54 - Clouds lead them!

Kathleen's thoughts today

Exodus 40

Numbers 10,11,12

The military divisions of the camp of Judah with their banner set out first. The tabernacle was then taken down, and the Gershonites and the Merarites set out, transporting the tabernacle.

The Kohathites then set out, transporting the holy objects; the tabernacle was to be set up before their arrival

Clouds lead them... The Israelites set out whenever the cloud was taken up from the tabernacle throughout all the stages of their journey. If the cloud was not taken up,k they did not set out until the day it was taken up. For the cloud of the Lord was over the tabernacle by day, and there was a fire inside the cloud by night, visible to the entire house of Israel through all the stages of their journey.

Whenever the ark set out, Moses would say. Arise, Lord! Let Your enemies be scattered, and those who hate You flee from Your presence...When it came to rest, he would say Return Lord, to the countless thousands of Israel.

Moses questions God about all the work that had to be done and the Lord said to Moses "Is the Lord's power limited. Moses recruited 70 men to take the work load off his shoulders just as God ordered. God then took some of the Spirit that was on Moses and placed the Spirit on the 70 elders as the Spirit rested on them they Prophesied.

Miriam and Aaron Criticize Moses and the Lord heard them and then summoned all three of them to come out to tent of meeting. The Lord told Aaron and Miriam this...

Listen to what I say If there is a prophet among you from the Lord, I make Myself known to him in a vision; I speak with him in a dream Not so with My servant Moses; he is faithful in all My household. I SPEAK WITH HIM DIRECTLY OPENLY, AND NOT IN RIDDLES; HE SEE THE FORM OF THE LORD.

Blessings

42 - Moses given the order of duties by God

Kathleen's thoughts

Numbers 3,8,4

Every first born male of the Israelites one month old or more to be registered and a list of their names.

God told Moses "You are to take the Levites for me I am the Lord"

The total registered were 22,273

The Lord told Moses "Take the Levites from among the Israelites and ceremonially cleanse them and then to present them before the tent of meeting and assemble the entire Israelite community. Then present the Levites before the Lord as a presentation offering from the Israelites, so that they may perform the Lord's work. Next The Levites are to lay their hands on the heads of the bulls Sacrifice one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering to the Lord, to make atonement for the Levites. The Levites need to stand before Aaron and his sons, and you are to present them before the Lord as a presentation offering. In so doing this will separate the Levites from the Israelites and may come to serve at the tent of meeting once you have ceremonially cleansed them and presented them as a presentation offering.

SO God has taken the Levites exclusively to Aaron and his sons to perform the work for the Israelites at the tent of meeting and to make atonement on their behalf.

Instructions were also given in regard to the Levites From 25 Years old or more a man enters the service in the work at the tent of meeting but at 50 years old he is to retire from his service and no longer serve. He may assist his brothers to fulfill responsibilities at the tent of meeting but he must not do the work.

Eleazar Son of Aaron the priest has oversight of the lamp oil, the fragrant incense, the daily grain offering and the anointing oil He has oversight of the entire tabernacle and everything in it, the holy objects and their utensils.

The Kohathites clan were not allowed to even look at them or they would die,. So the Lord instructed Moses that he was to take men from 30 - 50 years old - everyone who is qualified to do work at the tent of meeting . So when the camp was to move on Aaron and his sons are to go in take down and pack up and cover them according to God's plan and then the Kohathites would come and carry them but they are not to touch the Holy objects or they will die. This applied to The Gershonites too but they were to transport the tabernacle curtains the tent of meeting with its covering and the covering made of manatee skin on top of it. the screen for the entrance to the tent of meeting the hangings of the courtyard the screen for the entrance at the gate of the courtyard that surrounds the tabernacle and the altar, along with their ropes and all the equipment for their service. The Merarites They are responsible for to carry as the whole of their service at the tent of meeting the supports of an bases, the post of the surrounding courtyard with their bases, tent pegs and ropes including all their equipment.

And so Moses and Aaron and the leaders of the community registered the...

Kohathites 30 -50 Years old 2,750

Gershonites 30 -50 years old 2,630

Merarites 30 -50 Years old 3,200

The Levites by their clans and their ancestral houses form 30 -50 Years old. 8,580

total 17,160

Blessings

41 - The Levitical tribe and their duties according to God's plan and order.

Image from The Temple Institute

Kathleen's thoughts

Exodus 35 - 38 & 40 Numbers 3 & 10

The trumpet - What a significant instrument of the Lord. It had to made of hammered silver and the orders were...When both are sounded in long blasts, the entire community is to gather before you at the entrance to the tent of meeting. However if one is sounded only the leaders, the heads of Israel's clans are to gather before you.

When you sound short blasts, the camps pitched on the east are to set out. When you sound short blasts a second time, the camps pitched on the south are to set out. Short blasts are to be sounded for them to set out,,,When calling the assembly together, you are to sound long blasts, not short ones...The sons of Aaron, the priests, are to sound the trumpets. You use of these is a permanent statute through your generations.

THIS PART IS INTERESTING.

Verse 9 When you enter into battle in your land against an adversary who is attacking you, sound short blasts on the trumpets, and you will be remembered before the Lord you God and be delivered from your enemies.

