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5 Common Mistakes in Bible Study

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We can’t hear reminders like this often enough:

The gospel is good news, but not every page of the Bible is intended to make us feel good about ourselves. Quite to the contrary, Scripture often points out our depravity and unfaithfulness. However, it also reminds of our faithful God.

When we pick and choose verses from Scripture aimed merely at lifting our spirits when we’re feeling down, we run the risk of reducing the Bible to a self-help manual.

Drawing from Jen Wilkin, Crossway lists 5 common mistakes we make in Bible study. They are:

  1. We don’t let the Bible speak for itself.
  2. We allow our hearts to guide our study.
  3. We skip over large swaths of God’s Word.
  4. We confuse reading books about the Bible with studying the actual Bible.
  5. We fail to see the big story of Scripture.

Crossway’s post explains each point further. Check it out!

Exodus 35-39: Outrageous Obedience

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Though Yahweh’s people don’t deserve his presence, he has handed them more of himself. How will this fact affect their covenant relationship? What will happen to all the blueprints for the tabernacle? We’ve decided not to freak out over the massive repetition of tabernacle details. So how do we understand these closing chapters of Exodus? I will focus on the new material.

Observation of Exodus 35-39

Ten most repeated words: made (81 times), gold (48x), all (46), two (36), base (30), cubits (28), Lord (28), one (26), work (26), frame (25)

  • clearly, this section is about gathering all the materials and constructing the tabernacle
  • I’ll mention one other prominent repeated word, though it’s not in the top 10: commanded (19 times). It occurs in both the first and last verses of this section, as well as at key points throughout.

The narrative picks up exactly where Yahweh’s instructions had left off: with the weekly cycle of 6 working days followed by one Sabbath day (Ex 35:1-3, compare with Ex 31:12-17).

  • Moses’ words in Ex 35:2 are almost an exact repetition of Yahweh’s words in Ex 31:15, even standing by the death penalty for disobedience.
  • But Moses adds a new instruction: kindle no fire in your dwellings on the Sabbath (Ex 35:3).

Moses then moves to the next “commandment” of Yahweh: to take a contribution for the tabernacle’s materials (Ex 35:4-9).

  • Not just anyone is to give. The focus is on “whoever is of a generous heart” (Ex 35:5).

Then he addresses the “skillful craftsmen”: come and make all that Yahweh has commanded (Ex 35:10-19).

  • Moses lists all the parts and pieces of the tabernacle to be built.
  • The pieces are listed here in the same order their construction is narrated in Ex 36:8-39:23. See my outline.
    • The only exceptions are the inside veil and the outside entrance curtain for the tabernacle. They are woven along with the tent curtains in Ex 36, but this list puts them in more logical places (veil after ark; entrance screen after remaining inside furniture—Ex 35:12, 15).
    • This makes this inventory list a table of contents for the next few chapters.

Next, we see the people going crazy to contribute the requested materials (Ex 35:20-29).

  • This long paragraph once again lists all the materials by name.
  • The paragraph begins by mentioning “everyone whose heart stirred him, and everyone whose spirit moved him” (Ex 35:21).
  • The paragraph tells of both men and women (Ex 35:22, 29).
  • Everyone, who could contribute, did (Ex 35:24).
  • Women used their hands to create the right cloth (Ex 35:25-26).
  • The leaders also brought precious materials (Ex 35:27-28).
  • The paragraph closes with a comprehensive mention of “all the men and women, the people of Israel, whose heart moved them…brought it” (Ex 35:29).
  • And it was all for “the work that Yahweh had commanded by Moses to be done” (Ex 35:29).

Moses then appoints Bezalel and Oholiab to the primary work of craftsmanship (Ex 35:30-36:1), just as Yahweh had said in his sixth speech (Ex 31:1-11).

The craftsmen begin their work by receiving and inventorying the people’s contributions (Ex 36:2-7).

  • The craftsmen get so overwhelmed by the daily contributions (Ex 36:3) that they must leave their work (Ex 36:4) and appeal to Moses regarding the surplus (Ex 36:5).
  • Moses must “command” and “restrain” the people from bringing more (Ex 36:6).
  • Because, in case you didn’t get it, “the material they had was sufficient…and more” (Ex 36:7).

The craftsmen craft everything, in the order listed in Ex 35:10-19, exactly as Yahweh had commanded in Ex 25-31 (Ex 36:8-39:31).

  • The only significant interruption to the narrative (i.e. the only main thing that is not a repetition from Ex 25-31) is the inventory of resources used in Ex 38:24-31.
  • But there is also a not-so-subtle insertion into the narration of the crafting of the priests’ garments in chapter 39.
    • “As Yahweh had commanded Moses,” “as Yahweh had commanded Moses,” “as Yahweh had commanded Moses”…seven times (Ex 39:1, 5, 7, 21, 26, 29, and 31).

Finally, the section ends with yet one more inventory of tabernacle pieces (Ex 39:32-43).

