Sunday School September 17th, 2006 Exodus 19(1-6), 24(3-8)
Book of Exodus (from
Smith’s Bible Dictionary)
Exodus is the name given in
the Bible. to the second book of the Pentateuch
(q.v.). It means "departure" or "outgoing." This name was adopted in the Latin
translation, and thence passed into other languages. The Hebrews called it by
the first words, according to their custom, Ve-eleh
shemoth (i.e., "and these are the names").
· An account of the increase and growth of the Israelites in Egypt (ch. 1)
· Preparations for their departure out of Egypt ((2-12:36).).
· Their journeyings from Egypt to Sinai ((12:37-19:2).).
· The giving of the law and the establishment of the institutions by which the organization of the people was completed, the theocracy, "a kingdom of priest and an holy nation" (19:3-ch. 40).
The time comprised in this book, from the death of Joseph to the erection of the tabernacle in the wilderness, is about one hundred and forty-five years, on the supposition that the four hundred and thirty years (12:40) are to be computed from the time of the promises made to Abraham (Galatians 3:17).
- The authorship of this book, as well as of that of the other books of the Pentateuch, is to be ascribed to Moses. The unanimous voice of tradition and all internal evidences abundantly support this opinion.
PURPOSES OF THE LAW
(from Lumina Bible Dictionary)
The law God revealed at Mount Sinai was intended to bring Israel closer to God. Even though the Israelites were very rebellious, God used the law in order to teach them what sin is (Romans 5:20; Romans 7:7-8) and how they should live their lives in ways that were pleasing to the holy God. The law was the teacher and the keeper of Israel (Galatians 3:24). The detailed explanations of the laws in all areas of life including work, society, family, and religion had an important place in God’s plans for Israel. Israel was a nation in a special land, with a government based around their belief in God, and they were in need of governing laws. In addition, because the Israelites were a stubborn people, God could not directly reveal his law to them. Instead, the law had to be given to Moses, who then brought it to the Israelites. It had to be so detailed because the Israelites had no real understanding of God’s holiness, justice, righteousness, love, and forgiveness. Moses and the prophets emphasized that the purpose of the law is not so people will be legalistic about it or follow it in hope of a reward later. Following the law was an act of devotion to God, simply because he was God. God stated that the law would help people establish a lifestyle where people continually seek God’s will and righteousness (Matthew 6:33).
God wanted to use his law to make Israel a holy nation. He set Israel apart by an act of grace, and he required that the people remain holy. In the New Testament, Jesus said that the law helped people understand they were sinful and that they needed to believe in Jesus in order to have eternal forgiveness. When he died on the cross, Jesus took the sins of the world upon himself, accepted the penalties of the law, and demonstrated God’s love for all people. Jesus taught that people were supposed to obey the law not primarily to receive a reward but to serve as salt (Matthew 5:13) and light (Matthew 5:14-16), and to bear fruit (John 15:1-17). The purpose of God’s law is to gradually transform the children of God into holy people (Romans 8:29; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Colossians 3:10), to imitate God (Ephesians 5:1-2), and to be filled with the Spirit of God (Galatians 5:18, 22-24). Because of this, Jesus gave us the Beatitudes and the Sermon on the Mount. These two messages summarize the teaching of Moses and the prophets in the Old Testament (Matthew 5-7).
The purpose of the law is to transform believers into spiritually mature people. Spiritual maturity is not a privilege that was reserved for believers who came after Christ’s death and Resurrection. There were Old Testament saints like Enoch, Noah, and Abraham who walked with God. These were mature men who lived with integrity in the presence of God (Genesis 17:1; Deuteronomy 18:13; Psalms 15:1-2).
