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Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 74

Mar15
Day 74.  Reading Deuteronomy 11 – 13. 
 

Read today’s scripture.

What do you learn about NEW God’s goodness?

Who can you share that with today?

Deuteronomy 11.

Again, Moses pounds home the promises and warnings of Israel’s God, “Love the LORD your God and keep His charge, His statutes, His rules, and His commandments always … that you may be strong, and go in and take possession of the land, and that you may live long in the land.” 

“That land drinks water by the rain from heaven, a land that the LORD your God cares for. His eyes are always upon it, from the beginning of the year to the end of the year. He will give rain for your land in its season, the early rain and the later raid, that you may gather in your grain, wine, and oil. He will give grass in your fields for your livestock, and you shall eat and be full.”

“So love the LORD your God, and serve Him with all your heart and soul.”  “And if you are careful to do all the commandment that I command you to do, loving the LORD your God, walking in all His ways, and holding fast to him … then the LORD will drive out all those nations before you, nations greater and mightier than you. Every place on which the sole of your foot treads shall be yours. NO ONE will stand against you. The fear of you and the dread of you the LORD will put on all the land.”

“But if you do not… a curse.

Deuteronomy 12.

Their main task in conquering the land is to “destroy all the places where the nations serve their gods, on mountains, hills and under every green tree. They are to tear down, dash into pieces, burn, chop into pieces, and utterly destroy any images and idols. They are to NOT, NOT, NOT worship them, in any way, place, shape or form.  AND, they shall worship and sacrifice ONLY at the place where the LORD chooses to put His name and home. And ONLY in the manner He has taught them.

But… they CAN eat any clean meat now, whenever they wish, as much as they wish, of their flocks and herds and of gazelles or deer.  Only the animals pledged for sacrifice, offerings, and vows they shall only eat in God’s presence.

Deuteronomy 12.

WARNING:  If anyone – a dreamer of dreams or “prophet” tells you to go after other gods to serve them -DO NOT LISTEN!  That person shall be put to death, and so you shall purge evil from your midst. 

EVEN if your own brother, mother, or friend entices you to serve other gods, DO NOT YIELD or LISTEN to them. You shall not pity, conceal, or spare him.  You shall kill him. (stone him) YOU, YOURSELF shall cast the first stone!

AND if any worthless men in another city try to draw away the inhabitants to serve other gods, you shall (first) inquire, make search, and ask diligently.  If it is so, then you shall destroy the inhabitants of that city with the sword – all who are in that city, even its cattle, and burn everything else.  WOW. GOD IS SERIOUS!

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****O LORD, if only WE were as diligent in destroying the things in our lives that distract us from your Word, or prayer or in serving You in any way. Help us to deny ourselves, give them up, throw them away, ask others to help us in our addictive ways … and repent to serve and love YOU ONLY!

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 73

Mar14
Day 73.  Reading Deuteronomy 8 – 10. 
 

Read today’s scripture.

What do you learn NEW about God’s goodness?

Who can you share that with today?

Deuteronomy 8.

In yesterday’s reading, God, through Moses, left the people of Israel with a solemn warning of how He viewed the images and idols of the Canaanites.  THEY should utterly detest and abhor them, as HE did.

Today, Moses tells them that those idols would be the ultimate test of their love towards God. He tested them in the wilderness, “to know what was in their hearts.” He humbled them and let them hunger “to let them know that man does not live by bread alone.”

Now, in giving them the “good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and springs, flowing out in the valleys and hills, a land of wheat and barley, of vines and fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive trees and honey, a land in which they will eat brad without scarcity, in which they will lack nothing” God was giving them another test.

“Take care lest you forget the LORD your God by not keeping His commandments and His rules and His statutes.  LEST, when you have eaten and are full and have built good houses and live in them, and when your herds and flocks multiply and your silver and gold is multiplied and all that you have is multiplied…. YOU FORGET the LORD your God who brought you up out of Egypt.”

“BEWARE lest you say in their heart ‘MY power and the might of MY hand has gotten me this wealth.’  You shall REMEMBER the LORD your God, for it is HE how gives you power to get wealth.

“And IF you FORGET the LORD their God and go after gods to serve and worship them … YOU shall perish like the nations before you.”

Deuteronomy 9.

Moses continues to encourage, scold, and warn the people of Israel.  When they conquer the Promised Land, they are not to think that THEY did it, that THEIR righteousness got them the land.  No, it was God — who is a consuming fire — that went before them and destroyed their enemies.