This brought to mind the wars of past of using a trumpeter to march the soldiers into battle. They new then if they did this the Lord was with them and would deliver them from their enemies.

Exodus 40: 1-15 When everything was complete God gave instructions to Moses to anoint and consecrate. This anointing will serve to inaugurate a permanent priesthood for them throughout their generation.

Moses was given instructions to the tribe of Levi to assist him and to take care of the tent of meeting and perform duties for the Israelites by attending the service of the Tabernacle and the total amount of men to perform these duties was 22,000.

Blessings

41 - They will serve as a reminder ...

The erection of the Tabernacle and the Sacred vessels

Chareen's Thougths:

• Exodus 35:1-3 Sabbath a day of rest.  He gave it to us to rest and be renewed. It is holy unto Him.
• Exodus 38: 21-31 is a complete accounting summary of what was used to build the Tabernacle. I was reading over at Pro Youth Worker and he worked out that it would cost around $57 000 000 to build the Tabernacle today. The thing that I find astounding is that all this was given freely ! Someone worked out that it would take 8 600 people to move the Tabernacle.
• Silver Trumpets were used to alert the people.  Numbers 10:1-10 why ? ... They will serve as a reminder for you before your God: I am the LORD your God. Numbers 10:10 This has me thinking what can I do that will help me and my family remember the Lord my God daily, monthly and annually ?
• Exodus 40 God tells Moses to set up the Tabernacle ready for service.
• Numbers 3:5-39 The Levite Tribe is given to Aaron to serve as the temple/tabernacle carers. There were 22 000 males in this clan alone.

He leaves nothing to chance.  He is a God of order.  Everything had a place and a use.  Each person had their task and it was specific.

What do you do in your home that serves as a reminder of the Lord your God ?

Blessings
Chareen

For Further Reading:

• What would it cost to build the Tabernacle described in Exodus ? over at Pro Youth Worker
• The Desert Tabernacle calculator over at The Desert Tabernacle. An interesting look at the weights of the items of the Tabernacle.
• Tabernacle explorer 3 D download FREE
• Diagrams of Tabernacle and Furniture.  Interesting.
• Picture of the remade Silver Trumpets over at The Temple Institute.
• The New Temple
• More Teaching on the Tabernacle
• Tabernacle Insights Part 1 & 2
• 
  

40 - The Tabernacle being built according to God's orders

Kathleen's thoughts

Exodus 36 - 39

And so the workman were put to work building the Tabernacle, Ark of the covenant Priestly robes. Bezalel must have been a very busy man. I can just see him watching and taking measurements to see it's the correct size according to God's plan. What a honour!

If you watch the video's that Chareen has placed here on this blog

• More Teaching on the Tabernacle
• Tabernacle Insights Part 1 & 2

Source: Temple Institute

They  explain the whole readings of today of the Tabernacle, the Ark and all the accessories that was needed plus the High Priest's garments

Blessings.
Kathleen

39 - Moses' face shines with God's glory!

Kathleen's thoughts,

Leviticus 27 & Exodus 35 - 37

Moses comes down the Mt Sinai with his face shining with God's glory and he was carrying the tablets of the 10 commandments. It must have been a awesome sight but can also imagine how frightening it must have been for the Israelites.

Moses gives the instruction for the collection (offering) for the Lord of gold, silver and bronze; blue purple, and scarlet yarn, fine linen goat hair; ram skins dyed red and manatee skins; acacia wood; oil for the light ; spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense; and onyx with gemstones to mount on the ephod and the breast plate. He also ordered for Bezalel, Ohollab and all the craftsman to start on the Tabernacle, ark, Table for the bread of the Presence, Curtain of linen and the Menorah (7 stick lamp stand)

It is a scriptural principle to give according to one's income,, Those whose giving is not according to their income may find that God adjusts their income according to their giving. Makes one think about our tithes.

Luke 6:38 (KJ)

Give and it shall be given unto you'; good measure pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

Blessings

39 - in whom the Lord has put wisdom

Chareen's Thoughts:

• Leviticus 27:25 All your valuations will be measured by the standard sanctuary shekel, 20 gerahs to the shekel.  I love this verse.  God Himself places the yard stick on weights and measures so there can be no argument as to the value of anything.  Even today we employ people to check and keep weights and measures accurate.  One of my friends works at CSIRO and this is his job.
• Every tenth of the land's produce, grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD. Leviticus 27:30
• Exodus 34:29-35 Moses face shone with the glory of God.  Imagine if we could see God's glory in each other ?  I wonder how we would change if we spent concentrated time in fellowship with our LORD ?  
• Exodus 35- 4-29 Excellent read.  It has been asked where did all the materials come from to build the Tabernacle ?  Here it is explained. It's amazing that this multimillion dollar building was built entirely from free will offerings.
• Exodus 36:1 ... every wise hearted man in whom the Lord has put wisdom and understanding to know how to do all the work for the service of the sanctuary shall work according to all that the Lord has commanded. It amazes me how the LORD anointed those He called for the task at hand.
• Exodus 36:4-6 The people brought more than was needed to build the Tabernacle.  I wonder how often in history has anyone ever had to say enough .  Stop giving we have enough!
• Exodus 37:1-24 explains how the Israelites obey God's commands to build.  How each instruction was followed.

