In this passage, Moses shares how violent crimes should be dealt with. If you kill someone (homicide), you must die. However, unintentional killing (manslaughter) can avoid the death penalty by fleeing to a city of refuge. If you strike your parent or curse your parent, you die. If you kidnap someone, you die.There are other … Continue reading Capital Crimes (Exodus 21:12 – 36)
The Beginning of the Law (Exodus 20:22 – 21:11)
After the giving of the Ten Commandments (Decalogue), the Lord began to instruct Moses in how the nation should handle daily life in an ethical way. Some of the laws were for worship, others were for business dealings, some for marriage and family concerns. The laws spoken of the this passage had to do with … Continue reading The Beginning of the Law (Exodus 20:22 – 21:11)
The Awesome Presence of God (Exodus 20:18-21)
Exodus 20:18–21 (NKJV) 18 Now all the people witnessed the thunderings, the lightning flashes, the sound of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking; and when the people saw it, they trembled and stood afar off. 19 Then they said to Moses, “You speak with us, and we will hear; but let not God speak with us, lest … Continue reading The Awesome Presence of God (Exodus 20:18-21)
Hosanna (Save Us, Please)
I am sharing the notes from my message on Palm Sunday, March 29, 2015. Save Us, Please! The Triumphal Entry (Palm Sunday) Matthew 21:1–11 (NKJV) Mark 11:1–10; Luke 19:29–38; John 12:12–15 21 Now when they drew near Jerusalem, and came to Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, … Continue reading Hosanna (Save Us, Please)
The Decalogue (Ten Commandments) (Exodus 19:1 – 20:17)
Today's reading contains one of the most pivotal Scriptures in the Old Testament: Israel's arrival at Mt. Sinai and the delivery of the Ten Commandments. As Israel arrives at Sinai, God gives Moses specific instructions about how the Israelites should respect and recognize the boundaries related to God's manifest presence. No one but Moses, and … Continue reading The Decalogue (Ten Commandments) (Exodus 19:1 – 20:17)
Bearing the Burden Together (Exodus 17:8 – 18:27)
In the two stories related in this passage, Moses--the leader of Israel--is carrying the burden of the people entrusted to his care. In the first story, he sends Joshua into battle against Amalek. Moses stands on the hill adjacent to the battle and holds up the rod of God over the battlefield. As long as … Continue reading Bearing the Burden Together (Exodus 17:8 – 18:27)
More Water Woes: Contention and Temptation (Exodus 17:1-7)
The Israelites left the Wilderness of Sin and headed toward Canaan, camping in Rephidim. They complained and asked Moses to find them water. Moses asked them why they contended with him and tempted God. It was a tense time, once again, in the life of Israel. No doubt, Israel needed water to survive, with the … Continue reading More Water Woes: Contention and Temptation (Exodus 17:1-7)
Bread and Water (Exodus 15:22 – 16:36)
The latter part of chapter 15 relates the story of the waters of Marah (literally, "bitter"). The children of Israel needed water, but the waters at Marah were not drinkable. As was their custom by this time, the Israelites complained to Moses. He looked around, and found a branch he could put in the water … Continue reading Bread and Water (Exodus 15:22 – 16:36)
Honoring the Lord’s Utter Victory (Exodus 15:1-21)
As Israel leaves the basin of the Red Sea, and sees Egypt's finest warriors overwhelmed by the sea waters as it returns to its normal level, a song or poem is crafted to commemorate the Lord's Victory. Several elements can be identified.Oblation - This is a gift given in recognition of a king. In this … Continue reading Honoring the Lord’s Utter Victory (Exodus 15:1-21)
The Red Sea Challenge (Exodus 14:1-31)
The Children of Israel have been through about 400 years of separation from the promised land of Canaan. They have seen the wisdom of Joseph as he protected the Israelites from famine and gave them a place of favor in Egypt. Then, everything went south and they fell into disfavor with Pharaoh and were pressed … Continue reading The Red Sea Challenge (Exodus 14:1-31)
Devoted To You 