Bible in 365 Days

Exodus 30-32

Exodus 30

We may come to the description of the altar of incense. It is significant that in the earlier description of the Holy Place, with its furnishing, this altar was not named. It was specifically the altar of priesthood, instructions concerning which were not given until the priest was prepared for service. It completes and crowns the symbolism of the Holy Place. The table of shewbread represented communion with God, the lampstand spoke of testimony to the world, and now the golden altar speaks of the offering of adoration.

Provision was now made for the taking of the sum of the children of Israel and the process was a recognition of redemption. Everyone was to provide a half shekel of silver. The rich man's value was expressed by the half shekel, as was also that of the poor man.

Instructions concerning the laver follow. It was to stand at the entrance; in it the priests were to wash before they entered the Holy Place. For continued service in holy things repeated cleansing is necessary. Finally, we have in this chapter instructions concerning the anointing oil and incense. In each case these were compounded of precious things, all of them having significance and suggesting that the best graces of the soul are to merge with the sweetness of the anointing from on high. Very solemn are the injunctions that neither the sacred oil nor the holy incense was to be used in any way for personal gratification.

They are symbols of the soul's relation to God at its highest and must not be degraded.

Exodus 31

It should be borne in mind that in a certain way, these people were necessarily vulgarized by centuries of slavery and almost certainly devoid of that artistic ability which would enable them to construct the Tabernacle according to pattern. Moreover, they were far removed from the centers of human refinement. They were, however, a people gathered around God, who is ever equal to the task of fitting His people for doing all that His will appoints. Bezalel was filled with the Spirit of God, and the effect of that on him is described. He had "wisdom," that is capacity; "understanding," which indicates progress; and "knowledge," the attainment of skill.

The commandment concerning the Sabbath had already been enunciated in the Law. The insertion of a reference to it at this point is interesting.God had commissioned the people to a work specially sacred. Moreover, He had provided for carrying out the work in the special equipment of certain men. How easy it would have been for them to imagine that in doing this work they might dispense with the Sabbath observance.

This first period of communion between God and Moses ended with giving the two tables of stone written with the finger of God.

Exodus 32

Immediately following the account of this period of communion between Moses and God we have the record of the sin of the people. When they said, "Up, make us Gods," they were seeking something to represent God rather than seeking a new god. The day after the calf was erected they observed a feast to Jehovah.

In this connection Moses is seen in one of the greatest hours of his life as he stood and pleaded with God. It is to be observed that his plea was not so much on behalf of the people as on behalf of God. He spoke to Him of "Thy people, that Thou hast brought out of the land of Egypt" and then pleaded the covenant made with Abraham, Isaac, and Israel. Undoubtedly Moses was filled with compassion for the people, but his chief concern was for the honor of the name of God. In such a man God found vantage ground for the activity of mercy and the carrying out of purpose.

Another side of Moses' character is revealed in the story of his return to the people. He came in anger, broke the tables of stone, ground the calf to powder, and compelled the people to drink of the water into which it was flung. These actions were far more than a mere outburst of passion. They were followed by inquisition. From this inquisition Moses returned into the presence of God and there confessed the sin of the people, pleading that they might be spared, even though he be blotted out of the Book. God's answer was strict justice and mercy. Moses was commanded to return and lead the people, and it was promised that an angel would lead them.