 ... in whom the Lord has put wisdom and understanding to know how to do all the work
Exodus 36:1Often I forget just how much He does anoint us with.  I need to remember to ask Him for the wisdom I need to accomplish the work He has for me.

Blessings
Chareen

38 - God's laws

Kathleen's thoughts

Leviticus 25 - 26

Here one can see that our God is family Orientated we need to look after our immediate family and support them when they are in need.

Lev. 25: 35,36 If your brother becomes destitute and cannot sustain himself among you, you are to support him as a foreigner or temporary resident, so that he can continue to live among you....Do not profit or take interest from him, but fear your God and let your brother live among you.

There is a lot of sadness today where we see families turning against each other and not worrying about them.

God has given us guide lines to live by with conditions for blessings.

Leviticus 26: 1-2 Do not make idols for yourselves, set up a carved image or sacred pillar for yourselves, or place sculpted stone in your land to bow down to it, for I am the Lord your God. You must keep MY SABBATHS and honour MY SANCTUARY; I am the Lord.

We need to ask ourselves here why are things going wrong with our world today. one looks around and sees all these objects being erected and people worshiping them. How can we expect the blessing when this is happening?

God says in Leviticus 26: 3 - 13 (KJ) If ye walk in my statues, and keep my commandments, and do them; Then I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield her increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit. ..And your threshing shall reach unto the vintage, and the vintage shall reach unto the sowing time; and ye shall eat your bread to the full, and dwell in your land safely...And I will give peace in the land,l and ye shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid; and I will rid evil beasts out of the land, neither shall the sword go through your land...And ye shall chase your enemies, and they shall fall before you by the sword...And five of you shall chase an hundred, and an hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight; and your enemies shall fall before you by the sword...For I will have respect unto you, and make you fruitful,k and multiply you, and establish my covenant with you...And ye shall eat old store, and bring forth the old because of the new. ..And I will set my tabernacle among you; and my soul shall not abhor you...AND I WILL WALK AMONG YOU, AND WILL BE YOUR GOD, AND YE SHALL BE MY PEOPLE.

What a beautiful promise if we obey our God. but if we do not obey God will chastise us.

When I was reading Leviticus 26: 26 When, I cut off your supply of bread, 10 women will bake your bread in a single oven and ration out your bread by weight, so that you will eat but not be satisfied.

This brought back thoughts of war when the woman stood in lines waiting for their rations we even see this in famine areas. It makes one think!

Blessings

38 - I will give you rain if ...

 Chareen's Thoughts:

• Today's reading started out about property redemption.  One of the things that I found interesting at the end of yesterdays reading the Lord says: The land is not to be permanently sold because it is Mine, and you are only foreigners and temporary residents on My land. Leviticus 25:23  This is the basis of the year of Jubilee. 
• Jubilee occurs once every fiftieth year. Leviticus 25:8-24
• Leviticus 25:35-55 contains specific laws pertaining slaves and the poor in a community.  Interestingly God gives the Israelites a reason for the laws He has given. He says: For the Israelites are My slaves. They are My slaves I brought out of the land of Egypt; I am the LORD your God.
• Leviticus 26:1 YOU SHALL make for yourselves no idols nor shall you erect a graven image, pillar, or obelisk, nor shall you place any figured stone in your land to which or on which to bow down; for I am the Lord your God. This is an interesting verse.  No obelisk in your land.  Have you ever taken note of the memorials in your community ?  In your State ? Your country ? Interestingly enough in front of churches? Have a look at these images of some famous places with obelisks: A Church in Europe, In Washington, A War Memorial in Britain, Eternal Flame in Australia
• This verse is followed by: You shall keep My Sabbaths and reverence My sanctuary. I am the Lord. If you walk in My statutes and keep My commandments and do them, I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield her increase and the trees of the field yield their fruit. And your threshing [time] shall reach to the vintage and the vintage [time] shall reach to the sowing time, and you shall eat your bread to the full and dwell in your land securely. I will give peace in the land; you shall lie down and none shall fill you with dread or make you afraid; and I will clear ferocious (wild) beasts out of the land, and no sword shall go through your land. Leviticus 26: 2-6 He promises abundance!  Look at the fruit He promises IF we obey. The blessings carry on in verses 7-13
• verse 14-39 God explains the consequences of disobedience.

In the For Thought and Contemplation section it says: God's warnings are clearly signposted everywhere in life - for those who have eyes to see. And no one can accuse God of enforcing any law that He has not clearly "posted".  How very true this statement is when you start reading through the Law part of the bible.  There are so many truths hidden in this part of scripture.  I am getting a fresher appreciation for His love and redemption.
Blessings
Chareen


For Further Reading:

• Jubilee over at Wikipedia
• Sabbatical Year and Jubilee over at Jewish Encyclopedia.
• Chronology of Jubilee's over at Creation Answers
• Sabbatical Year and Jubilee Year over at My Jewish Learning
• Parashat Behar - Strange Settlers over at Hebrew 4 Christians.
• Parashat Behar - Quick Summary over at  Hebrew 4 Christians

37 - Moses came down from Mount Sinai

The Adoration of the Golden Calf by Nicolas Poussin

Kathleen's thoughts

Exodus 32 - 34 Leviticus 25

After all what Moses and Aaron went through to this point Aaron falls short and listens to the Israelites to make a foreign god. One would think by this time Aaron would have known better for he walked with Moses and heard the Lord speak.

