GLEANINGS IN EXODUS

LESSON 38

THE LORD TALKS WITH MOSES

By E. L. Bynum, Pastor

Memory Verse: Ex. 33:14 Lesson: Ex. 33:1-23

In the last verse of Ex. 32, God plagued the people, because they made a golden calf. Great blessings would have come to Israel if they had faithfully followed the Lord. We miss many blessings and victories, because we not faithful to the Lord. Psa. 81:13-14, Oh that my people had hearkened unto me, and Israel had walked in my ways! I should soon have subdued their enemies, and turned my hand against their adversaries.

I. THE JOURNEY RESUMED. v. 1-6

A. Divine Instruction And Rebuke. v. 1-3

1. The covenant-keeping Lord. v. 1. Gen. 12:7, And the LORD appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the LORD, who appeared unto him. Gen. 13:15, For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever.

a. The performance of the past, “out of the land of Egypt.”

b. The promise of the future, “unto a land.”

c. The people of the covenant. The “seed” of Abraham.

2. The care of the Lord. v. 2

a. Loss is suffered because of sin. Ex. 23:20-25

b. Such loss calls for repentance. II Cor. 7:10, For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

3. The condition of the people. v. 3

a. God’s promise is fulfilled. Ex. 3:8

b. God’s presence is withheld. No longer in the “midst.”

c. God’s purpose is hindered by sin.

B. Their Destitute Condition. v. 4-6

1. Their response to the message. v. 4. Luke 13:3, I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

2. The repeating of the message. v. 5. God rebukes sin.

3. The result of the message. v. 6. This is an indication of their desire to be in favor with God. II Cor. 7:8-10, For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season. Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

a. We must turn from our sin if we want God’s forgiveness.

b. Churches are putting on too many of the ornaments of the world. We should take them off and come back to God’s way.

II. THE TABERNACLE PITCHED. v. 7-11

Not to be confused with the tabernacle that was yet to be built!

A. Pitched Outside The Camp. v. 7

1. Note three things here involved.

a. An act of submission by Moses.

b. An act of faith. (He expected the Lord to respond.)

c. An act of grace. (The people could once again seek the Lord.) Psa. 40:16, Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The LORD be magnified.

2. The tabernacle was separated from the camp, because of their sin. Heb. 13:13, Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.

B. Moses Enters The Tabernacle. v. 8-9

1. The departure of Moses from the camp. v. 8

2. The destitution of the people in the camp. v. 8

a. The leader (Moses) went outside the camp.

b. The Lord was not in their midst. v. 3. Isa. 59:2, But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.

c. It seems that many did not separate, but watched at the doors of their tents.

3. The descent of the Lord. v. 9. Only when the servant is separated, will the Lord reveal Himself. II Cor. 6:17-18, Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

C. The Lord Talks With Moses. v. 10-11

1. The effect upon the people. v. 10

a. They witnessed the Lord’s position.

b. They worshiped the Lord’s presence.

2. The intimacy with Moses. v. 11a. Num. 12:8, With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses? I Sam. 2:30, …for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.

3. Moses returns to the camp. Joshua remains. v. 11b. Joshua always the faithful minister. Ex. 24:13, And Moses rose up, and his minister Joshua: and Moses went up into the mount of God.

III. MOSES’ PRAYER AND GOD’S ANSWER. v. 12-17

Moses typifies Christ our mediator. I Tim. 2:5, For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.

A. The Ground For Intercession. v. 12. Ex. 32:34

1. Moses had followed the Lord’s command.

2. Moses had found grace in the sight of the Lord. Gen. 6:8, But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.

B. The Grace Needed. v. 13

1. Grace needed to lead in the way.

2. Grace needed to know God more perfectly. Eph. 3:19, And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Phil. 3:10-11, That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.

3. Grace needed to petition God for others.

C. The Glorious Reply. v. 14

1. The great need for the journey. Psa. 23:4, Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou [art] with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Heb. 13:5, Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

2. The great need for the task.

D. The Granted Request. v. 15-17

1. Moses’ request was based upon three things. v. 15-16

a. He wanted to go only where the Lord would lead.

b. God’s leading would assure their position in grace.

c. God identifies Himself with a separated people. II Cor. 6:18

2. God’s answer based upon three things. v.17

a. Prayer was made. “Thou hast spoken.” Phil 4:6, Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. James 4:2, Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.

b. Position was assured. “Thou hast found grace.” Jer. 31:2, Thus saith the LORD, The people which were left of the sword found grace in the wilderness; even Israel, when I went to cause him to rest.

c. Possession was affirmed. “I know thee.” John 10:1-5.