It certainly was NOT their righteousness that caused them to possess the land, but the wickedness of those peoples, and because of the promise God made to their fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  No, the Israelites were a STUBBORN, not righteous people who had severely provoked the LORD in the wilderness.

Moses reminds them of that horrible time when he was 40 days with God, that they build and worshiped the golden calf.  He reminded them how God wanted to destroy them all, and how he — in anger — had thrown down the tablets of stone.  He reminded them how he returned another 40 days before the LORD and laid prostrate on his face before God, pleading for them, for his brother, Aaron, and for God’s reputation and Name.   

Deuteronomy 10.

Moses continues the story, how the LORD relented because of Moses’ intercession, gave him two replacement stone tablets with the LAW engraved on them, and how he put them in the Ark of the Covenant as a remembrance.   He reminded them how God set apart the tribe of Levi because of their ZEAL for Him. They were to care for the Tabernacle and the Holy Things.

“And now, Israel, WHAT DOES THE LORD YOUR GOD REQUIRE OF YOU?  To fear the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways, to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and will all your soul, and to keep the commandments and statues of the LORD ….. for your good. 

“Remember, the LORD your God — to whom belons the heavens and all that is in the earth — has set His heart in love on your fathers and chose their offspring, YOU above all peoples, as you are this day.  Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your HEART and no longer be stubborn, 

“For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God.”

“YOU shall fear the LORD your God. YOU shall serve Him and hold fast to him, and by His Name you shall swear. HE is your praise. HE is your God, who has done for you these great and terrifying things that your eyes have seen. 

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****O Lord, may I also never forget who You are, all the great and mighty things you have done for me, though I too am stubborn, sinful and not righteous at all … except for the righteousness You have given me through Your Son, Jesus. 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 71

Mar12
Day 71.  Reading Deuteronomy 3 – 4. 
 

Read today’s scripture.

What do you learn NEW about God’s goodness?

Who can you share that with today?

Deuteronomy 3.

Here Moses gives more details in Israel’s fights with the kings east of the Jordan.  We discover that King Og of Bashan was a super-giant!  Wow.  King Og – oh, my goodness – was about 12-13 feet tall!!  No kidding.  His bed was made of iron, 6-feet wide and 13-feet long. (Remember that Goliath was just 9.5 feet tall.)  I can see why the earlier Israelis were spooked by these super big men in the land.

But, with our God, giants are as nothing. And as with Midian, Israel defeated this opponent with ease.  Moses then tells how they easily defeated the rest, and how Manasseh, Gad and Reuben settled into their territory. 

Moses also tells them how God had forbidden him to enter the Promised Land, and how he begged God to change His mind.  Rather than being moved, the LORD said, “Enough from you; do not speak to me of this matter again. You can go up the mountain and SEE it with your eyes, but it will be Joshua who leads the people in.”

Moses three times blamed the people for this. “The LORD was angry with ME because of YOU, and would not listen.”  (Exodus 1:37, 3:26, and 4:21-22)

Deuteronomy 4.

Then Moses urges, commands, and charges Israel to LISTEN to, KEEP, OBEY, NOT FORGET, TEACH, and HOLD FAST to the statutes and rules and to the LORD, as he had taught them.   If they do, they will live, go into the land, and take possession of it. 

Also, they will be an example for the world.  “When the peoples hear all these statutes, they will say, “Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people,” For what great nation is there that has a God so near it as the LORD our God is us us, whenever we call upon him?  And what great nation is there, that has statutes and rules so righteous as all this law that I set before you today.”

Moses urges them to teach their children the statutes of the LORD, that they might teach their children.  They are to watch themselves very carefully, lest they act corruptly with idolatry, for the LORD is a jealous (for them) God. 

And (you can almost hear him sigh here), when you have grown old and if you act corruptly by idolatry, and the LORD scatters you among the peoples…. IF YOU WILL SEEK THE LORD YOUR GOD, YOU WILL FIND HIM IF YOU SEARCH FOR HIM WITH ALL YOUR HEART AND SOUL.  And the LORD will not leave you or destroy you or forget the covenant with your fathers that He swore to them.

“For who is like the LORD our God?” Know and lay it to your heart, that the LORD is God in heaven above and on earth beneath; there is no other.”

Moses then sets apart three cities as Cities of Refuge in the areas of Manasseh, Gad, and Reuben, so a manslayer may escape to safety there.

Then he sets them up for a repeat telling of the Ten Commandments (in tomorrow’s study).

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 65

Mar6
Day 65.  Reading Numbers 26-27. 
 

Read today’s scripture.

What do you learn about God’s goodness?

Who can you share that with today?

Numbers 26.