  • The work was finished (Ex 39:32).
  • The people did, once more, “according to all that Yahweh had commanded Moses” (Ex 39:32).
  • The list occurs in the same order as the list in Ex 35:10-19, which is also the same order of narration in Ex 38:8-39:32.
  • According to all that Yahweh had commanded Moses, so the people did (Ex 39:42).
  • Moses saw the work; behold they had done it (Ex 39:43).
  • As Yahweh had commanded, so had they done it (Ex 39:43).
  • Then Moses blessed them (Ex 39:43).

Structure:

  • Moses issues Yahweh’s commands (Ex 35:1-19)
    • Work and rest (Ex 35:1-3)
    • Contribute (Ex 35:4-9)
    • Craft (Ex 35:10-19)
      • First inventory (Ex 35:11-19)
  • The people obey, in every particular, and more (Ex 35:20-39:31)
    • They get to work (Ex 35:20-21)
    • They contribute (Ex 35:21-29)
    • The craftsmen begin (Ex 35:30-36:1)
    • The craftsmen have to restrain the people from contributing further (Ex 36:2-7)
    • The craftsmen build, according to the inventory list (Ex 36:8-39:31)
  • Evaluation of their efforts (Ex 39:32-43)
    • Finished work, according to Yahweh’s command (Ex 39:32)
    • Closing inventory (Ex 39:33-41)
    • Moses sees the work and blesses the people (Ex 39:42-43)

      Magnes Museum (2005), Creative Commons

Interpretation of Exodus 35-39

Some possible questions:

  1. Why does the narrative of Ex 35:1-3 pick up exactly where the instructions of Ex 31:12-17 left off?
  2. Why does Moses add the new instruction not to kindle fires in their personal dwellings on the Sabbath?
  3. Why is Moses concerned that contributions come only from those who are of a generous heart (Ex 35:5)?
  4. Why does the work (Ex 36:8-39:31) follow the same order as the inventories (Ex 35:11-19, 39:33-41)?
  5. What is the point of the closing paragraph (Ex 39:32-43)?

My answers (numbers correspond to the questions):

  1. It is as though the events of Ex 32-34 didn’t even happen. Everything proceeds as it ought to have, as though they never turned aside to worship the golden calf. Yahweh clearly remembers their sins no more.
  2. The tabernacle instructions began with God’s intent to dwell with his people (Ex 25:8, 29:45-46). There is no such statement of intent here. Instead, we’re reminded that each Israelite family has its own dwelling. And the Sabbath day is a reminder of God’s dwelling place with his people, such that there must be no fires in their dwellings to compete with the fire in his dwelling. No wonder the next recorded sin involves the bringing of “strange fire” to Yahweh’s dwelling, in competition with Yahweh’s own fire (Lev 9:23-10:3).
  3. God doesn’t just want their stuff; he wants their hearts. This is the very problem he sought to address in Ex 32-34 (see Ex 32:8). It’s no coincidence that the first item on every list of resources is gold (Ex 35:5, 38:24). God doesn’t really need their gold (which they could use to fashion a calf); he wants their hearts.
  4. With the triple repetition (first inventory list, narrative of crafting items in same order, closing inventory list), the narrator shows the perfect obedience to all that Yahweh has commanded. Combine this with the sevenfold insertion in chapter 39: “as Yahweh commanded Moses.” Combine this also with the near-exact repetition of Ex 36:8-39:31 with Ex 25:1-31:18. Combine this as well with the over-the-top statements in the concluding paragraph (Ex 39:32, 42-43). Put all this together, and we see an unblinking focus on the perfect and complete obedience of these remade, Spirit-filled people, to all that Yahweh has commanded them.
  5. In addition to giving a place for clear statements of the people’s obedience (Ex 39:32, 42-43), the closing paragraph also completes the links we saw between the crafting of the tabernacle and the creation of the world. But with a major progression. In Genesis 1 and 2, God is the one who “sees” the completed work of creation and blesses his subordinates (Gen 1:31, 1:28). But now, it is Moses who stands in that place of seeing, evaluating, and blessing (Ex 39:43).What a glorious elevation of God’s people!

Train of thought:

  • Yahweh commands.
  • The people obey (to the extreme).
  • It is good. It is all good.

Main point: When God empowers his people with the glory of his grace and truth, his redeemed, new covenant people are able to do everything just as he commands.

Connection to Christ: Of course, these people don’t last long. Their leaders offer strange fire. They doubt God’s promises. They repudiate his commands. They hope in their tabernacle instead of in their God. Their hearts move far from him. They fall in the wilderness.

  • They (we) need God to take on flesh and dwell among them. He is filled with the Spirit (Luke 4:16-21). He can build his temple (John 2:19, Eph 2:19-22). He obeys everything the Father gives him to do (John 5:19-20, 30; Matt 5:17-20). Through his death and resurrection, he can now grant to his new covenant people all things that pertain to life and godliness, so they may partake in his divine nature (2 Peter 1:3-11).

