We pick up in the middle of God’s covenant with Israel that began all the way back in chapter 20. As you read today, remember that this all started with the words, “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me…”

These are the founding documents of a new nation, much like a constitution, but with one glaring difference: this covenant is not negotiated and codified by man. The LORD is the conquering King, not a negotiating partner; and the children of Israel are the LORD’s subjects, not His fellow citizens.

Chapter 23 continues commands on what justice should look like in their nation. Listen, again, for commands that get repeated or restated. Then comes statutes guiding how to set things aside – including Sabbath, festival, and sacrifice – as devoted to the LORD.

The final section of this covenant is the LORD’s great promise: He is giving them the land of Canaan. This generation will see the fulfillment of the promise that they’d heard about from long ago.

All that’s left is for Israel to ratify the agreement, and that’s what happens in chapter 24. It says that when Moses read to them the covenant, all the people affirmed that “All the LORD has said we will do, and we will be obedient.” Listen for that promise to be tested in the centuries, years, and even days to come.

Listen also for the many references to the LORD’s terrifying power, which sets up the final section of Exodus: the instructions and building of the tabernacle. This is the place in which the LORD’s glory will rest and where Israel will hear God’s voice and present their offerings to Him.

A word of encouragement: reading these blueprints might seem tedious. Again, take as much care in listening to these details as the author takes in transmitting them. There is a design, both for construction and for worship, being laid out here. Think about what the Israelites are learning about their God through this.

Our verse for this week is Hebrews 11:24-25: By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter,choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.

Exodus chapters 23 through 25. Now let’s read it!

Day 25 Guided Podcast