Exod. 37:10-16 See the notes for 25:23 and 25:30.
Exod. 37:25-28 See the note for 30:1-10.
Exod. 37:29 The oil...the incense: See the notes for and 30:34-38.
Exod. 38:1-7 See the note for 27:1.
Exod. 38:8 See the note for 30:17-21.
Exod. 38:9-20 See the note for 27:9-19.
Exod. 38:21-31 The entirety of the materials utilized in the construction of the tabernacle is emphasized by its opulence and the generosity of the people in their offerings.
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Exod. 38:22 tribe, matteh; Strong #4294: Rod, pole, staff, branch, cane, tribe. Originally, matteh signified "branch" of a tree or vine. Because the rod or pole of a patriarch was made from a branch, it's natural that matteh designates such an instrument. Finally, it's possible that matteh is used to designate a tribe, because it seemed to be united under a tribal staff, but perhaps it's because it was considered a "branch" of a family. It is certain in the case of the tribes of Israel, since they came from the families of the twelve sons of Jacob. We also refer to family "branches" in genealogical language. This concept is reinforced in Romans 11:17-24, where Paul refers to groups of people as "branches". Thus it is manifested that the family tree of the house of GOD consists of branches of two types: the native branches of the Jews and the branches that GOD has chosen from among the Gentiles. Another word that designates "tribe" is shevet, a word that means "staff, pole, tribe". Matteh and shevet are synonymous terms when they refer to the tribes of Israel. |
 LITERARY RICHES |
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Exod. 39:7 memorials, zikron; Strong #2146: A memorial, remembrance, record, registry, a written record; a significant event that had to be remembered for a long time. Zikron, a word that is in the Old Testament 24 times, derives from the word zakar, whose meaning is "to remember". The first time that zikron appears in Scripture is related to the Passover, the ceremonial day and meal that constitutes a remembrance of the powerful works of GOD (12:14). In this case, the stones that represent the 12 tribes are placed upon the ephod, which would serve to remind the high priest of each tribe by its name. Compare this with Joshua 4:7. In Malachi 3:16 GOD makes a book of "memories", where all those who place their mind in Him and that will some day be like the jewels on Aaron's heart (v.17). |
Exod. 39:8-21 See the note for 28:15-30.
Exod. 39:22-26 See the notes for 28:31-35 and 28:33,34.
Exod. 39:27-29 See the note for 28:40-43.
Exod. 39:30,31 See the note for 28:36.
Exod. 39:32-43 Moses finished the tabernacle that GOD had commanded him to construct.
Exod. 40:1-33 The tabernacle is carefully assembled and inaugurated.
Exod. 40:29 The offering was prepared and presented to GOD as a meal that symbolically offered him the best fruits of human life for Him to use according to His will.
Exod. 40:34-38 The glory of GOD filled the tabernacle. Without it and without his presence, the work wouldn't have concluded and the tabernacle would be useless. It reiterates the central message of Exodus: GOD is present in the midst of his people.
Contemporary Significance (HBH) The exodus deliverance is to the Old Testament what the death and resurrection of Christ are to the New Testament - the central, definitive act in which GOD intervenes to save His people. The Old Testament illustrates how GOD's acts of redemption call for a response from GOD's people. The proclamation of GOD's saving acts in the exodus was the central function of Israel's worship (compare Pss 78:11-55; 105:23-45; 106:7-33; 136:10-16). Christian worship focuses on GOD's saving act in Christ. (Compare the hymns in Phil 2:6-11 and Rev 5:12.) GOD's saving intervention in the exodus formed the basis both for the prophetic call to obedience (Hos 13:4) and the announcement of judgment on covenant breakers (Amos 2:10; 3:1-2; Hos 11:1-5; 12:9; Jer 2:5-9). Today GOD's saving act in Christ forms the basis for the call to live a Christlike life (Rom. 6:1-14). GOD's saving acts in the past gave Israel hope that GOD would intervene to save in the future (Isa 11:16; Mic 7:15). Likewise, GOD's saving act in Christ is the basis for the Christian's hope (Rom 8:28-39).
The exodus deliverance, the Sinaitic covenant, the wilderness experience, and the promise of a land provide models of the Christian life. The believer, having already and unconditionally been adopted into the family of GOD, undertakes his or her own "exodus" from bondage to sin and evil to servanthood under the new covenant. Christians live out their kingdom pilgrimage in the wilderness of this world system, as it were, pressing toward and in anticipation of the eternal land of promise to come.
Ethical Value (HBH) GOD saved and made covenant with His ancient people Israel and demanded of them a life-style in keeping with that holy calling. He demands that same adherence to His unchanging standards of all who call themselves His people. The Ten Commandments are an expression of the very character of a holy, faithful, glorious, saving GOD. Even the "statutes" and "judgments" designed specifically for Old Testament Israel exemplify standards of holiness and integrity that are part and parcel of GOD's expectations for His people of all ages.
One can also learn a great deal about practical living and relationships by examining carefully the narrative sections. One must be impressed with the faith of godly parents who, in the face of persecution and peril, placed their son in the hands of Yahweh to wait to see how He would spare him. From his birth, then, Moses enjoyed the benefits of a wholesome spiritual environment in the home.
Clearly Moses himself inspires one to a life of dependence and yet dogged determination. Despite his slowness in responding to the call of the LORD in the wilderness, he went on in faith to challenge the political and military structures of the greatest nation on the earth. By the power of his GOD he overcame the insurmountable and witnessed miraculous intervention over and over again.
Many other examples could be cited, but these are enough to show that Exodus is timeless in its moral and ethical as well as theological relevance.
Questions for Reflection (HBH)
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