Exodus 19-20
Dear RTB’ers,
Let’s continue to pray for Mary G. as she recuperates from knee replacement surgery.
Today, the Ten Commandments. It’s our last day in Exodus for a while; we’ll finish this book after spending more time in Acts.
Put yourself into today’s reading…!! The POWER that God brings, …thunders and lightnings and a thick cloud on the mountain and a very loud trumpet blast … [and] Mount Sinai was wrapped in smoke because the LORD had descended on it in fire… (Ex. 19:16,18). I’m trying to picture this scene. Probably the closest that we can come is horrific thunderstorms or maybe some of us have experienced a tornado or a hurricane. I can well remember (even feel in my mind right now) the power that comes when huge lightning strikes nearby. And I’m always thankful that I’m safely in my house – and even then, wondering how safe I really am!
Also let the priests who come near to the LORD consecrate themselves… (Ex. 19:22). This the first mention of priests that we have seen. Earlier in this chapter Moses calls forth the “elders” (Ex. 19:7). Could these “elders” also be the “priests”? God has not yet installed the tribe of Levi to serve Him as His priests, so these priests are possibly similar to priests in pagan religions who lead the people in worship to their gods.
The Ten Commandments in chapter 20 are repeated in Deuteronomy 5:6-21. Many other rules and regulations are given by God to the Israelites in Leviticus and Deuteronomy and as we continue in Exodus. Jesus presents a much shorter version of God’s commands for us, His “Two Commandments”, which we read every Sunday: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 22:37-40. See also Mark 12:29-31 and Luke 10:27.) Clear, concise. Go and do.
Blessings!
See also: January 23 (2023) / Exodus 19-22:15
Just to be clear, when Jesus gives us those “Two Commandments” He is not making them up right there on the spot. He is quoting Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18.