EXODUS

The following comments are from Navigator's and Quiet Time Diary journals. One verse will be entered, then the comment, then the date.

1:11    So they [Egyptian leaders] appointed taskmasters over them to afflict them with hard labor. And they built for Pharaoh storage cities, Pithom and Raamses.

    After a few hundred years, the Egyptians forgot why the Israelites were there (v. 8) and thought they could threaten the governmental power (v. 9-10), so they created what we would call a work program. As this book will show, God had different plans - but it took time to implement.
    When I see the years involved in this plan, I still have hope that He can use me at the rate (slow) that things change in my life. (DRM 5/11/08)

1:22    Then Pharaoh commanded all his people, saying, "Every son who is born you are to cast into the Nile, and every daughter you are to keep alive."

    This seems like early population control. The Pharaoh kept thinking of ways to reduce the growth of the Israeli nation, bud it still kept growing. The movie "The Ten Commandments" seems to indicate only Moses was put in the Nile, but the Bible, in this verse, shows that all were supposed to follow this command. (DRM 5/12/08)

2:7    Then his [Moses] sister said to Pharaoh's daughter, "Shall I go and call a nurse for you from the Hebrew women that she may nurse the child for you?"

    This is another part not in the movie. As shown here, Moses sister talked to Pharaoh's daughter and obtained their mother to raise her brother. That's why he was raised by his own family but still was in the royal family.
    This is more evidence that God works out all of the details, if we just let Him do the directing and not do it on our own. (DRM 5/13/08)

2:8, 9    Pharaoh's daughter said to her [Moses' sister], "Go ahead." So the girl went and called the child's [Moses'] mother. 9Then Pharaoh's daughter said to her, "Take this child away and nurse him for me and I will give you your wages." So the woman took the child and nursed him. 

    Pharaoh's order was to cast all the baby boys into the Nile (1:22). There must have been many that had done that to fulfill his orders.
    God seemingly worked in this particular case, as Moses' mother and Pharaoh's daughter both favored him above all the other options.
    Sometimes we can hope that things will work out "our way" - like Moses' mother - but God makes all the decisions. This can happen in both the big, life changing events and the little plans what go awry every day.
    God is in control. (DRM 12/23/16)

2:10    When the child grew older, she took him to Pharaoh's daughter and he became her son. She named him Moses, saying, "I drew him out of the water."

    Back to a familiar Bible story! I knew that Moses was put in the water when he was a baby, but forgot that the Pharaoh's daughter had Moses natural mother raise him for years before returning him to Pharaoh's daughter again!
    Certainly God had chosen Moses for a special purpose even as a baby, by God's protection of Moses in the river, etc. (DRM 10/18/87)

2:15    When Pharaoh heard of this matter, he tried to kill Moses. But Moses fled from the presence of Pharaoh and settled in the land of Midian, and he sat down by a well.

    Today I looked at the Exodus map and found out where Midian was/is. We call this northern Saudi Arabia today. It's easily 200 miles from where Moses was in Egypt!
    Yes, there still are mysteries in the Bible. Why did Moses travel so far? Perhaps that was the closest place he could go that was out of Pharaoh's control?
    Moses sinned by the murder of the Egyptian, but, in time, God still used him. Even when we sin, God can still use us. We still need to confess our sin FIRST - as hopefully Moses did. (DRM 10/24/15)

2:24    So God heard their [the sons of Israel] groaning; and God remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

    As a Christ follower, I believe that God hears my prayers to Him. He has left me on earth for a purpose, and He chooses how and when He wants to tell me His will. I have to discern His will each day - which is the hard part.
    In this verse, we (I) are reminded that God hears our prayers, and will act on them when He chooses. (DRM 5/14/08)

3:2    The angel of the LORD appeared to him [Moses] in a blazing fire from the midst of a bush; and he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, yet the bush was not consumed.

    I chose this verse today because this verse states: "the angel of the LORD appeared." but later (v. 4) it was God who spoke to Moses from the bush.
    When I looked at two of the cross-references for this verse, clearly the angel of the LORD is also God Himself. Other angels are mentioned in the Bible, but apparently have different titles.
    If an angel speaks - and you hear - then do whatever he asks. It's either a messenger - or the Lord Himself - not to be ignored!!! (DRM 3/1/14)

3:4    When the LORD saw that he [Moses] turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, "Moses, Moses!" And he said, "Here I am."

    God wanted Moses' attention and thought of the burning bush. Now I wonder if the still small voice didn't work and He went to something more visual?
    The point is that God had chosen Moses; Moses became aware of this and wanted to hear more.
    Sometimes we don't hear the still small voice of the Lord, but He hasn't given up on us and tries something else to get our attention. Like Moses, we are being tested to see if we will obey when He calls us to do something.
    When God calls, be sure it is His voice, and do His will. (DRM 10/13/15)

3:7    The LORD said, "I have surely seen the affliction of My people who are in Egypt, and have given heed to their cry because of their taskmasters, for I am aware of their sufferings.

    One theory about God is that He made the earth, then ignored it since its creation. This verse shows that the theory is false. God made each of us different and has a plan for each of our lives. When God saw the plight of the Israelites in Egypt, He had compassion for them and sent Moses to go to Egypt to deliver them from their toil.
    God=Jesus knows each one of us and the trials we go through. He is not ignoring us. While it may not be our plan, He will make a way for us through the trial and eventually we'll understand why the trial occurred.
    Trust in Him to make it right.  (DRM 4/10/16)

3:8    So I have come down to deliver them from the power of the Egyptians and to bring them up from a land to a good and spacious land, to a land flowing with milk and honey, to the place of the Canaanite and the Hittite and the Amorite and the Perizzite and the Hivite and the Jebusite.

    This is part of the conversation between God and Moses, telling Moses to go to Pharaoh and bring Israel out of Egypt (v. 10).
    This verse tells us where God wanted the Israelites to settle when the trek was over.
    What I noticed today when reading this verse was the names of the people who currently occupied the land the Israelites were to go to. Would the "natives" of the land move out of Israel's way when they arrived? God knew this would be a future challenge, but He could do that - if the Israelites trusted in Him to do it. (DRM 9/28/13)

3:11    But Moses said to God, "Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the sons of Israel out of Egypt?"

    Knowing the life of Moses, it makes sense that He would choose Moses for the assignment of bringing the sons of Israel out of Egypt - as he had been chosen since being pulled out of the Nile.
    God can use you or me also, probably in a smaller way - but He knows the whole story - and we (I) have to be willing to do our part. (DRM 5/15/08)

3:15    God, furthermore, said to Moses, "Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, 'The LORD, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.' This is My name forever, and this is My memorial-name to all generations. . . "

    I have seen posters listing probably 75 names for God, and the Bible refers to Him in many ways. This verse seems to me to be God's official name, as He stated it to Moses.
    I'm sure He will accept any of the 75? names that refer to Him, so long as we call on Him and know Him as our Leader and Provider. (DRM 5/16/08)

4:1    Then Moses said, "What if they will not believe me or listen to what I say? For they may say, 'The LORD has not appeared to you.' "

    While I am not Moses, I have had very similar experiences, but never asked/tested God the way Moses did. Now I wonder if I should have.
    In the following verses, God gave Moses three signs to show the Egyptians that the Lord God was truly with him.
    Moses was a special man with a unique background that God used mightily. We (I) am also unique and God can also use me - even on an ordinary day. (DRM 9/27/11)

4:9    But if they will not believe even these two signs or heed what you say, then you shall take some water from the Nile and pour it on the dry ground; and the water which you take from the Nile will become blood on the dry ground."

    God gave Moses three signs to show the Israelites that the Lord sent him to bring them out of Egypt. The signs were: (1) Staff to serpent (v. 3), (2) Moses' hand became leprous when put on his bosom, then back to normal (vv. 6-7) and (3) water from Nile River turned to blood when poured on dry ground (v. 9).
    God knows all about unbelief and has dealt with it from early days. He sent Jesus to heal and even raise people from the dead for the same reason.
    As Christians, we know and have put complete faith in Him. Some needed demonstration of His power to be convinced He is Lord. (DRM 8/27/16)

4:10    Then Moses said to the LORD, "Please, Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither recently nor in time past, nor since You have spoken to Your servant; for I am slow of speech and slow of tongue."

