This article is part of a series. The series will examine every book of the Bible, but this particular article examines the book of Exodus. If you have not yet read the introduction to this series, you may read my introduction here: My Duty: The Revealed (Introduction).
On The Surface:
In Genesis 44:16, the band of brothers offered to be slaves. Those prophetic words would come true for the Israelites in ways they never would have imagined. GOD brought them all to Egypt knowing that they would all eventually become slaves (Exodus 1:8-14). What is life like without GOD’s loving grace to cover us? The book of Exodus reveals the sad reality of slavery that comes with a life lived in sin apart from GOD’s will. About 400 years passed from the time GOD’s people entered Egypt until the time of the book of Exodus (Genesis 15:13-16). Have you ever felt unimportant or like no one cared about you? Like you have been forgotten amidst the plethora of people? Have you ever been sentenced to slavery and oppressed for hundreds of years? Well, the Hebrew people had been cruelly oppressed for hundreds of years as slaves. The miracles that had been witnessed with Joseph had been lost on a people who knew only a hard life of labor under Pharaoh of Egypt. GOD revealed His presence and power to His chosen people through the miracles of the plagues and He revealed His love in their deliverance from Pharaoh and from Egypt. Exodus reveals the beginning of an extraordinarily long relentless rescue operation. At Mount Sinai, GOD instructed His chosen people on how they are to live so that His presence could dwell among them. The book of Exodus is the story of the birth of Israel as a nation and also reveals a personal GOD who can be known — GOD is the great I AM (Exodus 3:14). About 300 years had elapsed since the death of Joseph. To many people, it probably seemed as if GOD had abandoned them all and broken the covenant that had been made with Abraham. Some people might have believed that the GOD of Abraham never existed. Many people might have even believed that the many gods of Egypt were more powerful than GOD and that GOD was unable to rescue them from the slavery in which they found themselves. Pharaoh certainly believed this. In Pharaoh’s mind, he possessed all the power and no one could compare with his authority. And the Israelites, worn down to a useless dullness due to years of abuse in slavery, believed that lie. Within our limited lifespan, we desire GOD’s action(s) to occur sooner rather than later; however, it is evident (yet again) that GOD’s timing is exact. The story of freedom begins with GOD calling Moses to action. Moses, born a Hebrew and brought up as an Egyptian, suffered from an identity crisis; the crisis can be seen in Exodus 3:11 when he asks, “Who am I?” But GOD doesn’t need to call the qualified; rather, GOD qualifies whom He calls. Through the obedient actions of Moses and Aaron, GOD produces ten plagues in order to set the Israelites free from Egyptian captivity and then the story culminates in the Ten Commandments. If GOD produced ten miraculous events to set the Israelites free, the least they can do is follow Ten [simple] Commandments to ensure they stay a free people. The Ten Commandments were given to the Israelites as the [bare minimum] absolute moral standard by which all people should be judged and compared; the Law set the basic ethical norm applicable to all people in all ages. GOD sets the standard in family, relationships, regard for human life, sex, property, speech and thought. The whole code rests on the authority of GOD, not of a king. There is no division between civil and religious law. Legal, moral and religious laws are inseparable, showing GOD’s concern for life as a whole. There is one Law for all, regardless of a person’s status. The Law GOD gave His people was a way of life to live out by heart, not simply a set of rules that needed to be memorized in the brain. The purpose of knowing the Law is to willingly live by the Law. GOD’s passion and unending devotion to the Hebrew people is evident throughout this book and is revealed by GOD exceeding expectations and going beyond the initial ten miraculous plagues that set them free. The additional miracles of the parting of the Red Sea, provision and purification of water to drink, the daily provision of manna, and even the special treat of quail reveals that GOD is more than enough. However, even though GOD had kept His promise and delivered His people from slavery, they were quick to lose sight of all that GOD had done for them. Through Moses, GOD draws a line and demands that those who are with Him live in obedience by setting themselves apart as a holy people and keeping themselves pure so that they may be an example to all other nations. But of course, what they could never have foreseen was that even GOD’s chosen people would inevitably fail at being the example. Jesus would eventually become the ultimate example by doing what no mere man could ever do: live a sinless life and die a sacrificial death for everyone marred by sin. The book of Exodus ends at the beginning of the Israelites using the Tabernacle in order to have GOD’s presence with them to guide them. Exodus, viewed in the larger picture of the entire Bible, foreshadows true freedom that only Jesus can provide, and the ability to dwell with GOD permanently. In this larger context, Exodus is humanity on the outside looking in. The enslavement to Pharaoh is humanity enslaved to Satan due to sin and the scenario parallels Hell. Without GOD, you will be in bondage, hungry, thirsty, and most likely weeping while gnashing your teeth in despair. Wandering in the wilderness, carrying burdens, and continually seeking out provision, protection, and direction is what life looks like when people attempt to work their way to GOD. The Tabernacle is the ever-exhausting effort of trying to earn permission to be granted into the Lord’s presence. The Tabernacle was only the temporary tent, which foreshadowed the more permanent Temple (building), which foreshadowed the more personal temple (body), which foreshadows the personal and permanent presence of our immortal resurrected bodies that will dwell with GOD’s presence for eternity (1Corinthians 15:53).
Into The Depth Beyond The Surface:
[1:1-22] Eventually, a new Pharaoh came into power who knew nothing about Joseph and decided to hard press the Israelites with crushing labor in order to keep fear within them. Because Pharaoh was fearful of the possibility of them rebelling and overtaking his own kingdom with their large numbers, he wanted to shift the burden of fear and place it on the people he feared. However, what Pharaoh didn’t realize is that purpose is perpetual under persecution; the impact of the hit only scatters the seeds, like blowing the white stems off a dandelion on a windy day. It is written in 1:12 that the oppression only multiplied their numbers. In fact, all throughout the New Testament we can see that persecution only scatters seeds and causes faith to extend farther and multiply in number. Our burdens can make us stronger and develop qualities in us that will prepare us for the future. In fact, we cannot develop into overcomer without having troubles to overcome.
After allowing the Israelites to multiply for a while, Pharaoh become fearful of their numbers and he produced a plan to murder all their newborn male babies in order to keep their numbers controlled for his own benefit. Pharaoh instructed all the midwives to murder the newborn males, but they obeyed GOD rather than Pharaoh (1:17). It is written that we should respect authority (Romans 13:1-7); however, we are to always obey GOD rather than authority figures if those authority figures go against the will of GOD (Acts 4:19-20; 5:29).
Again (as we saw in Genesis), in Exodus 1:19, we see an example of how someone lied to an evil person in order to evade the consequence of a greater evil. It is written that GOD blessed the women after lying (1:20), but it’s important we realize that GOD didn’t bless the women because they lied; rather, GOD blessed the women for deciding to save lives rather than be an accomplice in mass murder. GOD blessed them because they were loyal to the Lord (1:21). (For a deeper discussion on lies, see notes for Genesis 12:17-20.) The women’s faith in GOD gave them courage to take a stand for what they knew was right. In this situation, disobeying the authority was the right thing to do. Remember: following the majority is not always the right thing to do; in stark contrast, you might be the only one living right and suffer for your decision. But as Christians, we are called to do what’s right, not what’s easiest.
[2:1-10] Because Pharaoh gave the order for all male Israelites to be thrown into the Nile River (1:22), Moses’ mother knew it wasn’t safe to keep Moses. When she could no longer hide Moses, she made a basket, placed him in it, and set him in the Nile. This is the irony of the Great Reversal! Pharaoh ordered that the males be put into the Nile and so Moses ended up in the Nile. However, GOD created good from bad like He always does. GOD often takes what is intended for evil and uses it to create good (Genesis 50:20; Jeremiah 29:11).
Moses was a basket case! Literally. He wasn’t crazy or mentally unstable, but he was rather useless in the moment and unable to function in a way that he could help himself. But moments like this is when GOD best reveals Himself (1Corinthians 1:25; 2Corinthians 12:9)! And as we will later read in this book, Moses was ‘crazy’ enough to challenge [the new] Pharaoh face-to-face in loyalty to the Lord. Do you know who else was a basket case? The apostle Paul! He had to be lowered down in a basket through a window in the city wall in order to escape from being killed (Acts 9:25; 2Corinthians 11:33)! And why did he have to do that? Because Paul was ‘crazy’ enough to preach the Gospel everywhere he went despite getting shipwrecked, imprisoned, and even beaten nearly to death. Ruth was also a basket case because she chose to live an honoring life toward Naomi with good work ethics. Because Ruth lived an honoring life, GOD filled her basket (Ruth 2:17). David was also a basket case! He faithfully delivered a basket of food to his brothers who were fighting in battle (1Samuel 17:17). Because David faithfully lived in obedience with his heart after GOD’s will and love toward his father, brothers, Saul, and the Lord, GOD blessed David! Even Jesus’ disciples were basket cases! His disciples got to witness Jesus multiply a small amount of food which fed thousands of people! The result was that the disciples collected a miraculous amount of leftovers in baskets (Matthew 14:20; 15:37; 16:9-10)! Are you a basket case for the Lord? If you experience persecution or even the favor of GOD, you are a good candidate! But even those who receive the favor of GOD and are blessed enough to witness the miracles of GOD are called to experience the persecution and endure until the end (Matthew 10:22; 24:13; Mark 13:13; John 6:27; 16:33; 1Corinthians 4:12; 10:13; 13:7; 2Corinthians 1:6; 2Timothy 2:10-13; 2Timothy 4:5; Hebrews 12:3-17). The world’s ways call evil good and good evil (Psalm 52:3; Isaiah 5:20); the world’s ways consider a life in alignment with GOD’s will to be crazy. Are you ‘crazy’ enough to live a life of loyalty to the Lord? As we will later read in this book, the Israelites will experience GOD’s favor and witness His miracles; however, they will also be called to endure pain and suffering in order to experience growth and become who GOD desires them to be.
Miriam, Moses’ sister, stood at a distance and watched to see what would happen to Moses (2:4). Sometimes in life we encounter life-defining moments that will alter the course of our lives and change everything. For Miriam, this was that moment. As she watched Moses floating in a basket in the Nile River, she saw Pharaoh’s daughter approach the river. What would she do? Walk away? Try to distract the princess to draw her attention away from Moses? Too late. Moses had been seen. What would you do? You may choose to look the other way, but you will never again be able to say you didn’t know. When faced with the decision to do what’s right, we need to do what’s right by other people and by GOD and then trust in GOD for the results. Miriam decided to be proactive and take initiative; she approached the princess and offered an idea (2:7). What would have happened if Miriam decided Moses wasn’t her problem and she ran away? I am certain that GOD would have saved Moses anyway, but He would have used someone else to do it. I am reminded of Esther 4:14 when Mordecai told Esther that salvation would come regardless, but that perhaps she was there for a reason. The next time you are in a position to choose between doing the right thing (which might be difficult) or the wrong thing (which might be easy), what will you do? What if you see someone who is being bullied or attacked? What would you do? What if you walked by a humble homeless person who is hungry? Will you help? Will you pretend not to notice that person? In this scenario, Miriam became the basket case for GOD — she was loyal to love; she was loyal to the Lord! Don’t let the fear of what might happen cause you to miss an opportunity. Be alert for the opportunities GOD gives you and take full advantage of them. Those terrifying life-defining moments can become your stories of celebration! GOD truly doesn’t need much from us in order to accomplish His plan for our lives. All we need to do is be obedient and do what’s right.
Not only did the princess accept Miriam’s idea, but she offered to pay Moses’ mother to nurse Moses until he was old enough for Moses to be adopted by her (2:9-10). This is just another great example of the irony of the great reversal found all throughout the Bible: GOD used the daughter of someone evil in order to bless GOD’s daughter and chosen boy! Out of all the people to find Moses, it was Pharaoh’s daughter! She was the one who pulled him out of that river water, but only GOD can pull you out of despair. All Christians can be called “Moses” – we have all been pulled out from the depths of Hell and out of the grasp of death (Hosea 13:14; 1Corinthians 15:50-58). Once we became saved, GOD pulled us out of the waiting line for Hell (see notes for Matthew 10:28) and placed us in the waiting line for Heaven.
Moses was abandoned and then adopted (2:10). Sometimes, due to unfortunate circumstances, parents can’t keep their children and need to give them away. If you’re adopted, understand that GOD is your Father and He has never abandoned you nor will He ever (Deuteronomy 31:6,8; Hebrews 13:5-6; Psalm 118:6-7). Many people who are adopted think that they are now loved less and are less important because they are adopted, but that is simply not true. Those who have been adopted are still quite valuable and they still harbor the same GOD-given potential for growth within them. Consider the following famous people:
- Dave Thomas, was adopted at six weeks of age, yet he grew and eventually started an adoption foundation in addition to creating the popular fast-food chain of Wendy’s.
- Eric Clapton is one of the most successful and recognized music artists of the last several decades, but his life didn’t start out so glamorous. Eric’s mother had an affair and then gave birth to him when she was 16 years old. He was raised by his grandparents and believed that his mother was his older sister.
- Edgar Allan Poe was adopted by the Allan family after his father (Poe) left the family and his mother died. Edgar was only two years old, but he was split up from his brother and sister. A few years later, he was sent to England for school at just six years of age. Later, Edgar’s wealthy father ended up sending him to the University of Virginia for college, but refused to give him enough money, and he was forced to drop out. Despite his trials and past, he became famous for his dark yet insightful stories.
Regardless of whom you came from and where you’ve been, you can grow to become the person GOD desires you to be. Of course, you have free will (see notes for Genesis 2:16-17) and you can also become the person you decide to be even if that isn’t the person GOD desires you to be. The point is that you don’t have to feel like an abandoned victim — you are not abandoned because GOD is always with us and we are more than conquerors in Christ (Romans 8:37). We all have it within us to become greater than we ever thought we could be. Some people get a spotlight to shine down on them that exposes the story of growth of the person behind the luminary; however, most people, like many trees in a forest, grow despite a spotlight of attention. Don’t be concerned about the spotlight. Simply be who GOD created you to be.
[2:11-25] It is written that Moses grew up. It’s called growing up for a reason: as we get older [and hopefully wiser], we are supposed to be growing upward toward heavenly righteousness. Everything we do is supposed to make us grow as better people, up toward heavenly holiness. Most things that grow in this world grow up, not down. It’s scientifically proven that when something grows, it [typically] grows toward the sun, toward the light. Things are designed to grow toward the Light. Of course there are a few exceptions to this, like stalactites or ice cycles, but due to GOD’s great design, gravity also has a say in the way things grow. After all, if it weren’t for gravity, how tall would everything be? What would keep us grounded? And this is like the perfect balance of holiness (Leviticus 11:44; 19:2; 20:7,26) and humility (Psalm 25:9; Proverbs 3:34; 15:33; 16:18-19; 18:12; 22:4; 2Chronicles 7:14; Job 22:29; Matthew 18:3-4; 23:11-12; James 4:10; 1Peter 5:5-6) GOD desires us to live out in our lives.
But some people like to drive themselves down in the ground as they are growing up. Some people can’t wait to go down below. If the base of a tree lacks the support it needs (proper roots), it will become top-heavy and fall. Like a tall tree, we are designed to grow up. Don’t be one of The Fallen. The base of our growth and standing structure must be secure (Matthew 7:24-27; Luke 6:46-49). The root of all our actions must be based on love (Matthew 22:36-40; John 13:34-35). Some people are The Fallen; some people are The Chosen. However, The Fallen were never chosen to fall, they merely chose to fall. Make your choice: grow up or fall down.
Most people have heard of Moses and know that he was one of GOD’s chosen. Obviously, he wasn’t perfect. He made a mistake — a big mistake! In the heat of the moment, Moses murdered an Egyptian (2:12)! He even looked around before deciding to act on his desire, showing that he knew what he was going to do was wrong. But GOD can and will use you — even if you’ve made mistakes in the past. Even murder! But repentance is required. You must ask GOD for forgiveness and have your mind set within your heart not to make those mistakes ever again. You must decide that you will always try to do what’s best and what’s right. Growth is learning from your mistakes, never [intentionally] repeating them, and stretching yourself toward the Light. Jesus is the Light (John 8:12). And those who grow are chosen to go places that others wouldn’t otherwise be called to go; those who grow are chosen to do things that others wouldn’t otherwise be called to do.
The day after Moses murdered the Egyptian, he realized that everyone knew about what he had done and he became afraid (2:14). It’s hard to make a change when everyone knows about your mistakes, when you’re around the same people and same places. And now Moses had someone trying to kill him! He left where he used to be in order to start over some place new. In order to start a new life, we must leave the old life behind. When he left his old life, he met seven daughters of a priest. Because Moses had an innate desire to save others from injustice, he helped them out. Because Moses helped them, he was invited to eat with them, and the priest eventually gave one of those girls to Moses as his wife. Moses ran from his old way of life straight into GOD’s new plan for his life! But it takes that certain willpower to leave your old life and desire to start over new if you are to have the opportunity to run into GOD’s new plan for your life. You can’t be helped if you don’t have the motivation to help yourself. You have to ask GOD for help, to give you strength, to run forward and not look back. But like Moses, you should also surround yourself with godly people who will enable your growth and stifle your sinful desires, equip you for change, and empower you to rise above. Do you desire a change? Are you ready to live the life GOD has called you to live? Do you want to be one of the chosen rather than one of the fallen? If so, you must be willing to leave your old life behind.
But what a contrast between Moses’ life as an Egyptian prince and his life as a Midianite shepherd! As a prince, he had everything done for him; he was the famous son of an Egyptian princess. As a shepherd, he had to do everything for himself; he was holding the very job he had been taught to despise (Genesis 43:32; 46:33-34), and he lived as an unknown foreigner. What a humbling experience this must have been for Moses! But GOD was preparing him for leadership! Sometimes you have to be humbled and taken out of your comfort zone in order for GOD to file the rough edges off you in order to polish you into the person He desires you to be.
[3:1-22] Moses was simply living his new life, doing his regular work when GOD appeared to him. Moses had become content with his new life, as uneventful as it had been. But why? Because it wasn’t his old way of life. A quiet and routine new life is far better than the hectic and stressful old way of life. But your ‘new’ life, after you retire your ‘old’ life, is only the beginning of GOD‘s ‘new’ life that He has planned for you. It is written that GOD saw that Moses had stopped to look. Think about that. Moses stopped to look.
Finally, Moses stopped traveling his way and noticed GOD. Because he took notice of GOD, GOD finally spoke to him in his life. Understand this: if you won’t acknowledge GOD in your life, you’ll never hear from Him. GOD is loving and will never force His way into your life if you don’t want Him there.
GOD told Moses that He’s aware of the affliction of his people and that it was now time to help them, that he was going to pry them loose from the grip of Egypt. GOD told Moses he needed to go back to Egypt. Why? Moses didn’t know this, but GOD was fulfilling His promise (Genesis 50:24). In other words, “You escaped your old way of life, started over, you’ve now found GOD, so now go back where you started from and this time face your problems, face your past and save people who are crying aloud and shouting within themselves for a change of life. Moses, you can help save people from misery and bring souls out of bondage. I have heard their cries and I’m going to rescue them with your help. Not that I need your help, but I love you and I want to invite you to be a willing participant in this event. And trust me — you’ll be glad you did.”
It is GOD’s will to save people, and to help people. Moses reacted by asking, “Who am I?” This was an identity crisis. He didn’t think he was capable of accomplishing such a task. And truthfully, most of us don’t feel as if we are suited to help, to save people we don’t even know. It’s overwhelming. After all, they don’t know us either. We wonder, “Why would anybody listen to me?” But that was the problem. Moses kept asking, “Who am I?” instead of realizing he was in the presence of the great I AM. GOD responded by telling Moses, “I’ll be with you.” Essentially, GOD was saying that Moses was enough to get the job done — not because of his abilities but because GOD was going to be with him. We should not hide behind our inadequacies, as Moses did, but look beyond ourselves to our omnipotent GOD. But Moses protested a second time out of fear with the classic “what if” excuse. GOD’s response was, “I AM.” Essentially, GOD’s response is, “There is no ‘if’ because nothing is impossible for GOD” (Genesis 18:14; Jeremiah 32:27; Matthew 19:26; Luke 1:37; 18:27).