God called Moses to count the people again after all those years of discipline in the wilderness. He was to take a census of all the men 20 years and older who could go to war. So Moses and High Priest Eleazar got to work. How did it compare with the list at the beginning of Numbers? Here’s how.

  • Two Census    OLD        NEW
  1. Reuben – – – 46,500 – – 43,730
  2. Simeon – – – 59,300 – – 22,200
  3. Gad – – – – –  45,650 – – 40,500
  4. Judah – – – – 74,600 – – 76,500 
  5. Issachar – – -54,400 – – 64,300
  6. Zebulun – – -57,400 – – 60,500
  7. Ephraim – –  40,500 – – 32,500
  8. Manasseh –  32,200 – – 52,700
  9. Benjamin – – 35,400 – – 45,600
  10. Dan – – – – –  62,700 – – 64,400
  11. Asher – – – –  41,500 – – 53,400
  12. Naphtali –  – 53,400 – – 45,400
  • TOTAL – – –  603,550 – 601,730  (1,870 fewer)
  • Levites, 1 month or older – 22,000 – 23,000  (1,000 more)

These were the people of Israel who were listed in the plains of Moab by the Jordan at Jericho. But among them, there was NOT ONE of those listed at Sinai, for the LORD had said of them, “They shall die in the wilderness.” Not one of them was left except Caleb and Joshua.

Numbers 27.

As the people were preparing to enter the Promised Land, this census would also determine the size of the plots of land they would inherit. Larger tribes, like Judah, would inherit larger parcels, whereas smaller tribes, like Simeon, would inherit smaller portions. (Simeon’s people actually ended up merging into Judah.)

Then, an unusual situation arose. Some daughters from Manasseh came to Moses with a question. “In our father’s clan there are no sons. Does that mean his line gets no inheritance in the Land?  Can WE replace the sons and inherit?

Moses went to God with the question. 

The LORD gave Moses a surprising and righteous answer. “The daughters of Zelophehad are right. You shall give them possession of an inheritance among their father’s brothers and transfer the inheritance of their father to them.”

Furthermore, the LORD told Moses to make that LAW for future generations where sons were unavailable.

THEN THE WORDS OF GOD THAT MOSES WAS DREADING. 

“Go up into this mountain and see the land I have given to the people of Israel. When you have seen it, you also shall die as your brother Aaron….because you rebelled against my word in the wilderness of Zin when the congregation quarreled, FAILING TO UPHOLD ME AS HOLY BEFORE THEIR EYES at the waters.”

Not in this passage, but later, Moses will ask God for a reprieve. NOW, however, he is concerned that someone is chosen to lead Israel after he’s gone. 

The LORD agreed and told him to “take Joshua the son of Noon (that’s how it’s pronounced), a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him. Make him stand before Eleazar the priest and all the congregation, and you shall commission him in their sight, that the congregation of the people of Israel may obey.”  Eleazar, also in the presence of the congregation, was to use the Urim before the LORD to solidify the appointment and then lay his hands on him to commission him as leader after Moses.

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Things are winding down for Moses. Soon, his 40-year job will be finished, and he can retire to Heaven. We still need to read through 9 chapters in Numbers and Deuteronomy, the SECOND review of the law, some new and old happenings before the death, and the final eulogy for Moses, and Joshua’s taking over. (Sigh.)

 

 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 60

Mar1
Day 60.  Reading Numbers 14 – 15 and Psalm 90. 
 

Read today’s scripture.

What do you learn about God’s goodness?

Who can you share that with today?

Numbers 14.

Yesterday’s reading ended with a showdown. Two against ten.

Two spies (Joshua & Caleb) said the land of Canaan was ripe with food, and ready for picking. The inhabitants were big, but no problem for the children of God. Let’s go in and conquer!

Ten spies agreed that the land of Canaan was ripe with food, but bemoaned the giant cities with tall walls, and the giant people that made them look (in their own eyes) like grasshoppers.  NO WAY can we conquer!

And the rest of the two million people?  They were swayed by the TEN, and cried with a loud voice and wailed and wept. They grumbled against Moses and Aaron. They bemoaned (get this, for God will answer this prayer), “Would that we had died in the land of Egypt! Or would that we had died in the wilderness! Why is the LORD bringing us into this land, to fall by the sward? Let’s choose a leader and go back to Egypt.”

Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before the people.

Joshua and Caleb tore their clothes and cried, “PEOPLE OF ISRAEL! The land is exceedingly good.  If the LORD delights in us, He will bring us into this land and give it to us… Only DO NOT REBEL AGAINST THE LORD! Do not fear the people – they are bread for us. Their protection is removed from them. THE LORD IS WITH US. Do not fear them!