Moses comes down from the Mount after speaking with God to find the Israelites not behaving in a Godly manner and long with it his brother doing the same. Moses loses his temper by throwing the tablets to the ground! Moses asks Aaron, "What did this people do to you that you have led them into such a grave sin?"

Moses' pleas and God answers. Exodus 32:33 The Lord replied to Moses: "Who ever has sinned against Me I will erase from My book.

So we can see here that God records in the book of life, this I found interesting.

God speaks to Moses face to face, just as a man speaks with his friend. Exodus 33:11

Moses asks God to see His Glory... Exodus 33:18-23

The Moses said, "Please let me see Your glory.," He said, "I will cause all My goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim the name Yahweh before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion"

But He answered, "You cannot see My face, for no one can see Me and live." The Lord said, "There is a place near Me, You are to stand on the rock, and when My glory passes by, I will put you in the crevice of the rock and cover you with My hand until I have passed by. Then I will take My hand away, and you will see My back but My face will not be seen"

Then in Exodus 34:5 The Lord came down in a cloud stood with him there, and proclaim His name Yahweh. "Then the Lord passed in front of him and proclaimed.

What He proclaimed is absolutely beautiful.

Yahweh - Yahweh is a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and rich in faithful love and truth, maintaining faithful love to a thousand generations, forgiving wrong doing, rebellion, and sin. But He will not leave the guilty unpunished, bringing the consequences of the fathers; wrongdoing on the children and grandchildren to the third and fourth generation.

Moses goes back up the mountain taking with him 2 tablets that was commanded by God to bring so as to rewrite the 10 commandments.

Blessings.

35 - I have filled him with the Spirit of God

Chareen's Thoughts

•  Exodus 27 -31
• Today was a reading about the different fragrant oils used for anointing and worship.  The Lord was very specific about the recipe and interestingly He copyright protected it for Himself.  Exodus 30: 31-33 "And say to the Israelites, This is a holy anointing oil [symbol of the Holy Spirit], sacred to Me alone throughout your generations. It shall not be poured upon a layman's body, nor shall you make any other like it in composition; it is holy, and you shall hold it sacred. Whoever compounds any like it or puts any of it upon an outsider shall be cut off from his people. And in Exodus 30:37-38 And the incense which you shall make according to its composition you shall not make for yourselves; it shall be to you holy to the Lord. Whoever makes any like it for perfume shall be cut off from his people.
• Garments of the priests Exodus 28: 2-30 I found a short YouTube clip presented by Dr Harman. 

And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom and ability, in understanding and intelligence, and in knowledge, and in all kinds of craftsmanship Exodus 31:3

Blessings
Chareen

For Further Reading:

• In the news:  Garments for the Re-built Temple over at Signs for the Last Days.
• The Priestly Garments over at Bible History
• Pictures of the actual remade temple vessels & vestments over at The Temple Institute:  copper Laver, Mizrak, Large Mizrak, Three pronged Fork, Measuring Cup, Copper Vessel for meal Offering, Silver Shovel, Silver Vessel for Wine Libation, Lottery Box, silver cup for water Libation, Silver Libation Vessels, Sickle, Omer Offering Implements, Obuv, Menorah Cleansing Vessel, Oil Pitcher, Small Golden Flask, Frankincense Censer, Incense Chalice, Menorah, Table for Showbread, Ark of the Covenant, The Crown, Silver Trumpets, Gold Plated Shofar, 
• Slide show of the High Priest Garments.
• 
  

34 - Plans given to Moses by God to build the Mercy Seat and Tabernacle items.

The erection of the Tabernacle and the Sacred vessels, as in Exodus 40:17-19; from the 1728 Figures de la Bible

Kathleen's thoughts

Exodus 25 - 27

The explanations given to Moses on how to build the Tabernacle is so overwhelming when one reads it. I can just picture Moses jotting down all the measurements and it had to be precise.

The ark of the covenant must have been the most beautiful breath taking sight to see. The over lay of the all the wood was of pure gold. The 4 rings placed on the sides are pure gold and then the poles that lift up the ark were acacia wood and over laid with gold.

When the instructions for the Mercy Seat was given it was to be made of pure gold . The 2 cherubim's were made of pure gold facing one another with their wings touching each other. My thoughts here are... Imagine God sitting there and His glory shinning all around reflecting off that gold, I should imagine it would be blinding. It would be very interesting to know the weight of the ark.

Exodus 25: 16 Put the tablets of the testimony that I will give you into the ark!

Exodus 25: 30 Put the bread of the Presence of the table before Me at all times. I refer back to Exodus 16: 33 Take a container and put two quarts of manna in it Then place it before the Lord to be preserved throughout your generations. 34. As the Lord commanded Moses,Aaron place it before the testimony to be preserved.