My Application of Exodus 35-39

In Christ, I have everything I need to obey what God has commanded. My obedience does not earn his favor, but it flows from his favor. My obedience enables me to experience a deeper communion and intimacy with him (James 4:7-10). This is worth far more to me than whatever reward my disobedience deceptively promises.

No excuse for disobedience will ever carry weight. But it’s who I am. But she hurt me first. But the situation was out of control. But you would have done the same thing in my place. But nobody is perfect. Blah, blah, blah (Rom 6:12, 17-18).

Click here to see what I’m doing with this sample Bible study and why I’m doing it.

How to Help Your Children Read the Bible

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Professor David Murray has great passion and exceptional skill at helping people build lifelong Bible-reading discipline into their children. In an article at Desiring God, he gives 8 tips to help your children read the Bible.

  1. Give them a Bible they enjoy.
  2. Give them an example to follow.
  3. Give them a compelling motive.
  4. Give them a clear, manageable plan.
  5. Give them questions to ask.
  6. Give them answers when they have questions.
  7. Give them encouragement to keep reading.
  8. Give them grace in their failures.

All of this comes from a simple vision:

One of the best gifts you’ll ever give to your children is familiarity with the Bible and its message.

Amen! I commend Murray’s full article to you. Check it out!

What Should We Make of the Massive Repetition of Tabernacle Details in Exodus?

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I used to lead a small group Bible study in my home. And when I proposed we study Exodus, people agreed to participate only if we stopped once we hit the Ten Commandments (chapter 20).

Some time later, I proposed preaching through Exodus at our church. Some of the other elders expressed concern that a chapter-by-chapter exposition would be too taxing for the people. They wanted assurance that we wouldn’t belabor the tabernacle details.

Over the years, I have heard from many friends, who attempted to read the Bible cover-to-cover, that they gave up in the closing chapters of Exodus (though I can think of some who made it as far as Leviticus or Numbers before abandoning ship).

These three anecdotes highlight a major barrier for modern readers: There’s no avoiding the fact that Exodus dedicates exorbitant space to the architectural details of the tabernacle. And those details occur not only once but twice. Every preacher must solve the conundrum of how to preach Exodus without preaching the same sermon(s) multiple times. Every Bible reader must cope with both the pile of cubits, fillets, calyxes, and ephods (Ex 25-31), and the pile of cubits, fillets, calyxes, and ephods (Ex 35-39). As my son loves to ask me: Pete and Repeat were in a boat. Pete fell out, and who was left?

If we believe that all Scripture is useful and profitable (2 Tim 3:16-17), and we are to take heed of what God has revealed about himself, how might we approach chapters 35-39 of Exodus? Will we simply skip them, trusting the lessons from Exodus 26-31 to be sufficient? Or does the Lord have more for us than that?

I have 6 suggestions.

1. Ask why the tabernacle has so many details.

I’ve tried to cover this in my sample Bible studies on each chapter, as I’ve landed on the big picture from the beginning: Yahweh wants to dwell with his people. Here in the tabernacle, we have one of the clearest pictures of Immanuel, God with us. This is worth much time, attention, and detail to ensure we comprehend the glory of it.

2. Ask why Exodus repeats nearly every one of those details.

God chose to give us this particular picture of Immanuel two times. Let’s not let it go to waste. After all, it’s not an exact repetition. First, Yahweh says “you shall build” so and so. Second, the narrator says “Bezalel built” so and so. That shift from instruction to construction must not go unnoticed. (For an example, just do a verse-by-verse comparison of the ark in Ex 25:10-16 and Ex 37:1-5.) Yahweh told them to do something, and they did it. Or more accurately: Yahweh told them to do a thousand somethings, and they did them all. Exactly as they had been told. Down to the jot and tittle. Even if Moses had written his scroll with fluorescent gel pens, he could not have made this obvious point any more vibrant.

3. Observe which parts of Ex 25-31 are not repeated in Ex 35-39.

Though there may be more, I’ve noticed three major things: the intent to dwell, the priests’ ordination ceremony (Ex 29) and the census tax (Ex 30:11-16). All three take on greater significance outside the book of Exodus.

Yahweh clearly states his intent to dwell with his people in Ex 25:8, 29:45-46. While no such intent is stated during construction, this intent to dwell motivates Yahweh through the ages (Deut 31:23, Josh 1:5, Is 7:14, Is 8:5-10, Is 43:2, Matt 1:22-23, Matt 28:20, etc.).

The ordination instruction does finally find its twin in Leviticus 8, and the delay heightens the drama and anticipation for the event. Perhaps this ordination ceremony has more to teach us (about how to approach God) than first meets the eye.

The census tax (“ransom”) is never mentioned again, as far as I can tell. Numbers 1 and 26 narrate two censuses for the two generations of wilderness wanderers, and there is no mention of the tax there. But since Yahweh initiates both censuses, I assume they followed his instructions from Ex 30:11-16. But do you remember David’s fateful census that brought disaster on Israel (2 Sam 24, 1 Chr 21)? Have you ever wondered why it was such a terrible idea? If we didn’t skip over the boring parts of Exodus, we might have eyes to see both David’s failure to collect the ransom and God’s solution to replace the tabernacle with a permanent temple.