[4:1-17] Prior to this passage, Moses had been chosen by GOD to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and set them free from slavery. Moses expressed his doubts and provided some reasons (excuses) as to why he shouldn’t be chosen and why he wasn’t the right person for the task. In this particular passage, Moses protested yet again and asked the age-old question of “What if—”.
Think: how many times have you asked yourself that same question? How many times have you decided not to do something because you imagined multiple scenarios of what may or may not happen? Consider this: what if you ‘what if’ yourself into failure? What if you ‘what if’ yourself to death? What if you talk yourself out of doing something amazing and/or life changing? What if you don’t take action and then something bad happens to someone or others? There have been many times I regretted not saying or doing something when I should have spoken up or taken action. And I know I’m not the only one.
On February 14, 2018, Nikolas Cruz entered Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida and shot and killed multiple students. According to witnesses who spent time around Nikolas in school, he had been severely bullied. In an interview with the Miami Herald, a fellow 17-year-old student, Manolo Alvarez, admitted that he regretted not speaking up or doing something about it; he saw the wrong yet did nothing about it. And though Manolo is able to find forgiveness and release from his guilt — and he should accept forgiveness and release his guilt — I do pray that he learned from his mistake. The shooting at Stoneman Douglas High is just one example of what happens when we ‘what if’ ourselves into ‘inactivity.’
A lot of people will choose not to say or do something because they convince themselves that they’re simply choosing to do nothing, but they’re only fooling themselves — it’s impossible to do nothing. Try it. Even while you’re trying to do nothing, you will inevitably do something, whether it’s breathing, blinking, or battling a particular thought, trying to think of something else in order to escape or avoid another thought. It’s impossible to do nothing. Everything we do is something. And sometimes that something means everything to someone else. You can choose not to decide, but then you have still made a choice. What if your decision to do ‘nothing’ turns into a reason that everything goes wrong?
The Sandy Hook Promise group created a video in 2018 in order to call attention to bullying and also prevent shootings. In the video, the focus is on a boy and how he eventually meets a girl. The video ends with a different boy entering into the school and shooting people. The video then replays the skit and highlights how no one noticed the boy in the background getting bullied and growing angrier. It’s a good video. However, the importance of this message goes far beyond merely saving lives. This is about saving souls! Our actions have eternal consequences! All the major reports detailing characteristics of Nikolas Cruz documented that he was ostracized, didn’t fit in, and was essentially made to feel as if he didn’t belong in this world. Just like the kid in the video, not many people noticed him or even cared to notice him. But sadly, those who did notice him were unloving toward him.
Be honest with yourself: do you try to notice those who need to be loved the most? Are you aware of how many people in this world feel invisible and insignificant? There are too many people who feel as if they don’t belong and their lives are pointless. What if you said something to them that could change their lives forever? In connection with my other message, “REALationships,” I want to ask you an important question: what would you do? What if you did something for them that would drastically alter their direction in life? What if you helped guide them to a better and more joyful place?
In Exodus 4:2, GOD asked Moses, “What is that in your hand?” Think about it! Moses basically told GOD he couldn’t do what GOD was asking him to do because he didn’t have what he needed to be able to do it. But GOD essentially asked Moses, “What do you already possess? You keep bringing up excuses for the things you don’t have, but you haven’t even acknowledged what you do have. What’s in your hand?” In 4:6, the Lord instructs Moses to put his hand inside his cloak in order to experience a miracle. All he had to do was reach inside! And once he did, he saw that the miracle was in his hand! What can you find if you reach inside? Everything you need is already within you! GOD often delights in using the ordinary for extraordinary purposes. What are the ordinary things in your life you already have that you can use? Your voice (speaker)? A pen (writer)? Hammer (carpenter)? Shovel (construction)? Broom (cleaner)? Musical instrument (musician)? Computer (engineer)? Or perhaps it’s your very hands (sculptor)?
In 1Thessalonians 5:19, Paul instructs us not to quench the Spirit. The word “quench” is taken from the Greek word sbennumi, which means to extinguish, smother, suppress, douse, put out, snuff out, or to quell. It most often means to extinguish a fire by dousing it with water. In some places, it means to evaporate or to dry up. So, what was Paul telling the church (and us)? He was telling us that we have the greatest gift we could ever need or want already within us — the Holy Spirit! But if we ignore the Holy Spirit’s voice or promptings long enough and often enough, we will eventually become desensitized and calloused to His voice and guidance. It will be like His voice evaporates or dries up, and we won’t hear Him anymore!
You need to know and understand that your own actions, fears, insecurities, and disobedience to the voice of the Holy Spirit can thwart the plan of GOD for your life if you allow it to do so. And not just your life — everything you do affects others too! What if you allow your actions, fears, insecurities, or disobedience to steer you in the wrong direction? It’s easy for us to place our focus on our insecurities or inabilities, but if GOD asks us to do something, then He will help us accomplish the given task. If the job requires us to overcome our weaknesses, we can trust that GOD will provide words, strength, courage, and ability where needed. GOD will provide (Genesis 22:8,14; 45:11; Ezekiel 34:29; 1Corinthians 10:13)!
Every time you say “no” to the Voice telling you to say or do something in order to love someone or others, you throw water on the Holy Spirit’s fire. However, every time you say “yes” to the Voice, you add more fuel to the fire and keep it burning. Every time you ‘what if’ yourself into ‘inactivity,’ you are quenching the Spirit. You should be asking yourself this question: “What if I don’t say or do something and my fire gets extinguished?”
In 4:8-9, GOD essentially instructs Moses, “If this/that, then I AM.” GOD basically told Moses, “Always follow an ‘if’ by a ‘then.’ You need to understand that I AM is the Source and the Source is the Solution. Eliminate excuses and you will discover solutions.”
In 4:10, Moses conjured up yet another excuse: he didn’t speak well. And what was GOD’s response? “Who makes a person’s mouth?” Moses presented an ‘if’ and GOD presented a ‘then’ — all ‘ifs’ lead to a ‘then GOD’ solution.
“What if ___?”
“Then GOD…”
“But what if ____?”
“Then GOD…”
Yes, Moses stuttered; he was also a murderer and was adopted. Moses was never without a stutter. Even though he had a speech impediment, GOD said that he could still be used for the will of GOD. Think of it this way: Some view sand as something to merely walk on, and some even find sand annoying because they find it difficult to walk on. However, there are some who view sand as something much more amazing than mere sand between the toes. Why? Because some see the potential that sand possesses and they use it to build amazing sand sculptures. You see, it doesn’t matter how you view yourself – GOD sees the best in you and knows your full potential even when you can’t see it. You may say, “I’m just sand,” but GOD says that He can form you into anything if you allow Him to do so and that you will surely be amazing.
In 4:13, Moses, having no more excuses, simply asked to be excused. After Moses’ third objection, the Judge said, “Overruled!” GOD knows what we are truly capable of — if GOD says He will be with you and that you can do it, then you can do it! GOD is also aware of what you’re not capable of doing (without help), but GOD will see to it that you receive the help you need. GOD basically told Moses, “So, you lack a mouth with words? Well, it’s on the way.”
But if GOD can do anything, why didn’t GOD just equip Moses with excellent speech? Why didn’t GOD cure Moses of his speech impediment? Why didn’t GOD just use Aaron who could already speak well? One reason is that we aren’t meant to be alone. We are rarely meant to do things by ourselves. Saving others requires teamwork. Helping others works best with teamwork. Solitude is a path toward evil. And no, I’m not saying that being single is to be evil. I’m simply stating that we are meant to have others in our lives. And it’s quite alright to have “alone time,” but it’s not good to stay alone.
Don’t you see? Sand alone cannot form into much without falling apart. Moses was the sand. Moses needed the fluidity of words that came from Aaron’s mouth just as sand needs the fluidity of water to form into something and keep its shape and form. But the water needed the sand just as much as the sand needed the water.
Shape up! Now is the time to help others. Now is the time to save others. Be the sand (Moses), allow GOD to put you together with the water (Aaron), and then allow GOD to shape you into something amazing — reveal GOD’s love and glory!
In 4:14, GOD became angry with Moses because he made his decision out from fear rather than love. May we always be reminded that GOD has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline and that we should never be afraid to love others (2Timothy 1:7-8). And may we also always be reminded that perfect love casts out all fear (1John 4:18)!
The message of depth beyond the surface is this: if GOD will lead you to it, GOD will get you through it! Moses eventually learns this lesson when he comes to what seems like a dead end at the Red Sea, only for GOD to provide him with the way to get through it all (Exodus 14:16). And if the Holy Spirit opens your eyes to help you see someone who needs love, GOD brought you to that situation for a breakthrough. Maybe GOD desires to lead you to an undesirable place in order to provide a loved person with a desired breakthrough. With the Holy Spirit working in and through you, you can provide the answer that someone’s been searching for all his/her life! There are a lot of people who think they have come to a dead end in life. But the Truth is this: with GOD, all things are possible! GOD can open doors no one else can open and no one can ever shut that door once GOD has opened it (Isaiah 22:22; Revelation 3:7-8). Will you ‘what if’ yourself into ‘inactivity’ and quench the Spirit or will you speak up and reach out to those who need love the most? Examine some “then GOD” moments: Genesis 18:14; Jeremiah 32:27; Matthew 19:26; Mark 9:20-27; Luke 1:37; 18:27.
If? Nothing is impossible for GOD! If you’re going to ask the “what if” question, finish the question the right way: “What if I bring this situation to GOD and believe in Him to do awesome work?”
What if you started noticing everyone who needed love the most? What if you responded in obedience by loving those people? What if you believed GOD to work through your obedience? What if you are the reason someone decides not to commit suicide? What if you are the reason someone decides not to shoot classmates in school? What if you are the reason a married couple decide to stay together instead of getting a divorce? What if you’re watching/reading this because GOD wants you to know that you’re chosen to help set people free from bondage and captivity? Slavery still exists and that many people are in bondage even if they believe they’re free. What if you can help release them from bondage? What if? Then GOD. And if GOD is in it, you’re going to win it.
[4:18-31] In verse 19, it is written that everyone who had once desired to kill Moses was now dead and gone. Excuse eliminated. “But what if I return and people want to kill me?” Nope. Those people are gone. When there seems to be no way, GOD will make a way. GOD gave Moses a clean slate. By the time Moses would arrive in Egypt, people wouldn’t really know him. GOD can provide you with a clean slate as well if you ask for it. Let’s not forget that Moses murdered a man. But GOD gave Moses a fresh start and GOD can do the same for you. Do you want a clean slate? Do you want a fresh start? If you do, express your genuine desire to GOD and then watch what awesome work GOD will do for you.
You hold onto things of value, don’t you? In 4:20, Moses held onto the staff of GOD. Why? Once you have GOD’s blessings in your possession, you never want to lose it. You clutch it tightly. Jacob became Israel because he refused to let go of the blessings of GOD (Genesis 32:24-26). Let the staff stand for faith. It’s time to take a firm grip on your faith and refuse to let go. Is there a promise of GOD you’re holding onto?
However, Moses could not effectively serve as deliverer of GOD’s people until he had fulfilled the conditions of GOD’s covenant — circumcision. In short, circumcision was an outward declaration of an inward commitment to the Lord. This commitment was to remain pure and holy so he could set himself apart from the other sinful nations. If we are to be representatives of the Holy One, we should always strive to live righteous lives so that we are accurate reflections of the great I AM. In the present time in which we live, we are no longer commanded to physically circumcise ourselves; rather, we are to have the circumcision of the heart (see notes for Genesis 17:9-14). This means that if we desire a clean slate and a fresh start, we need to repent from our old sinful ways and come into alignment with GOD’s absolute moral standard in order to live as holy as we are able (see notes for Deuteronomy 27:10). There simply cannot be a clean slate or fresh start unless we dedicate ourselves to the Lord. What can you do to dedicate yourself to the Lord? Is there anything you need to turn away from? Is there anything you should let go of? What is of the world and of the flesh that needs to be cut off from your life?
[5:1-23] Moses and his brother, Aaron, told Pharaoh that GOD demanded the freedom of His people. Pharaoh responded as anyone who didn’t know GOD would be expected to respond. If non-believers feel threatened or challenged by a believer, they will typically put GOD to the test in order to prove that GOD isn’t real. Pharaoh was “The Man.” He was king; he was the boss. He sat on a throne and whatever he said went. He did whatever he felt like doing and there wasn’t anything anybody could do to stop him. Pharaoh, like any other non-believer, thought he had complete control in life. (We do have control in life to a certain extent, but we will never have complete control. Do you not breathe as your body sleeps? Does your heart not continue to beat in a coma?)
Pharaoh told Moses that he didn’t need to listen to the Lord because he didn’t know the Lord. Pharaoh assumed that the GOD of the Hebrew slaves couldn’t be very powerful if His people had been enslaved. In order to prove to the believers (Moses and Aaron) that he was the one in control and not GOD, Pharaoh not only refused to free the Israelites, but he gave the order to make life harder on them. In Pharaoh’s mind, if there was a “GOD,” and “GOD” wanted the Israelites free, then surely “GOD” would force Pharaoh to free them. And if not, then Pharaoh would obviously be in control, thereby proving that “GOD” doesn’t exist. The Israelites actually became angry with Moses and Aaron because their lives did get harder.
But didn’t GOD know that Pharaoh would make life harder on everyone because of His demand? Yes. For that brief period of time. However, we know the bigger picture and how it all ends. At that time, Moses and the Israelites did not have that inside information. Understand this: sometimes hardship comes because of obeying GOD. It is likely we will suffer for doing good in an evil-infested world; in fact, Jesus told us to expect it (Matthew 10:22; John 15:18; 16:33). But what is also written in the Word?
“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.”
(2Corinthians 4:8-10) –NIV
“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.”
(Galatians 6:9) -NLT
The Israelites confronted both Moses and Aaron with their complaints. Essentially, the people said, “It’s too difficult to be an obedient believer! I want whatever makes my life easier, not harder!” Moses, feeling the pressure, asked GOD, “Why did you send me?” Moses expected quicker results and fewer problems. But we must realize that when GOD is at work, suffering, setbacks, and hardship may still occur. Whether we like it or not, problems develop our patience and character by teaching us to trust GOD to do what is best for us.
Moses essentially asked GOD, “Does this look like rescue to you?” How would you feel in that moment? However, don’t you realize that a rescue operation takes time and careful planning? A rescue operation involves strategy. Of course the main goal is to rescue, but certain events must be carried out so that other events will unfold as planned. The goal is for all events to be carefully completed step by step to ensure that rescue will be possible and then inevitable. When people think of rescue, many picture someone rushing into the danger to grab and then escape – all in a heroic blaze of glory. I’m sure that Moses was thinking that GOD was going to send him right on in to grab the Israelites, and march right on out with them. But because Pharaoh was so hardheaded and cold-hearted, GOD knew that the only way to free His people was to use Pharaoh’s own stubborn nature against him. The best offensive tactic is to sometimes use the defensive tactic of redirection and use the enemy’s own weapon against him. GOD’s plan was not to force Pharaoh to release the Israelites; rather, the plan was to ingeniously change Pharaoh’s mind so that he wanted to get rid of them as if it were his own idea. GOD reassured Moses, told him to reassure the Israelites, and then go speak to Pharaoh again.
Remember: a rescue operation requires commitment to the cause, not one single heroic act and then seeking the crowd’s applause. Are there loved ones you want to rescue from the enslavement of sin? Stay committed to a relationship and continue to love them!
[6:1-13] What followed the hardships? A promise from GOD. In verses 6-7, the Lord promised, “I will free you,” “I will redeem you,” and “I will claim you as my own people, and I will be your GOD.” Rescue, redemption, and reunion. But what followed that promise? The people refused to listen because they became too discouraged. And because the people became discouraged, Moses doubted. In fact, this situation was the fear Moses expressed in 4:1: “What if they won’t believe me or listen to me?” Imagine how alone Moses must have felt in that moment. I imagine that he must have felt like a failure in that moment. But that’s what we need to realize: a lot of the setbacks and suffering we experience amount to a mere moment in the timeline of our lives. And your lifetime is a mere moment in the timeline of eternity. In verse 12, Moses asked GOD how he could expect Pharaoh to listen to him if even his own people wouldn’t listen to him. But what Moses and the Israelites did not know at that time was that the situation was a setup to showcase the Savior! We are incapable of saving ourselves. We need a Savior. In 2Corinthians 12:9, it is written that GOD’s power is revealed in our weaknesses. When we face great problems, GOD has the opportunity to exercise His great power. Big problems put us in a perfect place for us to witness GOD provide big solutions. And sometimes a clear message from GOD is followed by a period when no change in the situation is apparent. What can we learn from this? Don’t give up. Focus on faith. Trust in GOD. We can know with confidence, “Yes — things are bad right now; however, it won’t always be this way.” In the meantime, we need to ask ourselves, “How should I use my own abilities and strengths to do Your will? What do I already possess? How can I be faithful in the current situation? What can I do to make things better? What step of faith can I take today?”
[7:1-25] Moses, in an act of faith, threw his staff down and it turned into a snake, swallowing the magicians’ snake. By throwing down his staff, Moses used his faith. Are you willing to throw down and use your faith?
In 7:15, GOD instructed Moses to go to Pharaoh in the morning when Pharaoh goes to the river. This is the love of GOD! GOD meets us where we are in hopes of leading us to where we should go.
In 7:22, the magicians copied the plague of water into blood. Even though the magicians were able to photocopy GOD’s miracle, they couldn’t get rid of it or best it, therefore the Egyptians had to work harder to get water and be careful not to waste any water. This 3,000-mile waterway was truly a river of life for the Egyptians. Compare and contrast this river of life to the real River of Life found in Revelation 22:1-5. Without the Nile’s water, Egypt could not have existed. It is written that this plague lasted for seven days. In Pharaoh’s attempt to prove himself as the ultimate ruler, he actually made life harder for everyone in the process. However, if they couldn’t get any water, everyone would have died, including those that GOD was about to set free. So, GOD allowed some water to be around to drink.
[7:22] Miracles can be a powerful way to help unbelievers to become believers; however, it is dangerous to rely solely on miracles. Satan can imitate some parts of GOD’s work and lead people astray with illusions. And no wonder, for he poses as an angel of light (2Corinthians 11:14). Pharaoh focused on the miracle rather than the message. We can avoid this error by letting the Word of GOD be the basis of Truth (see notes for John 18:38). No miracle from GOD would ever endorse any message that is contrary to the teachings of His Word. Yet it is written that in the days to come, many people will be led astray due to miraculous deeds done by the devil (Matthew 24:24; Mark 13:22; 2Thessalonians 2:9; Revelation 13). Carefully consider the fact that the desire for spectacular signs may cause us to ignore the more subtle miracles GOD is performing every day.
But are miracles even possible? The short answer is, “Yes!” In fact, my personal testimony involves five different miracles. But is there any other evidence for miracles apart from my own testimony? Yes. Let’s examine the evidence…
Judaism and Christianity are both supernatural religions. From GOD revealing Himself in a burning bush to the resurrection of Christ, miracles are essential to their very nature. There are over 250 miracles reported in the Bible. If, however, miracles are not historical events, they have no evidential value and prove nothing; consequently, if miracles are not actual historical events, both Judaism and Christianity could only be viewed as myths that are meant to entertain and act as moral guidance.
There have been many intelligent critics who have posed different arguments in attempts to prove the possibility of miracles as an impossibility. However, all opposition or rejection of miracles essentially boils down to two main arguments:
- Miracles are an impossibility and cannot occur.
- Miracles have not occurred and thus will not occur.
Before examining the arguments against miracles, it is important to understand the definition of a miracle. Simply to say a miracle is a singularity is insufficient. Singularities occur in nature without obvious divine intervention. A miracle is a divine intervention, a supernatural exception to the regular course of the natural world. The Bible uses three basic words to describe a miracle: sign, wonder, and power. From the human vantage point, a miracle is an unusual event (“wonder”) that conveys and confirms an unusual message (“sign”) by means of unusual power (“power”). The purpose of the miracle is never for entertainment. One result of miracles (though not the purpose) is condemnation of the unbeliever (cf. John 12:31,37). The true purposes of a miracle are:
- to glorify the nature of GOD (John 2:11; 11:40)
- to accredit a messenger and/or confirm the message of GOD (Acts 2:22; Hebrews 2:3-4)
- to provide evidence for belief in GOD (John 6:2, 14; 20:30-31)
To sum up the definition of a miracle, I’ll use the words of a former atheist, Antony Flew: “A miracle is something which would never have happened had nature, as it were, been left to its own devices.”
