EXODUS

EXODUS 1

THE ISRAELITES OPPRESSED BY THE EGYPTIANS 

After Joseph and his brothers died, their number of descendants grew rapidly. 

In Egypt, a new king was appointed who did not know Joseph or his family. He decides there are too many Israelites in Egypt, so he enslaves them to do forced hard labor. (The terms Hebrew and Israelite are used to describe the same people.)

Since slavery isn’t enough to stop the Israelites from multiplying, the king of Egypt tells two Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, to kill all the Hebrew newborn boys. The midwives had to choose between lying to the king and murdering baby boys. They choose lying and God blesses them for their decision to spare the Hebrews.  

Pharaoh commands all his people to drown every male Hebrew child in the Nile.  

EXODUS 2

BABY MOSES FLOATED DOWN THE NILE 

A woman named Jochebed gives birth to a baby boy and keeps him hidden for three months so he will not be killed. When she realizes she can’t keep him hidden much longer, she makes a waterproof basket out of reeds and sets him in the river. 

Downstream, the baby is discovered by Pharaoh's daughter, who takes pity on him. This whole time, the baby’s older sister is watching and sees what happened. She approaches Pharaoh’s daughter and asks, “Should I go get someone who can nurse him?” She then brings back his (and her) own mother!

Jochebed, with the help of her daughter, is now being paid by Pharaoh’s daughter to nurse her son. Pharaoh’s daughter does not know this is his biological mother, so she adopts him as her own. She names him Moses which means “to lift out” since she lifted him out of the Nile. 

The chapter skips forward to when Moses is grown. Moses is aware that he is an Israelite, probably because he is circumcised. He sees an Egyptian beating one of his people and he murders the Egyptian immediately, hiding his body in the dust. He didn’t think that anyone saw this, but news got around that Moses murdered an Egyptian. Pharaoh wants to kill Moses, so Moses flees to the land of Midian.

Moses meets his wife Zipporah at a well, and she gives him a son named Gershom.     

God hears the groaning and misery of the Israelites as they are enslaved. 

EXODUS 3

MOSES + THE BURNING BUSH 

Moses is out with his sheep in Midian, and God appears to him in the presence of a flaming bush! The bush was on fire but was not burning to ash. God tells Moses that he is on holy ground, and Moses is afraid.

God tells Moses that He plans to deliver the Israelites from the Egyptians and bring them to a land promised to them. God tells Moses that he is to go to Pharaoh and bring his people out of Egypt. 

Moses says, “Who am I to do this?” asking God why He chose him. God promises Moses that He will be with him when he goes before Pharaoh. 

Then Moses says, “What if they ask me something about you that I don’t know?” and God tells him to say that the “I AM” has sent him. The phrase “I AM” speaks of God’s eternal nature; He exists in and of Himself. During biblical times, names were chosen to give information about a person or their character. In a similar way, the scriptures often speak of God's names as a way to reveal His character. By saying “I Am” or in some translations “I Am who I Am,” God is communicating that there is no way to fully capture the character of God! 

Exodus 3:10 - Come, I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring my people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.

EXODUS 4 

MOSES QUESTIONS GOD’S CALL FOR HIS LIFE 

Moses continues to question God’s decision to appoint him as a leader of the Israelites and go before Pharaoh. 

Moses says, “What if they don’t believe me or listen to me?” and God gave Moses two signs, one with his rod turning into a serpent and the other with his hand having leprosy. God wants Moses to have confidence in His abilities and plan. 

Then Moses argues, “But God, I am not eloquent or well-spoken enough for this.” God says “I will be with your mouth and will teach you both what to do.” Moses finally pleads, “Please just send someone else!” and God is angered by this. 

God is kind in answering all of Moses’s questions and worries. God is only angry when Moses tries to reject what God has set before him, not when he has doubts or questions. 

God appoints Aaron, the brother of Moses, to go with him. The Israelites trust and listen believingly to what Moses and Aaron tell them.

EXODUS 5

ISRAELITES REQUIRED TO MAKE BRICKS WITHOUT STRAW

Moses and Aaron go before Pharaoh and plead for him to free the Israelites, but Pharoah does not listen. Aaron and Moses ask to go on a three-day journey to make a sacrifice to God, but Pharoah does not let them and is angered by their request.