    When Moses first said this verse, it was probably a legitimate concern. When God gave Moses the solution - that He would speak through Moses - and Moses still refused God, then it was sin. Thankfully, God had a "Plan B."
    When God tells us something to do, we should also know that He will give us the ability to do His task. Refusing God is always a mistake. For me the problem is getting others to help on the mission God sent me to do. That's not God's fault, that's other people who say they are Christians who refuse His leading.
    We are to do God's will, if others refuse, that's not my fault. (DRM 4/23/15)

4:11,12    The Lord said to him (Moses), "Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the Lord? 12Now, go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say."

    Moses and I were similar. Afraid to talk! It seems easy to talk about earthly pursuits, but to talk to an unbeliever about the Lord is a real problem.
    I KNOW the Lord wants me to glorify Him and not to be afraid, but like Moses, I need someone to help me speak.
    With God's help, I will be a better servant day by day in some way. (DRM 10/22/87)

4:14    Then the anger of the LORD burned against Moses, and He said, "Is there not your brother Aaron the Levite? I know that he speaks fluently. And moreover, behold, he is coming out to meet you; when he sees you, he will be glad in his heart.

    Moses did not fear God, and said he couldn't/wouldn't do as He asked. Certainly God did not like this scenario, as He was angry with Moses and had to use a 'Plan B.'
    While it's good that God still worked with Moses, I think it would have been better if Moses had obeyed the God who created him and could harm him at any moment.
    In this case I wouldn't do as Moses did. I'd obey the Lord and do what He asked if I heard Him so clearly. God can change our path in a moment - and loose our tongue to proclaim His Kingdom. (DRM 11/6/15)

4:15    [God said] You [Moses] are to speak to him [Aaron] and put the words in his mouth; and I, even I, will be with your mouth and his mouth, and I will teach you what you are to do.    

    Moses didn't feel that he was adequate to the job of leader (v. 13). God was upset with that statement (v. 14), but provided a way out that was acceptable to Moses. As time went on, Moses' confidence grew and, I believe, he did most of the speaking. My confidence over years has also grown, but God has yet to send people who will listen. . . (DRM 5/17/08)

4:27    Now the LORD said to Aaron, "Go to meet Moses in the wilderness," so he went and met him at the mountain of God and kissed him.

    This seems to be a forgotten part of the story. Not only did God speak to Moses at the burning bush, but He also spoke to Aaron and directed him as to where to meet Moses for instruction. (v. 28)
    God has instructions for many people (including me), but I must hear Him and do as I am told. (DRM 5/18/08)

5:2    But Pharaoh said, "Who is the LORD that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? I do not know the LORD, and besides, I will not let Israel go."

    The word "Lord" could refer to any leader. As an example, I believe there are "Lord's" in England. Pharaoh did not know that Moses or the Israelites referred to God - yet, but he would find out soon enough.
    God knew that Pharaoh would not allow the Israelites to go, as Pharaoh could not hear His voice. (DRM 5/19/08)

5:8    But require them to make the same number of bricks as before; don't reduce the quota. 

    Moses had asked the Pharaoh to let the Hebrews go, but Pharaoh was a hard ruler and would not give in easily. Pharaoh had the Hebrews make bricks without straw as shown in this verse. 
    The Hebrews were to win their freedom later, but not until after a lot of suffering. I must realize that my trials and minor sufferings are all a developing pattern to make me more like Him. (DRM 11/12/87)

5:15, 16    Then the foremen of the sons of Israel came and cried out to Pharaoh, saying, "Why do you deal this way with your servants? 16There is no straw given to your servants, yet they keep saying to us, 'Make bricks!' And behold, your servants are being beaten; but it is the fault of your own people."

    It was almost like a "vicious circle," where Moses asked for time off to take Israel to pray to God, and Pharaoh said they were lazy for asking for time off; so increased their work. I think God really wanted this to happen to increase Pharaoh's dislike of the Jews, thus being more willing - later - to let them leave. (DRM 5/20/08)

5:23    ". . . Ever since I came to Pharaoh to speak in Your name, he has done harm to this people, and You have not delivered Your people at all."

    Moses was talking to the Lord God in this verse. Moses had done what the Lord directed him to do and the Israelites suffered more because of it. Moses was running out of patience and also wanted to fulfill God's will.
    As we look back at this incident, and some incidents in my (our) own life, we ask the same questions, "Why didn't this work out as I thought it would?"
    With the passage of time, the reasons that God acted as He did becomes clearer. The idea is to trust completely in Him, no matter what it's like today. (DRM 9/24/11)

    Whenever we set out to do something good, even when we're certain that God wants us to do it, we shouldn't be surprised when the situation gets worse before it gets better. This doesn't prove that we're doing the wrong thing; it just reminds us that we need God to accomplish everything. - Julie Ackerman Link (Our Daily Bread, Radio Bible Class)

6:4    I also established My covenant with them, to give them the land of Canaan, the land in which they sojourned.

    This relates to today's news. The Palestinians want the Jews out of the land because it is not theirs. Apparently they have not read or don't believe in the Bible.
    In this verse God told Moses that He was bringing the Jews back to the land because He was honoring His covenant.
    Since God never changes, He should defend Israel's right to exist in the land of Canaan - where they are now. (DRM 5/17/13)

6:6    Say, therefore, to the sons of Israel, 'I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will deliver you from their bondage. I will also redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great judgments.

    In verses 6-8, I underlined the words, "I will" seven times. God was telling the Israelite people, through Moses, that He was going to deliver them out of Egypt. He assured them He could do it with the words "I will."
    First they had to believe that Moses heard from God, then Pharaoh would have to believe it, "with great judgments."
    When God tells me (us) something, it's better to believe and do it, then to suffer the judgments. (DRM 1/22/14)

6:9    So Moses spoke thus to the sons of Israel, but they did not listen to Moses on account of their despondency and cruel bondage.

    What would I do if someone said to me, after slaving all day at work, that the Lord said that he (Moses) would be delivering me from the land? I think I would also be skeptical, then go on with my work. I would want to see what was being done to free me from my conditions. Truly, they had to see that the Lord was working through Moses before they would follow. (DRM 5/21/08)

6:10    Then the Lord said to Moses, "Go, tell Pharaoh king of Egypt to let the Israelites go out of his country." 

    I know I will be reading this quote many times in the next few chapters of Exodus. . . "Let my people go. . . " It will take many plagues and hardships to convince the king of Egypt to let the Israelites go. . .
    Thank you God for our religious freedom to be able to go wherever we please and be able to speak about You to others who are willing to listen! (DRM 12/13/87)

7:2    ". . . You are to say everything I command you, and your brother Aaron is to tell Pharaoh to let the Israelites go out of his country. . . "

    As I slowly try to become more and more like Jesus Christ, I can only pray that my ears will listen to His desires for my life. 
    Lord, help me to listen to You, and to do Your will in all parts of my life. (DRM 12/14/87)

7:4    When Pharaoh does not listen to you, then I will lay My hand on Egypt and bring out My hosts, My people the sons of Israel, from the land of Egypt by great judgments.

    The prophecy of God! If there is any prophecy that we KNOW will come true, it will be the ones that God spoke. Since Jesus is a part of God, then all the prophecies that He spoke will also come true — no doubt about it. (DRM 5/22/08)

7:20    So Moses and Aaron did even as the LORD had commanded. And he lifted up the staff and struck the water that was in the Nile, in the sight of Pharaoh and in the sight of his servants, and all the water that was in the Nile was turned to blood.

