DAY 27 EXODUS 21-24

Exodus 21-24

These chapters are the initial result of Exodus 20:21, when the people back away from the mountain of God’s presence and Moses draws near. It says, Moses drew near to the thick darkness where God was. Wow! Enveloped in God, Moses hears the beginning of God’s laws.

These first laws represent God’s chief concerns with the cultures of the peoples surrounding God’s people. For example:
They worshiped idols, God’s people should not (Exod. 20:22-26).
They mistreated slaves, God’s people should not (Exod. 21:1-11).
They practiced retribution (Gouge out my eye, and I’ll kill you!), God’s people should not (An eye for an eye, that’s all!) (Exod. 21:12-27).
They cared not for animals, God’s people should (Exod. 21:28-36).

And the list grows, as God gives Moses laws concerning property, morality, and justice for all. God’s people are to respond in ways that are different from the cultures around them.

Then God turns to matters that make God’s people special: Observe the Sabbath. Celebrate the feasts. Know that I’ve appointed an angel to lead you into the Promised Land. And while we’re at it, let’s renew the Covenant. So Moses wrote all that God had spoken to him and sealed this book of the Covenant with the blood of sacrificed animals.

This prepares Moses for his famous forty day fast (Exod. 24:18), during which God will outline the worship life of God’s people!

Until Tomorrow,
Pastor Gary