Pharaoh then makes the conditions even worse for the Israelites. He requires them to make the same number of bricks they have been making each day, but takes away the straw and materials they need to make them. 

Moses asks God, “Why did you send me here when things are only getting worse?” 

EXODUS 6

GOD PROMISES DELIVERANCE 

God responds to Moses with the promise that he was made to bring the Israelites out of Egypt and deliver them to the Promised Land. Moses brings this news to the Israelites, but they are battered by the harsh conditions and have broken spirits. 

God tells Moses to go to Pharaoh and ask him to free the Israelites once again. Moses is defeated because even the Israelites are not listening to the news of God’s promise.  

Lineage from Abraham to Moses: 

Abraham → Isaac → Jacob → Levi → Kohath → Amram (Jochebed) → Moses + Aaron 

EXODUS 7  

THE START OF THE PLAGUES 

God warns Moses and Aaron that Pharaoh’s heart will be hardened, and he will not listen to them when they ask him to free the Israelites from slavery.

God instructs Moses and Aaron on what to do when Pharaoh asks for a sign from them. God tells Aaron to throw down his staff in front of Pharaoh and it will turn into a snake.

When they go before Pharaoh, they do exactly what God had instructed. Pharaoh has some magicians who are also able to turn their staffs into snakes. When this happens, Aaron’s staff swallows up the snakes made by the magicians. Other powers may exist, but nothing compares to God’s power! Even after seeing this, Pharaoh is stubborn and does not listen to God’s messengers because his heart is hardened. 

In the presence of Pharaoh, Aaron raises his staff over the Nile River and the water turns to blood, exactly as God said that it would. In John 2, the first miracle of Jesus was turning water into wine and here the first plague is water into blood. 

Again, the magicians are able to do the same thing. The magicians can do some of the same things as God, trying to counterfeit Him, but they can’t prevent God’s work or reverse it. Pharaoh has a hardened heart and still does not listen to Moses or Aaron. 

EXODUS 8

FROGS, GNATS, FLIES  

Seven days later, God tells Moses to warn Pharaoh that if he does not let the Israelites go, the next plague will be frogs. Still, Pharaoh does not listen. 

Aaron stretches out his hand over the river and frogs cover the land. Again, the magicians are also able to make frogs appear.

Pharaoh asks Moses to pray for God to get rid of the frogs. Moses prays and the frogs cease. After all the frogs die, Pharaoh's heart is hardened again, and he does not listen to Moses or God’s instruction to free the Israelites. 

For the third plague, God tells Moses and Aaron to strike the dust of the earth and produce gnats that cover the land. This time, the magicians attempt to create gnats, but they are unable to. When they see this, they try to convince Pharaoh that this plague is from God, but Pharoah still does not listen because his heart is hardened. 

God tells Moses and Aaron to warn Pharaoh that if he does not free the Israelites to worship there will be a fourth plague coming as swarms of flies. God tells Moses and Aaron that He will not affect the land of Goshen, where the Israelites live. God wants to make sure there is a clear distinction between the Egyptians and the Israelites, defining the Israelites as God’s people. When Pharaoh does not listen, the flies swarm over Egypt. 

Pharaoh asks Moses and Aaron to pray to get rid of the flies. Once God stops sending the flies, Pharaoh's heart returns to its hardened state. He wants the blessings of God without showing obedience to God.  

EXODUS 9

LIVESTOCK, BOILS, HAIL 

For the fifth plague, God tells Moses and Aaron to warn Pharaoh that if he does not free the Israelites, a plague will kill off all the Egyptians’ livestock. The next day, the livestock of the Egyptians are plagued, but the livestock of the Israelites are preserved. 

God tells Moses and Aaron to take handfuls of soot from the kiln and throw them up in the air in the sight of Pharaoh. After they throw the soot, painful boils cover the Egyptians. The magicians are unable to stand before Moses because they are so covered in the boils. Still, Pharaoh's heart is hardened. 

God tells Moses and Aaron to warn Pharaoh that He is going to send hail. God has Moses and Aaron tell Pharaoh that he could have easily been killed already, but God wants him to live so that he can see God’s power and glorify His name. 