    Moses didn't say "this won't work," or "Pharaoh won't pay attention," but did what he was told by the Lord God. God had a plan to do several things to change Pharaoh's heart, and this was only one. We (I) don't know what God is doing "behind the scenes," so must continue to do as He directs - even if it seems "it won't work" today. (DRM 5/23/08)

8:2-4    ". . . But if you refuse to let them go, behold, I will smite your whole territory with frogs. 3The Nile will swarm with frogs, which will come up and go into your house and into your bedroom and on your bed, and into the houses of your servants and on your people, and into your ovens and into your kneading bowls. 4So the frogs will come up on you and your people and all your servants. " ' "

    Logical thinking would know that only God can tell thousands or millions of frogs to leave a river and go into the homes of Egypt, en masse, on the same day. This was sudden. When the magicians (v. 7) did the same thing, it had to make the problem worse. To prove that God is God, the frogs also died on the day Pharaoh requested (v. 11).
    The prophecy in these words was fulfilled to the letter. God did as He promised. He is the Lord of Heaven and Earth. (DRM 3/26/14)

8:8    Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron and said, "Entreat the LORD that He remove the frogs from me and from my people; and I will let the people go, that they may sacrifice to the LORD."

    In v. 15, "Pharaoh saw that there was relief, he hardened his heart" . . . and didn't let them go.
    It seems that this happens to me a lot. I am told one thing, then believe the person and make plans based on the first statement, then it changes when I'm ready for step two. Rather than thinking they "lied" in the first place, maybe God hardened their heart, as He has a better plan? (DRM 5/24/08)

8:18    But when the magicians tried to produce gnats by their secret arts, they could not. The the gnats were on men and animals. 

    All previous plagues that the Lord God had produced, the magicians could also do, but in this case the magicians said (v.19) "This is the finger of God." and they could not do this.
    No matter what some people may say, there IS a God and He does miracles. Why don't people believe? (DRM 12/19/87)

8:30, 31, 32    Moses went out from Pharaoh and made supplication to the LORD. 31The LORD did as Moses asked, and removed the swarms of insects from Pharaoh, from his servants and from his people; not one remained, 32But Pharaoh hardened his heart this time also, and he did not let the people go.

    The Pharaoh was a stubborn man. Perhaps he thought that his country would perish without the Israelite slaves to do all the work, thus he wouldn't want their freedom.
    Am I stubborn, and not listening to the clear direction of the Lord? Am I obeying His Word? (DRM 5/25/08)

9:10    So they took soot from a kiln, and stood before Pharaoh; and Moses threw it toward the sky, and it became boils breaking out with sores on man and beast.

    Here was another plague that no one could reproduce. The Egyptian magicians could not stand before Moses because of the boils (v. 11), but that still didn't change Pharaoh's heart. Sometimes I know I'm missing God's voice when He speaks, but I think I'd be convinced with all of the plagues a lot quicker than Pharaoh was. (DRM 5/26/08)

9:16    But I (God) have raised you (Pharaoh) up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth. 

    This section of Exodus still continues the plagues that the Lord put against Egypt. 
    I find it interesting that this verse states that the Lord raised up (Pharaoh) for the purpose of freeing the Israelites. Many times the Bible states that God hardened the Pharaoh's heart - all for one purpose - to show His greatness to the whole world. (DRM 1/3/88)

9:20, 21    The one among the servants of Pharaoh who feared the word of the LORD made his servants and his livestock flee into the houses; 21but he who paid no regard to the word of the LORD left his servants and his livestock in the field.

    The Egyptians had a 24 hour notice that the big hailstorm was coming (v. 18) and they could choose to heed or ignore the warning. Apparently some of the citizens of Egypt heeded the warning from these two verses. To me, that was a sign that , while not Pharaoh, the citizens were believing that their country was being judged by God. Our country (USA) needs a similar awakening. (DRM 5/27/08)

9:34    But when Pharaoh saw that the rain and the hail and the thunder had ceased, he sinned again and hardened his heart, he and his servants.

    What are we (I) to learn from the continuous hardening of Pharaoh's heart? God is still speaking in one form or another. He could be speaking through the words in the Bible, or the small voice of the Holy Spirit, or through others. He wants me (us) to hear Him and do His will, rather than going our own way. (DRM 5/28/08)

10:7    Pharaoh's officials said to him, "How long will this man (Moses) be a snare to us? Let the people go, so that they may worship the Lord their God. Do you not yet realize that Egypt is ruined?"

    After all the plagues that had come from the Lord, even Egypt's officials had had enough. But the Pharaoh was not ready to let the Israelites go yet. The time was approaching when even the Pharaoh would let go. 
    Even today people don't see what God is doing before their eyes. They are stubborn and will not see the light - until it's too late. {But we must keep trying.} (DRM 1/5/88)

10:11    ". . . Not so! Go now, the men among you, and serve the LORD, for that is what you desire." So they were driven out from Pharaoh's presence.

    This almost sounded like Pharaoh was giving in, but the words in this verse really say, "The men among you," and not all the people - so the plagues continued, this time with locusts.
    God doesn't want 1/3 or ˝ commitment. He wants ALL of us to serve Him. The question should be - "How can You use me, Lord?" (DRM 5/29/08)

10:24    Then Pharaoh called to Moses, and said, "Go, serve the LORD; only let your flocks and your herds be detained. Even your little ones may go with you."

    This was a slow negotiation process. Moses and God wanted all to leave, but Pharaoh wanted the slave labor to stay. Each plague seemed to add more to God's position.
    God wants us to hold on for His best, and not give up too quickly. He has the power to change what seems to be impossible. (DRM 5/30/08)

11:4, 5a    Moses said, "Thus says the LORD, 'About midnight I am going out into the midst of Egypt, 5and all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, . . .' "

    This was the declaration of the last plague. I'm sure there will be more details in the next few readings. Certainly this plague would effect the Egyptians like no other. All families would lose a member, thus causing the 'great cry' (v. 6) in the whole country.
    Time after time, God has shown how He controls everything - and still - to this day - most don't' recognize it - or worship Him. (DRM 5/31/08)

12:5    Your lamb shall be an unblemished male a year old; you may take it from the sheep or from the goats.

    As Christians, Jesus has become our substitutionary Passover lamb when He died for our sins.
    In this verse the Passover lamb had to be "unblemished." Jesus had to be sinless to be an adequate substitute for our sins. The lamb had to be a year old - which is young - and Jesus was also young in our eyes - but He and His ministry lasted more than a year. He is/was called the Lamb of God. (DRM 2/18/12)

12:8    They shall eat the flesh that same night, roasted with fire, and they shall eat it with unleavened bread and bitter herbs.

    The tenth and final plague had not yet occurred in Egypt,. This plague required a lot of preparation, and was also a test of faith for the Israelites, as they all would have to participate.
    This verse refers to the food that would be eaten for the Passover meal, showing again, the detail that God had in mind. (DRM 6/1/08)

12:19    Seven days there shall be no leaven found in your houses, for whoever eats what is leavened, that person shall be cut off from the congregation of Israel, whether he is an alien or a native of the land.

    Unaware of this law, and being a Christian, I never thought it could apply to me - until now. I stayed at a Jewish home once during Passover and had to fix my own breakfast - I found (leavened) bread in the freezer an had some toast. . . As a Christian, my trust in in Jesus to fulfill the Law, but now I feel I shouldn't have used the bread while in that house. (Should it have been available?) (DRM 6/2/08)

12:25    When you enter the land which the LORD will give you, as He has promised, you shall observe this rite. {Passover]

    I have gotten to know a few "nominal" Jews from my workplace. Generally all of the Jewish feast in the Old Testament are ignored, but the Passover meal is highly observed by these people. They choose to observe this one more than any other.
    If "someone" could only explain the prophetic meaning of this observance, would they listen? (DRM 6/3/08)

12:39    They baked the dough which they had brought out of Egypt into cakes of unleavened bread. For it had not become leavened, since they were driven out of Egypt and could not delay, nor had they prepared any provisions for themselves.

    When the Israelites left Egypt, they had to leave quickly. The Pharaoh had finally decided they could leave immediately. My experience with bread is that leavened bread spoils quickly - even more so in hot weather - but unleavened bread - matzo - lasts a very long time. God was already making provision for their food by causing the use of unleavened bread! (DRM 6/4/08)

12:46    "It must be eaten inside one house; take none of the meat outside the house. Do not break any of the bones."