As the masses were picking up stones to stone the two, the GLORY OF THE LORD appeared.

“MOSES, how long will this people despise me? How long will they not BELIEVE IN ME, in spite of all the signs I have done among them.  I will strike them with the pestilence and disinherit them, and I will make of YOU a nation greater and mightier than they!”

And once again, Moses interceded for the righteousness of the LORD’s name and honor (“If you kill this people as one man, then the nations who have heard of Your fame will say, It is because the Lord was not able to bring them to the land as He swore.”).

And Moses pleaded for those horrible rebellious people too. He claimed and clung to God’s promises of love and mercy and forgiveness. (Please pardon the iniquity of the people, according to the greatness of your steadfast love, just as you have forgiven them from Egypt until now!”)

Oh, for such an intercessor today!

And the LORD heard Moses’ prayer. “I have pardoned according to your word. BUT…..truly, as I live, and as all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD, NONE of the men who have seen my glory and my signs… and yet have put me to the test…and not obeyed my voice… shall see the land I swore to give to their fathers.  NONE who despised me shall see it.  And so, TURN BACK TOMORROW AND SET OUT FOR THE WILDERNESS.”

And to the people, God said, “As I live, what you have said, I will do. Your dead bodies shall fall in this wilderness, and all those listed in the census, 20 years old and upward, who have grumbled against me, SHALL NOT ONE COME INTO THE LAND, except Caleb and Joshua.  Your little ones – whom you said would fall prey – THOSE I will bring into the land.

“Your children shall be shepherds in the wilderness FORTY YEARS, and shall suffer for YOUR faithlessness UNTIL THE LAST OF YOUR DEAD BODIES LIES IN THE WILDERNESS. I the LORD have spoken.”

And immediately those ten unfaithful spies died of a plague.  ZAAPP!!!

After hearing that horrible 40 year sentence of death, the people changed their minds.  “Here we are!  We will go up into the land that the LORD promised us!”

Moses: “No! Now you are being more rebellious. The LORD is not with you!!!”

People:  “But we WILL go up into the country and fight them!”

But  neither the Ark of the Covenant, nor Moses left the camp. And the Amalekites and Canaanites came down and defeated them.  (And so, the first of those thousands of fit-for-battle rebels died.)

  • O LORD, I confess that I am so often like the people of Israel. Please keep me from walking in my own sinful rebellious ways. Grant me faith to believe ALL You promise, and courage to obey. And Father, please keep me from presumptuous sins!  Give me a humble, loving heart as Moses had.

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Numbers 15.

Even though God had pronounced the “death penalty” on the older generation of Israelites, he still had in mind to give Israel (eventually) the land of Canaan.  And He still required the sacrifices and offerings to continue as the roamed the desert. Both unintentional and intentional (knowingly and deliberately done) sins are next covered. 

Unintentional sins require and offering. A Person who sins intentionally “with a high hand” despising the word of the LORD, shall be put to death.  The example of a man who deliberately went out to gather firewood on the Sabbath, was stoned to death.

God then gave a way for Israel to always remember His commands.  They (the men) were to make tassels for the corner of their garments (shirts), each with a blue thread on it. These would be visible to themselves and to each other.

When they looked at them, they were to remember “all the commandments of the LORD, to DO them, not to follow after their own heart and their own eyes, which they were inclined to whore after. They were to remember to DO all His commandments, and be holy to their God. ‘I am the LORD your God.'”

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Psalm 90.  “A Prayer of Moses, the Man of God”  

(Here Moses seems to be asking God to have mercy on sinful humans living in a sin-cursed world. It seems to have  been written to the older generation of Israelites who were dying off in the wilderness.)

“Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations.”  ” …from everlasting to everlasting YOU are God.”   “For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night.”

“You return man to dust.”  “You sweep them away as with a flood; they are like a dream, like grass that is renewed in the morning…in the evening it fades and withers.”

“For all our days pass away under Your wrath; we bring our years to an end like a sigh. The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty; yet their span is but toil and trouble; they are soon gone and we fly away.”

“So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.”

“Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.”

“Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!”

 

 

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Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 56

Feb25
Day 56.  Reading Numbers 5 – 6. 

Read the scripture for today. What do you learn about God? Share what you learn with others.

Numbers 5.

Uncleanness in the camp.

God cannot say enough about His holiness and the people’s (our) uncleanness. Anyone unclean through leprosy, a discharge, or has touched the dead must be put outside the camp so that they do not “defile the camp in which the LORD dwells.”