Natural laws describe naturally caused regularities. A natural law is a general description of the usual orderly way in which the world operates. It follows, then, that a miracle is an unusual, irregular, specific way in which GOD acts within the world; a miracle is a supernaturally caused singularity.
While philosophy makes supernatural events possible and the nature of a theistic GOD shows they are probable, only history reveals whether miracles are actual. To know if miracles actually happened in history depends on the following questions:
- Are miracles possible?
- Is the Bible reliable?
- Is the Bible historically accurate?
Being though the second and third questions have already been investigated and confirmed elsewhere for reliability and accuracy, the focus of this investigation will be on the possibility of miracles.
Response to argument #1: (Miracles cannot occur)
Many critics contend that miracles are not contrary to nature but only contrary to our knowledge of nature. For if a miracle is only contrary to our knowledge of nature, then a miracle is either completely misunderstood or nothing more than a natural event that does not yet have an explanation. Many critics demand that nothing be called a miracle simply because it is currently unexplainable. For if something is currently unexplainable, it is simply not yet known; however, the current unknown does not mean that it is supernatural. Those who oppose or reject miracles assert that what is currently unknown will be known by science and natural laws eventually. They insist that when scientists come upon an irregular or anomalous event they do not posit a miracle; rather, they broaden their understanding of natural processes to take in that event. In other words, anything unexplainable must automatically be absorbed into the scientific field and filed into the “unknown-but-will-eventually-be-known” category. Regardless of how long the unexplainable occurrence sits in the category of “unknown-but-will-eventually-be-known,” that actual event supposedly belongs to natural laws even if that actual event is evidently beyond natural laws. To do otherwise would be to forsake the scientific method. Essentially, a belief that certain events are miraculous erects a bar against science. Hence, acceptance of miracles violates the proper domain of science. But is that true?
To eliminate miracles before allowing an objective investigation seems prejudicial and lacks integrity. A wise person does not legislate in advance that miracles cannot occur; rather, the wise person examines the evidence to see if a special irregularity did occur. Scientific explanations are not the only kind of explanations. This is the error of methodological naturalism. Miracles do not need to change our view of scientific laws; they simply step outside of them. Not every event in the world has to be of the world. After all, was the creation of the world from within the world? As argued elsewhere, life cannot be created from nonlife. For a miracle can be an effect in nature by a cause that is beyond nature. For the mind that creates a complex watch is beyond the watch (and also this), and yet the watch is in the world. And since natural laws deal with regularities and miracles with singularities, miracles cannot possibly be violations of natural laws. To claim that a miracle cannot happen because it does not fall into the class of natural events is a category mistake. By the same logic, we might as well say that no painting, book, or sculpture has an intelligent cause because its origin cannot be explained by the operational laws of physics and chemistry.
Science as such does not deal with singularities but only with regularities. No prediction can be made on the basis of a singular event. It takes a pattern to make a projection. Hence, the scientific method as such is not applicable to miracles. Empirical science deals with regularities, and miracles are not part of a regular pattern in nature. All a scientist needs to hold is the premise that every event has a cause and that the observable universe operates in an orderly way.
A scientist who encounters an anomaly does not automatically revise previously held laws. If the exception is not repeatable, there is no right to use it as the basis for a new law. It is inappropriate to demand that all exceptional events be naturally caused, but it is appropriate to demand that repeatable events be explainable. It is wrong to assume that natural laws have dominion over every event rather than every regular event. To argue that every exception to a known natural law demands another natural explanation simply begs the question. Such an argument goes beyond science and reveals a naturalistic bias. Certainly, naturalists who rule out miracles on the basis of a faith commitment to naturalism are in no position to forbid theists from simply believing that GOD exists and, hence, that miracles are possible and identifiable. Anti-supernaturalist arguments presuppose naturalism.
Biblical miracles are past events. We cannot observe them, and they are not being repeated in the present. Hence, past biblical miracles are not the object of empirical science but rather that of forensic science, which deals with past singular events. Forensic science as such does not deal with predictions but with retrodictions. In addition, the greatest of all past miracles was the creation of the universe. No one observed the beginning (big bang) and no predictions can be made as to when another big bang will occur in the future. The same is true of the spontaneous generation of first life. Creation itself was an irregular event that cannot be explained by the current regular laws of nature.
Response to argument #2: (Miracles have not occurred)
Some critics oppose or reject miracles based on how rare or unbelievable they seem to be. Because natural laws are the regular occurrences and evidence for the regular is always greater than that for the irregular, some critics assert that wise individuals should not believe in miracles due to probability and incredibility of miracles. Those who oppose or reject miracles based on probability do not honestly weigh evidence objectively; rather, they add up evidence of the regular and then weigh that against the evidence of the irregular. Truth, however, is not always determined by regular occurrence, especially when the belief is contrary to an actual occurrence. Wise people base beliefs on facts, not odds. Evidence based on regular occurrences and probability eliminates belief in any sort of unusual or unique event.
The satire of Richard Whately’s “Historical Doubts Concerning the Existence of Napoleon Bonaparte” sheds some light on the ridiculousness of basing a belief off odds rather than facts. Whately wrote that since Napoleon’s exploits were so fantastic, so extraordinary, so unprecedented, no intelligent person should believe that these events ever happened. After recounting Napoleon’s amazing and unparalleled military feats, Whately wrote, “Does anyone believe all this and yet refuse to believe a miracle? Or rather, what is this but a miracle? Is not this a violation of the laws of nature?” If the skeptic does not deny the existence of Napoleon, he “must at least acknowledge that they do not apply to that question the same plan of reasoning which they have made use of in others.” After all, the Nazi regime was incredible and irregular. Without historical documentation, who would believe that millions of Jews were exterminated by the mastermind of one Adolf Hitler? Why would millions of people follow the abhorrently evil orders of Hitler?
In evaluating the historical argument against miracles, it must be noted that there is a crucial difference between the principle of uniformity (or analogy), on which all valid inquiry is based, and the principle of uniformitarianism. The latter is a naturalistic dogma that rules out in advance by its very methodological principle the credibility of the miraculous. According to the reliability and historical accuracy of the Bible, miracles have occurred. If one were to oppose or reject past miracles cited in the Bible, one must also oppose or reject the vast majority of all history due to the overwhelming amount of actual historical confirmation of the Bible. Only if one approaches the world with a kind of invincible bias against anything that has not been personally perceived in the past can all claims for the miraculous be discounted. Only an anti-supernatural bias would hinder a person from honestly considering reliable testimony about the occurrence of a miracle. In addition, I (Trenton Gill) personally experienced two miracles that were very different from each other and also separated in time. The two miracles I experienced most definitely violated the laws of nature. Furthermore, there have been many documented cases in the medical field of people being cured of what was considered to be incurable and also people coming back to life after being considered dead for a considerable amount of time.
Summary of miracles:
The laws of nature tell us what is regular or normal; consequently, it is possible for us to recognize miracles if they occur because we have the natural laws as the standard of regular or normal by which to compare the irregular. GOD is the author of the natural laws and exists beyond the natural laws; therefore, GOD cannot be constrained by the natural laws He created. The very cosmological argument, by which we know GOD exists, also proves that a supernatural event occurred. I will boldly declare that the universe itself is a miracle. In addition, the creation and existence of the human race is a miracle; moreover, each individual is a continuation of the initial miracle. Consequently, if one were to deny miracles, that person denies his/her existence. The ex nihilo creation is the greatest supernatural event of all. If the theistic GOD exists, miracles are possible; if the Creator GOD exists, then the miraculous is not only possible but actual. If there is a GOD who can act, then there can be acts of GOD. If GOD exists, then we should come to human history with the expectation of the miraculous, not with a naturalistic bias against it. The only way to show that miracles are impossible is to disprove the existence of GOD. And even [logical] atheists say that cannot be done.
[8:1-15] GOD produced a plague of frogs. Why frogs? How long? How loud were they? They probably got into their food. And what if the people accidentally squished them? Then you’d have to clean that mess up. Yet the magicians duplicated the plague and also produced frogs. That’s hilarious. They only added to the problem! They only made the problem worse! That’s why GOD allowed them to do it!
GOD knew that Pharaoh would remain stubborn – it was no surprise to Him – but GOD had to get rid of the frogs to fulfill Moses’ prophecy and follow up on the promise. However, because GOD knew Pharaoh was lying, He left the horrible stench of death in the country to symbolize how Pharaoh’s evil ways stunk to High Heaven. Sin stinks; consequences remain. It was as if GOD had said, “Do you smell that? Just as you smell all those dead frogs, I smell you and the lies you are cooking to tell.” Besides, GOD had other plans that were far worse than frogs.
[8:16-19] GOD was done playing games. GOD no longer needed the magicians to help make things worse. In fact, GOD never needed them, and that’s why He didn’t allow them to produce gnats. Now it was time to reveal GOD’s power, crank it up, and increase the pressure! And I also find it amazing that GOD opened the magicians eyes to His presence. It is written in 8:19 that the magicians became believers. The people who were helping Pharaoh had now become believers in the miracles of GOD. That is awesome.
[8:20-32] Moses was instructed to stand in Pharaoh’s way. Essentially, GOD was able to say, “I know where he will be. I know every move he will make before he even makes the move. I’m way ahead of him.” And GOD made good on His promise — he sent the flies. Can you imagine that many flies? And how many diseases they carried with them? It’s disgusting. It’s difficult to eat a meal with just a few flies around, right? How much harder would it have been to try to eat a meal with tons of flies getting on your food constantly? How irritating it must have been to have flies all over their faces! I imagine it would be difficult to concentrate on work and be able to sleep! Pharaoh caved in, but only a little bit. Pharaoh said the Israelites could sacrifice, but in his country. He still desired to be in control. Moses refused to negotiate and Pharaoh finally caved in again and said he’d release them, then demanded Moses and Aaron to pray for him. Sometimes people urge believers to compromise and give only partial obedience to GOD’s commands. But commitment and obedience to GOD cannot be negotiated and we should never compromise on essentials. Moses agreed to pray once he left Pharaoh, but told Pharaoh not to play games with him and not to change his mind. Moses’ warning to Pharaoh activated his anger and puffed up his pride. Why did Moses say he would pray after he left Pharaoh? Because if the problems went away while they were still in Pharaoh’s presence, he probably would have seized Moses and Aaron and killed them. When a[n especially stubborn] leader gets told what to do, he usually won’t risk his pride and ego getting hurt. I imagine that’s why Pharaoh became stubborn once again and changed his mind about releasing the Israelites once GOD got rid of the flies. It is written that Pharaoh became stubborn again and refused to let the people go. While persistence is good (if we persist in doing good), stubbornness is usually self-centered. Pharaoh might have thought, “Who is Moses to warn me?! No one tells me what to do! I possess all power!” Think about it: if GOD was real, Pharaoh would have been forced to change the way he thought and lived. How many people reject GOD because they don’t want to let go of desires and change the way they live? Also, it’s important to notice here that GOD drew a line that separated His people. The Israelites had been affected by blood, frogs, and gnats, but this time GOD showed the Egyptians that there is a right side on which one should stand. How would the plagues have affected your faith if you experienced them as one of the Israelites? How would the plagues have affected you if you were one of the common Egyptians? Take time right now to put yourself in each person’s individual place.
[9:1-12] By this time, Moses may have been tired and discouraged, but he continued to obey. Is there a difficult conflict you must face over and over again? Don’t give up when you know what is right to do! In 9:10, it is written that Pharaoh watched Moses throw soot into the air. Why did Pharaoh watch Moses if he possessed the power to have Moses killed? Pride. Pharaoh was infatuated with power. As much as he wanted Moses gone, the power he continued to witness captivated him and captured his curiosity. But even with painful boils, Pharaoh hardened his heart. What do you think? Does pain produce pride? It certainly has the potential to do so. Some people allow themselves to get so hurt that they turn inward insomuch that all focus is on themselves. Are you allowing pain in your life to puff up your pride and cause you to ignore GOD’s guidance or warnings? Pharaoh hardened his heart. Did GOD intentionally harden Pharaoh’s heart and overrule his free will (see notes for Genesis 2:16-17)? No. GOD simply confirmed that Pharaoh freely chose a life of resisting GOD.
[9:13-35] GOD warned Pharaoh. And truly, because GOD is love (1John 4:8,16), there’s always warning prior to judgment. This exemplifies GOD’s love. I know that it seems like wrath rather than love when you first read it, but we must dig deeper. Not only does GOD let Pharaoh know what He’s going to do, but He told him to get his livestock under roof so that it would minimize the death with the destruction. GOD only wants obedience — and to be obedient is to live your life the right way, basing everything you think and do on the foundation of love. All problems come due to a lack of obedience, a lack of love. Anyone who died would have only themselves to blame because warning had been issued. It was their decision to disobey. When one refuses to take GOD’s Word seriously, the outcome is and always will be death (or a longing to be dead). You would have to be evil, ignorant, and disrespectful for GOD to do as much as He had already done. And of course, the predictable Pharaoh lied and changed his mind yet again after GOD made the plague stop. Once again, Pharaoh became stubborn. Why? Surely, in Pharaoh’s mind, he must have thought, “Things stop because I ask them to stop. I possess all power!” And what follows a choice to sin? Inevitable consequence. Pharaoh brought it on himself. In fact, Pharaoh was so predictable that the very plague of hail had been planned in advance. Think: how long did the weather move toward them before it arrived?
[10:1-20] It is written in 10:2 that GOD sent all the plagues and planned all details of His relentless rescue operation so that the story can be told. This is for you! This is for me! This is for us! It is important to tell our children about GOD’s work in our past and to help them see what He is doing right now. What are the turning points in your life where GOD intervened? What is GOD doing for you right now? Your stories will form the foundations of your children’s faith.
And so… there was one full day of wind… one full day of wondering when. Everyone must have soiled themselves in fear by that point. They waited one full day and night… just waiting nervously, listening to the wind howl at them. “What’s coming next?!” And then the next morning came… By now Pharaoh had noticed a pattern: all he had to do was to say, “Okay. I’m sorry. Now make this go away.” And then the plague would go away. All Pharaoh had to do in order to make things go away was make a false promise to release the Israelites. And so, that’s what he kept doing. And that is what he did once again. Pharaoh felt that he was in control and smarter because he thought he figured out a pattern to alleviate suffering the consequences. Every time something happened, it was him who was able to make it go away simply by lying. However, GOD knew his heart inside and out. In 10:7, it is written that Pharaoh’s officials asked him how long he was going to allow Moses to harass them? Even Pharaoh’s officials knew that GOD was winning this war. But if Pharaoh acknowledged GOD, he would be forced to acknowledge the truth about himself — he was just another human and no better than anyone else. I believe Pharaoh must have thought, “No! Everyone must know that I beat Moses and his pathetic god! Everyone must know that I am the most powerful force that exists!”
[10:21-29] The next plague was that of darkness. As each new plague descended upon the land, the Egyptians realized how powerless their own gods were to stop it. Hapi, the god of the Nile River, could not prevent the waters from turning into blood (7:20). Hathor, the crafty cow-goddess, was helpless as Egyptian livestock died in droves (9:6). Amon-Re, the sun-god and chief of the Egyptian gods, could not stop an eerie darkness from covering the land for three full days. The Egyptian gods were [1] not personal, centering around images like the sun or the river; [2] numerous; and [3] not exclusive (any and all could be worshipped). In stark contrast, the GOD of the Hebrews was [1] a living, personal Being; [2] the only true GOD; and [3] the only GOD who should be worshiped. GOD was proving to both the Hebrews and the Egyptians that He alone is the living and all-powerful GOD.
Polytheism is the worldview that many finite gods exist in the world. There are differing versions of polytheism. In some forms, all the gods are more or less equal and each has a personal sphere or domain. In one of the forms, the gods form a hierarchy with a chief god, such as Zeus. This is called henotheism. In some forms, such as the Greek and Roman pantheons, the number of gods is limited.
Polytheism is a rejection of monotheism. GOD must be rejected before the multiple gods can be accepted. Polytheism works by seeking to absorb other religious ideas into itself. It remains the worship of multiple gods and goddesses. At one time polytheism reigned in Western culture, but when Greek culture collapsed, polytheism died and was replaced by monotheism. However, polytheism has since been resurrected due to religious pluralism and is now alive again today.
Polytheism reveals that humans have an innate knowledge that something greater than themselves exists. History tells us that even from long ago with the many gods of the Egyptians up to this current day when humans create superheroes and even claim that UFO beings or extraterrestrials exist, it is evident that humans tend to look beyond what is natural for evidence to explain their existence.
Although Polytheism calls attention to the desire to look beyond the natural, it also allows an irrationalism in which one may avoid a fully constructed view. This irrationalism allows moral relativity (see notes for Deuteronomy 27:10). However, Truth is absolute and as far as we know, we reside in a universe, not a polyverse.
If nature created the gods, then nature would be the Ultimate. And if worship involves an ultimate commitment to an Ultimate, then nature, not the gods, should be worshiped. But from where did nature come? And this would be true regarding whatever was believed to have given birth to the gods or to have preceded them. If the gods are derivative beings, then they are not worthy of ultimate commitment. Why worship something that has no ultimate worth? Did humans create the gods? If so, humans should be worshiped. But from where did humans come? Nature? Again, from where did nature come?
Polytheistic gods must be within the universe and not beyond the universe. But the evidence is that the universe came into existence. If the universe is not eternal but came to exist from nothing, then the gods posited by polytheism would not be eternal; they would have come into existence. But if they came into existence, then they are not gods but creatures made by some eternal Cause (GOD). But if the gods of polytheism derive their existence from another, then this Other is really the supreme GOD of monotheism. Thus, polytheism collapses into monotheism. Therefore, if the gods exist, they would ultimately be dependent on a Cause beyond them and beyond the universe. But this conclusion coincides with the claims of theism, not those of polytheism.
Certainly, the creature should bear some resemblance to the Creator. However, to apply human imperfections to deity renders the divine reality as less than worthy of respect and worship. The gods of polytheism appear to be made in human image with human characteristics, rather than humans being made in their image. This tends to give credence to the view that polytheism is a human invention or superstition rather than a depiction of what actually is. As a worldview, polytheism lacks rational and evidential support; furthermore, it does not account for either ultimate causality or ultimate unity, which is needed to explain a diverse, changing universe. Polytheism must be rejected as Truth and eliminated as a choice.
[10:21-29] Have you ever been in a pitch-black dark room? I have. I was inside of a cavern underneath the ground. It can feel creepy and it causes some people to panic in fear. The fear is typically based on the unknown. Without sight, you can’t see if someone or something is about to attack you. And in a situation like that, people often get heightened senses in an attempt to compensate for the loss of sight. In those situations, we might hear normal noises yet convince ourselves that danger is lurking in the shadows. And the Egyptians lived in darkness for three days! That’s a long time to live in fear, wondering if something is right next to you and you don’t know it. And how frustrating would it be to continually bump into things, possibly stubbing your toes, hurting your shins, or clobbering your knees on something? Even doing the most ordinary and routine tasks would be difficult.
Understand this: all of the Israelites could have escaped within those three days of darkness. Who would have seen them leave? Who would have been able to find them? They didn’t have night vision goggles back in those days. GOD could have released His people during those three days of darkness (Psalm 139:12), but He chose not to. Why not? First, GOD does not operate in darkness, but in Light (Daniel 2:22; Matthew 10:26-27; Luke 8:17; John 12:46; 1Corinthians 4:5). GOD doesn’t need to sneak around to accomplish His mission. And secondly, that scenario was only a piece of the bigger picture.
Pharaoh, so frustrated, still tried to haggle with Moses. Pharaoh was determined to make bad things stop happening, but he was also determined to be the victor. If he got to keep something, then that meant he made them compromise and negotiate with him after they said they wouldn’t. That meant he would be able to say that GOD couldn’t get the best of Pharaoh, that GOD couldn’t obtain exactly what GOD wanted. In his mind, that would have made him victorious over GOD, which would then lead him to believe that he himself was a god. Moses refused to negotiate. And truly, we should also refuse to negotiate with evil. Do not ever compromise in any circumstance if it causes corruption of your character.