    This chapter dealt with the first Passover and how the Lord asked the Israelites to kill sheep or goats and put the blood over their doorways so He would spare their first-born children. They were also instructed what to do with the meat in this verse. 
    I found the "Do not break any of the bones" significant in that when Jesus Christ was sacrificed for our sins, none of His bones were broken. (DRM 1/10/88)

13:1, 2    Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, "Sanctify to Me every firstborn, the first offspring of every womb among the sons of Israel, both of man and beast; it belongs to Me."

    This makes more sense to me today. To leave Egypt, the final plague eliminated all the first born (Exod. 11:5) of Egypt, but the Israelite first born were saved due to Passover. Now that the Israelite first born were still alive, God wanted them to be dedicated to Him. They would have died without Passover - shouldn't they be set aside for something special in appreciation for their lives? (DRM 6/5/08)

13:17    Now when Pharaoh had let the people go, God did not lead them by the way of the land of the Philistines, even though it was near; for God said, "The people might change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt."

    God knows everything - including the future. If the Israelites encountered fighting while near Egypt, they would probably have returned - as humans were given free will. God was "determined" that they would get to the promised land - even if it took 40 years! God has a plan that we (I) must follow. (DRM 6/6/08)

13:18    Hence God led the people [Israelites] around by the way of the wilderness to the Red Sea; and the sons of Israel went up in martial array from the land of Egypt.

    There was no doubt that God was leading the way as the Israelites traveled, as he had a pillar of cloud (like tornado?) during the day and a pillar of fire at night (v. 22). If they saw these things, there should have been no doubt that He was the Leader.
    As Christians, we have the same Leader, but He isn't as visible today. His Spirit leads us to make decisions that are pleasing to Him and His word (Bible) clarifies the path that He wants us to follow. When both agree, we know that's His will. (DRM 5/7/12)

13:21     By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night.

    What an awesome experience it must have been to follow the pillar of cloud and the pillar of fire. The Israelites certainly knew that God was watching over them, by watching these His shows of strength. 
    I know if I were to experience these events, I would be more confident that God loves me and is watching over me. (DRM 1/11/88)

13:22    He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.

    The Israelites had just left Egypt and needed God's direction. He didn't want them to go directly into enemy territory (v. 17), so used this method to direct their path.
    This verse points out that God's signs were always with them; day and night. It seems amazing to me that some would rebel even with this evidence of God's presence in their midst.
    While we don't have a visible sign like the Israelites did then, there are other signs that God=Jesus gives us occasionally through the Holy Spirit, other believers, and yes, even rainbows :-) (Gen. 9:12-17) (DRM 7/12/16)

    God used that time in the desert to instruct and mature the people He had called to follow Him. The easy road would have led them to disaster. The long road prepared the nation of Israel for their successful entry into the Promised Land. (from Our Daily Bread, 7/12/16)

14:10    As Pharaoh drew near, the sons of Israel looked, and behold, the Egyptians were marching after them, and they became very frightened; so the sons of Israel cried out to the LORD.

    It's easy to visualize the scene, as it is depicted well on the movie "The Ten Commandments." The Israelites felt trapped next to the Red Sea and the Egyptians were approaching. Not thinking of the all powerful God (lack of faith) it looked like certain death to them all. God provided a way out for the Israelites - like He will do for us (me) so long as I trust Him to do it. (DRM 6/7/08)

14:11    Then they said to Moses, "Is it because there were no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? Why have you dealt with us in this way, bringing us out of Egypt?

    This was a new experience for the Israelites to be freed from slavery and follow Moses' direction. They probably were thinking they were following the man Moses, rather than trusting in the Lord God. This was their first major test and they were already ready to return to Egypt.
    Like the Israelites, we need faith that the Lord will provide for our health and safety. (DRM 8/29/11)

14:12    Is this not the word that we spoke to you in Egypt, saying, 'Leave us alone that we may serve the Egyptians'? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness."

    The Israelites felt trapped. It looked like certain death as they were next to the sea and Pharaoh's troops were blocking any land route away from where they were. They lost whatever faith they had in God to deliver them.
    This verse seems like an excuse to me. The cross reference for this verse (Exod. 6:9) doesn't show this comment, but some reluctance by some of the Israelites - disbelief.
    When God leads us to a new adventure, we need faith to believe that He is doing the right thing and it will be to our eventual benefit, as He loves each of us. (DRM 6/11/15)

14:16    Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea to divide the water so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground. 

    The power of God can not be imagined. One of the greatest verses in the Bible is this one in which God tells Moses to part the sea.
    It seems that if we only had the faith the size of "a mustard seed," that we also could see God perform miracles through us. 
    Thank you God, for letting us know of Your mighty power and what You can do in our lives! (DRM 1/12/88)

14:20    So it [pillar of cloud] came between the camp of Egypt and the camp of Israel; and there was the cloud along with the darkness, yet it gave light at night. Thus the one did not come near the other all night.

    Israel crossed the Red Sea at night. This isn't how it was depicted on the movie!
    I don't recall seeing clouds that "gave light" unless the sun was behind them. Here the Son was providing the light so the Israelites could cross the Red Sea throughout the night.
    ". . . The sea returned to its normal state at daybreak (v. 27) and covered the Egyptians.
    God can do anything - as this proves - and how the Israelites "forgot" this miracle while in the desert amazes me. (DRM 5/9/13)

14:21    Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD swept the sea back by a strong east wind all night and turned the sea into dry land, so the waters were divided.

    The "sons of Israel" felt trapped, they even wanted to go back and serve the Egyptians (v. 12) rather than the certain death that they anticipated.
    They did not anticipate the power of God. It had never been done before! (I could have thought the pillar of would {v. 19} indicate His presence.)
    Do I act like the sons of Israel? Do I believe that He can move the mountains (or part the sea) in my life? This shows clearly that God can do ANYTHING He desires to help His people. As a Christian, I'm also one of "His people" today. (DRM 5/26/12)

14:25    He caused their chariot wheels to swerve, and He made them drive with difficulty; so the Egyptians said, "Let us flee from Israel, for the LORD is fighting for them against the Egyptians."

    This wasn't too clear in the movie. The Egyptians followed the Israelites into the Red Sea, then the horses and riders got confused. I can understand that with walls of water on both sides! This is what slowed down the Egyptians when they were in pursuit, so the final Israelites could get across - before the water went back to normal. (DRM 6/8/08)

15:1    Then Moses and the sons of Israel sang this song to the LORD, and said,
              "I will sing to the LORD, for He is highly exalted;
              The horse and its rider He has hurled into the sea.

    The Israelites had just seen the power of God through the opening of the Red Sea and the crossing, then the Red Sea on the Egyptian army. They believed in God and that He was with them - because they had just seen His power.
    They had reason to praise the Lord and this was the beginning of their "song" - called the Song of Moses.
    When God does a miracle before our eyes, it's easier to praise Him; when we don't see Him or His actions, faith fades.
    My/our goal continues to be to keep faith even when we don't see God's provision on our behalf. (DRM 5/25/15)

15:3, 4    "The LORD is a warrior; The LORD is His name." 4"Pharaoh's chariots and his army He has cast into the sea; And the choicest of his officers are drowned in the Red Sea.

    In verse 3 Moses describes the Lord as a warrior. Again in Rev. 19:11, our Lord will be a warrior in the future. Certainly He defends us against the enemy - even if we don't realize it. As He did for Pharaoh's chariots, so He also is working for our benefit "behind the scenes." (DRM 6/9/08)

15:25    Then Moses cried out to the Lord, and the Lord showed him a piece of wood. He threw it into the water, and the water became sweet. 

    Certainly by this time, when Moses spoke, everyone - including God - listened!
    This verse continues my respect and honor of Moses. He delivered the Israelites out of Egypt and, with God's help, provided for all of their needs.
    When asked for help, Moses could provide. Do I? (DRM 1/13/88)

15:26    And He said, "If you will give earnest heed to the voice of the LORD your God, and do what is right in His sight, and give ear to His commandments, and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have put on the Egyptians; for I, the LORD, am your healer."