4. Observe which parts of Ex 35-39 are new material (not found in Ex 25-31).

Next week, I will focus my sample Bible study on these texts: Ex 35:1-29, Ex 36:2-7, and narrative additions in Ex 39:1-31. They do not have counterparts in Ex 25-31, so they highlight the new angle on Immanuel that the Lord intends with Ex 35-39.

5. Compare and contrast the structure of the two sections.

Some things are similar. For example, the ark, table, and lampstand come in the same order (Ex 25:10-40, 37:1-24), indicating those three items should be taken as a unit. Same with all the priestly garments in Ex 28 and Ex 39.

But most of the structure is completely different. I’ve created an outline showing the differences to help me visualize it. Some key takeaways:

  • The construction begins exactly where the instructions left off: The Sabbath.
  • The instructions take the shape of seven speeches; the construction has no clear corresponding framework.
  • The instructions basically start on the the inside (ark, table, lampstand) and move out (furniture, structure, priests’ garments) before coming back in (more furniture, oil & incense); the construction follows a more logical course (build the tent, fill it with furniture, create the courtyard furniture, build the courtyard fence, end with priestly garments).
  • In light of the content and structural differences, it appears the instructions put more emphasis on the tabernacle as “new creation,” while the construction puts more emphasis on the people involved as “new creators”.

6. Follow the train of thought.

One danger of treating Ex 25-31 and Ex 35-39 as one long passage about the tabernacle is that we miss the crucial train of thought! The covenant is made in Ex 19-24. Then we have tabernacle instructions in Ex 25-31. Then the covenant is broken and repaired in Ex 32-34. Finally, the tabernacle is constructed.

The flow of thought highlights the crucial nature of the breaking and repair of the covenant in between the tabernacle sections. In other words, the only reason the construction can be so detailed, so faithful, and so obedient in every point, is because Yahweh has offered these people more of himself than they’ve ever had. He’s given them a greater, albeit fading, glory in the approval of his face. And he is closer to them than ever. This fact alone makes the tabernacle construction more earth-shattering and supernatural than the instructions were.

If Yahweh is not vulnerable and willing to give himself to his people, his instructions will always fall on deaf ears. But when he shows them his glory, full of grace and truth, they become Spirit-filled to do all that he commands them do. Exactly as he commands them to do it.

Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. (Heb 13:20-21)

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Recommendation: Best Christian Discipleship Manual

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I love it when I find others directing people to the Scriptures, instead of the latest and greatest workbook or study guide, to answer important questions. So I was delighted to see this article by Joe Tyrpak recommending the best manual for Christian discipleship, to which we already have access.

Would you like to train new or young believers in basic doctrine, worldview, finances, Christian character, marriage, sanctification, mission, conflict resolution, forgiveness, church life, endurance through suffering, the meaning of Jesus’ death and resurrection, and anticipation for Jesus’ return? All of these things—and more—are right there for you in The Gospel According to Matthew.

Matthew wrote his gospel to this end: to disciple people into maturity of faith in Christ Jesus. We are free to use his work for that purpose. Next time you want to start a discipleship class, or meet with someone to help them grow in Christ, why don’t you try it for yourself? You’ll cover all the bases God wants you to cover. And you can’t doubt the quality of the source material.

Tyrpak shows you how it can be done. Check it out!

Exodus 32-34: More of Him

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Step Back

When our Bible study focuses intently on each passage, one after another, we may find it difficult to step back and see how they fit together. But we must remember the Bible is a work of literature. It was not written to be scrutinized in bites; it was written to be devoured in gobbles. We should remember to read the Bible as we’d read any other book: moving through it at a reasonable pace and recognizing ongoing themes, climax, resolution, and character development. When we hit milestones in the text, we should take the opportunity to survey where we’ve been and how it fits together.

So, now that we’ve seen the breaking and repairing of Yahweh’s covenant with Israel, it’s a good time to catch our breath. From this point in Exodus, we’ll see the detailed obedience of the people in constructing a tent for Yahweh. But where have we been so far?

Review

Let me list the main points I’ve proposed for each passage in this section:

  • Exodus 32:1-35: God has a superior solution to our most troubling trouble. He can make a way to bring us back to him.
  • Exodus 33:1-23: Full atonement = forgiveness + reconciliation.
  • Exodus 34:1-28: The glory of Yahweh’s new covenant lies in total restoration and a more intimate relationship than ever before.
  • Exodus 34:29-35: Yahweh’s new and repaired covenant is far more glorious than was the first covenant, before there was any need of repair—but only if it’s here to stay.

In addition, my overview of the whole book led me to this overall main point:

Who is Yahweh, and why should you obey him? He is the God who 1) demolishes the house of slavery (Ex 1-15), 2) prepares to rebuild (Ex 16-18), and 3) builds his house in the midst of his people (Ex 19-40).