Eventually, God wants Christians to delight in doing his will (Psalms 1:2; Psalms 112). When this happens, Christians are no longer afraid accidentally sinning. Since the coming of Christ and Pentecost, the Sprit of God has been given to all people who believe in Jesus. The spirit of God does not only put God’s laws in the believer’s heart (Jeremiah 31:33), but he also helps us become more mature (Galatians 5:22-24). While spiritual maturity and freedom were experienced by a few people in the Old Testament, God offers it to all people who believe in Christ (Acts 2:39; 1 Corinthians 12:13). The purpose of God’s law is still the same: “It is God’s way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do” (2 Timothy 3:17). However, the way people accomplish this is now different because of Jesus’ work on earth.
Exodus 19:1 In the third month, when the children of Israel were gone forth out of the land of Egypt, the same day came they into the wilderness of Sinai.19:2 For they were departed from Rephidim, and were come to the desert of Sinai, and had pitched in the wilderness; and there Israel camped before the mount.
The Law
The next covenant we are to study is that of the Law. It is sometimes called the “Law of Moses or the Mosaic Law.” The most well known part of the Law is commonly called the 10 commandments and is found in the 20th chapter of the Book of Exodus which is between the areas of Scripture in our lesson. The Law is in reality more than that and contains Moral laws, Ceremonial Laws, and Civil laws. Some Bible scholars put the entire Pentateuch in the category of the Law. The Old Testament is sometimes called the “Law and the prophets.” Our lesson takes place on the third month after they left the bondage of Egypt. Before they can enter the Promised Land they must be made aware of the manner in which God expects them to maintain themselves in that land. Israel, the Promised Land, is not an area they can just decide to live. The privilege to live there is according to the mercy of God. Sin, disobedience, and rebellion will not be tolerated if Israel plans to remain there. It is in the desert of Sinai where God will reveal this law to the people of Israel through the intermediary auspices of Moses.
19:3 And Moses went up unto God, and the LORD called unto him out of the mountain, saying, Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel;
Say and Tell
The Bible is saying a great deal with a few words here. Notice the phrases “say to the house of Jacob” and “tell the children of Israel.” Jacob is the real given name of the progenitor of the nation of Israel. Israel is the name which God gave him after he wrestled with the angel of God and received the blessing of God. Jacob means supplanter or one who takes someone else’s place by subtlety. Israel means “prince of God.” Those whose hearts were still in Egypt were of Jacob. Those who accepted the plan of God to place them in the Promised Land and believed in His power to accomplish the task are now called the “children of Israel.” Moses is commanded to “say,” which means to speak or utter these words, to the house of Jacob. God cannot “tell,” which means to announce or instruct, those who haven’t accepted His leadership. He can only say these things to them. God is a gentleman. He doesn’t force people to accept Him. He calls them, but He does not force them. Those who have accepted Him are duty bound to hear the Words of the Lord and obey. The people who have submitted themselves to God are required by their pledge to allow God to “tell” them.
19:4 Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself.
God reminds them
The people of Israel had reason to believe and trust in God. God had born them on “eagle’s wings” to free them from the slavery of Egypt. Egypt at the time was the strongest nation on earth. Jehovah God had freed a sheep herding, pastoral people from the strongest military power on earth by miraculous means. He then led them through the midst of the Red Sea on dry land. God drowned the army of Egypt in that same water. Israel escaped by the power of God. He didn’t free them from Egypt to take them nowhere. God brought them out of Egypt in order to bring them in to the Promised Land. It was promised to be a land “flowing with milk and honey.” God has spiritually done the same for us. He took us from the fleshpots of sin and delivered us to the blessings of salvation. We should forever be grateful for His love and mercy.
19:5 Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: 19:6 And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.
The covenant
Notice the terms of the covenant or the agreement:
- Israel is asked to “obey my voice and keep my covenant.” This is very simple. They are being asked to obey the terms of the Law. They are to study and remember the Law; then obey its principles.
- God promises to make them “a peculiar treasure above all people.” He also promises to make them a “kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” Have you ever wondered why the unsaved, non-religious world hates the nation and people of Israel so much? The reason is simple: they are only acting on the prejudices and hatred of their Spiritual leader, Satan. God loves the people of Israel so it follows naturally that the Devil hates them. They dispute their right to live, not only in Israel, but anywhere. They are blamed for all of society’s ills. They have been called every filthy name one can imagine. The world hates them, but God loves them. This land is theirs. They have been given the Godly title deed. Why don’t the nations of the world respect their gift?