And up until now, this contest served as a great sporting event for Pharaoh. That was perhaps the only reason why Pharaoh didn’t attempt to have Moses killed. It was a competition between himself and Moses and his so-called “GOD.” But now Pharaoh was losing control and getting angry because he was losing. Pharaoh needed to stop this competition; he also needed to win. So, Pharaoh tried to intimidate Moses and place fear within him because he thought that if he made Moses disappear, that would also make GOD disappear, which would make the competition his victory. When I used to wrestle on my school’s team, I was placed into a certain weight category. If no one in my weight class showed up for a competition, I was awarded a victory due to forfeit. Pharaoh was hoping to be awarded a victory in that same manner. If Moses didn’t show up anymore, Pharaoh would win. …Right? …Wrong.
[11:1-10] GOD didn’t force Pharaoh to reject Him; rather, He gave him every opportunity to change his heart and mind. In Ezekiel 33:11, it is written that GOD takes no pleasure in the death of wicked people. Pharaoh had his mind made up long before the plagues began — no one was greater than Pharaoh. GOD’s plan all along had been to use Pharaoh’s stubbornness and slowly change Pharaoh’s mind so that when he finally chose to get rid of Moses and the Israelites, it wouldn’t be because of an order that Pharaoh followed by GOD, but rather his own idea which was his own decision. And this is the reason for Hell (see notes for Matthew 10:28). GOD gives us the free will to decide whether or not we will live with GOD. Think about GOD’s tactic: if it were Pharaoh’s own decision to let the Israelites go, he would still be the winner… right? Wrong. Pharaoh was in for a world of hurt and confusion. Also, while Pharaoh had his mind so fixed on how to be victorious, he didn’t even notice that Moses had become admired amongst his own people. And why wouldn’t he have been admired by Pharaoh’s people? After all, somewhere deep inside their hearts, I’m sure that they themselves wished they could stand up to Pharaoh like Moses was doing. I can’t really imagine anyone actually liking Pharaoh unless they were also evil. People often ignore warnings and then lament over death. Why does it have to take people to die for mankind to learn? Why does it take suffering to finally understand? And even then, we still don’t learn most of the time, do we?
[12:1-30] Why did the Hebrews have to smear blood on the doorposts of their homes? Obedience. It was an act of faith. Because, if you’re not willing to take a risk and do something extraordinary, you won’t ever receive the extraordinary. The blood signified belief and life. Blood is considered life and life is considered blood. It was as if the people said, “I will smear blood on the doorposts of my home at the risk of looking crazy because I have faith in GOD.” This also represented a seal of protection because GOD’s people are sealed for protection and eternal life (John 6:27; Ephesians 1:13-14; 4:30; 2Timothy 2:19; Revelation 9:4). Also, this was a lamb without defects — a perfect sacrifice. This act foreshadowed Jesus as our ultimate sacrifice. We are saved by the blood of the Lamb (see notes for Genesis 22)! From this point on, the Hebrew people would clearly understand that for them to be spared from death, an innocent life had to be sacrificed in their place. Why unleavened bread? It could be made quickly because the dough didn’t have to rise. Thus, they could leave at any moment. And like the future event of the miraculous manna (Exodus 16:19), the people were told not to leave any of their meal for the next morning. They were also told to be fully dressed and ready to go. We must be ready for when the Lord comes (Matthew 24:36-44; Luke 12:35-40). Eating the Passover feast while dressed for travel was a sign of the Hebrews’ faith. Although they were not yet free, they were to prepare themselves for their future lives of freedom. Preparing ourselves for the fulfillment of GOD’s promises, however unlikely they may seem, demonstrates our faith. Are you preparing yourself for your inevitable freedom of the New Earth under the new heavens (Revelation 21-22)? Are you practicing for eternity? In 12:26-27, it is written that the future children would ask about these events and the elders would respond. Are you prepared to provide credible answers to curious questions? We all should be ready to give an answer for the faith we have (1Peter 3:15).
[12:31-51] It was fear that motivated Pharaoh’s decision to release GOD’s people. Finally, it took the greatest of all calamities, the loss of his son, to force him to recognize GOD’s authority. But even then he wanted GOD to leave, not to rule his country. Yet he had the audacity to ask to be blessed. Again, what was most important to Pharaoh was himself. In fulfillment of GOD’s promise (3:21-22; 9:20-21) and because the Israelites had already done what Moses had instructed them to do, they had silver, gold, and clothing! They had supplies for their journey! In 12:38, it is written that various non-Israelites decided to travel with the Hebrews! Because it’s only one verse, that’s an easy bit of information to pass over, but it’s important to highlight! This depicts GOD’s love! This will be a recurring theme all throughout the Bible — GOD loves those who are outcasts and misfits (example: 1Samuel 22:1-2)! The least will become the greatest (Matthew 11:11; 19:30; 20:16; Luke 9:48)! Yet just a few verses later, it is written that no outsiders were allowed to eat the Passover meal. Yet again just a few verses later, it is written that if foreigners want to celebrate Passover, they need to become circumcised (see notes for Genesis 17:9-14). Why? Holiness. GOD desires for His people to be set apart as a Holy people so that we may accurately represent Him (Leviticus 20:7-8; Ezekiel 44:23; 2Corinthians 6:14-16).
[13:1-16] The Lord told Moses that every firstborn should be dedicated to Him. Dedicate means to sacrifice or to consider something as belonging to GOD. This was a reminder to the people of their deliverance. Every first born was, after all, saved by the Lord. Our celebration or worship of GOD is like a mark upon us that shows everyone who have been marked or sealed by the Lord. What do you do that marks you as a follower of GOD? Loving actions will leave visible marks for all to see (John 13:34-35). But it’s also written that the firstborn sons had to be bought back. What does that mean? GOD saved them and had a rightful claim to them — they wouldn’t even be there had GOD not shown mercy and grace to them. The ritual of buying their firstborn sons back served three main purposes: (1) It was a reminder to the people of how GOD had spared their sons from death and freed them from slavery; (2) it showed GOD’s high respect for human life in contrast to the pagan gods who, their worshipers believed, demanded human sacrifice; and (3) it looked forward to the day when Jesus would buy us back by paying the price for our sins once and for all.
[13:17 – 14:31] It is written that GOD did not lead the Israelites along the main road even though it was the shortest route. GOD led them to their destination in a roundabout way. Sometimes GOD takes us the long way around so we can experience the power of GOD’s saving grace. What unknown battles has GOD protected you from that you don’t even know about? We may desire the shortest path to our goals or desires, but we need to trust in GOD when everything seems to be taking too much time or going on too long. What if GOD is guiding us safely around unseen obstacles or dangers? GOD still looks out for your best interest even when your guard is down. I’m sure the Israelites were so happy to leave Egypt that they didn’t care which direction they traveled. But the rescue operation was not complete as they thought; they were traveling with GOD to safety just as someone being rescued by a helicopter would be dangling from it until reaching the hospital. GOD still had to get them to their final destination; the helicopter had not landed at the hospital yet. They were still dangling from the helicopter. Careful planning and strategy was still necessary until the mission was complete. GOD told Moses to instruct everyone to camp at a certain location.
People typically fear what they do not understand. Pharaoh definitely had no understanding of what had happened. It’s also common that fear transforms into hatred and sadness erupts into anger. And that’s exactly what happened – Pharaoh became angry after his sadness subsided. He truly did want to get rid of the Israelites, but Pharaoh allowed evil to overtake him and the desire for revenge consumed him. Pharaoh came to a sobering and frightful conclusion: without the Hebrews to be their slaves, all the Egyptians would be forced to do all the hard work themselves. But if Pharaoh’s people were forced to do the work of slaves and thus become slaves, they might rise up in rebellion against him. Intoxicated by fear and drunk on rage, Pharaoh gave chase after the Israelites while under the influence — influenced by evil!
With Pharaoh and all his soldiers pursuing the Israelites, they panicked, became petrified, and started to blame Moses for their death even though they were still very much alive. The people told Moses that it would be better to be a slave in Egypt than a corpse in the wilderness. But, is that true? Personally, I’d rather die as a free man than live exist as a slave. This is the first instance of grumbling and complaining by the Israelites. It’s easy for us to judge the Israelites for their lack of faith, but how often do we find ourselves doing the same thing they did? How often do you complain over inconveniences or discomforts? Take notice of Moses’ response: he told the people not to fear and to have faith. And it really is just that simple. Does it make sense to believe in GOD yet have no faith? No! That doesn’t make sense! Do you believe or not?! Stop whining, stop worrying, continue praying, and stand firm in faith! Just watch what GOD can and will do in your life. To worry is to sin. If you worry, then you’re not acting with faith. People with faith do not worry, they trust and believe. That’s what Moses said to the others and that’s what we need to remind ourselves. If you speak negativity, death and destruction, prophecy of failure, then that’s what you’ll most likely receive; furthermore, you will only have yourself to blame. In general, we reap what we sow (Job 4:8; Proverbs 14:14; 22:8; Jeremiah 17:10; Hosea 10:12-13; Luke 6:37-38; 2Corinthians 9:6; Galatians 6:7-8).
We need to speak enthusiastically about optimistic thoughts of victory! If you’ve already lost the battle within yourself, then you have defeated yourself! You can’t win and overcome without the desire and passion and belief to do so! Don’t just stand there — do something! Praying is good to do, but it is necessary to take action and move forward in your life too! If you stand still in your walk with GOD, there’s not a whole lot that can be done; not much will be revealed to you. It’s not called your “stand with GOD;” rather, it’s called your “walk with GOD.” But didn’t Moses start his walk with GOD with doubt and fear? Yes. So, what changed? Everything. Experience. Over and over again, Moses experienced how GOD led him to something and then got him through that something. How many times has GOD made it possible for you to get through all your hardships? Who is to say that you should even be alive and be able to read what I’ve written?
GOD wanted to open a path for the Israelites, but they needed to move in order for GOD to do so. You can sit in front of a banana tree and pray that a banana falls into your lap all you want. Eventually, one might fall in your lap, or close enough to where you can grab it from where you’re sitting. However, why only pray? Do something! Stand up! Move forward and reach out for the banana. If GOD isn’t doing much in your life at the place that you are currently at, then move! Move forward in your life. The Israelites had to move forward toward the Red Sea because that was the place where GOD had opened a path for them. If they would’ve stayed where they had been, the Egyptians would have caught up with them and everything would have ended badly. Action is required in our walk with GOD. Don’t just sit/stand there. There’s a joke that someone once told me; it reminds me of this very subject that we are on:
There was a man who was drowning in the middle of the ocean. The man prayed to GOD and said, “Oh GOD! Please–”
In the middle of his prayer, someone rode up on a boat and said “Do you need help?”
The man said “Oh, no thanks. I’m actually in the middle of praying to GOD for help. GOD will save me. But thanks anyway!”
The man on the boat left. A few hours later, a lady in a boat came by and tried to help the drowning man. This time the man was so exhausted that he could barely even keep his head above water. The lady in the boat shouted to the man, “Hey! Do you need help?”
But again, the man said, “Oh… no thanks… GOD will save me!”
The lady in that boat drove away. Two hours later, the man drowned and went to be with the Lord. In the presence of the Lord, the man marched straight up to GOD and said, “GOD, why didn’t you save me?!”
GOD said, “I sent you two boats, you dummy!”
The joke is funny, but it’s no longer funny if that’s you and it’s your real situation in life. Study, pray, and then take action. It is written that the presence of GOD moved from being in front of the people to the rear of the camp. GOD’s got your back! The Lord stands between us and the enemy! It is written that GOD parted the Red Sea and created a path for the Israelites. GOD can make a way when there doesn’t seem to be a way! GOD clears paths before you and guides you, but He also makes sure that your past – that which is now behind you – won’t sneak up on you with a surprise attack. This is, of course, only if you’re moving forward in your walk with GOD. GOD “shifted” behind them as they continued to move forward. Never stop moving forward in your walk with GOD. We may not experience something as miraculous or enormous as the parting of the Red Sea, but this is a picture of GOD’s will for our lives. With walls on either side of you and the enemy behind you, why wouldn’t you move forward? We may not be chased by a physical army, but we are being pursued by a spiritual army of darkness and we may still feel trapped. But GOD can make a way even when there seems to be no way!
As the sun began to rise, GOD returned the sea to its proper place just as it had been before, drowning all chariots and riders of Pharaoh’s army that had chased after the Israelites into the sea. Not one Egyptian survived. The sun began to rise. Light filled their lives. GOD is Light; He shines and darkness cannot remain (John 1:5). GOD could have hidden all of those dead bodies at the bottom of the sea so that they would never be seen again, but GOD allowed them to be seen and sent them up on the shore to be seen. And so GOD delivered them from the burden of their past. GOD delivered you from the burdens of your past. And if He hasn’t, He can and will. Once you take that stand in faith and then move forward in your walk with GOD, the Lord closes the walls and drowns your burdens, drowns guilt, regret, and sorrow. This is the picture of baptism and what it symbolically does in our lives. And then you look at your dead burdens of your past, washed up on the shore, and you realize the tremendous power that GOD enables you with: you are able to walk away from the burdens of your past and never have to worry about them pursuing you ever again! You have been set free! You’re no longer a slave to fear! You are a child of GOD!
When you walk with GOD, you will never look back because your eyes will be so fixated on what’s ahead. And you will be in reverent awe before GOD and trust in Him. Moses was an abandoned-then-adopted murderer with a speech impediment before he started his walk with GOD. But by this point in the story, everyone forgot all about that though. Why? Because the memories of miracles in his walk with GOD fixes the focus on wonder of the possibilities in his future. His past had been drowned and washed up on the shore along with the Egyptians. Again, this is the picture of baptism. Your past has washed up on the shore too. To change tomorrow, decide today. And then tomorrow, today will be your past. Soon enough, people won’t even remember your past — the focus will be fixed on your future! Do you feel trapped? Read Psalm 46:10; 119:133; Proverbs 3:5-7 and then start walking with the Lord, praying for GOD to guide every step of the way.
[15:1-27] When they saw that their past would never again be their present nor future, they sang a song of deliverance. The main idea is captured in 15:13: the Lord’s unfailing love leads the people He has redeemed! But then… they all traveled three days without drinking water. They even traveled through water, yet they could not drink that water. Finally, they came upon more water, but it was also bitter and undrinkable. Though they had been saved, they saw nothing and heard only silence. The people quickly became dissatisfied and complained. It’s easy to forget the things GOD has saved us from and complain about the problems we face. But a grumbling and negative attitude is corrosive and will erode faith. Like once before, the people complained to Moses. So, Moses looked to GOD. GOD made it so that they could drink the water by having Moses throw in a stick of wood. How easy it is to grumble and complain too quickly, only to be embarrassed by GOD’s help. We must remember to be patient and wait upon the Lord; however, we must also remember that blessings come from GOD alone. And why did GOD use a stick of wood for the miracle? Did it need to be wood? Could it not have been anything? But why did Moses need to throw in anything at all? Because GOD desires faith and obedience. Is anything too hard for GOD? GOD can provide; He only wants you to have faith that He will provide. To follow GOD is to live a better life.
But GOD also waited three days to provide water for them. Why? Was He torturing them? No. What would they have done without GOD? GOD wants everyone to understand just how much we really depend on Him – even if we don’t realize it at the time. It wasn’t torture, it was school; it was training; it was a life lesson. The three days without water represents life by our own power; in contrast, living life with GOD as our Source, Solution, Protector and Provider is to have the Living Water (John 4:10-14; 7:37-38; Revelation 7:17; 22:1-4).
GOD is our Teacher. There is something to learn from everything in life. In school, there are children who wad up paper and use it to launch spit balls instead of using that paper to takes notes. There are also children who fold up the paper to make paper airplanes instead of using it to take notes. In school, there are children who ignore the teacher and there are children who actually listen to the teacher. Listen!
We are still the kids in the classroom – we just got older and our toys look a little different. Let’s use the paper the children use to represent our adult brains: Children have paper; adults have brains. Kids wad up that paper and use it for spitballs; we mush our brains and abuse them. Kids, believing they are clever, fold the paper to make paper airplanes; we may use our brains for something clever, but we still misuse the brain nonetheless. Although a paper airplane is creative, it is not the intended purpose for that paper for that particular moment of time. Adults have a bad track record of either misusing their brains or abusing their brains.
At least children have an excuse – they are children. What is our excuse as adults? Regardless of the excuses, they are exactly that – excuses. We must stop creating excuses for the misuse and abuse of our brains. But not just our brains! I dare to challenge you even further! There are many people misusing and abusing their brains (drugs?), their lungs (smoking?), their liver (drinking?), their tongue (slander, gossip, lies?), their eyes (lust?), their hands (stealing?), etc.
Let’s simplify the solution to the many problems: we need to use our brain (paper) and absorb wisdom (take notes) from GOD (the teacher). Once again, it’s not torture – we’re in training! School is necessary in order to learn. GOD (our Father) wouldn’t put you in school to learn if you already knew everything. Just as children are placed in school with all the necessary items they need in order to learn, GOD gives us access to everything we need in order to learn – the Bible! Our lifetime here on Earth is our training period. Graduation is when we ‘die.’
Will you have enough credits to graduate? Do you have passing grades? Are you a slacker in school? Are you a drop-out? There’s always second chances. Just as adults can earn their G.E.D. later in life, you can do that for your spiritual life as well. How do you acquire your general education? GOD’s Word. There will be many quizzes in life and then one big test. Have you studied the required reading material? Will you pass the test?
[16:1-36] After all of the amazing miracles that GOD performed to get them out of Egypt, out of slavery and oppression, they still complained and wished they were back in Egypt! Would you have complained if you saw all of those miracles? Well, I definitely wouldn’t have! No way! The excitement within my soul wouldn’t have allowed me to complain after witnessing such amazing events unfold before my very own eyes! Or at least, that’s what I believe about myself. How would I know unless I experienced what they experienced? Life is difficult — especially with periods of silence and drought. The Israelites experienced two tests in a row. Why? We need a faith with deep roots if we are to overcome adversity (Matthew 13:1-9,18-23; Mark 4:1-9,13-20). Do you have deep roots?
The Israelites were now saying that they would rather be slaves still than to travel with the presence of GOD. They desired the quickest way of escape from pain and suffering. They would rather give up and press the “go back” button than to walk in faith and believe that great things are on the way. GOD has already given us this wisdom: never go back unless GOD instructs you to do otherwise (as He did with Moses)! It’s always easier to go back to what is known and comfortable — even if it’s not what’s best and right. Don’t ever go back to your past. Look toward the future while living in the present. When pressure comes your way, resist the temptation to make a quick escape. Instead, focus on GOD’s power and wisdom to help you deal with the cause of your stress. GOD said that He was going to test them to see if they would live life in obedience to His good and perfectly loving will. The journey they were on was their time in school. School isn’t just about studying and homework, there are also quizzes involved as well. We are to come near to GOD. How does one do that? To draw near is to get closer. How does one get closer to GOD? Well, how do you get closer to your parents? How do you get closer to your friends or your boyfriend/girlfriend? How do you get closer to your Husband/wife? Communication, honesty, sacrifice, quality time, etc. But that confuses some people and they ask, “How can you spend time with GOD? You can’t see GOD, you don’t know if GOD is there!” But GOD is always here. His very name means “I am present.” To pray to GOD is to simply have ordinary conversation (see notes for Matthew 6:8,10-13). And to pray is to spend time with GOD. And, when you love someone, you’ll sometimes sacrifice other plans just so you can be near that person, right? It works the same way with GOD. Come near = Come here. And what better way to spend time with GOD than to read His love letter to us (the Bible)?