The main idea of Act I (Ex 1:1-15:21) was that Yahweh demolishes the house of slavery. He does this in two parts:

  1. He trains up a qualified mediator to deliver (Ex 1:1-7:7).
  2. He delivers his people from their enemies into a frightful joy (Ex 7:8-15:21).

The main idea of Act II (Ex 15:22-18:27) was that Yahweh prepares the house of his people by showing them they need his law to know him.

Now in Act III, Yahweh builds his house in the midst of his people. We’ve already covered two parts:

  1. In Part 1 (Ex 19:1-24:18), God prepares the conditions for a perfect paradise with his people, where they can draw near to him through the blood of a substitute.
  2. In Part 2 (Ex 25:1-31:18), God delivers blueprints for a tent, so he can re-create heaven on earth by living among his people.

Pull It Together

Now what do these things show us about the flow of thought in chapters 32-34? We are in between the tabernacle’s instructions and the tabernacle’s construction. In giving the tabernacle instructions, how does God build his house?

  • Act I describes God’s deliverance of his people. Act II shows how God prepares them for a covenant relationship with him. Act III now constructs that covenant relationship.
  • Part 1: Exodus 19-24 opens the gates of paradise by drawing the people close through the blood of a substitute and endowing them with a utopian vision.
  • Part 2: Exodus 25-31 recreates heaven on earth, proposing a place where God will dwell with his people, through a series of building plans.
  • Part 3: Exodus 32-34 now shows us what happens when a righteous God tries to live with a sinful people.
    • Exodus 32:1-35 shows that sin remains alive and well, even in a redeemed people, but it suggests there still might be a way to make the relationship work.
    • Exodus 33:1-23 describes the formula for repair; forgiveness is not enough without reconciliation.
    • Exodus 34:1-28 proves it is possible to find such reconciliation and draw closer to Yahweh than ever before.
    • Exodus 34:29-35 illustrates the glorious implications of such complete reconciliation, while leaving us wishing it wouldn’t fade but be settled once and for all.

These chapters show us that our relationship with God involves more than a legal transaction, such that he is only obligated to take us back after he redeems us. This relationship with God involves an intimate connection and a deep friendship unlike anything we’ve experienced. And believe it or not, this relationship—after we sinned and rebelled and were brought back—is better than what we had with him at first. Our delight and satisfaction can be no greater than when we get more of him.

Barney Moss (2015), Creative Commons

We can expand our outline of the book a little further:

Act I: Yahweh demolishes the house of slavery (Ex 1-15).

Introduction: Nobody can prevent Yahweh from keeping his promises, but we’re not sure how he’ll do it (Ex 1).

Part 1: Yahweh appoints a mediator and ensures he is fully qualified and trained for the task of deliverance (Ex 2:1-7:7).

Part 2: Yahweh delivers a deserved destruction to his enemies and a frightful joy to his people (Ex 7:8-15:21).

Act II: Yahweh prepares to rebuild by exposing how deeply his people need his law to know him (Ex 16-18).

Act III: Yahweh builds his house in the midst of his people (Ex 19-40).

Part 1: Yahweh architects a perfect paradise for the community of his people, so he can bring them near through the blood of a substitute (Ex 19-24).

Part 2: Yahweh explains how his people can re-create this paradise on earth (Ex 25-31).

Part 3: Yahweh hands them something more glorious than paradise; he hands them more of himself (Ex 32-34).

Gaze Upon Jesus

Like a shot of dopamine to the brain’s pleasure centers, this section stimulates our deepest joys and leaves us desperate for more. If only it could be so. If only we could see his glory (John 1:14). If only we could be with him forever (John 14:3, 1 Thess 4:17). If only we could have assurance that he will never again move out (Heb 13:5-6). If only we, too, could become partakers in the divine nature (2 Pet 1:3-4). If only we could be not only saved but also reconciled (Rom 5:10-11). If only we could build a place to live with God (Rev 21:2-4), be his people (Rev 21:7), see the light of his face, and worship him alone (Rev 22:1-5)—forever (2 Cor 3:16-18).

Dare I say it may, in fact, be so (Heb 1:1-4)?

Apply

Head: Understand your greatest need is not for more blessing or more forgiveness. What you need is more of the Lord.

Heart: Do you expect anything else to satisfy you?

Hands: Seek him. Love him. Abide in his word so you can abide in him (John 8:31-32). Rejoice in what Jesus has made possible. Praise him for his merciful inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you (1 Pet 1:3-4).

Click here to see what I’m doing with this sample Bible study and why I’m doing it.

What Value is the Old Testament to the Christian Life?

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On the Ask Pastor John podcast, John Piper fields this question: “What are the best uses of the Old Testament for giving shape to our Christian lives today?” After all, we clearly don’t keep many of the instructions in the Old Testament anymore (offering sacrifices, pursuing ceremonial purification, etc.).

After a brief but thorough explanation, Piper concludes with two glorious suggestions:

First, meeting God for who he really is so that we can know him and worship him since his character was revealed as truly in the Old Testament as in the New Testament.