God tells the Israelites to take shelter and He protects them. God also protects the servants of Pharaoh who turn to Him! He is so generous to those who trust in him. Moses stretches his hand towards heaven and God sends a storm of thunder, hail, fire, and lightning. 

During the storm, Pharaoh calls Aaron and Moses and admits his sin against God, asking them to pray for the hail and thunder to go away. Pharaoh even promises to free the Israelites.

So Moses prays to God, asking Him to stop the storm. Once the storm stops, Pharaoh's heart is hardened again, and he does not free the Israelites as he earlier promised. Similar to wanting God’s blessing without showing obedience, Pharaoh calls on God only in times of trouble and then ignores his promises when he gets what he wants from God. 

EXODUS 10

LOCUSTS + DARKNESS 

By this point, Pharaoh's own servants are telling him to release the Israelites because the land of Egypt has been completely destroyed by the plagues. 

For the eighth plague, God sends swarms of locusts that cover the land of Egypt. 

Pharaoh is afflicted by the locusts and wants them gone, so he says, “I’ve sinned against God again! Pray to him and make the locusts gone!” Similarly to the previous plagues, Pharoah only confesses sin when something is wrong and he wants God to intervene. 

Moses prays and God sends a gust of wind that removes the locusts from Egypt. But God makes Pharaoh’s heart hard again, stopping him from releasing the Israelites.

For the ninth plague, Moses stretches his hand towards heaven and God sends a great darkness. Egypt is pitch black for three days, but the land of the Israelites has light. 

Pharaoh does not free the Israelites but allows them to go into the wilderness to offer sacrifices and worship. The Israelite men, women, children, and animals go to worship God, and not a hoof is left behind. 

EXODUS 11

THE PLAGUE ON THE FIRSTBORN  

God explains His plan to execute the firstborn boy from every house in Egypt, but promises to not harm the Israelites. 

God wants to make a clear distinction between the people of Egypt and Israel. Knowing the severity of this plague, God tells Moses that Pharoah will release them after this tenth and final act.  

EXODUS 12

THE PASSOVER + THE FESTIVAL OF UNLEAVENED BREAD 

God tells Moses and Aaron that the people of Israel are to kill a lamb without any blemishes as a sacrifice on a specific day. They were to take the blood of the lamb and use a hyssop branch to spread it on the top and sides of their doorposts, which would typically be in the shape of a cross. God explains that this is called Passover and those who do this will be passed over by the plague and not afflicted. After Passover, there will be a Feast of Unleavened Bread for seven days. The unleavened bread represents the swiftness in which the Israelites would leave Egypt. Once God sends the tenth plague, there is no time for the bread to rise. 

After instructing the Israelites on the Passover rituals, God strikes down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt. This applied to everyone besides the Israelites—the rulers, the people in prison, and even the livestock all lose their firstborn to the plague. 

Pharaoh awoke because of the great cries throughout Egypt. This loss was catastrophic! He told Moses and Aaron to leave Egypt, just as God said would happen. Before leaving Egypt, God instructs the Israelites to plunder the Egyptians, taking valuable items before they leave. By this time, there are 600,000 Hebrew men plus women, children, and livestock. 

God institutes Passover as an annual remembrance of God’s provision for the Israelites and their freedom from Egypt. 

Exodus 12:13 - The blood shall be a sign for you, on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague will befall you to destroy you, when I strike the land of Egypt.

SUMMARY OF THE TEN PLAGUES 

Plague #1 – Blood in the Nile 

• God turns the water in the Nile River into blood. 

• Magicians are able to do this as well. 

• Connection to the first miracle of Jesus: Water to Blood / Water to Wine 

• Done by Aaron striking the Nile with the staff. 

Plague #2 – Frogs 

• Frogs cover every inch of land in Egypt.

• Magicians are able to do this as well. 

• Pharaoh asks Moses and Aaron to pray to get rid of the frogs. 

• Done by Aaron stretching out his hand with his staff.

Plague #3 – Gnats

• Gnats swarm everywhere, covering the land. 

• Magicians are not able to do this. 

• Done by Aaron striking the dust of the earth. 

Plague #4 – Flies 

• Flies fill the land of Egypt. 

• No mention of the magicians. 