    This is a good summary verse on how to live a life for the Lord our God. This is directed to the Israelites, but since Christians could be considered their descendants, I believe it should also apply to us - and I certainly don't want the diseases that were put on the Egyptians! (DRM 6/10/08)

15:27    Then they came to Elim where there were twelve springs of water and seventy date palms, and they camped there beside the waters.

    Moses and the Israelites were traveling and had been without water for three days (v. 22). God provided a temporary solution at Marah where the water was bitter - then they came to Elim, as stated here.
    God tests us to see if we will keep our faith when it seems that He is not providing, then at the next spot He provides in abundance.
    I (we) need faith to make it through the trial and trust that He WILL provide. (DRM 11/12/11)

16:3    The sons of Israel said to them, "Would that we had died by the Lord's hand in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the pots of meat, when we ate bread to the full; for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger."

    When the Israelites were in Egypt they were slaves and the work they did was depicted as harsh and cruel. Now that they were away from that, they remember the "good times" they had while they were in Egypt.
    I know I complain too much, like they did, and would probably have done the same thing. The point is that complaints do no good. God will provide no matter what I say or do. He is in control and won't let me/them run out of food or water - as He has a plan for the rest of our life. (DRM 2/17/14)

16:4    Then to LORD said to Moses, "Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a day's portion every day, that I may test them, whether or not they will walk in My instruction.

    The Israelites complained that they didn't have enough food in the desert. God heard their voice and provided what they asked for.
    In this verse the Lord God told Moses that this would be a test of His instructions. Later, we see that the disobedient gathered more than was needed and the excess food was no good.
    I (we) have to learn to trust the Lord one day at a time and lean on Him daily - trusting Him for all of our needs. (DRM 9/17/11)

16:12    "I have heard the grumblings of the sons of Israel; speak to them, saying, 'At twilight you shall eat meat, [quail] and in the morning you shall be filled with bread; and you shall know that I am the LORD your God. ' "

    God takes care of His people, and I'm sure that He would have done it even if they didn't complain. If God cared so much for the Israelites who didn't obey Him, then I'm sure He will take care of us (me) who are putting our trust totally in Him. He is our provider - in ALL ways. (DRM 6/11/08)

16:19, 20    Moses said to them, "Let no man leave any of it [manna] until morning." 20But they did not listen to Moses, and some left part of it until morning, and it bred worms and became foul; and Moses was angry with them.

    What would I do in the same situation in the desert, and had no other food supply? Probably the same thing! "Human tendency" is to want to store up for "a rainy day," rather than going each day at a time. This is another lesson to depend on the Lord - day by day - and know that He will make provision as the new day comes. (DRM 6/12/08)

16:21    They gathered it morning by morning, every man as much as he should eat; but when the sun grew hot, it would melt.

    Manna is a great example of God's provision in our lives.
    Of course the Israelites needed food to eat while traveling through the dessert, and they were not afraid to complain to Moses if they perceived a need. Even with their attitude, God took care of them.
    In this verse about Manna, I can only think of something that would look like a hard frost every morning. They had to gather it early or it would melt. When none appeared on the Sabbath (v. 27), they had proof that God was truly their Provider - not just an act of nature. (DRM 1/27/16)

16:26    Six days you are to gather it (manna), but on the seventh day, the Sabbath, there will not be any.

    As the Israelites were out of Egypt, they already had doubts about where their food would be coming from. The Lord provided manna and would supply it only six days a week.
    I believe that He was setting an example for us and wanted (and still does want) us to keep one day in seven holy.
    We should still give one day in seven to the Lord. (DRM 1/15/88)

16:29    ". . . See, the LORD has given you the sabbath; therefore He gives you bread for two days on the sixth day. Remain every man in his place; let no man go out of his place on the seventh day."

    When God spoke these words to Moses, He was referring to the gathering of the manna during the exodus. The 4th Commandment makes the instruction more clear. As time has progressed, keeping this commandment has gotten harder - in traveling to church and other activities that are done on Sunday. What does God want you (and me) to do each Sunday? (DRM 6/13/08)

17:2    Therefore the people quarreled with Moses and said, "Give us water that we may drink." And Moses said to them, "Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test the LORD?"

    In the previous chapter of Exodus, the Lord provided manna and meat when the Israelites grumbled. They had witnessed God's power several times - including crossing the Red Sea, and still had no faith that He would provide for their needs.
    We don't want to follow this example. When God leads us in a direction that requires faith, we need the faith that He will provide throughout the trial. I know it's hard, but He is truly watching. We have to be alert to see how He will provide for our best interests - even if it doesn't seem so at the time. (DRM 10/25/17)

17:6    "I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink." So Moses did this in the sight of the elders of Israel. 

    In Exodus 16 the Israelites "requested" food, and now in Exodus 17 they want water.
    Maybe in the same situation, I would have gone to Moses, but now that I know the Lord, I think that it would have been wiser just to trust in Him. (DRM 1/16/88)

17:8, 9    Then Amalek came and fought against Israel at Rephidim. 9So Moses said to Joshua, "Choose men for us and go out, fight against Amalek. Tomorrow I will station myself on the top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand."

    Moses knew he had no power to defeat the enemy and put his trust in God. When Moses held his hand up, Israel prevailed, but when down, the enemy prevailed (v. 11).  Even with the water just received (17:6, 7) the Israelites needed to be reminded that God Himself was giving the victory and not their own strength.
    We also need to depend on God like Moses did. We can't depend on our own strength or resources. We will all have trials of some sort and need faith He will bring us through them in His time. (DRM 9/5/17)

    When Moses' strength began to fail, Aaron and Hur stood on either side of him, holding up his arms for him until sunset (v. 12).
    Following God is not a solo endeavor. He did not create us to run the race of life alone. Companions can help us persevere through difficulty as we do what God has called us to do. (from Our Daily Bread, 9/2/17 AMY PETERSON)

17:11    So it came about when Moses held his hand up, that Israel prevailed, and when he let his hand down, Amalek prevailed.

    I don't see that God told Moses to hold his hand up, but it was discovered to be true as the battle continued. Certainly they wanted to win the battle, so thought of a way to keep Moses' hands up with the staff of God in his hands. He (Moses) was probably about 100 years old at the time, and needed the help of his friends.
    Moses wasn't influencing the battle, it was God. Moses was showing his faith and dependence on God.
    Like Moses, we need to keep praising the Lord and depending on Him to fight our battles with our enemies.
    Faith in God will win the victories. (DRM 7/5/16)

17:12, 13    But Moses' hands were heavy. Then they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it; and Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other. Thus his hands were steady until the sun set. 13So Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.

    I would consider this to be an example of keeping a "one-track" mind. When Moses' arms got tired, the battle was being lost, when upright, the battle was being won. When we (I) are distracted, the spiritual battle is being lost. To me, the point is to stay on track in our (my) service to the Lord - NOT easy! (DRM 6/14/08)

17:14    Then the LORD said to Moses, "Write this in a book as a memorial and recite it to Joshua, that I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven."

    Amalek came to fight against Israel (v. 8) as Moses was still crossing the desert.
    Amalek was a descendant of Esau (Gen. 36:12) who was a son of Jacob (Gen. 25:25), which God prophesized that would be an opposing nation (Gen. 25:23). God knew all this would happen.
    Moses kept his arms held high (v. 12) and the battle was won.
    While we don't know why, God puts opposition in the world. We are given a choice to follow Him or the other side. He knows what our decision will be. . . to follow Him. (DRM 1/29/17)

18:20    Teach them the decrees and laws, and show them the way to live and the duties they are to perform.

    This seems to me to be a intermediate chapter between the exodus from Egypt and the Ten Commandments - sort of a preview. 
    Jethro was Moses father-in-law and Moses did listen to his elder, when it came to a wise thought. 
    We should realize that all of God's revelations CAN and DO come through other living people too! (DRM 1/17/88)

18:21    Furthermore, you shall select out of all the people able men who fear God, men of truth, those who hate dishonest gain; and you shall place these over them as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties and of tens.