Instructions for the curtains I found very interesting.

Exodus 26: 1-6 the curtains were for the tabernacle itself with 10 curtains made from finely spun linen with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn with a design of cherubim worked into them. The clasps to hold them together were made of gold

Exodus 26: 7-13 The tent over the tabernacle were made of goat hair. The clasps that held them together were bronze

Exodus 26: 14 Make a covering for the tent from ram skins dyed red, and a covering of manatee skins on top of that.

The frame work was made of acacia wood.

Exodus 26: 30 God instructs Moses to set up the tabernacle plan that was shown to him on the mountain.

Inner veil. This is to separate the Holy of holies from the holy place.

Exodus 26: 31-35 You are to make a veil of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely spun linen with a design of cherubim worked into it. This too was hung on acacia wood overlaid with gold and the hooks are of pure gold.

Outer veil.

Exodus 26: 36 -37 For the entrance to the tent as a screen which is embroidered with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen. the post are of acacia wood overlaid with gold and their hooks are gold.

The alter was constructed with acacia wood. Pots shovels basins meat forks fire pans and all lits utensils are made of bronze.

Instructions were also given for the court of the tabernacle.

At the moment I am thinking of the embroidery work on all the curtains and veils. I wonder how many woman sat and worked on this beautiful material that was being created for the Holy of Holies God sure gives everyone gifts.

Blessings

Kathleen

34 - Make it accoding to the model I showed you.

Chareen's Thoughts

• Exodus 25 -27 The reading today is a detailed account of the instructions the Lord gave to Moses concerning the design and construction of The Tabernacle. The Lord was very particular in how He wanted it constructed, what materials He wanted them to use in it's construction and where He wanted all the things placed within the Tabernacle.
• Exodus 25:39 The lamp stand with all these utensils is to be made from 75 pounds of pure gold. Gold is measured in Troy ounces. However, the typical "pound" is not a troy measurement (it is technically called an Avoirdupois pound -- a typical American pound). There are ~14.583 Troy ounces in one American (Avoirdupois) pound.
  So to find the current value of of one pound of gold, simply multiply 14.583 times the current price of gold (look at goldprice.com for a current valuation).
  75 pounds x 14.583 ounces = 1 093.725 ounces of gold
  1 093.725 x AU$1 598.36 = AU $ 1 748 166.29
  Therefore the lamp stand and all the utensils would cost AU$ 1 748 166.29 to make today.
  Read more:How much is gold per pound ?

I asked a Jewish friend of mine about the book of Exodus and she shared some interesting insight to me: "It is the time the 10 commandments was given and the first time the Jewish people received their name. The Hebrew word for the 2nd book is Shemot which actually means names because this is when the Jewish people received their name-when the bible was translated from Hebrew into Greek they named it Exodus because they thought the whole point of the book was the Exodus, the Exodus was just an event for us, the whole point of the book was receiving our name and the 10 commandments from Mount Sinai" 

Several times God says to Abraham is told by the LORD: And see to it that you copy [exactly] their pattern which was shown you on the mountain Exodus 25:40

Blessings
Chareen

For Further Reading:

• Tabernacle Model over at Bible Places.com  Amazing photo's of a true to life replica of the original desert tabernacle.
• More photo's of the Tabernacle over at Bible Places.com This page has photo's of the high priest clothing and temple furniture.
•  The Tabernacle over at The Tabernacle Place.com  
•  The Tabernacle over at The Tabernacle Man This site is an interesting one. 
• Tabernacle Insights Part 1, Tabernacle Insights Part 2, Tabernacle Insights 3, (Video Teachings)
• Amazing Insights about the Jewish Tabernacle of Old Testament Times !  over at Precious Testimonies
• Architecture of the bible - Jerusalem, Holy city of David - Site, Temple and Palaces; scale models, recostructions.
  

33 - God's instructions given to Moses for His people

Kathleen's thoughts,

Exodus22 -25

Instructions given to Moses on Mt Sinai by God was pretty straight forward with looking after their live stock to working the soil for 6 years and the 7th year the ground must rest. Chapter 22 is about humanity. Looking at Exodus 22 : 24 Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child...if thou afflict them in any wise,l and they cry at all unto me I will surely hear their cry...And my wrath shall wax hot, and I will kill you with the sword; and your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless.

I watched a documentary Cinderella Children the other day and was amazed at one woman's courage and faith by packing up and moving over to Africa with her caravan and landing at a place called Kitgum in Uganda. Irene Gleeson is her name and her ministry started under a mango tree teaching orphaned children from the war and with God's help she has managed to build schools give medical aid and accommodation which now give these children hope. It now accommodates 6 000 children. 

Here we can see that we have a compassionate God. Exodus 22: 27 For that is his covering only, it is his raiment for his skin; wherein shall he sleep? and it shall come to pass, when he crieth unto me, that I will hear; for am gracious.

Worshipping other gods by sacrifice will be set apart for destruction.