• Does not affect the land of Goshen, where the Israelites live. 

• Pharaoh asks Moses and Aaron to pray to get rid of the flies. 

• Done by God sending the swarms of flies. 

Plague #5 – Death of Livestock 

• The Egyptians’ livestock—all horses, donkeys, camels, cattle, sheep, and goats—die. 

• God created livestock on the fifth day, and the death of livestock was the fifth plague. 

• Does not affect the Israelites, only affects the Egyptians. 

• No mention of the magicians.

• Done by God sending the death of the livestock. 

Plague #6 – Boils 

• Boils break out on the Egyptians; this is the first plague to be life-threatening to them. 

• The magicians cannot stand before Moses because they are affected by the boils. 

• Does not affect the Israelites, only affects the Egyptians. 

• Done by Moses tossing handfuls of soot into the air. 

Plague #7 – Hail 

• The worst hailstorm Egypt ever experienced. 

• No mention of the magicians. 

• Does not affect the land of Goshen, where the Israelites live. 

• Pharaoh asks Moses and Aaron to pray to get rid of the storm. Pharaoh even admits that the storm is because of his sin, but Moses knows it is not sincere.  

• Done by Moses stretching his hand towards heaven. 

Plague #8 – Locusts 

• Locusts flock to the land of Egypt. 

• No mention of the magicians. 

• Only Egypt is mentioned as affected by locusts, not Goshen.  

• Done by Moses stretching out his hand with his staff. 

Plague #9 – Darkness 

• Egypt is pitch black for three days, but the land of the Israelites has light. 

• Similar to the crucifixion.

• No mention of the magicians. 

• Done by Moses stretching his hand towards heaven and God sending a great darkness. 

Plague #10 – Death of the Firstborn Son 

• Affects all the firstborns of Egypt, but not the Israelites who God “passed over.” 

• Prophetic of the death of Jesus. 

• Done by God passing through the land. 

EXODUS 13

REMEMBRANCE OF THE PASSOVER 

In remembrance of the Passover, God instructs the Israelites to consecrate their firstborn children, dedicating them to God. 

Moses reminds the Israelites how important it is that God freed them from the Egyptians and that they must commemorate the occasion every year with the Festival of the Unleavened Bread and the remembrance of Passover.  

Joseph’s remains are finally brought out of Egypt, just as his ancestors promised him in Genesis 50. They’ve been carrying those bones around for a long time now! 

EXODUS 14

GOD ALLOWS THE ISRAELITES TO CROSS THE RED SEA 

God leads His people through the wilderness with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, keeping them cool in the day and giving them warmth and light in the night.

God sends the Israelites an indirect way to confuse Pharaoh, directing them towards the Red Sea. God says that He will get glory over Pharaoh and that the Egyptians will know that He is the Lord. 

Pharaoh changes his mind about freeing the Israelites and sends his army after them. The Israelites are terrified when they see the Egyptians coming. Imagine being chased down by an entire army that just lost their free labor! The Israelites see calamity coming and claim that they would be better off as slaves in Egypt than dead in the wilderness. 

Even in the face of fear, Moses reassures the Israelites that God will save them! He tells the Israelites “The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” 

Moses cries out to God and God tells him to stretch out his hand and divide the sea. Moses does as God instructed, and God sends a wind that parts the sea, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry land! 

After they cross, the Egyptians try to follow after them, but God closes the waters, and they are all crushed by the sea and drown! 

Exodus 14:14 - The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.

EXODUS 15

THE SONG OF MOSES + MIRIAM 

Moses and the Israelites sing to God, praising Him for His provision in the Red Sea. Miriam is mentioned as the sister of Moses, the one who saw him floating down the Nile. This is the first reference to worship and praise in the form of music throughout the scriptures. 

The Israelites travel for three days and do not have any water. God provides them with water through Moses, who he gives the ability to turn bitter undrinkable water into clean, sweet water. 

God promises the Israelites that if they follow Him, they will not experience the illnesses that the Egyptians suffered from. 

EXODUS 16

GOD PROVIDES MANNA + QUAIL FOR THE ISRAELITES

The Israelites become hungry, so Moses asks God for food and God provides them with meat in the evenings and bread in the morning.