IV. MOSES’ PLEADING AND GOD’S PRESENCE. v. 18-23

A. The Petition Stated. v. 18

We must first desire to know His way (v. 13), before He will show us His glory. v. 18

B. The Proclamation Issued. v. 19-20

1. The name of the Lord. v. 19

2. His goodness, grace, and mercy all come from our Sovereign God. v.19. Notice that goodness comes before grace, and grace comes before mercy.

3. The present restriction. v. 20. John 1:18, No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. John 14:9, Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?

C. The Provision Made. v. 21-23

1. The location identified. v. 21. We have to be in the right place to see His glory. Remember that wonderful song, “Rock of ages cleft for me, let me hide myself in Thee.”

2. The Passing Glory. v. 22-23. Isa. 6:1-3, In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. Rev. 21:11-23

3. We shall see Him as He is. I John 3:2, Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

—by E. L. Bynum

STUDY QUESTIONS

1. What covenant had God made with Abraham?

2. Why would God no longer be in the midst of the camp?

3. What act did the Israelites perform that would indicate repentance?

4. Was the tabernacle in v. 7, the one made according to the pattern? Why do you believe this?

5. Why was the tabernacle outside the camp?

6. Who went with Moses outside the camp?

7. Explain the appearance of the Lord at the tabernacle.

8. How does Moses typify Christ in this lesson?

9. Briefly give the Lord’s reply to Moses’ request, “Shew my thy glory.”

LESSON 37

THE LORD FORSAKEN AND HIS LAW BROKEN

By E. L. Bynum, Pastor

Memory Verse: Ex. 32:26 (N.W. 33:14)————Lesson: Ex. 32:1-35

I. THE AWFUL SIN OF IDOLATRY. v. 1-14

A. The People Call For The Golden Calf. v. 1-6

1. The absence of Moses. v. 1

a. This absence was entirely the will of God.

b. Their view of Moses was incorrect, as they seemed to be looking to him rather than Jehovah.

c. Moses is here a type of Christ. “Moses typified Christ, who went above (Acts 1:9) telling the people to tarry. In His absence, some forget his promised return (John 14:3; Acts 1:11) and make themselves gods (2 Tim. 3:1-4; 4:3-4; Matt. 24:12) denying His return (II Pet. 3:3-4; Matt. 24:48, 49). Jesus will come unexpectedly (Matt. 25:13) punishing evil doers (II Thess. 2:7-8) who are naked (Rev. 6:16-17) and gathering the true to Himself (1 Thess. 4:13-18).” Keith L. Brooks

2. They asked Aaron to make them gods to go before them. v. l . How unthinkable in view of the miracles they had seen and God’s protective care over them.

3. Aaron’s approval of their plan. v. 3-4. Aaron failed for he should have condemned the plan. Many leaders go wrong here, they simply follow rather than lead. Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. (cf. 1 Pet. 5:2)

4. Aaron’s action in making the golden calf. v. 4 Eccl. 7:29 Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions. Psa. 106:39 Thus were they defiled with their own works, and went a whoring with their own inventions.

5. Aaron’s attempt to combine calf worship with Jehovah worship. v . 5 Gal 5:9 A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. See also 1 Cor 5:6.

6. Their apostate worship. v. 6. It included feasting and playing which is one of the “hallmarks” of false religion and the corruption of Christianity. Of the word “play” in v. 6, Wilson’s “Old Testament Word Studies” says, “to laugh, to play, or sport, with singing, leaping, dancing.” This certainly sounds like much of the modern church activities.

B. The Lord Calls For Judgment. v. 7-10

1. The Lord warns Moses of their sin. v. 7

2. The Lord clearly identifies this as idolatry. v. 8. While many commentators claim that Israel only broke the second Commandment, the evidence reveals that they also broke the first. They had worshiped other gods in Egypt and now they have returned to that worship. Josh. 24:14 Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD.

3. God knows and sees all. v. 9 Jer 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? Yet God knows what is in the heart of man. Mark 4:22 For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.

4. God’s two-fold offer. v. 10.

a. To destroy Israel.

b. To make a great nation of Moses.

