Day 19 Reading Schedule: : Exodus 31-35

Exodus 31: The Builders of the Tabernacle and the Sabbath Rules 

[Overview]

This chapter records the conclusion of the laws and methods of building the tabernacle that God had spoken through Moses. God directly designated the people who would build the tabernacle (vv. 1-11). He emphasized the observance of the Sabbath once again (vv. 12-17), and gave Moses the tablets of the testimony on which He had personally written the laws (v. 18). This was a guarantee of God’s faithfulness to the covenant.

God personally designated and called His workers. He not only called them, but also filled them with His Spirit to do the work. God designated Bezalel. He called Oholiab and the wise men to make all the furniture of the tabernacle. God also made the Sabbath rules a sign of eternal rest and gave them the words of promise directly.

Exodus 32: Worship of the Golden Calf

[Summary]

Throughout history, the Israelites committed sins and worshipped idols, thereby creating a crisis in their relationship with God. This chapter records the first incident, the worship of the golden calf. While Moses was receiving commandments from God on the mountain, the Israelites made a golden calf under the leadership of Aaron and bowed down to it (verses 1-10). God was angry at this and was about to destroy Israel, but Moses asked God for forgiveness (verses 11-18). After coming down from the mountain, Moses broke the tablets of the testimony and rebuked the people (verses 19-24), and had the tribe of Levi kill about three thousand idolaters (verses 25-35).

The failure of the Israelites introduced in the text makes us deeply feel the true evil of human nature. Israel was saved from Egypt by a great miracle. Then, they met God on Mount Sinai and solemnly swore to obey God there. However, all of this came to nothing. Israel has completely failed and lost hope, but Moses goes before God as the shepherd of Israel.

Exodus 33: Moses' Prayer and God's Glory 

[Summary]

Through the giving of the law on Mount Sinai, a covenant was established between God and the people of Israel. From now on, Israel was to make a new start as a community of the covenant. This chapter describes Israel's new start as God's people. God told Abraham through Moses that He would give him the land of Canaan, but He said He would not go with them as retribution for their sins (verses 1-11). Moses asked God to go with him, and God heard his prayer and promised to accompany Israel (verses 12-23).

We live every day enjoying God's grace. Sometimes we confess that this grace is so overwhelming. However, sometimes we forget God's grace. We cannot even imagine what it would be like if God took away His grace. This chapter makes us feel that the grace we enjoy is indescribably abundant.

Exodus 34:

The Second Ten Commandments and the Renewal of the Covenant 

[Summary]

The relationship between God and the Israelites, which was in crisis due to the sins of the Israelites, was restored through the earnest prayers of Moses and the Israelites and God’s love. God gave them a new tablet as evidence of reconciliation and reaffirmed the covenant (vv. 1-10). He also strongly warned them against idolatry (vv. 11-17) and commanded them to observe the three great feasts for God (vv. 18-26). Then Moses came down from the mountain and proclaimed God’s command to the Israelites (vv. 27-35).

Through Moses’ mediation, but more importantly, through God’s faithfulness and mercy, the way was opened again for the restoration of the covenant relationship between God and Israel. This chapter shows the renewal of the covenant. We can see the sinful people, God’s judgment, and Israel’s renewal through Moses’ mediation.

Exodus 35

Materials for the Tabernacle and the People's Offerings

[Overview]

This chapter records the scene where Moses, who received the second set of stone tablets of the Ten Commandments from Mount Sinai, explained the various tools and equipment for building the tabernacle and the people gladly offered the materials to make it. Before building the tabernacle, Moses emphasized the regulations regarding the Sabbath once more (verses 1-3). He also explained the various materials needed for building the tabernacle and the tools and decorations to be made (verses 4-19). Then, the people willingly offered their belongings, including various ornaments, to God (verses 20-29). When Moses saw this, he chose Bezalel and Oholiab to supervise and make all the construction of the tabernacle (verses 30-35).

This chapter through Exodus 40 describe the construction of the tabernacle. When Moses first came down from the mountain, the people were so immersed in sin that they could not hear about the tabernacle. However, when Moses came down to them the second time, they were completely prepared. They turned and gathered to hear the wonderful news from Moses.