should be aligned with God's will, shaping our inner motivations and choices. Lips to share about God, and we should speak only Words that will lead people to God.

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Exodus 12: The First Passover

Overview:

This chapter is about the first passover where animal sacrifices were commanded by the LORD for the Israelites. The LORD gave specific details on what to do with the animal sacrifices, like not break a bone, must be free from defect, must be firstborn, and anyone who would not follow this command will reap the consequences.

Points To Remember:

Each family must choose a lamb or a young goat for a sacrifice, one animal for each family.

Take some of the blood and smear it on the sides and top of the doorframes of the houses where they eat the animal.

Instruction for eating meal: be fully dressed, wear your sandals, and carry your walking stick in your hand.

There were about 600, 000 men , plus all the women and children upon exiting Egypt.

Lessons Learned:

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Exodus 11: Death For Egypt's Firstborn

Overview:

The Lord will strike Pharaoh and Egypt with one more blow which will force Israelites to leave Egypt. All firstborn sons will die, and a loud wail and cries will be heard in the land of Egypt for the first and last time. But on the side of the Israelites, there will be peace. This will show a clear distinction between the Egyptians and Israelites. However, Pharaoh's heart will remain hardened and still resist to let the Israelites go despite this event.

Points to Remember:

All firstborn sons will die at midnight.

A loud cry will be heard in Egypt because of these deaths.

The officials of Egypt will beg Moses to leave their land, but Pharaoh remained stubborn to let him go.

On the side of Israel, even a dog bark will not be heard. This will be the level of peace in the land of the Israelites.

Reflection:

Gabalik2x ang pagka stubborn ni Pharaoh. His heart was still hardened and would not let the Israel go.

Question To Myself:

Am I like this, like Pharaoh having a hardened heart? That when God tells me to let go of something or sin no more, do I still resist that order and disobey him?

Lessons Learned:

I should always obey God's command to do something the first time, because if I don't a series of "plagues" or discipline will surely come after me. This, itself, should move me to obey Him at all times.

In every disobedience there is consequences. And this consequences will not only affect us but the people around as well. We should be more sensitive with the things we resist to follow, especially if it's concerning God's.

There will be peace for the people who follow the Lord. Like the Israelites being protected and wrapped in peace while the Egyptians suffer the consequences of Pharaoh's disobedience.

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Exodus 10: A Plague Of Locust, Darkness

Overview:

Moses continue to demand Pharaoh about letting them go, and Pharaoh continue to resist the requests, Egypt continues to receive plagues now with swarm of locust and darkness.

Points To Remember:

God made Pharaoh and his officials stubborn so he can display His miraculous signs among them and know He is the LORD.

One day, one of his officials told Pharaoh to let Israelites worship their God because already lies in ruins because of his stubbornness.

Plague of darkness is so dark that everyone could "feel" its darkness.

Pharaoh let them go but ask Moses to leave his herds and flocks in Egypt which Moses refused to do.

Lessons Learned:

Sometimes God will make people stubborn to display his works and power for people to believe He is LORD.

There is hesitation in people's heart sometimes which leads them to facing devastating consequences.