God provides food every day, but the people are not to take more than they need for each day. Every week on the sixth day, God provides a double portion so that they can collect enough for the seventh day and not work on the Sabbath.

Even with God’s constant provision, some of the Israelites collect food on the seventh day, which angers God. Whenever they try to save an excess, the food rots and gets worms. God wants them to follow the instructions He has given them and be thankful for all that He has provided. 

They call the bread “manna” and describe it as wafers that taste like honey. 

EXODUS 17

GOD PROVIDES WATER FOR THE ISRAELITES 

The Israelites complain about not having water, so Moses asks God for help again. God tells Moses to strike a rock with his staff. Moses does this and drinkable water flows from the rock. 

Another tribe, the Amalekites, attack the Israelites, so Moses asks Joshua to go and fight for them. Moses knows that when his staff is raised, the Israelites will be victorious, but when the staff is lowered the Amalekites will prevail. 

Moses attempts to hold up the staff for the entire battle but grows weary. When Moses is too tired to continue, Aaron and Hur hold up his arms for him until the sun goes down. The Israelites win the battle! Aaron and Hur holding up Moses resembles Simon helping Jesus carry the cross in Mark 15.  

Moses writes down everything that has happened, so he is able to tell Joshua. He builds an altar and calls it “The Lord is my Banner!” 

Joshua was the personally appointed successor to Moses and a great warrior who led Israel in taking the land of Canaan after the Israelites left Egypt.  

EXODUS 18

JETHRO VISITS MOSES + WORSHIPS GOD

Moses’s father-in-law and father of Zipporah, Jethro, comes to find Moses in the wilderness. Jethro tells Moses that he has heard of all the great things God has done for the Israelites. Because of what God has done, Jethro knows that God is greater than all of the other gods he has been worshiping! 

While Jethro is there, he recognizes that the Israelites are coming to Moses repeatedly over small issues and that Moses is overwhelmed. Jethro tells Moses not to carry the burden alone and to appoint trusted people to help him. Moses listens to Jethro, and Jethro returns home. Was Moses the first believer to experience burnout? Good advice, Jethro!  

EXODUS 19

GOD’S PRESENCE DESCENDS UPON MOUNT SINAI 

After three months in the wilderness, the Israelites arrive at Mount Sinai. 

Moses goes up the mountain to meet God. God reminds Moses that the Israelites are His treasured, chosen people and that they will become a kingdom of priests.  

Moses tells the Israelites what God says, and they agree to do all that the Lord has spoken. After Moses goes up the mountain to speak with God again, God tells him that He will appear in a thick cloud so that all of the Israelites will hear what He has to say. He tells Moses that the Israelites should consecrate themselves, meaning they should be clean before God. 

God descends upon the mountain in fire, thunder, and smoke while loud trumpets blast. 
God tells Moses that he can bring Aaron up on the mountain, but that no one else should get that close to the presence of God. God also warns Moses that no one is to touch the mountain or they will die. Once it is safe to touch again, a trumpet will sound. 

EXODUS 20

MOSES GIVEN THE TEN COMMANDMENTS 

God gives Moses the Ten Commandments and Moses tells the commandments to the Israelites. 

The Ten Commandments are: 

• No other gods before me 

• No idol worship 

• Do not take the name of the Lord in vain

• Remember the Sabbath day 

• Honor your father and mother 

• You shall not murder

• You shall not commit adultery 

• You shall not steal 

• You shall not lie about your neighbor 

• You shall not covet your neighbor

God provides specific laws for how to build altars and sacrifice.

EXODUS 21

LAWS FOR SERVANTS + PERSONAL INJURIES  

God provides specific laws for how to handle situations regarding slaves, violence, and property.   

EXODUS 22

LAWS FOR PROTECTION OF PROPERTY 

God provides specific laws for how to handle situations regarding theft, social justice, and sorcery. He offers circumcision as an alternative to child sacrifice, a common and cruel practice in idol worship. 

EXODUS 23

LAWS OF JUSTICE + MERCY 

God provides specific laws for how to handle situations regarding bribery, Sabbath, and festivals. 

God promises to send an angel to help the Israelites as they take over Canaan, and He warns them not to be distracted or tempted by the gods and idols the Canaanites worship. He tells the Israelites that their takeover of the land of Canaan will happen gradually, little by little, not all at once. 