    Jethro was Moses' father-in-law. He saw that Moses was judging ALL the people, so suggested the system above. This could be called 'layered authority', and has been in use ever since - certainly in our government.
    This gave Moses more time to do other things including hearing from the Lord God. Jethro clearly had a good idea and Moses applied it. When others give us ideas to be more efficient, we should also pray then follow the suggestion if the Lord wills. (DRM 1/17/12)

18:22    Let them judge the people at all times; and let it be that every major dispute they will bring to you, but every minor dispute they themselves will judge. So it will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you.

    No one can do everything. Moses tried until his father-in-law suggested this procedure. There would be leaders of 1000s, 100s, 50s and 10s; thus the minor disputes could be handled by others and Moses would be able to do other things that were needed for leadership; and get some rest.
    Are we also trying to do too much? If we have a family, perhaps others could help on more duties. If not, then perhaps a "to do" list - so that we don't forget something important - and give things priority . . . be sure and keep Bible study and prayer high on the daily "to do" list, you won't regret it. (DRM 3/13/16)

19:8    All the people answered together and said, "All that the LORD has spoken we will do!" And Moses brought back the words of the people to the LORD.

    What happened? People have short memories. I would think the people who experienced so many of God's miracles, wouldn't keep wavering in their devotion. Am I (we) doing much better? I think the "excuse" today is not knowing when it's His voice of leading - that wasn't the case for the Israelites. (DRM 6/15/08)

19:11    ". . . and be ready by the third day, because on that day the Lord will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people. . ." 

    A preparation for the Ten Commandments that were written in Exodus 20. But is there more to this verse?
    Was this an early clue that Jesus Christ would also re-appear on the third day? This is another verse that seems to lead a person to thinking about the New Testament in addition to the Old. (DRM 1/18/88)

19:19    When the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke and God answered him with thunder.

    When I hear thunder, I don't hear a voice. I believe that this means that God's voice is so loud, that it's like thunder. Jesus' voice is like a whisper. On different days in the future, I hope to hear all three. First, I have to listen for the still small voice. In the future it will be easier. (DRM 6/16/08)

20:3    "You shall have no other gods before Me."

    This is the first commandment.
    I think today that this is one of the hardest commandments to obey. Our society in USA, and probably the world, is driven by money. People will do nearly anything for more money. We can put our "need" for more and more money ahead of our dependence on God for His provision.
    I found out when I was nearly out of money that God provided for my needs so He deserves the glory. He should be #1.
    We can also put other things ahead of following His will - but need to trust only in Him. (DRM 12/16/15)

20:7    You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave Him unpunished who takes His name in vain.

    In a way, the Ten Commandments is the ultimate sins list. No one can meet the requirements that God has in this list. That's why we need a Savior - who is the substitute, and took the punishment for my sins.
    While I have tried not to say the Lord's name in vain, popular culture today has come up with other words, like "Gee," that really are abbreviations for Jesus and taken in vain. Most disturbing to me is when I've heard this on Christian radio.
    No one is perfect - that's why we need Jesus. The goal is to be more like Him every day. (DRM 11/29/11)

20:8-10    "Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10but the seventh day is a sabbath of the LORD your God; in it you shall not do any work, you or your son or your daughter, your male or your female servant or your cattle or your sojourner who stays with you.

    This is the fourth commandment. Perhaps it is the most controversial in what day of the week God wants us to observe and what we should be able to do on His day. 
    Since I was young, I have seen a lot of change on what happened on every Sunday. At my first paying job in a cafeteria, we were the only business open on Sundays. All other retail was closed.
    Some say that the Sabbath should be Saturday, as in the Old Testament. Others say Sunday for Resurrection Day. Whatever you choose, remember to rest one day in every seven. (DRM 9/1/13)

20:11    For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day; therefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day and made it holy.

    These seventeen verses (20:1-17) are the first proclamation of the Ten Commandments. This verse refers to the 3rd or 4th Commandment depending on your version. One question is "which day is the sabbath?" Saturday or Sunday? I think that God wants us to rest one day a week - and to worship Him that day - but really to worship Him every day - as He is our Creator and Sustainer. (DRM 6/17/08)

20:12    Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.

    The Ten Commandments are contained in this chapter, but the one I seem to break is shown above. After long "discussions" with my father, we never seem to agree. I must learn to listen more and be more willing to do some of the things that he asks me to do. (DRM 2/26/87) Things got better over time. (DRM 1/13/2004)

20:13    "You shall not murder."

    This is the sixth commandment; short, clear and to the point. Still, it can be misunderstood.
    God does not want us to kill other people in a dispute (e.g. Cain and Abel). I think it's OK to kill an ant that's crossing the kitchen counter. Murder refers to other people - not animals, as He says elsewhere that we can eat meat. He even provided quail to eat during the exodus when this was written.
    The controversy begins when it comes to nations at war. God HAS supported some battles. I think this refers to individuals. (DRM 2/25/14)

20:20    Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid; for God has come in order to test you, and in order that the fear of Him may remain with you, so that you may not sin."

    The Israelites were intimidated by God's power (v. 18) and were afraid to approach Him (v. 19). There was no doubt in their minds of His existence. Moses said in this verse that God was testing them to show Himself so they would not depart from His directives. (The Ten Commandments were just given to them.)
    So many people today don't believe that God exists, no matter how much they are surrounded by nature - in the city or in the countryside. When God shows us His power, people still don't believe it was God - soon, very soon, He will do something that only He can do - then I hope they will believe and trust in Him. (DRM 3/14/15)

    Moses explained that this display of power and majesty was to demonstrate God's incomparable holiness. His power and glory were displayed so that the Israelites would revere and worship Him (v. 20). (From INSIGHT, Our Daily Bread 3/14/15)

21:17    Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.

    In the past, I felt that criticisms of both of my parents were not in God's interests. This "law" for the Jews in Moses time, must have been hard to enforce!
    Thank God for Jesus Christ as my intermediary and the fact that I can ask Him for the forgiveness of my sins. (DRM 1/19/88)

22:28    Do not blaspheme God or curse the ruler of your people.

    Sins . . . I always wanted a list of what to avoid as sins, and here are two more.
    Recently I have been trying to stop saying "Gee" which represents Jesus, thus using His name in vain. 
    This verse also states not to curse our ruler (President). Thank God I never did, but certainly others have. (DRM 1/20/88)

23:13    Now concerning everything which I have said to you, be on your guard; and do not mention the name of other gods, nor let them be heard from your mouth.

    This is just one of many rules/laws that God gave Moses to tell the Israelites.
    While we, as Christians, have Jesus as our Savior who gave Himself as a sacrifice for breaking these laws, it also makes sense that we should try and obey them if possible.
    Certainly there are other religions in the world today and they have their gods. It would be useful to understand what they believe, so we can show how Christ is our Savior and why He is the only true God. Their gods are dead, but Jesus rose from the dead and is still alive. Thank God for the living Savior! (DRM 7/11/17)

23:25    Worship the Lord your God, and his blessing will be on your food and water. I will take away sickness from among you. 

    Never doubt God! So many times when I'm sick, or others that I know are sick, I wonder why. (Especially if they are believers.)
    While I'm sure that God has a reason, it sometimes fails me as to the purpose.
    Even during times of illness, God wants our complete obedience, and I'm sure that whatever happens, it will be as God originally planned it. (DRM 3/29/87)

24:7    Then he took the book of the covenant and read it in the hearing of the people; and they said, "All that the LORD has spoken we will do, and we will be obedient!"

    Like the Israelites, we desire to be obedient, but as time progresses, I think we make wrong decisions and slowly move towards sin. How can this be avoided? Keeping in the Word every day and leaning totally on the Lord Jesus for direction EVERY day. (DRM 6/18/08)

24: 8, 9    Let them construct a sanctuary for Me, that I may dwell among them. 9According to all that I am going to show you, as the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all its furniture, just so you shall construct it.