C. Moses Calls Upon God For Mercy. v. 11-14

Moses is here a type of our advocate 1 John 2:1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:. Moses’ intercession for Israel seems to be based on the following points:

1. They were God’s people whom He had delivered. v. 11

2. The Egyptians would rejoice over Israel’s destruction. v. 12

3. The Lord’s promises and His covenant would be unfulfilled. v. 13. In v. 14 it is said that the Lord repented. This does not mean that God changed His mind or purpose, but that he heard and answered the prayer of the mediator who was a type of Christ. James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. The Bible speaks of God resting, but this does not mean that He was tired. Isa 40:28 Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. Human language and human understanding is incapable of describing the actions of God.

II . THE AWFUL JUDGMENT UPON IDOLATRY. v. 15-35

A. The Law Broken By Sin. v. 15-20

1. The marvelous work of God in the hand of Moses. v. 15-16 (Christ came down from heaven, not with the law in His hand, but in His heart.)

2. The malignant result of sin in the camp. v. 17,18 Paul warns Timothy of the same vanity. 2 Tim 2:16,17 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. 17 And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;

3. The maddening action of Moses. v. 19. It appears that Moses was never rebuked for this act of righteous indignation, because it was in the will of God. The man of God today is to be indignant toward sin. Titus 2:15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee. (See vs. 11-15.)

4. The mixed drink of Israel. v. 20; Deut. 9:21 And I took your sin, the calf which ye had made, and burnt it with fire, and stamped it, and ground it very small, even until it was as small as dust: and I cast the dust thereof into the brook that descended out of the mount.

a. The melting and grinding of the calf would show contempt for idols. Exo 20:4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:

b. The mingling of the gold dust with the water would speak of cleansing through the word. Remember the miraculous source of this water. Ex. 17:6 Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel. The church must be cleansed by the Word of God. Eph 5:26,27 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. The primary need of the Lord’s church today is the preaching of the word, not the pacifying of the world. 2 Tim 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

B. The Law Breaker Interrogated. v. 21-24

1. Aaron must give an account to Moses. v. 21 Exo 4:16 And he shall be thy spokesman unto the people: and he shall be, even he shall be to thee instead of a mouth, and thou shalt be to him instead of God.

2. Aaron makes the people responsible. v. 22-23

3. Aaron manufactures an inexcusable story. v. 24 (cf.v.4)

C. The Leaders Of The Law Breakers Perish. v. 25-28

1. The guilt of the people and Aaron established. v. 25

2. The people who are on the Lord’s side identified. v. 26

3. Those killed were either the ringleaders or those who continued in their sin. v. 27-28 Heb 10:31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

D. The Law Breakers Saved Through Intercession. v. 29-35

1 . Moses calls for consecration. v. 29-30

2. Moses calls upon God to forgive them. v. 31-32. Such compassion is only matched by Paul in Rom. 9:1-3 I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost, 2 That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. 3 For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:, and 10:1-3 Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. 2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. 3 For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. Such love is only surpassed by our Lord. Eph 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

3. God calls upon Moses to do his job. v. 33-34

4. God calls in judgment upon Israel. v. 35; Gal. 6:7-8 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

—by E. L. Bynum & W. W. Mosley

STUDY QUESTIONS

1. Where was Moses and what was he doing while the golden calf was built?

2. How did Aaron fail God and Moses at this time?

3. Where did Aaron obtain the gold for making the calf?

4. What did Israel do around the golden calf?

5. Which of the ten commandments did they break?

6. What two things did God offer to do after they sinned?

7. What three things did Moses base his plea for Israel’s forgiveness on?

8. How can we explain the scriptures which speak of God repenting?

9. What did Moses do with the law when he saw what Israel was doing?

10. How did Aaron explain the appearance of the golden calf?

11. How did Moses punish Israel?

12. What were the Levites required to do?

13. Explain Moses heroic intercession for Israel.

14. What did God do to the rest of Israel?

LESSON 36

THE WORKMEN, THE WORK and THE WORSHIP

—by E. L. Bynum and W. W. Mosley

Memory Verse: Ex. 31:3 (N.W. 32:26)————Lesson: Ex. 31:1-18

God had given the plans for the tabernacle, now He provides the Workmen.