24:3 And Moses came and told the people all the words of the LORD, and all the judgments: and all the people answered with one voice, and said, All the words which the LORD hath said will we do.
Signing the contract
A covenant, or contract, is not enforceable without the agreement of both parties. The people of Israel accepted their responsibility to keep the law right here. They “signed the contract” by saying “All the words which the LORD hath said will we do.” The problem with this is that they didn’t and couldn’t keep the Law. The Bible tells us that “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” It tells us that none has kept the Law completely except Jesus Christ. God knew this ahead of time and never intended the law to justify anyone. Listen to the New Testament reveal the purpose of the Law: Romans 7:13 “Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.” The purpose of the Law was to make sin appear exceeding sinful. It should have made man aware of his need for a Savior. It failed among the self righteous. They took pleasure in their self righteousness. They should’ve realized they were unworthy to be saved. Someone needed to fill in the gap for us. That someone would have to be a sinless person. Jesus Christ is the only person who could fit the bill.
24:4 And Moses wrote all the words of the LORD, and rose up early in the morning, and builded an altar under the hill, and twelve pillars, according to the twelve tribes of Israel. 24:5 And he sent young men of the children of Israel, which offered burnt offerings, and sacrificed peace offerings of oxen unto the LORD. 24:6 And Moses took half of the blood, and put it in basins; and half of the blood he sprinkled on the altar. 24:7 And he took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that the LORD hath said will we do, and be obedient. 24:8 And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which the LORD hath made with you concerning all these words.
Covenant sealed with blood
This covenant is ratified with a sacrifice. God respects offerings which include the giving of a life of a sacrifice in the place of the petitioner. It requires blood to seal the agreement. The people should’ve understood that their vocal agreement was not enough. Blood atonement was required. Remember the difference in the sacrifices of Cain and Abel. Cain offered of the fruits of his field. Abel offered the life of one of his flock. God had respect unto the offering of Abel. The offering of Cain God rejected. The reason for this is His desire for the people to understand the coming sacrifice of His only Son. Jesus offered His precious blood to seal our covenant under the Grace Dispensation. Goodness and works can never save us; our agreement is sealed by the blood of Christ. Without it, nothing else has any power. The blood legitimizes the Word of God, it gives weight to the promises of God, it pays the ransom for our sins, and it allows us to be justified in the sight of an angry God.
New Living Translation (recommended as a commentary only)
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1 The Israelites arrived in the wilderness of Sinai exactly two months after they left Egypt. F32 2 After breaking camp at Rephidim, they came to the base of Mount Sinai and set up camp there. 3 Then Moses climbed the mountain to appear before God. The LORD called out to him from the mountain and said, "Give these instructions to the descendants of Jacob, the people of Israel: 4 'You have seen what I did to the Egyptians. You know how I brought you to myself and carried you on eagle's wings. 5 Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the nations of the earth; for all the earth belongs to me. 6 And you will be to me a kingdom of priests, my holy nation.' Give this message to the Israelites." |
3 When Moses had announced to the people all the teachings and regulations the LORD had given him, they answered in unison, "We will do everything the LORD has told us to do." 4 Then Moses carefully wrote down all the LORD's instructions. Early the next morning he built an altar at the foot of the mountain. He also set up twelve pillars around the altar, one for each of the twelve tribes of Israel. 5 Then he sent some of the young men to sacrifice young bulls as burnt offerings and peace offerings to the LORD. 6 Moses took half the blood from these animals and drew it off into basins. The other half he splashed against the altar. 7 Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read it to the people. They all responded again, "We will do everything the LORD has commanded. We will obey." 8 Then Moses sprinkled the blood from the basins over the people and said, "This blood confirms the covenant the LORD has made with you in giving you these laws."
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