Second, letting the hundreds of promises in the Old Testament wash over you as your blood-bought birthright in Christ Jesus so that every day, you set yourself free from sin by the superior pleasures of the promises of God.

Piper gives a skillful and clear answer to an important question. Check it out!

Exodus 34:29-35: Is This Glory Here to Stay?

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After the Israelites broke covenant with God, he refused to live with them any longer. But Moses mediated a new deal, with a new covenant, which would enable total restoration and a more intimate relationship than ever before. Moses has seen the glory of Yahweh’s new covenant identity (the one full of both grace and truth); will the Israelites be allowed to see such glory for themselves?

Observation of Exodus 34:29-35

Most repeated words: Moses (10 times), face (6x), came (5), all (4), Israel (4), people (4), skin (3), speak (3), veil (3), when (3)

  • This is the first narrative unit since chapter 1 where the name Yahweh (“LORD”) is not one of the top 10 repeated words. The long speeches given by God (Ex 20-23, 25-31) also do not repeat the name Yahweh much, but mostly because Yahweh is telling other people what to do. It’s noteworthy that this climactic episode, describing the people reunited to their God, names that God only twice. Moses goes in to speak with him (Ex 34:34) and then tells his commands to the people (Ex 34:32).
  • Our main character here seems to be not even Moses himself, but Moses’ face.

The setting: When Moses came down from the mountain with the two tablets of the testimony.

  • Moses’ descent from the mountain is not a part of the main plot line, but merely the backdrop for Moses’ ignorance of his shining face (Ex 34:29).
  • This shining takes place in the context of Moses’ role in shaping this glorious new covenant, having literally shaped the stone tablets with his own hands (Ex 34:1, 4).

The reason for Moses’ shining face: “he had been talking with God” (Ex 34:29).

  • This is the reason for the first shining, and it remains the reason for all subsequent shinings (Ex 34:34-35).

The response to Moses’ shining:

  • Aaron and all the people are afraid to come near (Ex 34:30). This is the same response to had to the unmediated glory of God on the mountain (Ex 20:18-21).

The aftermath of Moses’ shining:

  • Moses calls to them (Ex 34:31).
  • Aaron and the leaders return to him.
  • Moses talks with them.
  • The rest of the people come near (Ex 34:32).
  • Moses commands them all that Yahweh had spoken on the mountain.

The cycle of events from here on out:

  • Moses veils his face (Ex 34:33).
  • He removes the veil when he speaks further with God, presumably in the new tent of meeting, presumably no longer outside the camp (Ex 34:34).
  • When he comes out, he speaks God’s words, with his face still unveiled. “The people of Israel would see the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses’ face was shining” (Ex 34:35).
  • Then Moses replaces the veil until the next time he speaks with God.

    Fr Lawrence Lew (2009), Creative Commons

Interpretation of Exodus 34:29-35

Some possible questions:

  1. Why does Moses’ face shine only now, and not the first few times he descended from the mountain (Ex 19:14, 25; 24:3, 32:15-16)? The first tablets were written with the finger of God (Ex 31:18)! Why would there be no shining then?
  2. Why are the people afraid to come near, merely on account of a shining face?
  3. Why does Mose veil his face?
  4. So what does all this mean for the final New Covenant in Christ?

My answers (numbers correspond to the questions):

  1. Chapters 32 and 33 are remarkable in that they show Moses fully executing his mediatorial role between Yahweh and the people. According to the narrator, he persuades Yahweh both to relent from destroying the people and to move back in with the people. This special new role was pictured in Yahweh’s request for Moses to cut these new tablets himself (Ex 34:1). The flow of chapters 32-34 shows that this new covenant is far more glorious than the first covenant was, because Moses (a man) fully participates in shaping it and in beholding the glory of God, full of grace and truth (Ex 34:6-7). This greater glory now blossoms publicly through a brilliantly shining face.
  2. Clearly, the shining face is more than a makeover or pleasant countenance. This is the glory of Yahweh’s grace and truth, being reflected in the image of God’s appointed mediator. No-one can see God’s face and live (Ex 33:20), so even the reflection of this glory, as in a mirror dimly, is nearly as terrifying as the thing itself (Ex 20:18-21).
  3. Here is the narrative’s key idea, and one that is easy to miss. Moses does not veil his face to protect the people from the reflected glory. He covers his face to conceal the fading glory until he gets it recharged (Ex 34:34-35). When the glory recharges from speaking with Yahweh, Moses makes sure the people see his shining face again (Ex 34:35).
  4. Paul uses this episode from Exodus to make a profound point about the glory of the New Covenant in Christ (2 Cor 3:1-4:18). If we assume that Moses’ veil was covering the glory itself (when it was actually concealing the fact that the glory was fading), we miss Paul’s point. In the last year, I’ve read two otherwise excellent books by respected New Testament scholars that make this very mistake. Paul’s argument:
    • The people he ministers to are themselves the proof of Paul’s recommendation from Christ (2 Cor 3:1-3).
    • His sufficiency as a minister of the new covenant comes from Christ who makes him sufficient (2 Cor 3:4-6).
    • While Moses’ ministry had a blazing, terrifying glory, it was always a fading glory (“the Israelites could not gaze at Moses’ face because of its glory, which was being brought to an end” – 2 Cor 3:7-11).
    • Therefore, Paul is not like Moses, who tried to conceal the fact that his glory was fading (“Moses…put a veil over his face so that the Israelites might not gaze at the outcome of what was being brought to an end” – 2 Cor 3:12-13).
    • Even today, the Jews fail to see the temporary, fading nature of the Old Covenant when it’s read to them (2 Cor 3:14-15).
    • But when they turn to Christ, they finally see the Old Covenant for the fading and temporary thing it is. They behold the Lord’s face and become perpetually and increasingly glorious (2 Cor 3:16-18).
    • This is why the people, whose reflection of Christ’s glory never fades but always brightens, are themselves the proof of Paul’s qualification for ministering this superior covenant (2 Cor 3:1-3, 4:1-15).
    • This gives Paul tremendous courage to persevere when ministry is hard (2 Cor 4:16-18).

