The story of Israel’s escape from Egypt and journeying through the desert is foundational to the Christian faith. These events hold rich lessons for us as we journey through the wilderness of this life. The book of Exodus also tells the story of Moses receiving the Law. We explore why and how the Law of Moses is relevant for Christians today and what it reveals about the heart of God. In Exodus, we are also given the details of the tabernacle, the portable tent which was the center of Israel’s community and worship. We find hidden treasures in the details of the tabernacle, pointing us to God’s future plan for His Church and Heaven itself. Notes are provided for each lesson in this forty-one-part series for self-study, reflection, and as a resource to teach others.
In this lesson we find two rather puzzling statements that reveal wonderful treasures for Christians today. In the commandment "you shall not boil a young goat in its mother’s milk," early Christians saw the kind heart of God toward the newborn and vulnerable. Also, when the Lord says he will send an "angel" or messenger
In this passage the Old Covenant is inaugurated: a contract between God and His people, sealed with blood. By understanding the nature of this covenant, we can better grasp and appreciate the New (and much better) Covenant that replaced it. In this lesson we look at striking parallels (and differences) between the two covenants. Grasping the
Moses and Israel's chosen men ascend Mount Sinai, where Moses will receive the stone tablets. The Lord calls Moses and Joshua to proceed further up, where they enter the midst of a great cloud. Moses remains on the mountain forty days, fasting throughout. We begin by considering the mysterious nature of God (the Father), whom
First 40 Days on Mount Sinai (with Moses Fasting) (Exodus 24:9-18) View Lesson
First 40 Days on Mount Sinai (with Moses Fasting) (Exodus 24:9-18) View Lesson
We have come to a part of Exodus that frustrates so many Christians: the instructions the Lord gives Moses for constructing the tabernacle. The Lord is extremely specific, and for very good reason. We learn in Hebrews that the tabernacle is a model representing the church and heaven itself. With the help of a modern
In our ongoing study of the tabernacle we now turn our attention to the Holy Place, the sanctuary. Just as the High Priest represents Christ, the other priests foreshadow us Christians, members of the new "royal priesthood." The Holy Place, where they minister daily, represents the church. In this lesson we explore the three objects
In Exodus 26 we turn to the specific instructions God gives Moses regarding the fabric that would cover the inside of the temple. One might wonder what we can learn from this, yet as we have seen, the details of the tabernacle foreshadow spiritual realities and provide valuable insight into the Christian life. As the
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
Lessons from the Courtyard: The Bronze Altar and the Laver for Washing (Exodus 27) View Lesson
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
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
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