Today people are constantly moving from one country to another and sometimes one comes face to face with intolerance of a another race and here God's instructions is very clear Exodus 23: 9 You must not oppress a foreign resident; you yourselves know how it feels to be a foreigner because you were foreigners in the land of Egypt.

God says in Exodus 23:13 Pay strict attention to everything I have said to you. You must not invoke the names of other god's; they must not be heard on your lips.

Observe the Festivals of Unleavened bread, the Festival of Harvest with the first fruits of your produce from what you sow in the field and the Festival of Ingathering at the end of the year when you gather your produce from the field. Exodus 23: 14-19

Do not eat meat from a mauled animal found in the field; throw it to the dogs Exodus 22: 31

This verse is amazing Exodus 24: 9-17 (KJ) Then went up Moses, and Aaron, Nadab, and A-bi-hu and seventy of the elders of Israel...And they saw the God of Israel; and there was under his feet as it were paved worked of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in His clearness...And upon the nobles of the children of Israel he laid not his hand; also they saw God, and did eat and drink

Verse 12. And the Lord said unto Moses, Come up to me into the mount, and be there; and I will give thee tables of stone, and a law, and commandments which I have written; that thou mayest teach them.

God's covenant was sealed by the sprinkling of blood on the people concerning these words. Exodus 23:8

Then Matthew 26:28 (KJ) For this is my blood of the new testament (covenant), which is shed for many for the remission of sins

Blessings

Kathleen.

33 - Pure worship is to care for the Orphan & Widow

Moses on Mount Sinai by Jean-Léon Gérôme

Chareen's Thoughts

• Exodus 22 :1-15 Is all about the rights of property and what is to happen if someone's property is stolen or damaged in all sorts of circumstances.  It is a great chapter to read if you are teaching about theft and property care.
• Exodus 22:16-31 Is all about the Lords's view on crimes against humanity.
• Exodus 22:16-17 is about virginity.Virginity is important to the Lord.
• Exodus 22:22-24 You shall not afflict any widow or fatherless child. If you afflict them in any way and they cry at all to Me, I will surely hear their cry  And My wrath shall burn; I will kill you with the sword, and your wives shall be widows and your children fatherless The bible has 43 verses in the old testamant about the fatherless and the widow. What is pure worship in the sight of the LORD ? James 1:27  External religious worship [ religion as it is expressed in outward acts] that is pure and unblemished in the sight of God the Father is this: to visit and help and care for the orphans and widows in their affliction and need, and to keep oneself unspotted and uncontaminated from the world.
• Exodus 22:27 ... I will listen because I am compassionate.
• Exodus 23:2 You must not follow a crowd in wrongdoing. ... 
• Even the land had a sabbath rest.  Exodus 23:10-13 For six years we are to sow and reap but on the seventh it is to be left fallow.
• Exodus 23:14-19 God commands to be honoured through three festivals. Festival of Unleavened Bread, Festival of Harvest and the Festival of Ingathering. 
• Exodus 23:25-26 You shall serve the Lord your God; He shall bless your bread and water, and I will take sickness from your midst. None shall lose her young by miscarriage or be barren in your land; I will fulfill the number of your days.
• Exodus 23:20-33 & Exodus 24: 1-18 is the commitment of Israel to do what the Lord commands and the Lord's covenant to fillful the covenant He made with Abraham and to give them the land little by litte. He warns them about the sin in the land and to destroy the alters and not to practice as the inhabitants practice. 

 External religious worship [ religion as it is expressed in outward acts] that is pure and unblemished in the sight of God the Father is this: to visit and help and care for the orphans and widows in their affliction and need, and to keep oneself unspotted and uncontaminated from the world. James 1:27

Blessings
Chareen

For Further Reading:

• The Festival of Unleavened Bread at Bible Research.org
• Chag HaMatzot - Festival of Unleavened Bread over at Hebrew 4 Christians.com
• What does the Feast of Unleavened Bread mean for Christians over at The Good News.
• Festival of Harvest over at Truth of Yahweh
• Feast of Tabernacles over at Key Way

32 - And the trumpet sounded and the Lord came down on it in fire

by Rembrandt (1659)

Kathleen's thoughts

Exodus 19 - 21

It's hard to believe that the first month of the year has just passed and each day our journey into God's word has been a wonderful learning experience and to be able to share it with my daughter Chareen I know God has blessed me.

In Exodus 20: 6 But showing faithful love to a thousand generations of those who love Me and keep My commands.

The instructions God gave to Moses about His appearance on the mountain that the Israeli's were not to put a foot onto Mt Sinai or touch it's base if they do they will die. When the meeting is over a ram's horn sounds a long blast, they may go up the mountain.

I found it very interesting that the people had to purify themselves by washing themselves and their clothes and on the third day in the morning there was thunder and lightning and a thick cloud appeared on the mountain and a loud trumpet sound, so that all the people in the camp knew that the Lord was about to appear on the mountain. Moses took the people out of the camp to meet God. I see a similarity here with the NT. when Christ was crucified and there was thunder and lightening and the clouds became dark and thick and then He arose on the third day.

Can you imagine standing there and witnessing the Mountain enveloped in smoke because the Lord came down on it in fire! and the sound of the heavenly trumpets blasting growing louder and louder and when God speaks to Moses it's in the thunder. One can almost feel that breath taking moment.