EXODUS 24

THE COVENANT CONFIRMED ON MOUNT SINAI

Moses climbs up Mount Sinai and God gives him the Ten Commandments written on stone tablets. The glory of the Lord dwells on Mount Sinai, and Moses remains on the mountain with God for forty days and forty nights. 

EXODUS 25

OFFERINGS FOR THE TABERNACLE 

God gives a list of things that are appropriate for sacrifices, which includes primarily valuable or luxury items. 

God gives specific instructions for building the ark of the covenant, a place for the stone tablets to dwell. The ark of the covenant is very valuable, made of gold, and covered with images of cherubim, an angelic creature who also guarded the Garden of Eden in Genesis 3. Cherubim are described as having four heads, one in each direction, and wings covered in eyes, making them worthy protectors of holy places. 

The Israelites are to use gold poles to carry the ark in order to not touch it, similar to how they could not touch Mount Sinai because the presence of God is too powerful.  

God also gives specific instructions on building a table and a lampstand for the tabernacle. 

Normally, the Israelites would not have gold and valuable objects to make these things for God, but earlier in Exodus 12, God prepared them by having them plunder the Egyptians. God is involved in every detail and uses it for His glory! 

EXODUS 26

GOD’S INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE TABERNACLE 

God gives Moses detailed, intricate instructions for building the tabernacle. 

The tabernacle is God’s way of drawing near to His people and starting the restoration of what was broken in the Garden of Eden. God does not need us but desires nearness with His creation, and the tabernacle serves as a place for Him to dwell on Earth. 

The tabernacle is made of gold, silver, and bronze, with the most valuable materials being the closest to the innermost part where God’s presence would dwell. 

EXODUS 27

DETAILS OF THE TABERNACLE ALTAR + COURTYARD 

God gives specific instructions for building the tabernacle and details all of the items in and around it, including an altar and a courtyard. God cares about all things, from the big picture to the smallest of intricacies. 

EXODUS 28

DETAILS OF THE PRIESTLY GARMENTS 

God gives detailed instructions for the priests, Aaron and his sons, to have holy garments. 

They are to be gold, blue, purple, and scarlet, the same colors as the tabernacle. The twelve sons of Jacob are represented, six on each shoulder in birth order, as well as twelve different gemstones of the breastplate of judgment.

There are pomegranates on the hems of the robe, as well as bells so that the other priests can hear if someone is able to exit the Holy of Holies—where God dwells—or if they have died in God’s presence. 

The purpose of this clothing is for both glory and beauty. They are to be made by people who God has given skills. When it pertains to His tabernacle, God cares about beauty, craftsmanship, and quality. 

EXODUS 29

GOD WILL DWELL AMONG THE ISRAELITES IN THE TABERNACLE  

More detailed instructions are given regarding what, when, and where to give sacrifices on the altar of the tabernacle. God will dwell among the Israelites and wants them to be prepared.

Exodus 29:45-46 - I will dwell among the Israelites, and I will be their God. And they shall know that I am the Lord their God, who brought them out of the land of Egypt that I might dwell among them; I am the Lord their God.

EXODUS 30

DETAILS OF THE ALTAR OF INCENSE

God gives detailed instructions on how to build an altar for incense. 

He explains that He wants there to be a census where everyone is to be counted and pay half a shekel as an offering. 

And He gives instructions for a bronze basin for the Israelites to wash their hands and feet so they can be clean before God. God also gives instructions for the use of anointing oils. Gold, frankincense, and myrrh are all elements of the tabernacle and are also the gifts the wise men bring to the birth of Jesus. 

EXODUS 31

THE BUILDERS OF THE TABERNACLE 

Oholiab and Bezalel are mentioned as the primary builders and craftsmen for the tabernacle. God filled them with His Spirit, giving them ability, craftsmanship, and knowledge. 

God reminds the priests of the Sabbath, to rest on the seventh day. 

God gives Moses the Ten Commandments on stone tablets.  

EXODUS 32

THE ISRAELITES CREATE + WORSHIP A GOLDEN CALF 

While Moses is on the mountain, the Israelites melt down their jewelry to build a golden calf. Because Moses has been gone for a delayed amount of time, they create something else to worship. Even Aaron, the brother of Moses, is guilty of offering sacrifices to the idol. 

