Old Testament Archives

Lessons from the Courtyard: The Bronze Altar and the Laver for Washing (Exodus 27)

The Lord told Moses to provide a bronze altar and a laver for washing in the courtyard of the tabernacle. Both illustrate important lessons for Christians today. In this lesson we review the extraordinary story from Numbers behind the covering for the altar. That story is referenced by Jude in the New Testament, to address

Lessons from the Courtyard: The Bronze Altar and the Laver for Washing (Exodus 27) View Lesson

Twelve Precious Stones (Exodus 28)

Since the high priest of the tabernacle represents Christ (from Hebrews 8-10) his attire takes on greater significance for us. In this lesson we look at that special clothing, particularly the spectacular breastplate which featured twelve unique gemstones on its front panel. Early Christian writer Tertullian pointed to this as one of several Old Testament

Twelve Precious Stones (Exodus 28) View Lesson

The Anointed One (Exodus 29)

The Lord tells Moses of three extraordinary procedures to ordain the high priest and other priests, all of which point to different aspects of Jesus Christ. One of them is that Aaron, the first high priest, is to be anointed with oil. This act points to the meaning of the term Christ or Messiah (a

The Anointed One (Exodus 29) View Lesson

Set Apart for the Lord (Exodus 30)

God gives Moses the special formula for the anointing oil and sacred incense, both of which are holy to the Lord. In this account we find a practical illustration of what it means for something (or someone) to be holy: to be set apart for God. In connection with that we look at other inspiring passages about the way

Set Apart for the Lord (Exodus 30) View Lesson

The Veil and the Craftsmen (Exodus 31:1-17)

In this last lesson on the construction of the temple, we first take a look at the veil, which Hebrews tells us represents Jesus' flesh. With this in mind, we take a deeper look at the details of this veil to see if there are more parallels to Jesus. We also learn that the craftsmen who

The Veil and the Craftsmen (Exodus 31:1-17) View Lesson

The Finger of God (Exodus 31:18)

This lesson plunges us into deep waters: to understand the very nature and character of God. Is there a topic more challenging, more impossible to grasp? Yet the Hebrews writer tells the Christians that God "is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." In Exodus 31:18 we learn that the tablets of stone given

The Finger of God (Exodus 31:18) View Lesson

The Golden Calf and the Sin of Impatience (Exodus 32:1-14)

The Israelites become impatient at the delay of Moses returning and pressure Aaron to make "gods" to go before them. Aaron gives in; and makes the famous golden calf. Rather than look down on the Israelites for their foolishness, we consider similar temptations we face today when our patience is tested. We also consider insights

The Golden Calf and the Sin of Impatience (Exodus 32:1-14) View Lesson

The Evil of Idolatry (Exodus 32:15-20)

Of all the sins the Israelites committed in the wilderness, making the golden calf may have provoked the greatest anger from the Lord. The sin of idolatry, prohibited in the Second Commandment, continued to be a snare to the Israelites through most of their history. Later, as the apostles spread the Christian faith throughout world,

The Evil of Idolatry (Exodus 32:15-20) View Lesson

The Book of Life and the Foundation of Evangelism (Exodus 32:21-25)

Moses calls out "all those who are with the Lord," but only the Levites answer the call. Three thousand Israelites are slain by the sword at their hands, a consequence of idolatry with the golden calf. However, we also see another side of the heart of Moses. He pleads with the Lord to have mercy

The Book of Life and the Foundation of Evangelism (Exodus 32:21-25) View Lesson

Leaving the Bright Clothes and Ornaments Behind (Exodus 33:1-6)

As a consequence of their idolatry with the golden calf, the Israelites are told that the Lord will not accompany them on their journey to Canaan. As the people mourn upon hearing this bad news, Moses tells them to cast off their expensive clothing and ornaments. Here we bring in early Christian writer Clement of Alexandria,

Leaving the Bright Clothes and Ornaments Behind (Exodus 33:1-6) View Lesson