The Ten Commandments are given to Moses a wonderful guide line to walk in life today. There is so much sadness on earth. If only we would just use this teaching daily so we can all live a better life serving our Lord and Saviour. These are found in Exodus 10:1-17 Do take the time and read them and learn by them so you can teach it to your children from generation to generation.

My precious parents

One of the most precious commandments to me is (they all precious but this one sticks out )

Honour your father and your mother so that you may have a long life in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.

Family has been given to us by God and we all need to HONOUR this precious gift.

There are many other laws to abide by and we all fail terribly in keeping them this is why God says stay in my word for it is a lamp to your feet and a light to you path if you don't God says my people will die from lack of knowledge.

Blessings.

Kathleen.

32 - the Law will be upon hearts and minds

1/12 of the bible read and complete! So far I have learned so many things about the LORD our God. This month is a journey through God's laws, setting up the tabernacle, ministry of the priesthood and Israels journey through the wilderness.

 Ten Commandments, painting by Rembrandt (1659)

Chareen's Thoughts:

• Exodus 19:10-11 ...and be prepared by the third day, for on the third day the LORD will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people. This echo's to me of the third day Jesus arose from the grave. Imagine being privileged to be there when He came down to meet with all the people ?
• You can find the Ten Commandments in the following scriptures:  Exodus 20:1-17 and in Deuteronomy 5: 4-21
•  It amazes me how the Lord protects us and our nakedness.  How important this aspect of our humanity is to Him.  In Genesis 3:21 He clothed Adam and Eve as soon as they realised that they were naked. Here in Exodus 20:26 He tells them not to build an alter with steps up to it ... so that your nakedness is not exposed upon it. Covering our nakedness is important to Him.
• I enjoy reading about God's laws and justice. I love how specific He is.  He did not leave the people wondering what now ? Reading Exodus 21:1-36 is all about if this happens then do that.
• I am so glad that I live under the New Testament covenant. The old covenant states in Exodus 21:23-24 But if any damage follows, then you shall give life for life,  Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot. Jesus said in Matthew 5:38-39: You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth. But I say to you, Do not resist the evil man [who injures you]; but if anyone strikes you on the right jaw or cheek, turn to him the other one too.
• Reading about their social law and moral law has given me a fresh understanding of the depth of His grace and mercy towards us.
• As I read the laws about injuries to persons I am struck by how even today we have many of the same laws and applications in our society.

but showing faithful love to a thousand generations of those who love Me and keep My commands. Exodus 20:6 I am so blessed because my parents and grandparents love the Lord.  I live under the hand of his faithful love because of them.  My children and children's children will live under His faithful love because of Him.
"This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the LORD: I will put My laws on their hearts, and I will write them on their minds..." Hebrews 10:16 As a new covenant believer grafted into His family I am privileged to be blessed by these words and covenant.  He will put His law on my heart and He will write them on my mind and the minds of my children.  This is a great scripture to pray over the lives of our children and children's children.
I am grateful for His faithfulness to a THOUSAND generations.

When Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment was His response was: Matthew 22:36-40
³⁶Teacher, which kind of commandment is great and important (the principal kind) in the Law? [Some commandments are light--which are heavy?]

    ³⁷And He replied to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind (intellect).

    ³⁸This is the great (most important, principal) and first commandment.

    ³⁹And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as [you do] yourself.

    ⁴⁰These two commandments sum up and upon them depend all the Law and the Prophets.

Matthew 22:36-40

Blessings
Chareen

For Further reading:

• 10 Short devotionals based on each of the commandments.  Thought provoking over at Bible Love Notes.
• Ten Commandments.
• What are the Ten Commandments ? over at Ten Commandments.
• Matthew Henry's commentry on the Ten Commandments over at Ten Commandments.
• God's Ten Laws
• Law and Grace over at God's Ten Laws.

31 – Manna from Heaven

The Israelites gathering Manna - 1490 by Ercole de Roberti

Kathleen’s thoughts

Exodus 15 -19

Imagine walking in the wilderness, hot, no water or food taking a whole family on this sort of journey. We complain today about having to walk here and we need a car to do this and that. Moses took on a huge project by taking the Israeli’s out of Egypt. One can understand why they kept on moaning but then one sees on the other hand they had the privilege to be guided by this magnificent cloud and in this cloud, the Lord’s glory appeared. How can one not know that you are being looked after? Then the Lord provides water on 2 separate occasions. When they came to Marah the water there was bitter and they could not drink it and the Lord sweetened it. At Mount Horeb Moses with instructions from the Lord struck the rock and water poured from it.

Once again the Israelis complained this time of not having food to eat. Then the Lord said to Moses “At twilight you will eat meat and in the morning you will eat bread until you are full Then you will know that I am the Lord your God.”

There were instructions on how to eat this food from the Lord.

1. Gather as much of it as each person needs to eat.
2. Take two quarts per individual.
3. No one is to let any of it remain until morning.

The house of Israel name the substance Manna. It resembled coriander seed, was white and tasted like wafers made with honey. Psalm 78: 25 Everyone ate the bread of the mighty (man ate angels’ food) God sent them meat in abundance.

