A Year in the Bible with Daily Grace

Episode: Season 4, Week 14 Day 2: Going Deeper in Exodus 40:34-38
Release Date: April 1, 2025
Hosts: Beth & Alexa

Introduction

In this episode of A Year in the Bible with Daily Grace, hosts Beth and Alexa guide listeners through a deeper exploration of Exodus 40:34-38. As part of Season 4's "Christ in all of Scripture" reading plan, this episode delves into the significance of God's presence dwelling among the Israelites and its implications for understanding Jesus' role throughout the Bible.

Context of Exodus 40:34-38

Alexa sets the stage by placing the passage within the broader narrative of the Israelites' wilderness journey:

"We've been discussing the Israelites' time in the wilderness the past couple of weeks. In Exodus 40, the Israelites are still in the wilderness. They've received the law from Moses given to him through God..."
[01:51] Alexa

Here, Alexa emphasizes the transition from receiving God's commands to the tangible establishment of the tabernacle, highlighting God's directive to Moses to build a place where His presence would dwell.

God's Character and Presence

Beth reflects on the profoundness of God's physical presence:

"How crazy would it have been to actually see God's glory physically come and fill the tabernacle?"
[02:33] Beth

This rhetorical question invites listeners to imagine the awe-inspiring moment when God's presence filled the tabernacle, underscoring the majesty and holiness of God.

Alexa elaborates on God's desire to be with His people despite their imperfections:

"Exodus 40 really shows us God's desire to be with his people. God is holy. He's distinct and set apart... God still made a way to be amongst his people."
[02:55] Alexa

She references the significance of the cloud and fire as symbols of God's consistent presence:

"In verse 38 of Exodus 40 it says that the cloud and fire over and in the tabernacle was vis to the entire house of Israel throughout all the stages of their journey."
[03:10] Alexa

This imagery reinforces the theme of God's unwavering guidance and grace toward the Israelites.

Significance in the Biblical Story

Beth connects this event to the overarching narrative of redemption:

"This was the first time in the biblical story that God's presence came to dwell or rest on earth since the Garden of Eden."
[04:06] Beth

She highlights God's faithfulness and the unfolding of His redemptive plan leading to Jesus:

"He's just working out how he's going to redeem us through a grand plan that expands throughout history, leading all the way up to Jesus..."
[04:16] Beth

This perspective situates the Exodus event as a pivotal moment in the divine plan to restore humanity.

Conclusion and Next Steps

As the episode wraps up, Alexa encourages listeners to engage further with the study:

"Be sure to join us tomorrow, and we will talk to you then."
[04:37] Alexa

She also directs listeners to additional resources:

"Check out our show notes for some helpful links and resources related to today's episode."
[04:37] Alexa

Beth and Alexa conclude by inviting the community to continue their journey through Scripture together, reinforcing the podcast's mission to reveal Christ's presence throughout the Bible.

Looking Ahead

The hosts tease the next episode, where they will break down and annotate the corresponding New Testament passage, continuing their exploration of how Jesus is interwoven with the entirety of Scripture.

Resources: For further study, journals, and additional resources mentioned in the episode, visit thedailygraceco.com.

Connect with Us: Follow A Year in the Bible with Daily Grace on Instagram at @dailygraceco for more Bible study resources and daily encouragement.

This detailed summary captures the essence of Season 4, Week 14 Day 2's episode, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the key discussions around Exodus 40:34-38 and its significance in the biblical narrative.