And even though GOD desired for His people to come near to Him, He was always faithful to come to them. GOD showed up in a miraculous way, first with quail, and then with manna. It is written they were to gather the manna and that everyone would end up having what they needed. Some gathered more, and some gathered less. With teamwork, everyone shares and everyone cares. And that is how we should strive to live in life! In life, some people have more than others. Some people live with more money, bigger houses, better cars, more food, etc. Some people live with very little money, tiny or no house, hunk of junk car or they don’t have a car, and they live on food rations or don’t eat, etc. But when it’s all measured out in Heaven, it doesn’t really matter what had been gathered because those who gather more will not have extra and those who gather less won’t come up short. If you’ve been blessed with more than you need, are you giving to those who don’t have enough? If not, why not? GOD has allowed some to have more as a test to see if they will help those who do not have enough (Matthew 25:31-46). And don’t misunderstand this test and your importance. Even if you refuse to give, the least will still find all they need and will become the greatest; the last will be first (Matthew 19:30; 20:16; Mark 10:31; Luke 13:30). Like Esther learned from Mordecai, blessings and deliverance can come from anyone the Lord chooses; however, perhaps you are where you are and possess what you have for a time such as this (Esther 4:14).
Just like the Passover meal (12:10), the people were instructed not to keep any of the manna they found for the next day (16:19). Why not? This was a test of faith. GOD can provide daily (Matthew 6:11; Luke 11:3)! GOD can provide abundantly! GOD is more than able! When Jesus fed the thousands, there was extra (Matthew 14:20; 15:37; Mark 6:43; 8:8,18-21; Luke 9:17; John 6:13)! We have an extraordinary GOD! Is GOD not the Bread of Life (John 6:22-59)? Is GOD not our daily Bread? When was the last time you thanked GOD for you daily ____? What comes every day and it’s just what we need? The very air we breathe? Eyesight? Hearing? Sense of smell? Sense of touch? Sunrise? Sunset? Waking up?
Every night, before you go to sleep, you need to devour every single last bite of the portion of delight that GOD gives you everyday. It is written that a few of the people held back some of the blessing until morning and it got wormy and smelled bad. They kept it back due to fear and doubt, just in case GOD didn’t deliver the next day. But GOD always delivers! The manna became bad because it had expired! Those who held onto it for the morning found themselves in mourning. If you hold back, then you did not devour every last bite of the portion of GOD’s delight. That means you’ll wake up finding what you had went bad, then you’ll be mad and wish you had. GOD wants you to have your fill on His delight every single day and night! Each day is a new portion, and it will always be delivered! So, you don’t need to put your happiness in a savings account. GOD wants you to have all of your delight every single night. Never go to sleep until you have emptied your bowl and filled your soul. Don’t keep any of it until the morning! Every day is a beautiful day and we need to take delight in that fact! Eat a big bowl of JOY cereal every morning and then devour a big bowl of DELIGHT at night!
[17:1-7] The people resorted to grumbling and complaining yet again. Granted, they were wandering through the wilderness (desert; infertile, desolate, barren place with harsh environment), but they were no longer slaves! They were free! Yet to them, they felt as if they were only free to die. How much time do you spend on complaining about your problem(s) rather than praying about a solution? Some problems can be solved only by prayer. We should make a determined effort to pray when we feel like complaining. Prayer quiets our thoughts and emotions and prepares us to listen. The Israelites asked, “Is the Lord here with us or not?” Ask yourself that question. Is the Lord only with us during the good times or is He also present during the bad times as well? Will you trust in the Lord when hard times come your way?
[17:8 – 18:27] The people came under attack by the warriors of Amalek. The Amalekites were descendants of Amalek, a grandson of Esau. How do you respond while under attack from the enemy? Will GOD be with us? Do we only have faith in GOD during the good times? Moses chose Joshua to be the commander. Why Joshua? He had shown himself to have incorruptible character and so he was given the opportunity to prove himself and grow. Also, this very battle was going to be valuable experience for the greater battles to come for when they were to take the promised land (Numbers 14:6-9; Joshua 6-13). Think: How many battles do we try to avoid in life? What if those battles are the ones that will prepare us for the greater battles ahead? How many times do we desire to escape problems rather than overcome them? What if we prayed for solutions to our problems? What if instead of praying for an escape we prayed for strength and courage to stay in the battle so we can win the battle?
In 17:14, GOD said that He would completely blot out the memory of Amalek. If GOD blotted out the remembrance of Amalek, why do we still know about them? Even the inclusion of this verse in the Bible ensures that Amalek would never be forgotten. However, in context, it is clear that the phrase meant GOD would remove any concern that Amalek would pose a threat to another nation. And that promise was fulfilled during the days of King David (1Samuel 30:16-17).
Moses became tired and needed Aaron and Hur to hold up his arms. This is how our spiritual battle works as well. When you keep your head up and raise your arms in victory, you will always be winning whether you realize it or not. Every time you lower your spirits and drop your arms in defeat, you will be losing your spiritual battle. It is merely a decision, a choice. You have free will. So, don’t let anything put you down! Keep your head up! Raise your arms in victory! Of course, there are “those” days when you just get too tired and feel like you can’t go on. There are those times when you just can’t make it on your own. This is why you have your brothers and sisters in Christ of GOD to raise you up! They can encourage you and motivate you, and even hold you up when you can’t do it on your own. Believe me: there will always be times when you can’t do it by yourself. Never travel alone in your walk with GOD. Never. Of course, we can have alone time with GOD so we can pray and meditate on GOD’s Word (Luke 5:16), but we should never be alone on the battlefield. We weren’t designed to be alone. It doesn’t matter if you are anointed and chosen — so was Moses! But he still needed help too! We all need to come together in teamwork. Moses was anointed by GOD, right? He was chosen.
Jethro was a priest. It is written, “I know now that the Lord is greater than all other gods” (18:11). Even a believer — a priest (18:1) — seemingly struggled with doubts at times. So, if you struggle with doubts at times, go into prayer and give them to the Lord. But it’s important to understand that Jethro’s doubts were alleviated because he was there to witness the action. What are you doing to be actively involved in ministry? If you want to see GOD work, then you need to be present to witness the action. In what ways can you get involved?
Moses wasn’t only deciding between disputes, he was also teaching GOD’s laws. Whenever we help others settle disputes or resolve conflicts, we should also look for opportunities to teach about GOD and His Word. Jethro gave Moses advice on how to delegate. Essentially, Jethro told Moses that no one can do everything by themselves and others are capable of handling part of the heavy load. Proper delegation can multiply effectiveness while giving others a chance to grow. Moses could have told his father-in-law, “Back off old man, I’ve got this covered. Don’t you know that I’m chosen by GOD? I’m the leader here! Now let me do my thang!” But, no… Moses listened to his father-in-law. That is an example of a wise leader. Moses was still humble enough to take advice from someone else even though he was put in charge and was technically the “manager” with the authority. Aaron and Hur already proved that Moses couldn’t be everything to everyone and do it all alone (17:8-13). Perhaps that’s why Moses followed Jethro’s advice. Moses didn’t merely listen to Jethro’s advice — he acted on it! Counsel and collaboration is good! Teamwork works! Leadership requires delegation, enabling, equipping, and empowering. This Scripture also gives us wise instructions on how to operate a business, but the wisdom found in this Scripture is simple rules for prospering — teamwork! Never travel alone. Stop trying to do everything by yourself! Lean on others and help others if they need someone to lean on. We all have different skills and talents so we will learn to unite and live together. You cannot take on the many forces of evil by yourself. Also, what are we doing to help our spiritual leaders? We need to hold up the hands of our spiritual leaders. Shouldering some responsibility, lending a word of encouragement, or offering a prayer are ways of refreshing spiritual leaders in their work. Who can you help hold up today? Who can you lift up in prayer and with encouragement?
[19:1-25] This chapter begins by stating that the Israelites arrived in the wilderness of Sinai two months after leaving Egypt. Two months. How would you feel if you were in their position? You escaped Egypt, expecting to find freedom and immediate relief from the rescue; however, you encountered the desert and experienced hardships. The people did, however, experience miraculous manna and the quality of quail for food. But two months is a long time to travel into the unknown — especially when you believed you were being rescued from hardships. How would you feel if you had no idea where you were headed? Doubt filled the minds of many. The ‘what if’ scenarios constantly played in their minds.
But there was only one ‘what if’ scenario that was important: it is written in 19:5 that GOD would keep His covenant with His people if they obeyed Him. In other words, the blessing would be determined by their trust in the Lord and their commitment to acting upon that trust. Many people desire GOD to act on their behalf, but they aren’t interested in living in alignment with His absolute moral standard. We must do our part if we expect GOD to do His part. Have you made a commitment to GOD? How are you holding up your end of the deal? GOD simply cannot bless sinful decisions of willful disobedience. GOD expected the people to be set apart and live righteous lives. But why did GOD choose Israel as His nation and chosen people? Why would GOD choose weak slaves who were prone to failure? GOD knew that no nation on Earth was good enough to deserve to be called His people, his “special treasure.” He chose Israel, not because of anything they had done, but in His love and mercy He chose Israel in spite of the wrong the nation had done and would do. The simple answer is that the world will not be able to take credit for any accomplishments and we will know our weaknesses will call attention to His strength (Ephesians 2:1-10; 1Corinthians 1:20-31). For this reason, the Lord lowered Himself to being born in a manger and became the ultimate servant on behalf of the weak.
GOD instructed Moses to prepare the people for His arrival and to be sure they are ready. This message still applies to us today. Are we prepared and ready for the arrival of His second coming? We must be both physically and spiritually ready to meet the Lord! Are you ready? If not, what areas do you need to start getting ready?
GOD warned Moses and the people that anyone who touched the mountain would be put to death (19:12,21-22). This wasn’t a threat — it was a promise. Essentially, GOD is so holy we cannot approach Him in our sin. We can only get so close, but not any closer. It would be like a warning to someone not to touch an electric fence. The fence isn’t trying to be evil or do harm, it is simply electric. A person who touched the electric fence would suffer the consequence of doing so. We simply cannot approach GOD in our own power (Matthew 19:25-26; Mark 10:26-27). However, in the great reversal, we can now approach GOD at any time because of Jesus being our Mediator! Rather than us trying to get to GOD on the 3rd day, Jesus came to us on the 3rd day (Hebrews 12:18-24). And He will be coming again (Acts 1:10-11).
[20:1-21] The Ten Commandments were designed to lead Israel to a life of practical holiness. They were intended to direct the community to meet the needs of each individual in a loving and responsible manner. Sadly, by the time Jesus arrived, keeping the Law became an end in itself, not the means to fulfill GOD’s ultimate law of love. And if Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of GOD’s love, it is good to examine what Jesus had to say about the ten commandments:
|
Ten Commandments |
Jesus |
| 20:3: No other gods | Matthew 4:10: Serve only GOD |
| 20:4: No idols | Luke 16:13: No one can serve two masters |
| 20:7: Don’t misuse Lord’s name | Matthew 5:34: Don’t misuse Lord’s name by making vows |
| 20:8: Remember the Sabbath | Mark 2:27-28: The Sabbath is for the people, not to rule over the people |
| 20:12: Honor your parents | Matthew 10:37; 15:4-9: Honor GOD over parents, but still honor parents |
| 20:13: Do no murder | Matthew 5:21-24: Even being angry is akin to murder |
| 20:14: Don’t commit adultery | Matthew 5:28: A lustful look is adultery in the heart |
| 20:15: Do not steal | Matthew 5:40: Not only should you not steal, but you should even be willing to give up what is yours |
| 20:16: Do not testify falsely | Matthew 12:36: You’ll give an account for every word you speak |
| 20:17: Do not covet | Luke 12:15: Guard against greed |
[20:1-21] It was common to worship many gods in order to get the maximum number of blessings. There was no commitment in that kind of relationship. If a particular god didn’t prove to bring health, wealth, safety, or sex, they just moved on to the next god. In contrast, GOD is faithful to us and desires us to be faithful to Him. As for the idols, they were carved or created to suit any desirable image. We might not believe that we are guilty of worshiping other gods or having idols in our lives, but is that true? Today we can allow many things to become gods to us. Money, fame, work, or pleasure can become gods when we concentrate too much on them for personal identity, meaning, and security. We may not set out with the intention of worshiping these things, but it happens. But by the amount of time we devote to them, they can grow into gods that ultimately control our thoughts and feelings. What about misusing the name of the Lord? The way we use GOD’s name conveys how we really feel about Him. Do you take time to rest yet avoid being lazy or slothful? Do you rest too much and rely upon others? Do you honor your parents? Do you disrespect them? Do you call them names behind their backs? Do you disobey them? Do you hold resentment in your heart toward them? Above all, we’re supposed to honor GOD. And in order to do that, we must love our parents — even if they aren’t good people. One way to love people who are bad to you is to pray for them to experience a change of heart and come into salvation. Are you willing to do that? If not, that’s disobedience in regards to obeying the ultimate commandment of love. There’s much to say about all of GOD’s commandments, but they can be discussed in other areas of the Bible.
But after the people heard from GOD, they trembled with fear and wanted Moses to speak for Him because they were afraid to hear from GOD directly. But Moses responded by telling them not to be afraid — GOD is merely setting stern standards to prevent us from sinning. Throughout the Bible, we find some form of “Don’t be afraid.” GOD makes it clear that He wants us to follow Him out of love rather than fear.
[20:23] It’s important to note that GOD gave them this command of not making any idols with full knowledge that they were going to do exactly that (32:1-8). This shows the great love GOD has for us. GOD is so patient and loving that He allowed the people to hear the commands and break the commands so that they would learn from their mistakes.
[21:1-36] Why would GOD take the Hebrews out of slavery and then discuss rules for slavery? Did GOD condone slavery? No (see notes for the book of Philemon).
[22:1-31] Throughout Exodus 22 we find examples of the principle of restitution — making wrongs right. This chapter mentions theft of stolen ox or sheep and how a thief must pay in full for every one of them that was stolen. Think: Jesus considers us His sheep (Ezekiel 34; Psalm 79:13; 100:3; Isaiah 53:6; Matthew 10:6; 15:24; 25:32; Luke 15:2-17; John 10:1-18) and Satan as the thief (John 10:10; 1Peter 5:8). How many sheep has Satan stolen? Will Satan pay in full? Not only does Satan pay in full (Revelation 20), but the pain and suffering we experience in this life from the enemy will come to an end and true life and joy will be restored (Isaiah 25:8; Revelation 7:17; 21:4). One Day, all demonic deeds concealed in the darkness will be revealed in the Light (Job 20:27; Daniel 2:22; Matthew 10:26-27; Luke 12:2-3; 1Corinthians 3:13)! Not only will thieves pay in full for the wrong they have done, but all of us will give account even to every careless word we had spoken (Matthew 12:36-37). And that’s why this chapter concludes by GOD telling everyone (and us) that they (and we) are to be His holy people.
[23:1-33] It is written in 23:2 that we are not to follow the mindless masses and do wrong simply because everyone else is doing it. We are not called to follow the crowd; we are called to follow the Lord. It is written in Romans 12:1-2 that we should not be conformed to the ways of the world but to be transformed in the renewing of our minds. In fact, Jesus challenges us to be so unique and bright that we will actually stand out from the rest of the crowd. Why blend in when you were born to stand out and rise above? Jesus challenges us all to be the one who will do right even when no one else will (Luke 10:30-37) and to love our enemies even if they show us hatred (Matthew 5:41-48).
In 23:10-11, the people were commanded to allow the land rest on the seventh year and to allow the poor to harvest for the entire year. Challenge yourself: are you living in such a way that you provide for the poor? Not everything you’re able to gather/collect in this life is for you. Sometimes GOD allows us to receive so that we will be able to give. And remember: it is better to give than receive (Acts 20:35).
It is written in 23:15 that no one should appear before the Lord without an offering. What can you offer the Lord when you appear before Him in prayer? Thanks? Your time? Tears for another person? Perhaps you can even offer to sacrifice your plans and desires if it means living in alignment with His will. After all, that is truly what the Lord desires from us (Matthew 6:33; Luke 22:42). What GOD wants for us to offer is our whole hearts and minds in complete devotion to Him and His will. It is written in 23:19 that we should bring the very best of what we have. Are you giving GOD your best or only what you don’t want? In Mark 12:41-44; Luke 21:1-4, the widow gave very little yet she gave her best; consequently, her offering was considered the biggest and best even though it didn’t amount to much by the standards of the world’s ways.
It is written in 23:29-30 that the Israelites would receive the promise little by little. All great things take time. Growth takes time. GOD has His own timing; we need to be more patient. Little by little. We’re being prepared, trained, etc. Little by little we will acquire all that we need. If we were to immediately acquire all that we needed or wanted, we wouldn’t know what to do with it all — we would be overwhelmed. Also, if we got everything all at once, what would we have to look forward to in life? In GOD’s great wisdom, He only gives us what we can handle so we don’t collapse under the weight of the world. GOD knows what we can and cannot handle. Read Psalm 46:10 and then sit back and relax and let GOD deal with the timing. GOD controls time. GOD is the Light and light controls growth. Step by step, little by little… patience. It’s all good. Great things will come. But for now, keep calm and focus on the task that is currently before you.
[24:1-18] In 24:3, it is written that in response to GOD’s commands, all the people answered with one voice. This is important because unity is necessary for efficient and effective teamwork. Though we are many parts, we are one body and we must work together if we are to act according to the Design (1Corinthians 12). A kingdom/house divided cannot stand and will fall (Matthew 12:25; Mark 3:24-25; Luke 11:17). In fact, Paul pleaded with everyone that the church never be divided (1Corinthians 1:10-17). And then in 24:7, Moses took the Book of Covenant and read it aloud to the people. GOD’s Word should be spoken and heard. There are many churches who preach false promises of prosperity in order to get money from people. There are even many churches who preach motivational or inspirational messages — yet they neglect GOD’s Word! There is only one reason to preach a message and it’s to share the Good News of GOD’s Word. Read Nehemiah 8 and consider your own commitment to the Word. This chapter concludes with Moses splattering blood over the people and then going to meet with the Lord on behalf of the people. This act represents the fact that the sacrificial blood of Christ covers us and saves us from death just as the blood covered the people in the Passover (Exodus 12; Hebrews 9:9-10:28).
[25:1-40] Chapters 25-31 records GOD’s directions for building the Tabernacle, and chapters 35-39 tells us how these instructions were carried out. But what can all these ancient, complicated, and seemingly unnecessary construction details teach us today? First, the high quality of the precious materials that made up the Tabernacle reveals GOD’s greatness and transcendence. Second, the curtain surrounding the Most Holy Place shows GOD’s moral perfection as symbolized by His separation from the common and unclean. Third, the portable nature of the Tabernacle reveals GOD’s desire to be with His people as they travel. And fourth, the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the service performed there provide a picture of the atonement that would one day come through Christ Jesus.
In 25:2, the Lord instructed Moses to accept contributions from all whose hearts were moved to offer. It is written multiple times elsewhere that if we are to give, then we should be giving willingly and cheerfully (Deuteronomy 15:10; 1Chronicles 29:9; Proverbs 11:24; 2Corinthians 9:6-8).
In 25:10, the people were instructed to make the Ark of the Covenant from acacia wood. But why acacia wood? Does it have any special significance? From a practical standpoint, acacia trees would have been one of the only types of trees growing in the wilderness where the Israelites traveled; acacia trees flourished in barren regions. In addition, acacia wood is dense, hard, and extremely strong, which would have made it a great option for any type of wooden construction. Some people may desire to attach a spiritual power to acacia wood, but the Bible makes no such claims. Instead, it appears that acacia was the main tree available during the wilderness journey, and its density and strength made it ideal for a structure that would endure long enough to accomplish GOD’s will for that time.
Take notice that in the construction instructions, things were often purified (such as the gold for the table of Presence) or in one piece (such as the lamp stand). Think: is the church in unity? Is the church one body with many parts functioning toward the same common goal? Is Christ the head and the center stem (1Corinthians 12:12-31; Colossians 1:15-20)? In 25:37, the seven lamps for the lamp stand were to be set so that they would reflect their light forward. Who/what are you reflecting? Who/what we reflect determines our direction and projected path (see notes for Proverbs 27:19).