I. THE WORKMEN DIVINELY APPOINTED AND DIRECTED. v. 1-11

A. Bezaleel And The Skills Needed. v. 1-5

1. The Workman called. v. 2. (Not left to chance or Israel’s choosing). The Egyptians never were able to make workers like these from the Israelites. Only grace could do it.

a. Bezaleel means “in the shadow of God.” He was a type of Christ who is ever in the shadow of God, and who keeps His own safely in the shadow. Psa. 17:8 Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings, 57:1 Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast. 63:7 Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice. John 1:18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.

b. Uri means “the light of Jehovah.” This reveals in a typical sense who the Lord Jesus Christ is. 1 John 1:5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. John 9:5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.

c. Hur means “white” or “free.” This speaks of Christ who is all of this and much, much more.

d. Bezaleel was of the tribe of Judah, the same tribe into which our Lord was born.

2. The Workman equipped. v. 3. When God calls, He equips. Isa. 11:1-4 And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: 2 And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD; 3 And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: 4 But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. This is speaking of Christ.

a. Filled with the Spirit of God. This is ever the first qualification for doing God’s appointed work. Eph. 5:18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Of course Christ possessed the Spirit without measure. John. 3:34 For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.

b. This resulted in wisdom, understanding, and knowledge.

c. This resulted in workmanship, including manual dexterity, and artistic execution.

3. The Workman’s job. v. 4-5. All this speaks of Christ.

a. To work in gold. v. 4. Gold speaks of the deity of our Saviour. John 17:4-5 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. 5 And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.

b. And in silver. v. 4. Silver is a type of redemption, and speaks of the work of our Saviour. Psa. 49:7-8 None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him: 8 (For the redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth for ever:) I Pet. 1:18,19 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Rev 5:9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

c. And in brass. v. 4. Brass is a symbol of divine judgment, and speaks of what Christ suffered for us. II Cor. 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. Gal. 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: John 3:14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:; 19:30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

d. And in cutting of stone. v. 5. This refers to the stones which adorned the shoulders and the breastplate of the High Priest. These jewels speak of God’s people and Christ’s work in producing them. Mal. 3:17 And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. 1 Pet. 2:5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

e. In carving of timber. v. 5. Wood speaks of His humanity, but it also refers to our humanity and His workmanship. Eph. 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (Note this work, v. 4-5, was given in five details, and five is the number of grace.)

B. Aholiab And The Work To Be Done. v. 6-11

1. Aholiab means “the tent of the father.” He is a type of Christ who became flesh and dwelt among us. John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. II Cor. 5:19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. I Tim. 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. John 14:9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?

2. Aholiab was of the tribe of Dan. v. 6. Bezaleel was of the tribe of Judah, the first of the tribes, while Aholiab was of Dan, the last of the tribes. Christ in His death represented the last and the worst also. 1 Tim. 2:3,4 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 2 Pet 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

3. The work they were to do. v. 7-11. (Note that 14 things are mentioned.) God selected, equipped, and appointed their work according to His own sovereign will. They were not volunteers, neither were they chosen by Moses or the children of Israel. We have too many in the Lord’s work who were not selected by God.

II . THE SABBATH A DIVINELY APPOINTED SIGN. v. 12-18

A. The Sabbath A Sign Between God And Israel. v. 12-17

1. The Sabbath was given to Israel and never to any gentile.

2. The Sabbath law was very strict and carried severe penalties for those who broke it. They could not build fires (Ex. 35:3); carry wood (Num. 15:32-36); do any work (Ex. 20:10); or walk a mile (Acts 1:12).

3. The Lord’s day is prophesied in Psa. 118:22-24 The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. 23 This is the LORD’S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes. 24 This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. That this is Sunday, the resurrection day, is verified in Acts 4:10-12 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. 11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. 12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

4. Christ met his disciples on the first day of the week. John 20:19 Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

5. Christ met His disciples on the second Sunday after His resurrection. John 20:26-29

6. The early church met on the first day of the week. Acts 20: 1-7

7. There is no record of the early Christians meeting on the Sabbath. They went to the synagogues on the 7th day to reach the heathen Jews who met on the Sabbath day.

8. We are told not to let any man judge us in regard to the Sabbath day. Col. 2:16

9. The Church offerings were received on the first day. I Cor. 16:1-2 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. 2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.