God wants to wipe out the Israelites for what they’ve done, but Moses asks God to spare them. God tells Moses He will make a great nation out of him, the same promise He made Abraham. 

Moses comes down from the mountain and sees what the Israelites are doing and breaks the tablets in anger. He melts down the golden calf and spreads the ashes in the water. Moses is angry with Aaron for orchestrating this direct disobedience to God and the commandments. 

God sends another plague and thousands of Israelites are killed. 

EXODUS 33

MOSES + THE ISRAELITES CONTINUE TOWARDS THE PROMISED LAND 

God tells Moses that it is time for him and the Israelites to leave Mount Sinai and that the land of Canaan will start to be cleared out for the Israelites. 

Moses meets with God again, but this time in the tent of meeting. God previously met with Moses face to face, but does not this time. Moses boldly requests to see God’s face but is given only a glimpse of God's presence and majesty. God does not fully reveal Himself to Moses, but His evident nearness reinforces the importance of God's presence and favor in his life and the lives of the Israelites.

God comforts Moses, telling him that he knows him by name and that he has found favor in God’s sight. Moses does not want to continue without God’s presence, knowing His nearness sets the Israelites apart as God’s chosen people.

Exodus 33:14 - My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.

EXODUS 34

MOSES MEETS GOD ON MOUNT SINAI 

Moses makes new tablets for the commandments and meets God on the mountain alone. 

God reminds Moses of His character, that God is both merciful and just. He renews the covenant with Moses and tells him that the Israelites will see and experience awesome marvels never seen before. 

God warns Moses that the Israelites are not to sleep with the Canaanites or worship their gods. He also reminds Moses of the importance of the Sabbath and the unleavened bread. 

Moses is on the mountain for forty days and forty nights and does not eat or drink. Right before Jesus began His earthly ministry, He went into the wilderness and fasted for forty days and nights. God used fasting to prepare both Moses and Jesus for their mission to deliver His people. 

When Moses comes down from the mountain, his face is shining because he spoke face-to-face with God. God’s presence is that powerful! Moses puts a veil over his face but removes it when he is speaking with God.

Exodus 34:6-7 - The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children's children, to the third and the fourth generation.

EXODUS 35

SABBATH REGULATIONS FOR THE ISRAELITES 

God reminds the Israelites of the Sabbath and tells them what type of items they can contribute to the building of the tabernacle. The Israelites have these items from when they plundered the Egyptians in Exodus 12.  

EXODUS 36

CONSTRUCTION OF THE TABERNACLE BEGINS

Moses summons Bezalel and Oholiab, along with some other skilled workers to start constructing the tabernacle. The Israelites are allowed to bring gold, silver, and bronze to the builders as a contribution to the tabernacle, and there is an abundance of supplies. 

Bezalel and Oholiab build the tapestry and the framing for the tabernacle, just as God instructed. 

EXODUS 37

CONSTRUCTION OF THE TABERNACLE CONTINUES

Bezalel and Oholiab build the chest, table, lampstand, and the altar of incense for the tabernacle, just as God instructed. 

EXODUS 38

MATERIALS USED FOR THE TABERNACLE 

Bezalel and Oholiab build the altar of burnt offering, the bronze basin, and the courtyard for the tabernacle, just as God instructed. 

The amount of gold brought was twenty-nine talents and 730 shekels. The amount of silver brought was one hundred talents and 1,775 shekels. The amount of bronze brought was seventy talents and 2,400 shekels. 

EXODUS 39

THE PRIESTLY GARMENTS ARE MADE 

As the Lord commanded Moses, the priestly garments are made just as He described. 

EXODUS 40

THE TABERNACLE COMPLETED 

Moses blesses the tabernacle once it is finished and anoints it with oil to consecrate it. 

Aaron and his sons are also anointed with the oil as the priests. 

Moses is not able to enter the tabernacle because God’s presence is there in the form of a cloud and the form of a fire, the same as in Exodus 14. 

Exodus 40:38 - For the cloud of the Lord was on the tabernacle by day, and fire was in it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel throughout all their journeys.