[26:1 – 27:21] Everything had to be exact. And when completed in the way GOD instructed, the Tabernacle would be made of one continuous piece. The exactness symbolizes GOD’s perfection and the one continuous piece symbolizes unity in love. In 26:33, it is written that the curtain separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. The Most Holy Place was where GOD Himself dwelt, His presence resting on the atonement cover, which covered the Ark of the Covenant. Only the high priest could enter the Most Holy Place, but even so, he could only do so once per year (on the Day of Atonement) to make atonement for the sins of the nation as a whole. When Jesus sacrificed Himself on the cross, the curtain in the Temple (which had replaced the Tabernacle) tore from top to bottom (Mark 15:38), symbolizing our free access to GOD because of Jesus’ death. No longer did people have to approach GOD only on special days through priests and sacrifices. This is what Jesus has done for us! We should sing praise that our Father in Heaven has given His children freedom to approach the King without fear or hesitation! Jesus is now our High Priest (Hebrews 8)!
The altar of burnt offering was the first thing the Israelites saw as they entered the Tabernacle courtyard. It was there that sacrifices were continually made. Its vivid presence constantly reminded the people that they could only come to GOD by means of the sacrifice. It was a constant reminder that sin separated them from the perfect Holy GOD. And because Jesus is now our High Priest, daily sacrifices are no longer required!
GOD gave the command that the people should continually bring pure oil and keep the lamps burning continually. If they did this, there would always be light. This is the picture of GOD in our lives because the Lord is the Light (2Samuel 22:29; Psalm 18:28; John 8:12; 12:46; 1John 1:5; Revelation 21:23-24). And it is written that where the Light is, darkness cannot be (John 1:5).
[28:1-43] The design of the priest’s ephod and chestpiece were skillfully made by anointed craftsmen. Truly, all of us have special skills. We don’t all have the same abilities, but when we unite together for the common goal, the different skills combine to create a masterpiece. Think about your special talents and abilities and the ways you could use them for GOD’s work in the world. Many people claim that they don’t have skills or abilities and can’t do anything special, but that’s not true — we all have something to offer. What do you do the best? If you love to bake, then do so! If you’re a mechanic, use your skills! If you paint, there’s a need for that too! If you’re an entertainer, believe me — people need to laugh. Even if your skill is in the mind and not in the hands, use it! If you’re a skilled strategist, let the writer put your thoughts on paper. Just as Samuel told Saul, when it comes time to act on behalf of the Lord, do whatever it is your hands find to do because the Lord will be with you (1Samuel 10:7). It is also written in Ecclesiastes 9:10 that whatever your hand finds to do, you should do it with all your might! And it is also written that when we work, we should work as if for the Lord and not only for people (Colossians 3:22-24).
The priest symbolically carried the burden of the whole nation on his shoulders as he represented them before GOD. And in 28:29, it is written that Aaron carried everyone over his heart when he entered the Holy Place as a reminder that he represented the people when he came before the Lord. He also carried the Urim and Thummim over his heart. These names mean “curses” and “perfections” and refer to the nature of GOD whose will they revealed. So, Aaron carried GOD’s will with him as he carried the people over his heart. How many people are you placing over your heart while you’re in the Lord’s presence? Or do you only approach GOD on your own behalf? We should all be loving enough to present other people to GOD in our prayers.
[29:1-46] Through the priests and their work, GOD wished to prepare all people for the coming of Jesus, who would once again offer a direct relationship with GOD for anyone who would come to Him. But until Christ arrived, the priests were the representatives of the people before GOD.
Take notice of how disgusting and messy the rituals had been. Not only was it bloody and most likely smelled awful, but there was also a lot of cleanup involved. This is the picture our sinful lives. This is how messy sin is and how much effort it takes to clean up our lives only temporarily, only to do it again and again after every new mistake. The entire sacrificial system was symbolic of our endless endeavor to be holy in a world stained by sin. Humans were simply unable to save themselves without receiving a clean slate over and over again. Through this Old Testament system, we can better understand the significance of what Jesus did for us — He put an end to sacrifices and washed us clean forever by His blood (Hebrews 10:1-14; Revelation 7:14).
Take notice of the overwhelming emphasis on the holiness of GOD. Everything had to be exact, clean, consecrated, purified, and prepared for the representative to meet GOD. In contrast, we tend to take GOD for granted in this current time. People typically come into worship casually, rush through it, and take everything for granted. But we must remember why we are able to approach the Lord so casually as a child would approach his/her father. One of the reasons why we have it so good is because of all the faithful and obedient men and women of GOD who suffered and sacrificed in the past. They went through the difficult times so that we could live in this time of ease and comfort. But the main reason we’re able to approach GOD is because Jesus bridged the gap between us. So, remember that profound truth the next time you pray or worship, and come before the Lord with reverence and repentance. We should be praising the fact that we no longer have a barrier between us!
[30:1-38] An annual celebration known as the Day of Atonement served as a reminder that the daily, weekly, and even monthly sacrifices could cover sins only temporarily. And the fact that the annual sacrifice had to be repeated every year revealed humanity’s inability to save themselves. This all led up to Jesus — the perfect atonement!
The incense was used to show honor and reverence to GOD. It was like prayer lifting up to GOD in a good aroma (Psalm 141:2). In stark contrast, it is written that the motive behind the incense could cause the smell to be a detestable odor (Isaiah 1:13-17). In fact, it is written that obedience is better than sacrifice; therefore, the motive behind the action is most important (1Samuel 15:22-23; Jeremiah 7:22-29). All throughout the Bible, we see that what we do can either be pleasing or detestable to the Lord (Ezekiel 20:41). The ‘scent’ of our actions can be ‘smelled’ by GOD (Revelation 8:4); the injustice of our actions can be ‘heard’ by GOD (Genesis 4:10). In fact, it is the heart behind our actions that cause our actions to either ‘smell’ good or bad. The fact that the use of incense is not a part of the believer’s practice of worship today does not mean the truth of its Old Testament purposes of instruction should be disregarded or neglected by us. The truth is that our hearts and minds are continually “burning incense” in the sense that they are never at rest in the messages they send out. There is a perpetual spiritual aroma that emanates from them into the presence of our heavenly Father and mediating Savior. Just as you can smell a person’s body odor after that person sweats for a while, GOD is able to ‘smell’ evil as it exudes out our pores. The fire of burning incense never goes out on the altar of any heart. There is either a pleasing and acceptable incense rising from it to GOD, or there is a detestable one that stinks to high heaven. The next time you pray, think of your prayers as ascending to GOD like incense. Think: does your attitude stink? Does your motive stink? What about your actions? Many people say that homeless people smell awful. In their defense, they typically smell bad because they haven’t had loving Christians invite them into their homes so they can bathe. Some people say that the homeless person’s stench is his/her own fault. That may be true sometimes; however, there are many people who have bathed and smell clean here on Earth yet they stink to the high heavens due to their evil thoughts and actions. Just as the Pharisees looked good on the outside yet smelled like rotting corpses within (Matthew 23:27-28), many people also look and smell good here on Earth yet they stink to the high heavens. What about you? Is there a spiritual stench about your life?
[31:1-18] Take notice that the Lord is the One who gives us all talents and special skills. Certain men were gifted to be able to craft some of the most important items listed in the Old Testament: the Tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant. As humans who are surrounded by a society who holds titles in high esteem within a culture obsessed with famous celebrities, we often have a tendency to regard only those who are up front and in leadership roles. But GOD clearly shows us that the ones who do all the work in the background are most important. Think: Moses was the leader, but he was unable to construct the necessary structure for worship. GOD didn’t give him the skill to do it because leaders are never called to do everything by themselves. Again, we learned this lesson back in chapter 18 when Jethro gave Moses wise advice on how to delegate. Take notice of all the abilities GOD gives His people. Do not diminish your skills just because they are not like the skills of others. Perhaps you haven’t been gifted to be a speaker yet you can write and become an author. Perhaps you can’t write, but maybe you can paint. Perhaps you can’t paint, but maybe you’re good with your hands and you are able to build things. We all possess a special anointing and are called to do something specific. What has GOD called you to do? Take inventory of everything you’re naturally good at and then ponder and pray about how you can use it to love people. Truly, we place too much focus on what we don’t have and what we can’t do that we miss our calling. Remember that GOD told Moses to use what he already possessed (4:2). What do you already possess? What are you already inclined to do? GOD wants to work through you.
[32:1-29] The Israelites became impatient and decided it took too long for Moses to return; thus, they demanded that another deity lead them. The free people of the Lord reverted back to their old ways. In Egypt, if a particular god wasn’t benefiting them, they’d latch on to a different god that others believed in or they’d conjure up a new one. It didn’t take long for Israel to violate their commitment to GOD. What about you? Will you abandon the plan if it takes longer than expected?
Aaron — who had personally witnessed the deliverance by GOD’s power in every miraculous situation — caved into the pressure of pleasing the people. He not only took the initiative to come up with the idea of making an idol, but it is written that he melted and molded it himself. And the people exclaimed that the idols were the true gods who brought them out of Egypt. Remember that the Israelites received the gold from the Egyptians before they left. So even their logic was flawed! Why would the gods of Egypt help them to escape from Egypt and also kill the Egyptians who chased after them? If the power was in the gold, then whoever possessed the gold would possess the power. But that would also mean they could lose their gods. But can a god get lost?
But the people still wanted that which was familiar to them. They reverted back to what they knew. Two popular Egyptian gods, Hapi (Apis) and Hathor, were thought of as a bull and a heifer. And we might read this story and scoff at the idea of the Israelites molding a god to whatever image they desired, but are we much different from them? People are still tempted to shape GOD to their own personal preferences, making it convenient to turn disobedience into delightful desire. But GOD cannot work in us when we elevate anyone or anything above Him. What false gods in your life are preventing the true GOD from living in you? Even if we do not make idols, we are often guilty of trying to make GOD in our image, molding Him to fit our expectations, desires, and circumstances. Think: what is your favorite image of GOD? Is it biblically accurate? Is it adequate? Do you need to destroy it in order to worship the immeasurably powerful GOD who delivered you from the bondage of sin?
Aaron’s major failures were caused by his inability to stand alone. Are you able to stand alone if necessary? If the majority agrees to do wrong, will you have the courage to stand alone in doing what’s right? If the team or the leader goes against GOD’s Word, we must be willing to stand alone.
In 32:8, it is written that it didn’t take long for the people to turn away from the Lord. Disobedience didn’t take long. But then again, it never does. Ponder on that. We typically do wrong in a mere moment. When was the last time you disobeyed GOD’s absolute moral standard of perfect holiness? How long did it take you to disobey? And why did you disobey? What’s the longest duration of time you’ve been able to be completely committed to GOD’s absolute moral standard? When was the last time you lied? Cheated? Abused your body? Sinned sexually with someone? The list goes on and on. If we find ourselves judging the Israelites of the ancient days while reading GOD’s Word, we should stop and thoroughly examine our own hearts, minds, and actions (Matthew 7:1-5; Luke 6:37-42). We all need the Lord. Truly, how much better would you have done if you were one of them? If you had been any one of them, you wouldn’t have known what you now know. We have been blessed to be able to learn from GOD’s Word. At this point in the story, they hadn’t even received the Ten Commandments.
It is written in 32:11-14 that GOD changed His mind. But did GOD really change His mind as a human would? When GOD first wanted to destroy the people, He was acting consistently with His justice. When Moses interceded for the people, GOD relented in order to act consistently with His mercy. The truth is that as people change their actions and wills, GOD changes His response to them (Jeremiah 18:8; Jonah 3:10). The Relentless Rescuer will relent with repentance. Think: was this conversation between GOD and Moses a test for Moses’ leadership? Would Moses fight for his flock? Was he only concerned about what others would think or did he genuinely care? GOD knew the sin-filled people would die (32:28), but the delay was GOD’s mercy and the people’s opportunity for learning.
Take notice that in 32:17 Joshua wasn’t a part of the rebellion. What if GOD had Joshua stationed at that exact spot away from the people because the Lord knew he would have stopped the sinful actions? And what if the people needed to fail so they (and we) could learn?
Moses broke the tablets containing the commandments which had already been broken in the hearts and actions of the people. Moses allowed his emotions to let go of GOD’s Word. When we do that, our lives will shatter and fall apart. Have you ever defended someone only to get hurt by that person? Moses just left the presence of GOD, defending the people, only to discover that GOD already knew what Moses now knew. Proverbs 29:18 tells us that without the Law there can be no restraint; this is revealed here at this point in the story. Proverbs 29:19 tells us that mere words has no power to discipline; this will be revealed later on as the Israelites wander through the wilderness. Though they will have the words, they will still need the experience.
In 32:20, Moses forced the people to swallow their sins. This is the Moses who murdered an Egyptian (2:12). Until this point, the people never saw this side of Moses. What was this side? It was a righteous anger. Anger at sin is a sign of spiritual vitality. Don’t squelch this kind of anger. But when you are justifiably angry at sin, be careful not to sin in your anger (Genesis 4:7; Ephesians 4:26).
After dealing with the people, Moses turned his attention to Aaron and reprimanded him. Those who function as spokespersons and assistants need to be doubly sure their theology and morality are in tune with GOD so they will not be influenced by pressure from people (James 3:1).
In 32:26, Moses drew a line of commitment. It was as if to say, “Are you in or out? Is Lord first or not?” (Matthew 10:34-39; 12:46-50). About 3,000 people died that day. Think: those people had been rescued only to later choose death. What matters in life is the end of the story. Regardless of where you are right now in life, the end is what matters. The problem is that we don’t know when the end will come. And just as the ending can ruin a movie, the end can ruin what we perceived to be a good life (Proverbs 14:11-13; Luke 16:25). We have all been saved as a gift of grace (Ephesians 2:8-9); however, you possess free will and get to choose if that will be the end to your life here on Earth. Will the ending of your life ruin your movie?
[32:30 – 33:11] Moses told the people they had sinned, but he was willing to forgive them and seek GOD for their forgiveness. Are you committed to seeking forgiveness (see notes for Matthew 6:14-15)? Moses told GOD that if He was unwilling to forgive the sins of the people then to go ahead and also erase his own name from the record. What record? GOD has a Book of Life (Psalm 69:28; Philippians 4:3; Revelation 3:5; 13:8; 17:8; 20:12,15; 21:27). Moses’ actions revealed that he was a loving leader because a good and loving leader should be willing to sacrifice for his people. As Jesus demonstrated for us, supreme love is sacrificial love. But why did Moses find such favor with GOD? It certainly wasn’t because he was perfect, extremely gifted, or even powerful. Rather, it was because GOD chose Moses, and Moses in turn relied wholeheartedly on GOD’s wisdom and direction. In addition, Moses was willing to fight for the people he was called to lead. This direct access of friendship between GOD and Moses was a true privilege and out of reach for the other Hebrews; however, it is not out of reach for us today because of Jesus’ supreme sacrificial love that bridged the gap between us and Him. Jesus called His disciples — and, by extension, all of His followers — His friends (John 15:15)! The Lord has called you to be His friend. Will you accept His invitation to openly communicate with Him? GOD desires this kind of relationship with you and that is why He willingly (John 10:18) became the sacrifice in order to make all wrongs right again.
The Lord told the people that He would go on ahead of them to pave the way before them, but that He could not travel among them due to their sins. This showcases the seriousness of sin. Sin separates us from holy union and destroys the purity within relationship. GOD instructed the people to remove their jewelry and fine clothes. Essentially, the Lord told them to remove their temptations and get rid of the appearance of pomp and pride. The gold jewelry is what the Israelites used to create idols. No more! Take it off! The Egyptians wore jewelry to highlight their outrageous arrogance. The fine clothes is what the important people wear in the palace. People who live in sin will never be one of the King’s children and they will never be allowed in the King’s heavenly dwelling place. Of course, GOD desires for everyone to be saved and be one of His beloved children (1Timothy 2:4; 2Peter 3:9); however, before we will be acknowledged as a prince or princess in the palace, we must become humble and learn to live as servants. The moment of the Israelites taking off the jewelry and fine clothes was the beginning of their training to become true children of GOD.
[33:12-23] Moses said that if GOD looked favorably on him, then the Lord should share His ways so Moses could better understand His ways. But GOD did share His ways; however, Moses threw them down and shattered them (32:19). Moses said that unless the Lord personally went with him, it would be pointless to leave where he was at. Think: is it truly the promised land if GOD isn’t there? Is it worth getting your desire if GOD isn’t blessing it?
[33:20] Should the Bible be taken literally? It is written in this verse that no human being can see GOD and live. Skeptics say this verse contradicts 33:11, which says Moses saw GOD “face to face” (see also Genesis 32:30; Deuteronomy 5:4). However, some Bible passages are not meant to be taken literally. This expression “face to face” figuratively means that GOD spoke directly and openly with Moses (Numbers 12:8), not that GOD literally stood physically as if eyeball to eyeball with him. After all, the Father is Spirit and is therefore invisible (John 1:18; 1Timothy 1:17). The point being made in this verse is that no one can see GOD in His full essence while we are alive here on Earth in our physical bodies. But the skeptics should be congratulated for asking such an important question: should the Bible be taken literally? And if not, how could anyone possibly know what Scripture means if everyone can have a different interpretation?
A skeptic once wrote to me and quoted Exodus 21:20-21. He then told me he would be willing to continue to have a conversation with me and said, “But before we begin, I’d like to know if you agree with this statement: The Biblical authors meant what they wrote, and wrote what they meant. If you don’t agree with that, it will be too difficult to continue, as we should have some common ground to stand on.”
While I do agree that we should have some common ground to stand on, I believe that the common ground needs to be Truth (see notes for John 18:38). Did the biblical authors mean what they wrote and write what they meant? That is a great question! However, it’s the fallacy of false dilemma because this is not an either/or situation. This question tries to force an either yes or no answer; however, this question cannot be answered with a simple yes or no response. Truth is much more complex than a simple and compressed one-word response and the Truth deserves to be examined and fully explored. The authors wrote what they meant, but their meanings are often misconstrued by those who do not clearly see the Bible verse in its proper context with its chapter, the chapter in its proper context with the book, or the book in its proper context in the bigger picture of the entire Bible. We must remember that the Bible contains much figurative language, i.e., it includes figures of speech (e.g., simile, metaphor, hyperbole, parable, metonymy, synecdoche, etc.) — just like our own English language (e.g., “quit cold turkey,” “stretch my legs,” “died laughing”). But figurative language still communicates meaning that can be comprehended. Any diligent student [who seeks wisdom from GOD] can ascertain the original intent of the divinely-guided writers.
The Bible undoubtedly includes factual material, which is meant to be taken literally, such as the claim that John preached a baptism of repentance during the reign of Tiberius Caesar (Luke 3:1-3), or that Jesus experienced crucifixion (Mark 15). But the Bible also has poetic and metaphorical language not meant to be taken literally. For instance, Isaiah 52:10 says: “The Lord has bared his holy arm before the eyes of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.” The “arm” of the Lord does not refer to GOD’s physical arm and is not meant to be taken literally. Rather, it refers to His power against His enemies. If the Bible did not include figurative language, we would be required to believe that GOD has wings and feathers (Psalm 91:4), and that Jesus is made up of flour (John 6:35) and wood (John 10:9), yet is also a lamb (John 1:29,36). The Bible frequently uses a variety of literary means to express important truths. Everything the Bible affirms is literally true, but not true, literally. We cannot read the Bible in a wooden, “literal” way whenever it clearly uses figurative language.
There are at least two ways that the word literal is used. First, literal can mean interpreting language in a way that does not allow for any symbolism or figures of speech. If someone said, “I have traveled to the four corners of the earth,” a literalist in this sense would assume that the earth must be a flat, four-sided shape, and that I actually did travel to each corner of this geometric shape. Second, literal can mean interpreting language in the exact way it was intended by the author without unduly introducing symbolism or figurative language where it was never intended. Informed Christians recognize that the Bible is full of literary devices and figurative language such as metaphor, simile, metonymy, typology, allegory, personification, and so forth. So, did the biblical authors write what they meant and mean what they wrote? Well, we should read the Bible literally, as long as we agree on what literal means.
Let’s take a look at an example skeptics often use: Jesus was quoted as saying that if your eye causes you to sin, you should tear it out and throw it away (Matthew 5:29; 18:9; Mark 9:47).