10. Nine of the ten commandments are repeated in some form in the N.T., but not the Sabbath commandment.

11. None of the apostles commanded the Sabbath. Acts 15

12. The Sabbath was a day of bodily rest for the Jew; the Lord’s day is a day of spiritual rest for the Christians. (See our tract # C-415, “Why I Am A Baptist And Not A Seventh Day Adventist,” by D. B. Estep)

B. The Tables Of The Law. v. 18

1. They were given by God.

2. They were written by the finger of God. The liberals object to this verse and say that it cannot mean what it says, but it still stands.

—by E. L. Bynum & W. W. Mosley

STUDY QUESTIONS

1. Who were the two men chosen of God to build the tabernacle?

2. What tribes were they from?

3. What did God do for Bezaleel which equipped him for the work he was to do?

4. What five materials was he to work with?

5. What is the meaning of the number five?

6. Who was the Sabbath given to as a sign?

7. What were the Israelites prohibited from doing on the Sabbath?

8. State several of the many reasons why Christians are not to keep the Sabbath today.

9. How many tables of law was there?

10. Who wrote on the stone and how?

LESSON 35

THE LAVER, THE ANOINTING OIL, AND THE INCENSE

By E. L. Bynum, Pastor

Memory Verse: 30:37————Lesson: Exodus 30:17-38

The brazen altar speaks of salvation through the cross of Christ, while the laver of brass speaks of sanctification through daily cleansing, that we might be ready to serve Him.

I. THE LAVER. v. 17-21

A. The Plan and The Place Of The Laver. v. 17-18

1. It was made out of brass which is a type of judgment.

a. Sin has to be judged and cleansed by the water (word) of cleansing. Unless the defilement of sin is removed, there can be no acceptable worship.

b. This is largely ignored in these days of feel good, shallow gospel preaching, which makes no demands of holy living on the people.

c. People stream into the house of God, who have not come by the brazen altar, the cross. Many others who have been saved approach God with dirty hands and feet.

d. All the vessels outside of the tabernacle in the court were made of brass, which speaks of judgment. All the furniture inside was gold which speaks of the Divine Son of God.

2. It was made of the looking glasses of the women. Ex. 38:8, And he made the laver of brass, and the foot of it of brass, of the looking glasses of the women assembling, which assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

a. The looking glass was often a symbol of vanity and pride.

b. Women are often first in the service of God. They were the last at the cross and the first at the tomb. Lydia was the first convert at Philippi.

3. Its place was between the altar and the tabernacle.

a. The brazen altar speaks of salvation by the cross.

b. The laver of brass speaks of the believers need of sanctification in order to serve.

4. It was the only piece of furniture of which no dimensions are given. God’s cleansing power cannot be measured when we wash in the word of God, and confess our sins unto Him. I John 1:9, If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

B. The Purpose Of The Laver. v. 19-21

1. It stood midway between the brazen altar where sin was put away, and the golden altar where the service of worship and intercession was made.

2. It was the place where believer priests washed their hands and feet for service. v. 19. All believers now are priests and need daily cleansing. Rom. 12:1, I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind…. Heb. 12:15-16, Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. I Pet. 2:9, But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light. I John 1:8-9, If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

a. The hands were to be cleansed to work.

b. The feet were to be cleansed to walk.

3. God’s order is salvation, sanctification, and then service.

a. Without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sin. Heb. 9:22

b. Without holiness no man can see the Lord. Heb. 12:14, Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. I Pet. 1:16, Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

4. The laver filled with water, a type of the Word of God. v. 20. Eph. 5:25-27, Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

5. There was no floor in the tabernacle. Their feet in contact with the world and their hands of service became defiled.

6. The laver and the water, like the Word of God today, reveal the need of cleansing.

a. Some believers only look and that is all. James 1:22-24, But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.

b. God expects His servants to be clean. Psa. 24:3-4, Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. Psa. 119:9, Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. Isa. 52:11, Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the LORD.

7. Notice that the washing preceded their offering for others on the brazen altar and also before their service in the tabernacle. v. 20

8. Notice the penalty for failure. v. 20

9. The water of the word cleanses. John 15:3, Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. John 17:17, Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. Eph. 5:26, That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word.

10. The truth of cleansing illustrated by Jesus Christ. John 13:2-20. John 13:8-10, Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.