I found this interesting that the Lord told Moses to take two quarts of it is to be preserved throughout his generation so they took a container and placed the manna in it and placed it before the Lord.
Imagine getting manna for 40 years and the Lord still today provides my daily needs and I give thanks.

Then in the evening quail came and covered the camp

In 15: 26 The Lord says…”If you will careful obey the Lord your God, do what is right in His eyes, pay attention to His commands, and keep all His statutes, I will not INFLICT ANY ILLNESS ON YOU I INFLICTED ON THE EGYPTIANS. FOR I AM THE LORD WHO HEALS YOU.”

When they had the conflict with Amelek and won the war Moses built an altar and named it “The Lord is My Banner” Indeed my hand was lifted up toward the Lord’s throne.

In Exodus 18: 12 Then Jethro, Moses father-in-law brought a burnt offering and sacrifices to God and Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat a meal with Moses’ father-in-law in GOD’S PRESENCE. How awesome is that!

In Exodus 19:4 You have seen what I did to the Egyptians and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to me. This reminds me of Isaiah 40: 31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Blessings

Kathleen,

31 - Training ground for a New Begining

The Gathering of the Manna by James Tissot

Chareen's Thoughts:

• Exodus 16:4-36 The story of manna.  God supplied their need of food for 40 years. Six days a week there was enough for everyone. He was faithful and on time. 
•  Sabbath a law of rest. Exodus 16:23-30  It is a day of complete rest, a holy Sabbath to the LORD. 
• Exodus 18:1-27 Jethro returned Moses's family and visited him.  He gave Moses wise council and advised him to assign people to help him govern the house of Israel. Verse 11 Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods, because He did wonders ... Interesting verse.  The Lords reputation is being forged among the people of the world.  Jethro was a priest verse 1 even as a priest he needed to hear the wonders of the LORD to affirm his faith.
• Conflict with Amalek.  This is their first war as a nation.  Exodus 17:8-16 and Joshua's first training ground to lead.
• Moses role became defined in Exodus 18:19-20 ...You be the one to represent the people before God and bring their cases to Him. Instruct them about the statutes and laws, and teach them the way to live and what they must do. Upon his shoulders rests the training of a nation.  He with the Lords guidance transformed a nation of slaves into a nation that influences the world to this very day.  The statutes he put in place are the skeleton for most developed nations today.
• Why did all this happen to the Israelites ?  1 Corinthians 10:11 "Now these things happened to them as examples, and they were written as a warning to us ..."

Now if you will listen to Me and carefully keep My covenant, you will be My own possession out of all the peoples, although all the earth is Mine, and you will be My kingdom of priests and My holy nation. ... Exodus 19:5-6 

Blessings
Chareen

30 - Guided by His strength

Picture Credit/Source Exodus 13 - 14

Chareen's Thoughts

• Every first born from the womb is the LORD's. The Lord asks that every firstborn male is His Exodus 13:2 "Consecrate every first born male to Me, the firstborn from every womb among the Israelites, both man and animal; it is Mine."
•  How interesting.  God asks that every year the first born animal must be sacrificed but every single first born son must be redeemed.  Why ? Because it is a token of remembrance of what He did in Egypt. He took the life of every first born son in Egypt but Israel His first born son He redeemed by passover.  It was a token of honour and remembrance to Him. Exodus 13:12-16  Every firstborn of a donkey you shall redeem by [substituting for it] a lamb, or if you will not redeem it, then you shall break its neck; and every firstborn among your sons shall you redeem. And when, in time to come, your son asks you, What does this mean? You shall say to him, By strength of hand the Lord brought us out from Egypt, from the house of bondage and bondmen.   For when Pharaoh stubbornly refused to let us go, the Lord slew all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of man and of livestock. Therefore I sacrifice to the Lord all the males that first open the womb; but all the firstborn of my sons I redeem
• Exodus 13:19 Moses fulfilled Joseph's request Genesis 50:25 to have his remains removed from Egypt.
• The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night never left its place in front of the people. Exodus 13:22 while reading this I was struck by the word never.  It never left it's place in front of the people. As I thought I longed for a security like that and was a little envious when I felt a nudge in my heart.  He has given me the Holy Spirit who never leaves my side.  He is with me always. John 14:26 But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) everything I have told you.
• Exodus 13-14 Chronicles the events of the Israelites departure from Egypt and the crossing at the Red Sea.  I love the song the Israelites sang after the fact and this verse:
  

You will lead the people 

You have redeemed

with Your faithful love;

You will guide them 

to Your holy dwelling

with Your strength.

Exodus 15:13

Blessings
Chareen

For Further Reading:

• Read the exodus story in the Brick Testament.  ♥♥♥♥♥
• Ark Discovery Red Sea Crossing.  Lots of interesting photographs.
• Bible Lessons Evidence of Red Sea Crossing.
• Ancient Egyptian Chariots found in the Red Sea over at Messianic Literary Corner.
• Evidence of the Crossing of the Red Sea over at Ancient Revelations.
• The Hebrew Exodus over at Bible Probe.
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