Studying the Book of Exodus: Chapters 24-26
The Book of Exodus is one of the five books of Moses (the first five books of the Bible).
Some scholars like to call these five books The Books by Moses.
Today we studied various segments written either of the J-writer, the P-writer or the E-writer.
Regardless, these chapters are about the sealing of the agreement, the confirming of the Covenant by the Israelites. Two versions of this ratification process exist.
It is a profoundly deep story and these stories resonate within us to this day. The priestly writer’s version describes a meal that was eaten to seal the agreement (vs.9-12 in chapter 24)
On the other hand, if we look back to verses 3-9 of chapter 24, a different ratifying process is described. Young bulls were slaughtered and their blood poured out on the alter that was built at the foot of Mt. Sinai. They gathered there and responded, “We will do everything the Lord has said; we will obey.” (the Ten Commandments).
Moses then took the blood and sprinkled it also on the people.
Representatives of the Twelve Tribes of Israel were amongst this crowd of people.
Chapter 25:
This chapter gives very specific details of how the Tabernacle should be built. The Arc of the Covenant would carry the tablet with the Ten Commandments in it and it would be moveable.
This concept of God being able to move around from place to place was unique to the Israelites.
What was foremost in the minds of the Jews was this: Was God going to dwell w-i-t-h them! This was very important to them.
Other important instructions come in verses 23-40 on how they were to build the table and the lampstand.
Chapter 26:
This chapter describes in great detail how the curtains would be woven, sewn and hung in the Tabernacle. Acadia wood was used also for framing.
The colors blue, purple and scarlet are mentioned a lot also.
Next week, we will continue with Chapter 27 in Exodus.
--Submitted by Vicky Steinwender
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