Train of thought:

  • The mediator of the new covenant brings with him a glory the world has never yet seen.
  • Yet this glory is anything but permanent. Something even better must still be on its way.

Main point: Yahweh’s new and repaired covenant is far more glorious than was the first covenant, before there was any need of repair—but only if it’s here to stay.

Connection to Christ: Jesus Christ brought the final new covenant, which is forever here to stay (Heb 7:15-17, 8:13). Knowing Jesus is eternal life (John 17:3). Participation in Jesus is participation in the unfading glory of God (2 Cor 3-4, John 1:14-18).

My Application of Exodus 34:29-35

Like Paul, I need not lose heart when I face a season of harsh criticism. Of course I’m a sinner. Of course I make loads of mistakes. But my sufficiency doesn’t come from any perceived perfection on my part; it comes from Christ. And Christ is at work, replicating his glory in the people he’s transforming by his Spirit. The proof, as they say, is in the puddin’. Trails of people, being united to God through Christ, and growing perpetually in the glory of increasing Christlikeness—these folks are my letter of recommendation from Christ.

Click here to see what I’m doing with this sample Bible study and why I’m doing it.

When Sprinkling is Not Enough

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On his blog, Russell Moore wonders whether Bible quoters have replace Bible readers. By these terms, he refers to those who use the Bible as an encyclopedic reference book with wise sayings and quotable verses to support their perspective. Moore laments a generation of Christians that rarely read a Bible book from beginning to end and are unable to follow a narrative arc or train of thought.

I’m delighted to see this situation turn around in part through the readers of this blog. In fact, it gives me some ideas for what to write on this coming year.

If you’re currently blasting your way through the whole Bible, I hope you’re having a terrific time. Keep pressing on! Some days, it feels like you’ll never finish, but that’s not true. Stay the course for only 45 minutes a day, and you’ll finish in about 70 days.

As Moore writes in his post:

To engage with a narrative requires…not just a sprinkling but an immersion in the text.

Check it out!

Exodus 34:1-28: The Glorious New Covenant

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Moses has requested proof from Yahweh that he will, in fact, go up with his people into their new land. God will show up, and he will stay in relationship with these rebellious people. But how is that possible?

Observation of Exodus 34:1-28

Most repeated words: Lord (16 times), God/god (12x), no (6), tablets (6), covenant (5), days (5), make (5), not (5)

  • much emphasis on Yahweh, God, in contrast to the other gods of the nations
  • new tablets and the making of a covenant are also primary themes

The first paragraph (Ex 34:1-9) shows Yahweh keeping his promise (Ex 33:19-23) to show his glory to Moses.

  • First, Moses needs to cut new tablets to replace the ones he broke (Ex 34:1-4) and bring them to the top of the mountain.
  • Then Yahweh descends in the cloud to speak to Moses (Ex 34:5, compare with Ex 33:9).
  • Yahweh shows his glory to Moses by…declaring his name and its implications (Ex 34:6-7).
    • Yahweh is a God merciful and gracious, abounding in love [grace/mercy] and faithfulness [truth].
    • He keeps love and forgiveness for thousands.
    • He also will by no means clear the guilty. Sin has consequences for multiple generations.
  • Moses responds in worship, once again begging God to stay among his people (Ex 34:8-9).
    • He recognizes that this cannot happen unless God pardons their sin.

The rest of the section (Ex 34:10-28) is a speech by Yahweh in response to Moses’ pleading.