    Somehow the way this is written, it seems like God wanted a "home" built that would be sanctified just for Him. He would dwell with the Israelites. Like Moses was asked to prepare, we (I) should also have a special place in our heart for His residence and direction. (DRM 6/19/08)

25:11    You shall overlay it [Ark of the Covenant] with pure gold, inside and out you shall overlay it, and you shall make a gold molding around it.

    Most of the sentences in this section begin with "you shall," which clearly indicate God's exact specifications and direction in making the ark. I also realized that the use of gold could represent the highest value that we should give to the word = direction of the Lord God. (DRM 6/20/08)

25:32    (The lampstand) Six branches are to extend from the sides of the lampstand - three on one side and three on the other. 

    What a great learning experience! This is the first mention of this lampstand that I have read. 
    To be a real Christian, I also must understand the Jewish laws and customs. (DRM 1/21/88)

30:33    Whoever makes perfume like it and whoever puts it on anyone other than a priest must be cut off from his people. 

    When I first read this verse, I thought of the woman pouring oil on Jesus' feet just before His death. 
    While she was scolded at the time, Jesus still allowed her to do it.
    This could be an example of Jesus Christ replacing the old laws with the sacrifice of Himself. (DRM 1/23/88)

31:3, 4    I have filled him [Bezalel] with the Spirit of God in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all kinds of craftsmanship, 4to make artistic designs for work in gold, in silver, and in bronze. . .

    [Re: 31:3] Everything we have and receive is a gift from God. As Creator, He put us together before we were born. He knew in advance what our likes and desires would be. He knew if we would be followers of Him or ignore His calls.
    While craftsmanship seems to be an acquired skill, God gives us the mind (wisdom) to develop the skill - and to use this ability for His glory. (DRM 11/21/11)

    [Re: 31:3] The Master Craftsman is the Holy Spirit, who chips away at flaws in our character to make each of us like Jesus (Romans 8:28, 29). (From Our Daily Bread, Dennis Fisher 11/21/11)

    [Re: 31:3, 4]    God gives each of us different abilities. While we/I think that God will most use me doing something that is more "church related," He can use other talents for His service as well. This is a great example of someone that He blessed as a craftsman/artist.
    Even if our interests and talents aren't "church related," He can use us to serve Him, like He did Bezalel. I know I've wondered how He could use me . . . so whatever talent He gave you, use this as a praise offering for all that He has given you in your salvation. (DRM 4/3/16)

    Re: 31:3, 4]    We tend to categorize our work as either church work or secular. In truth, there is no distinction. God designs each of us in ways that make our contributions to the kingdom unique and meaningful. (from Our Daily Bread 4/3/16)

31:6    And behold, I Myself have appointed with him [Bezalel] Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan; and in the hearts of all who are skillful I have put skill, that they may make all that I have commanded you:

    God gives each of us a different gift or talent. Clearly He wanted these specific people to use their skills to work on the tent of meeting and "furniture of the tent" (v. 7).
    He also give us a skill that can be used for His Kingdom. We have to find out what it is and use it for His glory.
    Often I think the gifts I "want" are my gift, but find out that these are not God's plan (e.g. evangelistic speaking). We/I need to realize what I do best, and use that gift for His glory. (DRM 8/19/15)

32:1    Now when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down form the mountain, the people assembled about Aaron and said to him, "Come, make us a god who will go before us; as for this Moses, the man who brought us up from the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.

    This is Exodus 32:1, the Ten Commandments are in Exodus 20 - specifically 20:4-6 about making idols. This is another example of "short term memory loss" for the Israelites. Am I (we) doing much better? Praise the Lord that He sent Jesus to cover our sins, or we would be eternally lost in our sins.

32:10    Now then let Me alone, that My anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them, and I will make of you a great nation."

    When the Israelites created and worshipped the golden calf, the Lord (as stated here) wanted to destroy the whole nation and start over. Moses talked God out of it - but did he? Before the nation got to Israel, the whole nation died and the next generation entered Israel. The plan changed somewhat, but none of the sinners at this event ever saw Israel. God is truly in control of all. (DRM 6/22/08)

32:14    Then the Lord relented and did not bring on his people the disaster he had threatened.

    While Moses was on the mountain, his people made a golden calf to worship and this greatly displeased God.
    Moses pleaded for the Israelites lives and God relented and listened to Moses.
    Sometimes it is necessary for us to know that when we speak to God that He will listen to us, too, and that we will always get some type of answer. (DRM 4/8/87)

32:19    It came about, as soon as Moses came near the camp, that he saw the calf and the dancing; and Moses' anger burned, and he threw the tablets from his hands and shattered them at the foot of the mountain.

    Moses went to the mountain to get instructions from the Lord God and was probably there for several days.
    The Israelites were losing patience and wondered if he would return (32:1). They asked Aaron to make them a god to worship. He made a calf from the gold they supplied.
    God Himself wanted to destroy them all for this act (32:10), but Moses talked Him out of it (32:14). The Ten Commandments were broken even before they read them.
    Unlike the Israelites of that time, we need patience to wait on the Lord. Whatever He decides will be the best thing for our situation. (DRM 3/11/17)

32:24    . . . I [Aaron] said to them, 'Whoever has any gold, let them tear it off.' So they gave it to me, and I threw it into the fire, and out came this calf."

    The Israelites didn't think Moses was coming back from the mountain (v. 23) and Aaron created a false god to lead them. The statement in this verse is impossible. Melted gold does not form into anything but liquid; it had to be formed by a person - likely Aaron.
    Moses was upset by this great sin (v. 21) and, as expected, God had a plan (vv. 33-35). Aaron died soon after that (Deut. 10:6).
    God still hates sin and loves us individually. He will not allow people into Heaven that rebel against Him, so He sent Jesus to die for our sins, then He rose from the dead. We must put all our trust in Jesus, as none of us are sinless and we need a Savior. Thank God for His incredible gift! (DRM 8/12/17)

    Father in Heaven, thank You for reminding us how much it is like You to be willing to live—and die—for those who have not yet seen how much You love them. (From Our Daily Bread 8/9/17)

32:32    . . . But now, if You will, forgive their sin — and if not, please blot me out from Your book which You have written!"

    Moses had just seen the golden calf that Aaron had made as a god for the Israelites (v. 23). He departed from Aaron and went back to God to ask for His forgiveness for their sin.
    Moses knew that only God can forgive sins that were committed against Him.
    This verse also clearly states that God wrote the book - which likely refers to the five books that are attributed to Moses.
    God also inspired the other authors of the other books in the Bible. (DRM 10/20/13)

    As long as you want anything very much, especially more than you want God, it is an idol. - A. B. Simpson from Our Daily Bread, 10/20/13

33:9    Whenever Moses entered the tent, the pillar of cloud would descend and stand at the entrance of the tent; and the LORD would speak with Moses.

    There was no doubt Who was in charge during the exodus. Moses was taking his orders from God - and the Israelites could see the "pillar of cloud."
    Still, as time progressed, the Israelites rebelled and wanted to do things their own way. They later lost faith in Him when the spies went into the land and said giants lived there (Num. 13:32), so all the Israelites that left Egypt (except two) died in the wilderness and the next generation conquered Israel.
    As Christians, our faith is in Jesus. He (through the Holy Spirit) will show us the way. Though spiritual enemies may come, we must keep the faith! (DRM 7/17/17)

    Because of Jesus' death on the cross and His resurrection, we no longer need someone like Moses to speak with God for us. Instead, just as Jesus offered to His disciples, we can have friendship with God through Christ (John 15:15). We too can meet with Him, with the Lord speaking to us as one speaks to a friend. (from Our Daily Bread 7/14/17 AMY BOUCHER-PYE)

33:18, 19    Then Moses said, "I pray You, show me Your glory!" 19And He said, "I Myself will make all My goodness pass before you, and will proclaim the name of the LORD before you; and I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I  will show compassion on whom I will show compassion.

