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A reading from the book of Exodus. Then bring near to you Aaron your brother and his sons with him from among the people of Israel to serve me as priests. Aaron and Aaron's sons, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. And you shall make holy garments for Aaron, your brother, for glory and for beauty. You shall speak to all the skillful, whom I have filled with the spirit of skill, that they make Aaron's garments to consecrate him for my priesthood. These are the garments that they shall a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a coat of checker work, a turban, and a sash. They shall make holy garments for Aaron, your brother and his sons to serve me as priests. They shall receive gold, blue, and purple and scarlet yarns, and fine twined linen, and they shall make the ephod of gold, of blue and purple and scarlet yarns, and of fine twined linen, skillfully worked. It shall have two shoulder pieces attached to its two edges, so that it may be joined together, and the skillfully woven band on it shall be made like it, and be of one piece with it of gold, blue, and purple and scarlet yarns, and fine twined linen. You shall take two onyx stones and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel, six of their names on the one stone, and the names of the remaining six on the other stone in the order of their birth. As a jeweler engraves signets, so shall you engrave the two stones with the names of the sons of Israel. You shall enclose them in settings of gold filigree, and you shall set the two stones on the shoulder pieces of the ephod as stones of remembrance for the sons of Israel. And Aaron shall bear their names before the Lord on his two shoulders. For remembrance. You shall make settings of gold filigree and two chains of pure gold, twisted like cords, and you shall attach the corded chains to the settings. You shall make a breastpiece of judgment in skilled work in the style of the ephod. You shall make it of gold, blue, and purple and scarlet yarns, and fine twined linen shall you make it. It shall be square and doubled, a span its length, and a span its breadth. You shall set it in four rolls of stones. A row of sardius, topaz, and carbuncle shall be the first row, and the second row an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond, and the third row adjacent, and a gate, and an amethyst, and the fourth row a beryl, an onyx, and a Jasper. They shall be set in gold filigree. There shall be 12 stones with their names, according to the names of the sons of Israel. They shall be like signets, each engraved with its name. For the twelve tribes you shall make for the breastpiece, twisted chains like cords of pure gold. And you shall make for the breastpiece two rings of gold, and put the two rings on the two edges of the breastpiece and you shall put the two cords of gold and the two rings at the edges of the breastpiece and and the two ends of the two cords you shall attach to the two settings of filigree, and so attach it in front to the shoulder pieces of the Ephod. You shall make two rings of gold and put them at the two ends of the breastpiece, on its inside edge next to the ephod. And you shall make two rings of gold, and attach them in front to the lower part of the two shoulder pieces of the ephod, at its seam, above the skillfully woven band of the ephod. And they shall bind the breastpiece by its rings to the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, so that it may lie on the skillfully woven band of the ephod, so that the breastpiece shall not come loose from the ephod. So Aaron shall bear the names of the sons of Israel and the breastpiece of judgment on his heart when he goes into the holy place to bring them to regular remembrance before the Lord. And in the breastpiece of judgment you shall put the Urim and the Thummim, and they shall be on Aaron's heart when it goes in before the Lord. Thus Aaron shall bear the judgment of the people of Israel on his heart before the Lord regularly. You shall make the robe of the Ephod all of blue. It shall have an opening for the head in the middle of it, with a woven binding around the opening, like the opening in a garment, so that it may not tear on its hem. You shall make pomegranates of blue and purple and scarlet yarns around its hem with bells of gold between them, a golden bell and a pomegranate, a golden bell and a pomegranate around the hem of the robe and and it shall be on Aaron when he ministers, and its sound shall be heard when he goes into the holy place before the Lord and when he comes out, so that he does not die. You shall make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it like the engraving of a signet holy to the Lord, and you shall fasten it on the turban by a cord of blue. It shall be on the front of the turban. It shall be on Aaron's forehead. And Aaron shall bear any guilt from the holy things that the people of Israel consecrate as their holy gifts. It shall regularly be on his forehead that they may be accepted before the Lord. You shall weave the coat in checker work of fine linen. And you shall make a turban of fine linen. And you shall make a sash embroidered with needlework for Aaron's sons. You shall make coats and sashes and caps. You shall make them for glory and beauty. And you shall put them on Aaron, your brother, and on his sons with him, and shall anoint them and ordain them and consecrate them that they may serve me as priests. You shall make for them linen undergarments to cover their naked flesh. They shall reach from the hips to the thighs. And they shall be on Aaron and on his sons when they go into the tent of meeting or when they come near the altar to minister in the holy place, lest they bear guilt and die. This shall be a statute forever for him and for his offspring after him. A reading from the Book of Psalms. A psalm of David for the memorial offering. O Lord, rebuke me not in your anger, nor discipline me in your wrath. For your arrows have sunk into me and your hand has come down on me. There is no soundness in my flesh because of your indignation. There is no health in my bones because of my sin. For my iniquities have gone over my head like a heavy burden. They are too heavy for me. My wounds stink and fester because of my foolishness. I am utterly bowed down and prostrate. All the day I go about mourning, for my sides are filled with burning and there is no soundness in my flesh. I am feeble and crushed. I groan because of the tumult of my heart. O Lord, all my longing is before you. My sighing is not hidden from you. My heart throbs. My strength fails me in the light of my eyes. It also has gone from me. My friends and companions stand aloof from my plague. And my nearest kin stand far off. Those who seek my life lay their snares. Those who seek my hurt speak of ruin and meditate treachery all day long. But I am like a deaf man. I do not hear. Like a mute man who does not open his mouth, I have become like a man who does not hear and in whose mouth are no rebukes. But for your O Lord, do I wait. It is you, O Lord, my God, who will answer. For I said only let them not rejoice over me who boasts against me when my foot slips, For I am ready to fall, and my pain is ever before me. I confess my iniquity. I am sorry for my sin, but my foes are vigorous, they are mighty, and many are those who hate me wrongfully. Those who render me evil for good accuse me, because I follow after good. Do not forsake me, O Lord, O my God, be not far from me. Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation. A Reading of the Gospel According to Luke in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration, when Canarius was governor of Syria, and all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth, and she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a savior who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you. You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, glory to God in the highest and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased. When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us. And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God, for all they had heard and seen as it had been told them. And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. And when the time came for their purification, according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. As it is written in the law of the Lord, every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons. Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. And this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel. And the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came in the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him according to the custom of the law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel. And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel. And for a sign that is opposed and a sword will pierce through your own soul also, so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed. And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phoneuel of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin and then as a widow until she was 84. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. And coming up at that very hour, she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem. And when they had performed everything according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom, and the favor of God was upon him. Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover. And when he was 12 years old, they went up according to custom. And when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it. But supposing him to be in the group, they went a day's journey. But then they began to search for him among their relatives and acquaintances. And when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem searching for him. After three days, they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. And when his parents saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your Father and I have been searching for you in great distress. And he said to them, why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house? And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them. And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.
Podcast Summary: Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry
Episode Title: February 11 – Exodus 28; Psalm 38; Luke 2
Host/Author: Crossway
Release Date: February 11, 2025
Welcome to another enriching episode of Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry. In today's session, dated February 11, we delve into pivotal scriptures from the Old Testament, Psalms, and the New Testament. This episode provides a profound exploration of priestly consecration, heartfelt repentance, and the miraculous birth of Jesus Christ. Below is a detailed summary capturing the essence of each reading, complemented by notable quotes and insights.
Overview:
Exodus 28 meticulously outlines the sanctification of Aaron and his sons as priests, emphasizing the significance of sacred garments in their service to God. The chapter underscores the importance of holiness, beauty, and meticulous craftsmanship in the attire designated for priestly duties.
Key Points:
Appointment of Priests:
The passage begins with God's directive to Moses to consecrate Aaron and his sons (Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar) as priests (Exodus 28:1-2). This appointment signifies their unique role in mediating between God and the people of Israel.
"You shall make holy garments for Aaron, your brother, for glory and for beauty." (Exodus 28:2, [00:01])
Detailed Garment Specifications:
The text provides an exhaustive description of the garments, including the breastpiece, ephod, robe, coat of checker work, turban, and sash. Each piece is fashioned with specific materials—gold, blue, purple, scarlet yarns, and fine twined linen—symbolizing purity and divine favor.
"These are the garments that they shall a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a coat of checker work, a turban, and a sash." (Exodus 28:6, [00:01])
Symbolism of the Ephod and Breastpiece:
The ephod, adorned with precious stones engraved with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, serves as a focal point for remembrance before the Lord. The breastpiece of judgment contains the Urim and Thummim, instruments for divine decision-making.
"Aaron shall bear the names of the sons of Israel and the breastpiece of judgment on his heart when he goes into the holy place to bring them to regular remembrance before the Lord." (Exodus 28:30, [00:01])
Consecration Process:
The chapter concludes with instructions for making linen undergarments to ensure the priests' modesty and holiness as they minister in the holy place, emphasizing that any lapse could result in severe consequences.
"They shall reach from the hips to the thighs. And they shall be on Aaron and on his sons when they go into the tent of meeting or when they come near the altar to minister in the holy place, lest they bear guilt and die." (Exodus 28:42-43, [00:01])
Insights:
The meticulous attention to detail in priestly garments reflects the broader biblical principle that true service to God must be conducted with reverence, purity, and intentionality. These garments were not merely for aesthetic purposes but were imbued with spiritual significance, symbolizing the priests' role as holy mediators.
Overview:
Psalm 38 is a poignant penitential lament penned by King David. It encapsulates the depths of personal suffering, repentance, and reliance on God's mercy amidst adversity.
