In Today's Email:
Exodus 39 Notes
In this chapter we see the preparation of the priestly garments before ending the work on the Tabernacle.
vs. 1-31 – The garments for the High Priest are made as directed in chapter 28.
vs. 32-43 – Here is a summary of the Tabernacle project with a list of everything made for it.
Exodus 40 Notes
In this chapter we see the Tabernacle constructed and the presence of God filling it.
vs. 1-2 – We have a time marker here saying that the Tabernacle is to be set up on the 1st day of the 1st month. This makes it just a couple of weeks short of a full year since the Passover in Egypt. See Exodus 12:1-2.
vs. 3-8 – The directions for assembling the Tabernacle and placing its components.
vs. 9-11 – All of the components of the Tabernacle are to be anointed with the holy anointing oil.
vs. 12-15 – These appear to be simplified directions from chapter 29 of the ceremony to consecrate the priesthood.
vs. 16-33 – Moses assembles the Tabernacle as commanded by God.
vs. 34-35 – The shekinah glory of God enters the Tabernacle. We see the same happen when Solomon dedicates the Temple in I Kings 8:11.
vs. 36-38 – God uses the cloud as a means to guide Israel in their journey. When He was ready for them to move, the cloud went before them. It is tempting to read the cloud and fire as two separate things, but they are really one.
Closing Thoughts
Someone said that the Book of Exodus starts with a groan and ends with a shout! What a journey we have been on, seeing the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt to the dedication of the Tabernacle at Sinai. This book is a testament to the mighty power of God. As we move forward in the Old Testament, we will see many times where God uses these events are proof of His greatness. The only greater story of deliverance is that of Christ’s redemption of sinners, and in Exodus we see shadows of His cross.
Hymn for Today
Our hymn today, “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah”, was originally written in Welsh by William Williams in 1745. Just as Israel followed the cloud and fiery pillar, so we are exhorted to follow God’s direction in our lives.
Guide me, o thou great Jehovah,
Pilgrim through this Barren Land,
I am weak, but thou art mighty,
Hold me with thy pow'rful Hand;
Bread of Heaven, Bread of Heaven,
Feed me till I want no more.
Open now the Crystal Fountain
Whence the healing Streams do flow,
Let the fi'ry cloudy Pillar
Lead me all my Journey through;
Strong Deliv'rer, Strong Deliv'rer,
Be thou still my Strength and Shield.
When I tread the Verge of Jordan,
Bid my anxious Fear subside;
Death of Deaths, and Hell's Destruction,
Land me safe on Canaan's Side.
Songs of Praises, Songs of Praises,
I will ever give to Thee.