  • The topic statement of the speech is: “Behold, I am making a covenant” (Ex 34:10).
  • And, as though the burning bush and the plagues and the Passover and the exodus and the Red Sea and the manna and the water from the rock and the victory over Amalekites and the pillar of cloud and the fiery mountain—as though all these things weren’t enough, this new covenant will be something “awesome” unlike anything ever seen before (Ex 34:10).
  • This covenant involves a promise and a series of 8 laws all repeated from earlier in the book (Ex 34:11-28).
    • A promise to drive out the nations in the Promised Land (Ex 34:11, compare with Ex 23:23).
    • Don’t make covenants with the inhabitants of the land (Ex 34:12-16, cf. Ex 23:24, 32-33).
    • Don’t make gods of cast metal (Ex 34:17, cf. Ex 20:4-6, 20:23, 32:4).
    • Celebrate the Feast of Unleavened Bread and redeem the firstborn (Ex 34:18-20, cf. Ex 12:17, 13:1-16, 23:15).
    • Rest on the seventh day each week (Ex 34:21, cf. Ex 16:26-30, 20:8-11, 23:12).
    • Celebrate 3 festivals each year (Ex 34:22-24, cf. Ex 23:14-17).
    • Include no leaven in sacrifices, and allow no leftovers from feasts (Ex 34:25, cf. Ex 23:18).
    • Bring the best of the first fruits into Yahweh’s house (Ex 34:26, cf. Ex 23:19).
    • Don’t boil a young goat in its mother’s milk (Ex 34:26, cf. Ex 23:19).
  • Yahweh wants this new covenant (particularly the 10 Commandments) written on the new stone tablets. Moses take 40 more days (cf. Ex 24:18) to complete this work (Ex 34:27-28).

    Stephen Zucker (2012), Creative Commons

Interpretation of Exodus 34:1-28

Some possible questions:

  1. Why does Moses need new stone tablets?
  2. Why does Moses need to replace the stone tablets himself?
  3. Why is God’s glory wrapped up in his name?
  4. How is this new covenant any more awesome than what Yahweh has done before?
  5. Why does this new covenant simply repeat the promise and 8 laws from earlier in the book?

My answers (numbers correspond to the questions):

  1. He broke the first ones (Ex 34:1) when he saw the people worshipping the golden calf (Ex 32:19). He did this as a representative of Yahweh’s fierce anger (Ex 32:10, 19), signifying the covenant relationship broken seemingly beyond repair (Ex 33:3-5).
  2. The first ones were carved and written on by the finger of God himself (Ex 31:18, 32:16). But Moses has now demonstrated his full potential as mediator. When God repairs the covenant, part of what makes it more “awesome” than anything seen before is that it now includes a human mediator in the crafting of it. This foreshadows the significance of the last part of chapter 34, which I’ll cover next week.
  3. God’s decision to deliver these people was deeply rooted in the glory of his name (Ex 3:13-15). His plan to train Moses as a mediator was deeply rooted in the glory of his name (Ex 6:2-9). He toyed with Pharaoh so the whole earth would know the glory of his name (Ex 9:15-16). One of God’s foundational commands prohibits people from making light of his name (Ex 20:7). The whole book of Exodus has been concerned with the glory of Yahweh’s name. And now we learn the essence of the name, the essential identity of this God: he who is full of both grace and truth (Ex 34:6, John 1:14, 17-18). It was pictured early on in a bush that burned but was not consumed (Ex 3:2). Now we finally see the truth of his judgment on a sinful people combined with the grace of a new covenant to restore them to him.
  4. It is more awesome because it involves not only rescuing a needy people but even restoring and cohabiting with a blatantly rebellious people. It is not merely God’s plans for humans, but even his inclusion of them in his eternal purpose (e.g. requiring Moses to inscribe the new tablets). This is an awe-inspiring glory the world had never seen.
  5. Most of the repetition comes from chapter 23, the conclusion to the original Book of the Covenant. The repetition here highlights the fact that this covenant is still on. Though Yahweh threatened to destroy the people and start over (Ex 32:10), and though he refused to keep living among them (Ex 33:3-6), he has not followed through on those threats. He has restored their relationship in full to the way that it was before. In fact, there are even hints that it’s better than it was before (e.g. Moses’ shaping and writing the new tablets).

Train of thought:

  • Yahweh’s glory is revealed through the inclusion of a human mediator to shape the new covenant, and his fundamental identity of combining grace and truth.
  • The glorious new covenant involves not only a full and total restoration of the broken relationship between God and his people, but also a few hints of something more.

Main point: The glory of Yahweh’s new covenant lies in total restoration and a more intimate relationship than ever before.

Connection to Christ: Jesus, once again, is our true mediator. He forgives our sins and rescues us from slavery. These things are wonderful. But he also reunites us to God in a way superior to anything we would have had before sin entered the world. Jesus makes possible our full and final adoption as the sons of God.

My Application of Exodus 34:1-28

Head: I can trust that my God and Father is not grudgingly obligated to take care of me; no, he is ecstatic and delighted to have me for his son in Christ.

Heart: I cannot find such divine and eternal intimacy anywhere else. Nothing can satisfy my deepest longing for close relationships like what I have in Christ.

Hands: Stop sucking the life out of people. Don’t manipulate circumstances or conversations for my own security or self-fulfillment. I can take risks, speak the truth, extend the grace that has been extended to me. This will generate more patience with my children and greater eagerness for outreach.

Click here to see what I’m doing with this sample Bible study and why I’m doing it.