    Moses asked God to see His glory, he didn't ask to see His face. God will not allow anyone to see His face and live (v. 20).
    God is God, He is in full control. What He says goes. Later in verse 19, He explains that a little more by saying He makes all the decisions (e.g. gracious and compassion).
    Like Moses, we want to receive His graciousness and compassion. This is done partially by our worship, our obedience to His Law and our trust in His Son, Jesus, Who died for our sins and was resurrected on the third day.  (DRM 1/13/18)

    We can see God and His glory in His patience with us, the encouraging word of a friend, a beautiful sunset, or — best of all — the whisper of the Holy Spirit inside of us. (from Our Daily Bread 1/13/18 LINDA WASHINGTON)

33:20    "But," he said, "you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live."

    This quote is by God. God keeps His promises. From what I have read and heard, to this day, no one has seen God's face, except Jesus Christ, who IS God in a different form.
    I cannot imagine what it will be like to see God in heaven! (DRM 1/24/88)

33:22, 23    and it will come about, while My glory is passing by, that I will put you in the cleft of the rock and cover you with My hand until I have passed by. 23Then I will take My hand away and you shall see My back, but My face shall not be seen."

    My earthly body has a hard time comprehending meeting with Someone and not seeing His face. Like Moses, I (we) would like to see Who we are talking to. Now I feel that when I get a response from the Holy Spirit that I am getting a message from God Himself - and I'm happy with that. The important part is that He listens and cares about my (our) condition. (DRM 6/23/08)

34:1    Now the LORD said to Moses, "Cut out for yourself two stone tablets like the former ones, and I will write on the tablets the words that were on the former tablets which you shattered.

    Moses shattered the first two tablets because the Israelites were worshipping a false god (calf) while he was on the mountain with the true God. (Exod. 32:19)
    Clearly, Moses was defending God and wanted the Israelites to follow His direction/new commandments.
    Since God knew the circumstances, He showed His forgiveness here by being willing to replace the shattered tablets. This proves that God forgives our sins. (DRM 11/15/12)

34:4    So he [Moses] cut out two stone tablets like the former ones, and Moses rose up early in the morning and went up to Mount Sinai, as the LORD had commanded him, and he took two stone tablets in his hand.

    Moses already had the 10 Commandments on two previous tablets, then threw them down the mountain in anger, where they shattered (Exod. 32:19). Here Moses prepared two new tablets for God to write on.
    It seems that God understood Moses' anger and supported this action. Getting the Israelites (and us) to follow the Commandments is a much harder task than re-engraving the stones. None of us can succeed, which is why we need a Savior to substitute for our failure. His name is Jesus. (DRM 3/3/12)

34:9    He [Moses] said, "If now I have found favor in Your sight, O Lord, I pray, let the Lord go along in our midst, even though the people are so obstinate, and pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us as Your own possession."

    Moses wanted the Israelites to see God as he saw Him. He probably thought that would improve their belief that He was/is real.
    This prayer was not answered in the way Moses desired. God allows us to know He exists by the evidence He gives us, but God Himself will never walk in our midst. Jesus did that, but not the Father.
    Like Moses, our prayers may not be answered as we desire - but God hears them and could have an alternate (in our mind) response. Whatever He does, we should know, is the right solution to our prayer request. (DRM 5/24/17)

34:12    Watch yourself that you make no covenant with the inhabitants of the land into which you are going, or it will be a snare in your midst.

    Considering the Old Testament history of the Israelite people, this is what led to their downfall. At times they worshipped other gods and some intermarried -as they were told NOT to do.
    It seems interesting to me that the Jewish people that I know today are not intermarrying and generally are attempting to follow the Old Testament laws. Is this why they have received the land of Israel again? (DRM 6/24/08)

34:29    It came about when Moses was coming down from Mount Sinai (and the two tablets of the testimony were in Moses' hand as he was coming down from the mountain), that Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because of his speaking with Him.

    One major aspect of God=Jesus while in Heaven is the light. That's why we can't see God and live - we would be blinded by the light. Moses had to be the exception, as he saw God and told about it.
    While we can't see God=Jesus yet, as His children, we received His spiritual light when we put our full trust in Him. When we speak to others, we reflect His love/nature - if we know it or not.
    All the things that we do and words that we say represent Him to our friends - and they should know we are Christians. This could be the only "Bible" they read. (DRM 8/9/17)

    May others see the love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control of Jesus' Spirit glowing through us. (from Our Daily Bread INSIGHT MART DEHAAN 8/6/17)

34:32    Afterward all the sons of Israel came near, and he [Moses] commanded them to do everything that the LORD had spoken to him on Mount Sinai.

    Moses was 80+ years old when he met the Lord God on Mt. Sinai. From what has been written, a lot was said during those 40 days (v. 28) and only the Ten Commandments were written down. Moses must have had a good memory to remember all that the Lord said. It should be a motivation for me (us) to remember more of God's words through the Bible. (DRM 6/25/08)

35:29    The Israelites, all the men and women, whose heart moved them to bring material for all the work, which the LORD had commanded through Moses to be done, brought a freewill offering to the LORD.

    What's amazing to me is that the Israelites were in the midst of moving from one location to another and still had more possessions to give to the Lord's tent of meeting (v. 21). They couldn't have had many possessions while traveling - compared to living in houses today.
    Still, at least some in the exodus expressed their faith by giving to the Lord of their meager possessions.
    This is truly an example for me/us as we should give to the Lord more - like they did. (DRM 4/1/14)

36:5    . . . and they said to Moses, "The people are bringing much more than enough for the construction work which the LORD commanded us to perform."

    This quote is from the workmen at the Tabernacle that was being constructed as the Exodus from Egypt continued. This was a temporary structure.
    Moses had asked the Israelites to donate material for construction and, at this point, they were more than willing and generous. They had more than enough to complete the job.
    When the Lord calls on us to help with a project in some way, He also wants us to serve/help as much as possible. (DRM 3/11/12)

38:24    The total amount of the gold from the wave offering used for all the work on the sanctuary was 29 talents and 730 shekels (about 2,000#), according to the sanctuary shekel. 

    2,000 pounds of Gold was used in Moses Tabernacle! The thought of that much Gold amazes me. How did they refine it? 
    I think of heaven in a verse like this because the things of value here will be so common in heaven. The streets will be paved with gold. 
    Thank you Lord for allowing me into Your Kingdom. [Two years today] (DRM 1/25/88)

39:14    There were twelve stones, one for each of the names of the sons of Israel, each engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes.

    The twelve tribes of Israel are mentioned from the beginning of the Bible to the end. . . They are mentioned in great detail in Revelation. 
    I am now aware of the importance of the twelve tribes, but still need to understand how they relate to today's world and where I fit in. (DRM 1/26/88)

40:16    Thus Moses did; according to all that the LORD had commanded him, so he did.

    In the first 15 verses of this chapter, I underlined "you shall" 16 times. God was instructing or commanding Moses how to set up the tent of meeting - tabernacle.
    God also wants to instruct us on what He wants us (me) to do. I (we) must listen to the Holy Spirit or read the Bible for instructions. (DRM 6/26/08)

40:26, 27    Then he placed the gold altar in the tent of meeting in front of the veil; 27and he [Moses] burned fragrant incense on it, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.

    This is very similar to yesterday's verse, but yesterday's verse was referring to how God told him to do something. In these verses, Moses did what he was told. We have the free will to do or not to do what we are told. There is no doubt what is the better choice. (DRM 6/27/08)

40:34    Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.

    Truly God was with the Israelites, and they could physically see the cloud by day and fire at night (v. 38). How I would like to see a physical representation that God is with me. Thankfully the Holy Spirit is in me, and I know I can call on Him as needed. I need His love and assurance as I go through the trials of daily life! (DRM 6/28/08)

40:38    So the cloud of the Lord was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel during all their travels.

    The last verse of Exodus tells us about the glory of the Lord. Generally this phenomenon occurred only until Jesus Christ's birth.
    The glory of the Lord must have been a great sight!
    Fortunately, due to Pentecost, we don't need to see the glory to know that Jesus Christ is a part of our lives! (DRM 1/27/88)