Jesus did not literally tell us to pluck out our eye. How do I know this? We must examine what Jesus said in context and compare context to the big picture. Jesus was preaching a sermon to a crowd. Looking at Matthew 5:21-48, it is evident that Jesus is depicting how important it is to do what is righteous, and to be the best version of ourselves we can possibly be. Verse 48 ends by Jesus telling us that we should strive to be perfectly righteous. However, in Luke 18:18-27, the people who heard what Jesus demanded of everyone asked Him who could possibly be saved. Jesus responded by telling them that the things that are impossible with people are possible with GOD. How is that? Because Jesus knew that He was going to be the sacrifice that would bridge the gap between sin and salvation. In fact, the only reason Jesus was there was because humans were incapable of staying perfectly righteous and could not save themselves. In Romans 3:23, Paul asserts that everyone falls short of the glory of GOD; therefore, Jesus was absolutely necessary to redeem our inability to achieve the perfection that is required to be with GOD. Jesus knew our shortcomings and died for us out of love. Furthermore, Romans 6 explains that though we have been saved, we are still held accountable for what we do. We are to strive to live righteous lives. James 4:17 says that if we know what’s right to do yet don’t do it, it is a sin. And Hebrews 10:26 states that if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins. On many occasions, Jesus had forgiven sinners, but always told the person to go and sin no more.
The context is the core and key. Jesus doesn’t desire for people to self-mutilate; Jesus did not command that we tear out our eyes. How do we know this? The entire purpose for Christ’s crucifixion was to save us from ourselves. We are all saved by GOD’s grace and mercy, not by our works (Ephesians 2:8-9). Therefore, the act of cutting out an eye or cutting off a hand in an attempt to do right, the issue had not been settled within the heart and that person would still be endeavoring to be saved by works. Tearing out an eye is an act of works and cannot save us. Jesus was merely stating the importance of living a righteous life and how important it is for us to always try to do what is best and what is right. Jesus had only emphasized the importance of the issue. Think about it: if a pedophile cut out his right eye, wouldn’t his sinful and dirty desire still be in his heart and leak out from his left eye? Changing the exterior of a person will never alter the heart. For this is the same reason why Jesus said,
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which appear beautiful on the outside, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and every impurity. In the same way, on the outside you seem righteous to people, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.”
(Matthew 23:27-28) -HCSB
This is why hermeneutics and exegesis are important. This is why taking the initiative to investigate and ask clarifying questions is necessary. This is why context is the core and key. This is why grammatical historical method is necessary. And this is why rightly interpreting the Bible is imperative to accurate application.
Now let’s examine the Scripture the skeptic quoted in his letter to me. The guy chose to quote the NIV translation and so I’ll use that translation:
“Anyone who beats their male or female slave with a rod must be punished if the slave dies as a direct result, but they are not to be punished if the slave recovers after a day or two, since the slave is their property.”
(Exodus 21:20-21) -NIV
Of course, this passage seems awful and unloving out of context. But the Bible does not condone slavery any more than it condones polygamy or divorce (see notes for Genesis 4:19). The Bible documents what is unjust or unrighteous, but it does not condone, endorse, or otherwise promote evil activity. In many instances throughout the Bible, what is written is descriptive, not prescriptive. In this passage, it establishes humane limits for an already existing, evil system. The Bible does not endorse slavery (see notes for the book of Philemon). Slavery had long been a feature of human society. It was the way of life for everyone. The Israelites were always to remember that they themselves had been the victims of this practice for an extended time (Genesis 37:28,36; Exodus 1:8-14) as slaves in Egypt (Deuteronomy 5:15; 15:15; 16:12; 24:18,22). Accordingly, Israelite slave owners were to treat their slaves in a fair and charitable manner. They were to be given a day of rest every week (Exodus 20:10) and, as beings created in GOD’s image, were expected to attend religious festivals (Deuteronomy 12:12,18; 16:11). Israelites — who happened to be slaves themselves — were to be treated with special benevolence and to be released after six years (Exodus 21:2; Deuteronomy 15:12) or in the Year of the Jubilee (Leviticus 25:40-41), whichever came first. Female slaves who became wives to their owners or owner’s sons were to be treated with all the respect and rights of a regular wife (Exodus 21:8-11). When an Israelite’s term of slavery had ended, he was to be given a gift (Deuteronomy 15:13-14). If slaves were physically abused by their owners, they were to be granted immediate freedom (Exodus 21:26-27) and, unlike animals, the killing of a slave constituted a crime (Exodus 21:20). In an ancient time when slavery was the thing to do, GOD tried to teach the Israelites a better and more loving way of handling day-to-day life. GOD initiated change slowly from the Old Testament times, to the New Testament times, up to this present day, in order to help humans integrate the absolute moral standard in such a way as to achieve that goal. Any deep sea diver will testify to the fact that immediate change of pressure creates too much shock and that is why they must rise to the surface slowly. Likewise, the Israelites lived as slaves under Pharaoh’s rule for a long time and that lifestyle was all they knew. Thus, GOD had to provide them with boundaries, which were the bare minimum of acceptable behaviors.
Does the Bible teach that people should retaliate or that they should “turn the other cheek” (see Matthew 5:38-39; Luke 6:27-29)? In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus contrasted a popular interpretation of the law of Moses with His own teachings. In doing this He was not saying that Old Testament law was wrong, only that His adversaries’ way of applying it to situations was wrong; they had missed its true intent by emphasizing the letter of the law. The “eye for eye, tooth for tooth” passage did not require people to pay someone back for a wrong done to them. Its purpose was to establish limits for retaliation. The most one could do in response to knocking out a tooth was to knock out the other person’s tooth; a person could not be killed for injuring someone’s eye. As Jesus pointed out, a person who was wronged by another could choose not to retaliate for what had been done to him. Often such a response would be the best way to deal with the problem. In every case, turning the other cheek should be the first option considered.
So, should the Bible be taken literally? Yes and no. The Bible is true, but Truth is complex and requires dedication to investigation. The Bible cannot err, since it is GOD’s Word, and GOD cannot err. This does not mean there are no difficulties in the Bible. But the difficulties are not due to GOD’s perfect revelation being imperfect, but to our imperfect understanding of His perfection. The history of Bible criticism reveals that the Bible has no errors, but the critics do. Are there perceived contradictions in the Bible? Yes. Are there actual contradictions? No.
The truth is that the skeptics who deny the authority of GOD’s Word have arrived at their conclusion by presupposing the non-existence of GOD. I will be so bold as to say that all of those who deny GOD have done so because of pride — they do not want to align themselves with the absolute moral standard (see notes for Deuteronomy 27:10) and desire to be their own gods. But there is only one GOD (Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 45:22-24; Psalm 100:3) and Jesus is the only way to salvation (John 14:6). Does this make me narrow-minded (see notes for Luke 13:24)?
[33:20] Is the Bible full of contradictions? One of the most often used arguments by those who don’t believe in GOD is that “the Bible is full of contradictions” and “riddled with errors.” If true, this would suggest it is not inspired by GOD and thus a “human concoction of crap,” as many unbelievers have suggested. And though many claim there are multiple contradictions in the Bible, every critic who has ever claimed contradiction has failed to provide an example of a true contradiction whenever I asked that person to provide an example. So, is the Bible riddled with contradictions?
A writer is guilty of a true contradiction when two facts are affirmed that can’t both possibly be true at the same time and in the same manner. Multiple things must be considered before charging the author of a true contradiction. For example, it would seemingly be a contradiction to say, “the apple is red and the apple is not red,” but what if the author was referring to two different apples and didn’t bother spelling out that fact? Or perhaps the author had referred first to the skin and then to the pulp. Or maybe the author described the apple over a span of time, from when it was ripe and red to when it was rotted and brown. One must acquire a lot of information before concluding that a true contradiction is present, and writers often don’t supply more-than-necessary details. Authors should be considered innocent until proven guilty. Those who claim the Bible contains contradictions must prove the statements in question could not be resolved by additional information. Are there difficulties in the Bible? Yes. Are there perceived contradictions? Yes. Are there actual contradictions? No. The problem comes from the person reading GOD’s Word, not the Word itself; the mistakes are not in the revelation of GOD, but are in the misinterpretations of man.
“If we are perplexed by any apparent contradiction in Scripture, it is not allowable to say, the author of this book is mistaken; but either the manuscript is faulty, or the translation is wrong, or you have not understood.”
~St. Augustine
The Bible is without mistake, but the critics are not. All their allegations of error in the Bible are based on some error of their own. Consider all that follows:
What Is Pretext?
Perhaps the most common mistake of critics is to take a text out of its proper context. As the adage goes, “A text out of context is a pretext.” Without proper context, one can justify anything that person desires to believe regardless of whether it is true or not. The Bible says “there is no God” (Psalm 14:1). However, the context is key. That verse actually states that “the fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God’ ” (Psalm 14:1). And if we fail to recognize the proper context of a passage, then Jesus’ command for us to give to anyone who asks of us (Matthew 5:42) can be understood as an obligation to give a loaded gun to a small child simply because that child asked for it. Prior to jumping to conclusions about the truth of the Bible, one must first dedicate him/herself to sufficient research in regards to the books contained within the Bible, the paragraphs contained within the books, the verses contained within the paragraphs, and each word contained within the verse. Every word matters. And context is key. Even an entire book within the Bible must be placed in proper context within the entire story of the Bible. It is unwise to jump to a conclusion about a news article based on its subject title; likewise, it is unwise to jump to a conclusion about the Bible based on one book, let alone a single verse or word.
Is There A Significant Difference In Literary Devices?
Human language is not limited to one mode of expression. So, there is no reason to suppose that only one literary genre was used in a divinely inspired Book. The Bible reveals a number of literary devices. Whole books are written as poetry (e.g., Job, Psalms, Proverbs). The Synoptic Gospels feature parables. In Galatians 4, Paul utilizes an allegory. The New Testament abounds with metaphors (see 2Corinthians 3:2-3; James 3:6), similes (see Matthew 20:1; James 1:6), hyperbole (see John 21:25; 2Corinthians 3:2; Colossians 1:23), and even poetic figures (see Job 41:1). Jesus employed satire (see Matthew 19:24; 23:24). Figures of speech are common throughout the Bible. It is not a mistake for a biblical writer to use a figure of speech, but it is a mistake for a reader to take a figure of speech literally. Obviously when the Bible speaks of the believer resting under the shadow of GOD’s “wings” (see Psalm 36:7), it does not mean that GOD is a feathered bird. When the Bible says GOD “awakes” (see Psalm 44:23), as though He were sleeping, it means GOD is roused to action. It is wise to understand how to read the Bible.
Is The Unexplained Unexplainable?
No informed person would claim to be able to fully explain all Bible difficulties. However, it is a mistake for the critic to assume, therefore, that what has not yet been explained will never be explained. In science, the unexplained is a challenge or difficulty, but the scientist doesn’t give up and state that it will never be explained. The same is true in regards to the Bible. Patience and persistence pays off. Why would someone continue to pursue an answer if that person assumed there isn’t one to be found? If you recall, critics once believed that the Bible was wrong in speaking of the Hittite people, since they were totally unknown to historians. Now, all historians know of their existence by way of their library that was found in Turkey. Many perceived contradictions or errors in the Bible are due to ignorance (lack of knowledge). And if critics are to state that the unexplained is unexplainable then they must use the same standard for science and everything else in life. But is that reasonable? No. For what is currently unknown can be known in the future.
Guilty Until Proven Innocent?
Many critics assume the Bible is wrong until something proves it to be right. However, like an American citizen charged with an offense, the Bible should be presumed ‘innocent’ until proven guilty. This demand is not a special privilege for the Bible; rather, it is the way we handle all human communications in alignment with justice. Think about it. Would you assume that road signs and traffic signals were wrong until proven true? Supposing you managed to escape death, you would later discover that they were posted for your benefit. Would you assume that warning labels are wrong until proven right? After all, warning labels were written for your benefit. But if you decide that it was only written to restrict your fun or pleasure and to possess control over you, you can drink that poison. What if we assume all restroom signs are wrong? (Many people do, but that topic can be discussed in my other article: Transgender debate.) How do we handle court cases in our legal system? A person is innocent until proven guilty. That’s how it works. And for good reason. Is it reasonable to presume the Bible is guilty of contradictions and errors without allowing sufficient time to present crucial evidence of the contrary? No. The person who assumes the Bible is wrong before allowing sufficient time to explain the unexplainable is a hypocrite.
Do Fallible Interpretations From Finite People Determine The Infinite GOD’s Infallible Revelation?
Jesus affirmed that the “Scripture cannot be broken” (John 10:35). As an infallible book, the Bible is also irrevocable (Deuteronomy 4:2; 12:32; Revelation 22:18-19). Jesus said that until Heaven and Earth disappear, not even the smallest letter or the least stroke of a pen will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished (Matthew 5:18; see also Luke 16:17). Jesus used GOD’s Word to resist the tempter (Matthew 4:4,7,10), to settle doctrinal disputes (Matthew 21:42), and to vindicate His authority (Mark 11:17). Sometimes a biblical teaching rests on a small historical detail (Hebrews 7:4-10), a word or phrase (Acts 15:13-17), or even the difference between the singular and the plural (Galatians 3:16). But, while the Bible is infallible, human interpretations are not. The Bible cannot be mistaken, but we can be mistaken about the Bible. The meaning of the Bible does not change, but our understanding of its meaning does. It is a mistake to assume that a current prevailing view is absolutely true. Remember that previous prevailing views in science are now considered wrong by current scientists. Do you not recall Dr. Ignaz Semmelweis of 1846 A.D.? The prevailing view in that day was that it didn’t matter if a doctor or surgeon had washed his hands prior to coming into contact with the patient. In fact, people turned on Dr. Semmelweis and he lost his job by telling the truth. Can you think of any other incidents when the previous prevailing views by humans were later recognized as being wrong? Slavery? Even though it had been considered right at the time, it was still wrong in Truth. And even though pornography, gay marriage and abortion are considered right and/or acceptable today, they are still wrong in Truth. Popular opinion does not equate to Truth. So, contradictions between popular opinions in science and widely accepted interpretations of the Bible can be expected. But this falls short of proving that there is a real contradiction between GOD’s World and GOD’s Word, between GOD’s general revelation and His special revelation. In this basic sense, science and Scripture are not contradictory. Only finite, fallible human opinions about each can be contradictory.
Can The Bible Help Interpret The Bible?
Some passages of Scripture are difficult to understand. Sometimes the difficulty is due to obscurity. At other times, the difficulty is due to a perceived contradiction. For example, James appears to be saying that salvation is by works (James 2:14-26), whereas Paul clearly taught that it was by grace (Romans 4:5; Titus 3:5-7; Ephesians 2:8-9). In this case, James should not be construed so as to contradict Paul. Paul is speaking about justification before GOD (which is by faith alone), whereas James is referring to justification before men (who cannot see our faith, but only our works). So, when Paul said to work out your salvation (Philippians 2:12), it means we are to work salvation out because GOD’s grace has worked it in our hearts (Philippians 2:13). In proper context, the entire book of James can be understood to mean that genuine faith produces good works because a good tree always produces good fruit (Matthew 3:7-12; 7:15-20; 12:33-37), meaning that a genuine Christian will desire to do GOD’s will and produce good works out of the love from the heart.
Where Is The Problem In Perspicuity?
Some passages in the Bible are difficult because their meanings are obscure. This is usually because a key word in the text is used only once (or rarely), and so it is difficult to know what the author is saying, unless it can be inferred from the context. For example, one of the best known passages in the Bible contains a word that appears nowhere else in all existing Greek literature up to the time the New Testament was written. This word appears in what is popularly known as the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:11). It is usually translated, “Give us this day our daily bread.” The word in question is the one translated “daily” – epiousion. Experts in Greek still have not come to any agreement either on its origin, or on its precise meaning. Different commentators try to establish links with Greek words that are well-known, and many suggestions have been proposed as to the resulting meaning. Each one is a possibility based on the limited information that is available. Among these are:
- Give us this day our continuous bread.
- Give us this day our supersubstantial (indicating supernatural, from Heaven) bread.
- Give us this day bread for our sustenance.
- Give us this day our daily (or, what we need for today) bread.
At other times, the words may be clear but the meaning is not evident because we are not sure to what they refer. This is true in 1Corinthians 15:29 where Paul speaks of those who were “baptized for the dead.” Is he referring to the baptizing of live representatives to ensure salvation for dead believers who were not baptized (as Mormons claim)? Or, is he referring to others being baptized into the church to fill the ranks of those who have passed on? Or, is he referring to a believer being baptized “for” (i.e., “with a view to”) his own death and burial with Christ? Or, to something else? When we are not absolutely certain, then several things should be kept in mind. First, we should not build a doctrine on an obscure passage. The rule of thumb in Bible interpretation is “the main things are the plain things, and the plain things are the main things.” This is called the perspicuity (clearness or clarity) of Scripture. If something is important, it will be clearly taught in Scripture and probably in more than one place. Second, when a given passage is not clear, we should never conclude that it means something that is opposed to another plain teaching of Scripture. GOD does not make mistakes in His Word; we make mistakes in trying to understand it.
Is It Unreasonable To Expect Human Characteristics?
With the exception of small sections, like the Ten Commandments which were “written with the finger of GOD” (Exodus 31:18), the Bible was not verbally dictated. The human composers employed their own literary styles and idiosyncrasies. These human authors sometimes even used human sources for their material (Joshua 10:13; Acts 17:28; 1Corinthians 15:33; Titus 1:12). In fact, every book of the Bible is the composition of a human writer – about 40 authors in all. The Bible also manifests different human literary styles, from the mournful meter of Lamentations to the exalted poetry of Isaiah; from the simple grammar of John to the complex Greek of the book of Hebrews. Scripture also manifests human perspectives. David’s Psalm 23 was from a shepherd’s perspective. The book of Kings was written from a prophetic vantage point, and Chronicles from a priestly point of view. Acts manifests a historical interest and 2Timothy has a pastor’s heart. Writers speak from an observer’s standpoint when they write of the sun rising or setting (Joshua 1:15). They also reveal human thought patterns, including memory lapses (1Corinthians 1:14-16), as well as human emotions (Galatians 4:14). The Bible discloses specific human interests such as Luke’s medical concern or James’ love of nature. But like Christ, the Bible is fully human yet without error. Forgetting the humanity of Scripture can lead to falsely impugning its integrity by expecting a level of expression higher than that which is customary to a human document. This only becomes clearer and more obvious when placed in proper context with all other mistakes that critics make regarding the Bible. A loving GOD who creates each person uniquely doesn’t desire each person to be the same (1Corinthians 12:27-30). We are not robots; therefore, it is reasonable to expect human characteristics in the Bible.
Is A Partial Or Divergent Report A False Report?
Critics often jump to the conclusion that something not mentioned is an unspoken truth or contradiction to something else that was mentioned. Different human personalities produce different perspectives. The Four Gospels relate the same story in different ways to different groups of people, and sometimes even quote the same saying with different words. Consider the following example:
Matthew 16:16: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God”
Mark 8:29: “You are the Christ”
Luke 9:20: “The Christ of God”
Even the Ten Commandments – which were “written with the finger of GOD” (Deuteronomy 9:10) – are stated with variations the second time GOD gave them (Exodus 20:8-11; Deuteronomy 5:12-15). There are many differences between the books of Kings and Chronicles in their descriptions of identical events, yet they harbor no contradiction in the events they narrate. Another great example is the eyewitness accounts of the angels at the empty tomb. In Matthew 28:5, only one angel is described yet in John 20:12, two angels were described. Even modern homicide detectives don’t interrogate completely inerrant eyewitness. Witnesses typically fail to completely agree on the details of a crime. Eyewitness reliability isn’t dependent upon perfection, but is instead established on the basis of whether or not the witnesses were actually present during the event, the story can be corroborated, if the witnesses sustain consistency and accuracy during cross-examinations, and whether any bias exists. The differences in the accounts actually help the case of establishing the disciples as credible witnesses. Matthew may have stated that there was one angel, but he did not say there was only one angel. John stated there was two angels. And wherever there are two there is always one. Matthew probably focused on the one angel who spoke. John referred to how many angels he saw. The details matter. Think about it. If two witnesses were to describe the Zodiac killer and one stated that the Zodiac had a gun in his hand and the other witness stated that the Zodiac had a rope in his hand, those statements could both be partial statements. Perhaps the Zodiac had a gun in one hand and a rope in the other. One witness could have been focused on the gun due to fear of dying. One witness could have had been focused on the rope due to fear of being tied up and raped. And what if people off in the distance both gave different descriptions? One saying that he heard a gunshot and another saying he saw taillights of a car leaving a location. The former was focused on what had been heard and the latter had been focused on what had been seen. A partial or divergent report does not equate to a false report.
