As we come to the end of the book of Exodus, I want to recount the journey thus far. The story begins with a Pharaoh who “knew not Joseph” enslaving the children of Israel. Their continued prosperity only angers the Egyptians further, and Pharaoh’s solution is to order the execution of every new male Israelite child.

Moses is rescued from this, grows up in Pharaoh’s court, is forced to flee, and then is commissioned by the LORD to return and lead Israel out of slavery. The LORD reveals himself through signs and plagues, and though the power of the LORD overwhelms his land, Pharaoh is unable to concede. The final tragic sign is a response to Egypt’s attempt to eradicate Israel years before.

The LORD then goes before the children of Israel, parting the sea, providing food and water, and leading them to the Mount of Horeb, or Sinai. Here His glory descends over the mountain, Moses ascends, and a covenant is offered, which the Israelites affirm. As you will see many, many times in the future, Israel’s faithfulness falters, they are called to repentance, and the LORD restores them.

At the beginning of this story, the LORD introduced himself to Moses as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He them claimed all Israel as His own, rescuing them, commanding them to trust Him, then to worship Him alone.

We now reenter the account of the construction of the tabernacle, where God will meet with His people. Chapter 39 records the creation of the priestly garments, according to the design we read in chapter 28. Still yourself here as the same details are recounted: the gold rings, the lace of blue, the bell and pomegranate, the signet engraved with “Holy to the LORD.”

All is brought to Moses for review. And he “saw all the work, and behold, they had done it; as the LORD had commanded, so they had done it. Then Moses blessed them.”

We close with a look at the dedication of this tabernacle. Exactly one year has passed since that night in Egypt that for Israel had marked the beginning of days. As the cloud had once covered the mountain, it now descends over the tabernacle… “in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys.”

Our verse for this week is Hebrews 11:29: By faith the people crossed the Red Sea as on dry land, but the Egyptians, when they attempted to do the same, were drowned.

Exodus chapters 39 and 40. Now let’s read it!

Day 31 Guided Podcast