Today’s Chapters: Exodus 21-25
Pete’s Thoughts:
Exodus 21
Here is the famous section talking about punishment and retribution – an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. It is important to understand that basis for the laws so that justice may be upheld without partiality. That is why, when forming the first laws for the nation, God told them to take and eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. He also gave them instructions on what was punishable and what was not. Here’s the important fact to remember, however. Christ taught that while an eye for an eye is apart of the law and is important, we should be willing to extend grace, just as God extended it to us. By showing grace through not taking the full measure of the punishment on the guilty, you show them that there is something different in you. You show them the fruit of your salvation.
Exodus 22
This chapter covers some of the general moral practices that the Israelites were to maintain. Some of these seem pretty obvious to us but God wanted to make sure that everything was clear as to how to deal with various situations. He wanted to make sure their priorities were set on Him and not other things.
Exodus 23
Since we serve a just God, the importance of justice in law cannot be understated. That is why God sets down rule and guidelines for judgment in this chapter.
Exodus 24
I find this chapter very interesting. When the people had heard from Moses of what God said and when Moses had written it down in the book, the people confirmed that they would hold to the Law. As part of the consecration, Moses took the blood from the peaces offerings of oxen and sprinkled it on the altar, the people and the book. What I find vastly interesting is what Moses says in verse 8 – “This is the blood of the covenant which the Lord has made with you according to all these words.” These words are echoed by Christ when He sat in the upper room with His twelve disciples for their final meal together. When He took the bread and the cup He said, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood.” Both were consecrated by blood, as Hebrews 9:22 tells us.
Exodus 25
God wanted the children of Israel to make a place for them to worship Him. To do this, He wanted them to give an offering to gather the supplies they would need. After having just left Egypt with all it’s spoils and plunder, they had plenty to give. God wanted their best. Not because He wanted to deprive them of what they had, instead He wanted them to realize who He is and free give of what He had blessed them with so that His work could continue. We have the same opportunity at church each Sunday. The church will not force you to give but God does want you to freely give to Him from the abundance that He has blessed you with.