Do New Testament Citations of the Old Testament Have To Be Exact?
Critics often point to variations in the New Testament use of Old Testament Scriptures as a proof of error. They forget that every citation need not be an exact quotation. In regards to quotations, we sometimes use indirect and sometimes use direct. It was then (and is today) perfectly acceptable literary style to give the essence of a statement without using precisely the same words. Many people paraphrase what they heard rather than reciting it verbatim. The same meaning can be conveyed without using the same verbal expressions. Variations in the New Testament citations of the Old Testament fall into different categories. Sometimes they are because there is a change of speaker. For example, Zechariah 12:10 records the Lord as saying, “they will look on me whom they have pierced”. When this is cited in the New Testament, John, not GOD, is speaking. So, it is changed to “They shall look on him whom they pierced” (John 19:37). At other times, writers cite only part of the Old Testament text. Jesus did this at His home synagogue in Nazareth (see Luke 4:18-19 citing Isaiah 61:1-2). In fact, He stopped in the middle of a sentence. Had He gone any farther, He could not have made His central point from the text, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (vs. 21). The very next phrase, “And the day of vengeance of our God,” (see Isaiah 61:1-2) refers to His second coming. Sometimes the New Testament paraphrases or summarizes the Old Testament text (see Matthew 2:6). Others blend two texts into one (see Matthew 27:9-10). Occasionally a general truth is mentioned, without citing a specific text. For example, Matthew said Jesus moved to Nazareth “that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene” (Matthew 2:23). Notice, Matthew quotes no given prophet, but rather “prophet” in general. Several texts speak of the Messiah’s lowliness. To be from Nazareth, a Nazarene, was a byword for low status in Israel of Jesus’ day.
Is Recording An Incident The Same As Approving Of That Incident?
It is a mistake to assume that everything contained in the Bible is commended by the Bible. The whole Bible is true (see John 17:17), but it records some lies, for example, Satan’s (see Genesis 3:4; John 8:44) and Rahab’s (see Joshua 2:4). Inspiration encompasses the Bible fully in the sense that it records accurately and truthfully even the lies and errors of sinful beings. The truth of Scripture is found in what the Bible reveals, not in everything it records. Unless this distinction is held, it may be incorrectly concluded that the Bible teaches immorality because it narrates David’s sin (see 2Samuel 11:4), that it promotes polygamy because it records Solomon’s hundreds of wives (see 1Kings 11:3), or that it affirms atheism because it quotes the fool as saying “there is no God” (Psalm 14:1).
Should Ancient Writers Be Held To Modern Standards?
To be true, something does not have to use scholarly, technical, or so-called “scientific” language. The Bible is written for the common person of every generation, and it therefore uses common, everyday language. The use of observational, nonscientific language is not unscientific, it is merely prescientific. The Scriptures were written in ancient times by ancient standards, and it would be anachronistic to superimpose modern scientific standards upon them. However, it is no more unscientific to speak of the sun standing still (see Joshua 10:12) than to refer to the sun “rising” (see Joshua 1:16). Meteorologists still refer to the times of “sunrise” and “sunset.”
Is The Use Of Round Numbers A False Report?
Like ordinary speech, the Bible uses round numbers (see Joshua 3:4; 4:13). It refers to the diameter as being about one-third of the circumference of something (see 1Chronicles 19:18; 21:5). While this technically is only an approximation, it may be imprecise from the standpoint of a technological society to speak of pi (which has an infinite number of digits in its decimal representation) as “3.14,” but it is not incorrect. It is sufficient for a “cast metal sea” (see 2Chronicles 4:2) in an ancient Hebrew temple, even though it would not suffice for a computer in a modern rocket. One should not expect to see actors referring to a wristwatch in a Shakespearean play, nor people in a prescientific age to use precise numbers. Even modern people use round numbers. When the time is 3:57pm, many people will say it is “Four o’clock.”
Shall We Seek The Source?
Genuine mistakes have been found in copies of Bible text made hundreds of years after the autographs. GOD only uttered the original text of Scripture, not the copies. Therefore, only the original text is without error. Inspiration does not guarantee that every copy is without error, especially in copies made from copies made from copies made from copies. For example, the King James Version (KJV) of 2Kings 8:26 gives the age of King Ahaziah as 22, whereas 2Chronicles 22:2 says 42. The later number cannot be correct, or he would have been older than his father. This is obviously a copyist error, but it does not alter the inerrancy of the original. First, these are errors in the copies, not the originals. Second, they are minor errors (often in names or numbers) which do not affect any essential doctrine. Third, these copyist errors are relatively few in number. Fourth, usually by the context, or by another Scripture, we know which is in error. For example, Ahaziah must have been 22. Finally, though there is a copyist error, the entire message comes through. For example, if you received a letter with the following statement, would you assume you could collect some money?
“#OU HAVE WON $20 MILLION.”
Even though there is a mistake in the first word, the entire message comes through -you are 20 million dollars richer! And if you received another letter the next day that read like this, you would be even more certain:
“Y#U HAVE WON $20 MILLION.”
The more mistakes of this kind there are (each in a different place), the more certain you are of the original message. This is why scribal mistakes in the biblical manuscripts do not affect the basic message of the Bible.
Are General Statements Universal Statements?
Like other literature, the Bible often uses generalizations. The book of Proverbs has many of these. Proverbial sayings, by their very nature, offer general guidance, not universal assurance. They are rules for life, but rules that admit of exceptions. Proverbs 16:7 affirms that “when a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.” This obviously was not intended to be a universal truth. Paul was pleasing to the Lord and his enemies stoned him (Acts 14:19). Jesus was pleasing the Father, and his enemies crucified Him. Nonetheless, it is a general truth that one who acts in a way pleasing to GOD can minimize his enemies’ antagonism. Proverbs are wisdom (general guides), not law (universally binding imperatives). When the Bible declares “You shall be holy, for I am holy” (Leviticus 11:45), then there are no exceptions. Holiness, goodness, love, truth, and justice are rooted in the very nature of an unchanging GOD. But wisdom literature applies GOD’s universal truths to life’s changing circumstances. The results will not always be the same. Nonetheless, they are helpful guides.
Is Progressive Revelation A Contradiction?
Sometimes critics do not recognize progressive revelation. GOD does not reveal everything all at once, nor does He lay down the same conditions for every period of history. Some of His later revelations will supersede his earlier statements. Bible critics sometimes confuse a change in revelation with a mistake. That a parent allows a very small child to eat with his fingers but demands that an older child use a fork and spoon, is not a contradiction. This is progressive revelation, with each command suited to the circumstance. There was a time when GOD tested the human race by forbidding them to eat of a specific tree in the Garden of Eden (see Genesis 2:16-17). This command is no longer in effect, but the later revelation does not contradict this former revelation. Also, there was a period (under the Mosaic Law) when GOD commanded that animals be sacrificed for people’s sins. However, since Christ offered the perfect sacrifice for sin (see Hebrews 10:11-14), this Old Testament command is no longer in effect. There is no contradiction between the later and the former commands. Of course, GOD cannot change commands that have to do with His unchangeable nature (see Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 6:18). For example, since GOD is love (see 1John 4:8,16), He cannot command that we hate Him. Nor can He command what is logically impossible, for example, to both offer and not offer a sacrifice for sin at the same time and in the same sense. But these moral and logical limits notwithstanding, GOD can and has given noncontradictory, progressive revelations which, if taken out of its proper context and juxtaposed, can seem contradictory. This is as much a mistake as to assume a parent is self-contradictory for allowing a 16-year-old to stay up later at night than a 6-year-old.
Conclusion:
GOD cannot err.
The Bible is the Word of GOD.
Therefore, the Bible cannot err.
GOD Cannot Err:
It is impossible for GOD to lie (Hebrews 6:18). Paul spoke of the GOD who cannot lie (Titus 1:2). GOD is faithful even if humans are faithless and GOD does not deny Himself (2Timothy 2:13). GOD is Truth (John 14:6) and so is His Word. Jesus affirmed the Word as Truth (John 17:17).
The Bible is the Word of GOD:
Jesus referred to the Old Testament as the “Word of GOD” which “cannot be broken” (John 10:35). Jesus said that until Heaven and Earth disappear, not even the smallest letter or the least stroke of a pen will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished (Matthew 5:18). Paul added that all Scripture is GOD-breathed (2Timothy 3:16). Scripture came from the ‘mouth’ of GOD (Matthew 4:4). Although human authors recorded the messages, prophecies never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from GOD as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit (2Peter 1:20). The phrase “it is written” occurs over 90 times in the New Testament and is a strong indication of the divine authority of the written Word of GOD. The Word of GOD is alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, and it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).
The Bible Cannot Err:
This is the logical conclusion of the valid syllogism. The GOD of Truth gave us the Word of Truth and it does not contain any untruth in it. The Bible is the unerring Word of GOD.
Summary:
All difficulties in the Bible can be explained with critical thinking. Also, all textual variants have been clearly notated in the margins and/or footnotes of our Bibles; none of them are hidden nor does any true Christian desire to hide them. The Bible is not only open to scrutiny, but it can stand under it. The Bible has withstood the criticisms of the greatest skeptics, agnostics, and atheists for centuries, and it is still able to withstand the feeble efforts of unbelieving critics today. The Bible does not contain any errors or true contradictions, only perceived contradictions.
“Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, ‘He catches the wise in their craftiness,’ and again, ‘The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.’ So let no one boast in men.”
(1Corinthians 3:18-21) -ESV
[34:1-35] The Lord instructed Moses to chisel out two stone slabs like the originals. Why? The answer is at the end of that same verse: Moses was the one who smashed the originals; consequently, Moses now must be the one to do the work to recreate them. Moses had also asked to see GOD’s glorious presence (33:18), and 34:6-7 was GOD’s response. So, what is GOD’s glory? It is His character, nature, will, and way of relating to His creation. Notice that GOD did not give Moses a vision of His power and majesty, but rather a description of His unfailing love and unchanging Holiness. By experiencing compassion, mercy, love, and forgiveness, you are shown GOD’s presence. Likewise, when you recognize evil and wrong due to the realization of the absolute moral standard (see notes for Deuteronomy 27:10), you also are shown GOD’s presence. GOD is both merciful and just. We can respond and give glory to GOD when our characters accurately reflect His own. Who or what do you reflect (see notes for Proverbs 27:19)?
The Lord instructed Moses and the people (and us in this present day) to listen carefully to everything GOD commands. The Lord then told them to be careful not to mix things up with other people in the places they’ll be going, otherwise they will accept and integrate the evil practices those people do, contaminate themselves, and cancel out the covenant with GOD. GOD is adamant about commitment; it is written that GOD is jealous (see notes for Genesis 37). GOD wants us and doesn’t want Satan to have us. GOD even warned the Israelites that they will receive invitations to join the evil ways (34:15) and then uttered prophecy that the people will indulge (34:16). What about you? What does your commitment to the Lord look like?
In 34:20, it is written that no one may appear before the Lord without an offering. And it is written in 34:26 that we should bring our best. Are you bringing your best to GOD?
In 34:28, it is written that Moses remained on the mountain for 40 days/nights and yet he ate no bread and drank no water. How is this possible? It is also written that the Lord is the Bread of Life and anyone who comes to Him won’t be hungry because the Word is the Bread; in addition, all who come to the Lord and drink the Living Water will never thirst (John 4:13-14; 6:27,33,35,47-51; Revelation 22:1-5,17). Moses had food that no one knew he had just as Jesus had food no one knew He had (John 4:31-34).
In 34:29, it is written that Moses’ face had become radiant because he had spoken to the Lord. Think: Moses became radiant because he spent time with the Lord. The people could clearly see GOD’s presence in him. Do you shine the light of the Lord? Do you spend enough time with GOD? How often do you spend time alone with GOD? Though your face may not literally shine like a lighthouse, your spirit should shine like a lantern in the dark. Time spent in prayer, reading the Bible, and applying GOD’s Word to your life should cause you to shine so that those in the darkness can see that you are connected with the Light. Do others see the Light radiating from you? Jesus told us that we are lights in the world and that we should be shining for all to see (Matthew 5:14-16).
[35:1-35] Think: in the offerings for the Tabernacle, the Lord said to let those with generous hearts present the gifts. How much of everything that was offered had been given to them by the Egyptians (3:22; 12:35-36)? Understand this: we are merely stewards of all we’ve been allowed to possess. GOD gives us everything — including the very body you’re in and the air you breathe. Yet GOD only asked those who were willing to give to participate. Why? Because GOD loves people who give willingly and cheerfully (2Corinthians 9:7). Our giving should be from love and generosity, not out of obligation due to a guilty conscience. Review what GOD has done for you. Has He blessed you with enough to meet your daily needs? Thank Him for what you have and then consider giving so that others’ needs can also be met. Learn the joy of giving. The Lord has told us it is better to give than to receive (Acts 20:35).
Everyone who had been gifted was called to use their gifts for the purposes for which they had been gifted. Are you using your gifts for the right purposes? Every one of GOD’s people has been given his/her own gifting. We are responsible to develop these abilities — even the ones not considered religious — and to use them for GOD’s glory and to love others. And giving can be of your skills too, not just your finances. A cheerful giver can also volunteer his/her time. So, let’s find needs and fill those needs. Let’s find problems and seek solutions. If you know of a need, ask how you can help. And remember: good workers take pride in the quality and beauty of their work because they know they are doing it for the Lord (Colossians 3:17,22-24).
[36:1-38] Take notice of the theme of unity throughout this entire chapter. The people joined together as one in order to accomplish the goal. Moreover, the five curtains were joined together to make one long curtain (36:10, 16-18) and the Tabernacle was made of one continuous piece (36:13). This is the picture of unity, just like the image of the church coming together in a covenant marriage with Christ — two become one (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4-6; Ephesians 5:22-33).
[37:1-29] Following the theme of “becoming one,” we now see in this chapter that the theme is “purity.” Holiness is pure and that’s why the Ark of the Covenant, Table of Presence, Lampstand, and Incense Altar needed to possess purity (37:2, 6, 11, 16-17, 22-24, 26). Ponder on purity: it is written in Matthew 5:8 that those whose thoughts are pure are blessed and they will see GOD. It is written in Proverbs 25:4 that if we remove impurities from the silver, the silversmith can craft a fine chalice.
Purity is commendable. What person commends another for his/her lack of purity? What element is desired to be impure? It should be our goal to remove impurities. Silver (or gold or diamonds for that matter), would not be as valuable or desirable as they are without the process that removes impurities. Why? Purity is beautiful. Isn’t a diamond desired when it meets the four C’s during inspection? The inspector examines the diamond for Cut, Clarity, Color, and Carat.
Ponder on this: pure silver has the highest electrical and thermal conductivity of all metals. That means that the conductivity is reliable. People desire to use pure silver on circuit boards when they need the circuit board to work right the first time and every time. Remove impurities from your life so you can be conducive to GOD’s will for your life and the lives of others. To be as pure as possible, we need only to be in alignment with GOD’s will, which can be discerned by knowing GOD’s Word. The better you are aligned with GOD’s will, the more pure you become; therefore, your conductivity grows greater and greater. Those who follow GOD’s Word are better equipped to receive GOD’s directions; those who are better equipped to receive GOD’s directions are less likely to get lost.
It is written in Ecclesiastes 10:1 that dead flies in perfume make it stink, and a little foolishness decomposes much wisdom. The bad contaminates what is good. A person desires his/her drinking water to be pure, right? Would you purchase purified water and then pour dirt in it right before you drink it? Would you put moldy bread in with fresh baked bread? Good and bad don’t belong together. Good that is surrounded by bad stands a great chance of becoming bad. Picture purified water as the good in your life. Now picture just a single drop of food coloring as something that is bad. If you were to drip food coloring into purified water, that food coloring would spread and soon the water would no longer be clear. The bad contaminates the good. Did you know that GOD calls your sex life to be pure as well? Are you filling your body with contaminates? Are you filling your mind with impure thoughts? Is your house infested with mold? What impurities do you need to remove from your life today? Purity matters (Leviticus 20:7-8; Ezekiel 44:23; 1Corinthians 6:18-19; 2Corinthians 6: 14-16; 1Thessalonians 4:3-7).
[37:17-24] Examine the lampstand: the lampstand had six branches going out from the center stem. If we don’t extend from the Center (the Source, the Head), we have no light. And of course, Jesus is the Center! Jesus is the Head! Jesus said that He is the Light of the world (John 8:12) and that He will be the Light of the world until He departs (John 9:5). But Jesus knew He was going to ascend into Heaven and that’s why He told us that we are to be the light of the world (Matthew 5:14-16).
[38:1 – 39:31] The theme of these two chapters is precision. Do exactly as GOD commands and all will turn out the way it should. GOD was keenly interested in every minute part. The Creator of the universe was concerned about even the little things. It is written in Matthew 10:30 that GOD knows the number of hairs on our heads. The demand for details might seem a little overwhelming, but have you ever worked for a boss who seems distant and doesn’t care? GOD likes everything to be right.
[39:32-43] The entire Tabernacle was brought to Moses for final inspection. Great leaders, like Moses, give plans and direction while letting others participate on the team. If you are a leader, trust your assistants with key responsibilities. A good leader also follows up on assigned tasks and gives rewards for good work (Matthew 25:23; Luke 19:17). In whatever responsible position you find yourself, follow up to make sure that tasks are completed as intended, and show your appreciation to the people who have helped.
[39:37] The olive oil is listed in the necessary items for the lampstand. This is a lesson on preparation. It is written in Matthew 25:1-13 that we need to be prepared and be ready for Jesus’ return. Those who are not prepared are like people without oil for their lamps. A fool lacks light because a fool is without GOD (Psalm 14:1).
[40:1-38] After the Tabernacle was completed, Israel celebrated with a huge dedication ceremony follow by the observance of Passover. This was the second Passover, one year after their exodus from Egypt. A lot happened in a year. The Israelites dedicated their firstborns, crossed the Red Sea, complained in the wilderness, ate miraculous manna and quail, got water from a rock, defeated the Amalekites in battle, given commandments, received the covenant, dedicated the priesthood, received instructions for the Sabbath, indulged in pagan revelry, witnessed 3,000 die, and finally completed construction of the Tabernacle.
The Tabernacle was completed just in time for the people to stop working so they could focus on the Passover and remember how GOD saved them from bondage. But the construction of the Tabernacle was not easy. The physical care of the Tabernacle required a long list of tasks, and each was important to the work of GOD’s house. This principle is important to remember in this present day when GOD’s house is our church building. There are many seemingly unimportant tasks that must be done to keep your church building maintained: sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, wiping areas with disinfectant, painting walls, etc. None of those tasks seem spiritual; however, they are vital to the ministry of the church and are an important part of our worship to GOD. It’s easier for us in this present time — we typically have a stationary church building. However, the Israelites had to set up and tear down every time they kept traveling. Think about how much work/effort it took to continually set up and tear down. That’s how much the people wanted to have GOD’s presence! What do you do for the church? What can you do? How can you find ways to volunteer?
The Lord’s glory filled the Tabernacle. It is written in 40:37 that if the cloud did not rise and move, the Israelites remained where they were until it lifted. Think: if GOD isn’t going to be there, why go? But if GOD’s presence is where you are, then you are exactly where you need to be.
The Tabernacle was GOD’s ‘home’ on Earth. He filled it with His glory — the overpowering sense of His presence. Almost 500 years later, Solomon built the Temple, which replaced the Tabernacle as the central place of worship. GOD also filled the Temple with His glory (2Chronicles 5:13-14). But when Israel turned away from GOD, His glory and presence departed from the Temple, and the Temple was destroyed by invading armies (2Kings 25). The Temple was rebuilt in B.C. 515, and GOD’s glory returned in even greater splendor nearly five centuries later when Jesus entered it and taught. When Jesus was crucified, GOD’s glory again left the Temple. But GOD no longer needed the people to have His presence in a physical building after Jesus resurrected. GOD’s temple now is his church, which is the body of believers (John 1:14; 1Corinthians 6:19).
Exodus began in gloom and ended in glory. This parallels our progress through the Christian life.
Quest For Truth 