11. Our hands of service and our walk to be cleansed. v. 21

II. THE ANOINTING OIL AND THE SWEET INCENSE. v. 22-38

A. The Anointing Oil A Type of The Holy Spirit. v. 22-33

1. The directions for making the anointing oil. v. 22-25

a. The spices listed would add fragrance to the olive oil, and would indicate the sweetness and fragrance of the Holy Spirit in all true worship and service. v. 23-24

b. The completed mixture was a type of the Holy Spirit. v. 24-25

2. The directions for anointing the tabernacle. v. 26-29

a. The tabernacle and all the furniture to be anointed.

b. All worship is vain unless it is blessed by the presence of the Holy Spirit.

c. The tabernacle and all of its furniture are typical of Christ who was anointed by the Holy Ghost. Acts 10:38, How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

3. The directions for anointing the priests. v. 30-31

a. Aaron a type of Christ our High Priest who was anointed of God. Psa. 45:7-9, Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad. Kings’ daughters were among thy honourable women: upon thy right hand did stand the queen in gold of Ophir. Heb. 1:8-9, But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

b. Aaron’s sons may be seen as a type of the believer priest today, who is anointed for the work and worship of God. John 4:23-24, But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship [him] in spirit and in truth. Phil. 3:3, For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. Eph. 2:18, For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

4. The directions for avoiding trouble. v. 32-33

a. Only the priestly family to be anointed. v. 32. The Holy Spirit only abides upon those who are in the priestly family, through a right relationship with Christ. Rom. 8:9, But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

b. It was not to be used for any other purpose.

B. The Sweet Incense. v. 34-38

1. The incense for the golden altar to be made according to God’s directions. v. 34-35. This incense typified High Priestly work of Christ, in all His perfections and fragrance.

2. It was holy and for God’s service, and thus was not to be imitated. v 36-38. It is a sin to try to imitate the work Christ and the Holy Spirit, as is being done in many church services today.

—by E. L. Bynum

STUDY QUESTIONS

1. What was the laver made of and where did they obtain the materials for making it?

2. Where was the laver located?

3. What was the laver used for, and when was it used?

4. What spiritual application can be made today, in regard to the laver and its use?

5. The brazen altar stands for the and the laver stands for .

6. What was the penalty for a priest failing to use the laver?

7. How did Christ’s washing of the feet of his disciples illustrate the need for cleansing today?

8. What was the anointing oil made of?

9. List the two uses of the anointing of I?

10. In what way does this illustrate spiritual truth for us today?

11 . Only the family were to be anointed.

12. What is the meaning of the incense and its use?

LESSON 34

THE ALTAR OF INCENSE & WORSHIP

By E. L. Bynum, Pastor

Memory verse: 30:10————Lesson: Exodus 30:1-16

In approaching the tabernacle, a person would come first to the, brazen altar which was just inside the gate of the fence. The brazen altar speaks of Christ and His sacrifice on the cross. The golden altar of incense speaks of Christ and His intercession for us.

Please notice the following note from Pink. “There were two altars connected with the Tabernacle. Both were made of wood, but covered with a different metal: the one with brass, and so named after it `the brazen altar’ (Ex. 38 :30) ; the other with gold, and so called `the golden altar’ (Ex. 39 :38). The one was placed outside the building in the court, just before the entrance; the other was inside the holy place, and stood before the vail. These altars were closely connected, but served different uses. Their characteristic names point out their distinctive designs: the former being designated `the altar of burnt offering’ (40:6), and was the place of sacrifice; the latter was termed `the altar of incense’ (30 :27), and was the place of worship. Both altars were needed to set forth our one and only Altar, of whom it is written, `we have an Altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle’ (Heb. 13:10).” Arthur W. Pink

I. THE ALTAR OF INCENSE. v. 1-10

A. The Plans For Building. v. 1-5

1. It was to be made of shittim wood – a type of the humanity of Christ. v. 1

2. The dimensions of it. v. 2. 18″ x 18″ x 36″ high. It was the tallest piece of furniture in the Holy Place. The highest act of worship is prayer and priestly intercession.

3. The horns speak of power. v. 2. Hab. 3:4, And his brightness was as the light; he had horns coming out of his hand: and there was the hiding of his power.

