The story of Israel’s escape from Egypt and journeying through the desert is foundational to the Christian faith. These events hold rich lessons for us as we journey through the wilderness of this life. The book of Exodus also tells the story of Moses receiving the Law. We explore why and how the Law of Moses is relevant for Christians today and what it reveals about the heart of God. In Exodus, we are also given the details of the tabernacle, the portable tent which was the center of Israel’s community and worship. We find hidden treasures in the details of the tabernacle, pointing us to God’s future plan for His Church and Heaven itself. Notes are provided for each lesson in this forty-one-part series for self-study, reflection, and as a resource to teach others.
In this last lesson on the construction of the temple, we first take a look at the veil, which Hebrews tells us represents Jesus' flesh. With this in mind, we take a deeper look at the details of this veil to see if there are more parallels to Jesus. We also learn that the craftsmen who
This lesson plunges us into deep waters: to understand the very nature and character of God. Is there a topic more challenging, more impossible to grasp? Yet the Hebrews writer tells the Christians that God "is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." In Exodus 31:18 we learn that the tablets of stone given
The Israelites become impatient at the delay of Moses returning and pressure Aaron to make "gods" to go before them. Aaron gives in; and makes the famous golden calf. Rather than look down on the Israelites for their foolishness, we consider similar temptations we face today when our patience is tested. We also consider insights
The Golden Calf and the Sin of Impatience (Exodus 32:1-14) View Lesson
The Golden Calf and the Sin of Impatience (Exodus 32:1-14) View Lesson
Of all the sins the Israelites committed in the wilderness, making the golden calf may have provoked the greatest anger from the Lord. The sin of idolatry, prohibited in the Second Commandment, continued to be a snare to the Israelites through most of their history. Later, as the apostles spread the Christian faith throughout world,
Moses calls out "all those who are with the Lord," but only the Levites answer the call. Three thousand Israelites are slain by the sword at their hands, a consequence of idolatry with the golden calf. However, we also see another side of the heart of Moses. He pleads with the Lord to have mercy
The Book of Life and the Foundation of Evangelism (Exodus 32:21-25) View Lesson
The Book of Life and the Foundation of Evangelism (Exodus 32:21-25) View Lesson
As a consequence of their idolatry with the golden calf, the Israelites are told that the Lord will not accompany them on their journey to Canaan. As the people mourn upon hearing this bad news, Moses tells them to cast off their expensive clothing and ornaments. Here we bring in early Christian writer Clement of Alexandria,
Leaving the Bright Clothes and Ornaments Behind (Exodus 33:1-6) View Lesson
Leaving the Bright Clothes and Ornaments Behind (Exodus 33:1-6) View Lesson
Moses pitched his tent outside the camp, and would go there to speak with the Lord. It says the Lord "spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend." Do you speak to God "as with a friend"? Are we supposed to speak with God like this? Is that kind of
Moses asks to see the face of God. The Lord rejects that request as impossible, shields Moses, and then proclaims His nature as His glory passes by. This revelation later helped David, the Psalm writer, grasp the merciful and compassionate nature of the Lord and can help us have a healthier view of God as
The Lord warns Moses that when the people enter Canaan, they must not make any covenants with the people of that land. This foreshadows the New Testament command to not be "yoked together with unbelievers." In this lesson we explore the implications of that foundational teaching regarding marriage and other close relationships. Also, when Moses
Thus far it seems we have seen in the Israelite nation nothing but faithlessness and sins, including disobedience, idolatry, revelry, ingratitude and complaining. Happily, in the current passage we finally see the people doing something praiseworthy! When Moses issues a request, the people contribute freely and generously toward the construction of the tabernacle. We use