Key Points:
Expression of Suffering:
David opens with a heartfelt plea, expressing his anguish and the physical manifestations of his sin.
"O Lord, rebuke me not in your anger, nor discipline me in your wrath. For your arrows have sunk into me and your hand has come down on me." (Psalm 38:1-2, [00:25])
Acknowledgment of Sin:
The psalmist candidly admits his iniquities, recognizing that his sins have become an unbearable heavy burden.
"For my iniquities have gone over my head like a heavy burden. They are too heavy for me." (Psalm 38:4, [00:25])
Isolation and Despair:
David describes his isolation from friends and family, highlighting the social repercussions of his transgressions.
"I am like a deaf man. I do not hear. Like a mute man who does not open his mouth... But for your O Lord, do I wait." (Psalm 38:13-14, [00:25])
Hope in God's Mercy:
Despite his dire circumstances, David maintains his faith in God's eventual deliverance and forgiveness.
"But for your O Lord, do I wait. It is you, O Lord, my God, who will answer." (Psalm 38:15, [00:25])
Insights:
Psalm 38 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of humility and repentance. David's transparency about his failings fosters a deeper understanding of human frailty and the boundless grace available through sincere contrition. It encourages believers to seek God's forgiveness and restoration even in their darkest moments.
Overview:
Luke 2 narrates the miraculous birth of Jesus Christ, the angelic proclamation to the shepherds, and early events in Jesus' childhood, including His presentation at the temple and His stay in Jerusalem at twelve years old.
Key Points:
Birth of Jesus:
The chapter begins with the decree from Caesar Augustus for a census, leading Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem where Jesus is born and laid in a manger due to the lack of lodging.
"And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn." (Luke 2:7, [01:10])
Angelic Announcement:
Shepherds in the fields are visited by an angel who declares the birth of a savior, Christ the Lord. A heavenly host joins, praising God and announcing peace on earth.
"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior who is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:11, [01:15])
"Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased." (Luke 2:14, [01:15])
Shepherds' Response:
Motivated by the angelic message, the shepherds haste to Bethlehem, witness the newborn Jesus, and spread the news, marveling at the fulfillment of the prophecy.
"And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child." (Luke 2:17, [01:20])
Jesus Presented at the Temple:
At eight days old, Jesus is circumcised and named, and later presented at the temple where Simeon and the prophetess Anna recognize Him as the Messiah.
"For my eyes have seen your salvation... a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel." (Luke 2:30-32, [01:30])
Early Childhood and Wisdom:
The chapter concludes with Jesus' growth in wisdom and favor with God and man, highlighting His divine nature from an early age.
"And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man." (Luke 2:52, [01:50])
Insights:
Luke 2 beautifully intertwines themes of humility, divine intervention, and fulfillment of prophecy. The birth of Jesus in a humble manger, the proclamation to the lowly shepherds, and His early recognition as the Messiah underscore the accessibility of God's salvation. Additionally, Jesus' early display of wisdom foreshadows His future ministry and divine purpose.
Holiness and Service:
Exodus 28 and Luke 2 both highlight roles set apart for divine purposes. Aaron's consecration as priest and Jesus' birth as the Savior reflect God’s intention to engage directly with humanity through dedicated individuals.
Repentance and Redemption:
Psalm 38's theme of repentance complements the redemptive narrative in Luke 2. While David seeks forgiveness for his sins, the birth of Jesus represents God's ultimate plan for redemption, bridging the human need for reconciliation with divine salvation.
Divine Presence in Humility:
The detailed priestly garments signify the sacredness of service, paralleling Jesus' humble birth in a manger. Both instances emphasize that God’s presence and purposes often manifest in unexpected and modest contexts.
Faith and Obedience:
Joseph and Mary’s obedience to the census decree and Simeon’s faith in God’s promise illustrate the importance of trust and submission to divine will, reinforcing the spiritual lessons drawn from the readings.
Today's episode offers a multifaceted exploration of holiness, repentance, and divine intervention through the lens of Exodus 28, Psalm 38, and Luke 2. By examining the sanctification of priests, the heartfelt pleas of a penitent heart, and the miraculous birth of Christ, listeners are invited to reflect on their personal relationship with God, the nature of service, and the profound impacts of faith and obedience.
Notable Quotes:
"For remembrance. You shall make settings of gold filigree and two chains of pure gold..." (Exodus 28:8-9, [00:01])
"But for your O Lord, do I wait. It is you, O Lord, my God, who will answer." (Psalm 38:15, [00:25])
"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior who is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:11, [01:15])
As Jackie Hill Perry guides us through this year's Bible journey, each episode builds a comprehensive understanding of Scripture, encouraging believers to engage deeply with God's Word and apply its lessons to daily life.
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Continue your Bible reading journey with us as we explore further scriptures, gaining insights and fostering a closer relationship with God through the ESV Bible.
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Thank you for listening, and may your year of reading the Bible be transformative and filled with divine revelation.