4. The golden crown speak of Christ’s deity and kingship. v. 3

5. It was to be portable so that Israel would never be without it. v . 4-5

B. Its Place And Purpose. v. 6-10

1. It was placed in the holy place just before the inner vail, near to the ark of testimony (mercy seat) just inside the vail. v. 6.

a. The altar of incense is a type of Christ, and the burning incense speaks of his intercession for us. The intercession of Christ, brings us close to God, and makes it possible for us to come boldly to God’s throne of grace. Rom. 8:33-34, Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Heb. 4:16, Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

b. The brazen altar speaks to the sacrifice of Christ, while the altar of incense speaks of the intercession of Christ for us. We had to have both to come into the presence of God.

c. The golden altar of incense was placed in the same room with the golden candlestick, and the golden table of shewbread.

2. The time of the incense burning, morning and evening. v.7-8

3. The typical meaning of the incense. v. 7-8.

a. Incense is typical of prayer. Psa. 141:2, Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.

b. The prayers of the saints are thus typified. Rev. 5:8, And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four [and] twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. Heb. 13:15, By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. I Pet. 2:5, 9, Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.

c. Aaron is a figure or type of the Lord Jesus Christ. Heb. 8:1, …We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens. Heb. 9:24, For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us.

d. Aaron offered only for Israel, and Christ intercedes only for the saints. John 17:9; Luke 22:32; and Rev. 8:3.

4. The Prohibitions. v. 9

a. No strange incense or strange fire. v. 9. The fire came from the brazen altar, where the sacrifice satisfied a holy God’s judgment on sin. This rules out ritualistic and emotional worship that is devoid of the truth of God and is destitute of the Holy Spirit. Ex. 30:38; Lev. 9:24; 10:1-2; 16:12; 6:12,13; 10:1-3; I Cor. 1:11-13; and Col. 2:8, 16-19.

b. No burnt sacrifice or meat-offerings, which would confuse the two altars, and mix sacrifices and worship.

5. The atonement was made once a year on the day of atonement. Lev. 16

a. All intercession based on the fact of atonement.

b. On the horns – the power of intercession based on the atonement.

c. All of this was to be perpetual and continual. So Christ’s intercession is for us. Heb. 7:25, Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

II. THE PRICE OF THE ATONEMENT. v. 11-16

A. The Atonement Needed By All. v. 11-14

1. To be numbered with Israel, the people of God, the price had to be paid. v. 12

2. It had to be paid, that there be no plague. v. 12-14

a. David’s sin in numbering Israel. (1) God did not tell him to number Israel. (2) David did not require atonement money. II Sam. 24. I Chron. 21:1-4, And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel. And David said to Joab and to the rulers of the people, Go, number Israel from Beersheba even to Dan; and bring the number of them to me, that I may know it. And Joab answered, The LORD make his people an hundred times so many more as they be: but, my lord the king, are they not all my lord’s servants? why then doth my lord require this thing? why will he be a cause of trespass to Israel? Nevertheless the king’s word prevailed against Joab. Wherefore Joab departed, and went throughout all Israel, and came to Jerusalem. I Chron. 21:7-8, And God was displeased with this thing; therefore he smote Israel. And David said unto God, I have sinned greatly, because I have done this thing: but now, I beseech thee, do away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly.

b. The price was an half shekel of silver, a type of the blood of Christ. v. 13. I Pet. 1:18-19

4. It was a necessity for all who were 20 and above. v. 14

B. The Atonement Was The Same For All . v. 15

1. Neither the rich or the poor were excluded.

2. Neither the rich or the poor had any advantage.

3. All had the same redemption price.

C. The Use Of The Atonement Money. v. 16

1. It was to be used in the service of the tabernacle.

2. It was to be a memorial, that was used to make the very foundation of the tabernacle itself. This shows that the silver was on a symbol of the sacrifices and atonement made by the blood. Ex. 38:25-27

3. Remember that the blood of Christ was the only way for eternal atonement to be made for the sinner. I Pet. 1:18-19, Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.

—by E. L. Bynum

STUDY QUESTIONS

1. Name and contrast the two altars of the tabernacle.

2. What was the significance of the height of the altar we are studying in this lesson?

3. What materials was it made of, and what was their typical meaning?

4. What did the horns of this altar speak of?

5. Where was it located in the tabernacle?

6. What was offered on this altar, and when?

7. What was the meaning of this offering?

8. Aaron was a type of _____________ How?

9. What were they forbidden to offer on this altar and why?

10. What was the atonement money, and what did it typify?

11. What was placed on this altar once a year, and where on the altar?