Any sin a man or woman commits must be dealt with once they realize their guilt. First, confession, then full restitution, and an atonement offering.

(The following one seems one-sided, but consider the culture of the time, in which a man sometimes has multiple wives to build his family.)  The wife (or each one) must remain faithful to him.

If the husband “thinks” she has cheated on him, he institutes a ceremony to prove if 1) she is indeed guilty or 2) she is innocent. It’s a bit weird and involves her bringing a grain offering and the priest taking holy water (with dust from the Tabernacle floor), and after hearing her vow her innocence (or guilt), making her drink it. The results are proof.  Nothing = innocence. Some gross physical results of poison in her system, OR a pregnancy that is aborted = guilt. She will be a curse among her people.

Numbers 6.

This chapter goes over the procedures involving a Nazirite Vow. When a man or woman makes such a vow (a woman with her husband’s or father’s permission), he/she separates themself to the LORD. They will not drink wine or strong drink, vinegar or juice made from grapes, and not eat grapes, fresh or dried (raisins), or even the skins or seeds.  They will also not cut their hair or go near a dead body (not even of a close relative). They will be considered holy to the LORD all the time of the vow.

A Nazirite Vow can be for a lifetime or as little as a month.  If the vow is accidentally broken, the person should shave their head and begin again.  At the end of the temporary time, specific offerings and gifts to the LORD were to be brought to the priests. They would shave their heads, and the hair put on the fire of the peace offering.

This chapter closes with the familiar blessing of Aaron on the people of Israel.

  • The LORD bless you and keep you: the LORD make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. 

Amen.

 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 53

Feb22
Day 53.  Reading Leviticus 26 – 27. 

Read the scripture for today. What do you learn about God? Share what you learn with others.

Leviticus 26.

IF-THEN declarations from the LORD to Israel, for blessing and cursing.

IF you walk in my statutes and observe my commandments and do them, THEN …

  • I will give you rain in their season
  • the land shall yield its increase
  • the trees, grain, and grapes shall yield their fruit
  • you shall eat bread to the full
  • you shall dwell in the land securely
  • I will give peace in the land
  • I will remove harmful beasts
  • the sword shall not go through your land
  • your enemies will flee from you
  • I will make YOU fruitful and multiply you
  • I will make my dwelling place among you
  • I will walk among you and be your God. I am the LORD your God.

BUT IF you will not listen to me and not do my commandments, and if your soul abhors my rules and you break my covenant, THEN….

  • I will visit you with panic, with wasting disease and fever that consumes the eyes and makes the heart ache
  • you shall sow seed in vain for your enemies will eat it
  • those who hate you will rule over you and pursue you
  • I will discipline you sevenfold for your sin
  • I will break the pride of your power
  • I will make the heavens like iron and the earth like bronze
  • your land will not yield its increase nor the trees their fruit
  • I will let lose wild beasts against you that will bereave you of your children and livestock
  • I will bring the sword on you and execute vengeance and send pestilence
  • I will break your supply of bread and you will eat the flesh of your children
  • I will destroy your high places and altars and cast YOUR dead bodies on the dead bodies of your idols
  • I will abhor you.
  • I will lay your cities waste and devastate the land
  • I will scatter you among the nations

“Then the land shall enjoy its Sabbaths as long as it lies desolate, while you are in your enemies’ hand; then the land shall rest, and enjoy its Sabbaths. It will have the rest that it did not have on your Sabbaths when you were dwelling in it.”

BUT IF they confess their iniquity and the iniquity of their fathers in the treachery that they committed against me, and also in walking contrary to me…. AND IF their uncircumcised heart is humbled and they make amends for their iniquity, THEN… 

  • I will remember my covenant with Jacob, Isaac, and Abraham
  • I will remember the land
  • When they are in the land of the enemies … I will not spurn them 
  • I will not abhor them so as to destroy them utterly and break my covenant with them
  • I will for their sake remember the covenant with their forefathers.

Leviticus 27 (the last chapter)

Here are lists of how to value “special vow” offerings and also tithes pledged or given to the LORD (people of different ages for service, and animals and land for support of the Levites.)

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Tomorrow we begin Numbers. (You mathematicians will love this book!)

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 42

Feb11

Day 42.  Reading Exodus 36 – 38. 

Read the scripture for today. What do you learn about God? Share what you learn with others.

Exodus 36.

The people of Israel freely brought their contributions: gold, silver, bronze, jewels, cloth, yarn, animal skins, spices, oils, and acacia wood. They brought more and more, twice daily, to Moses, who gave it all to Bezalel and Oholiab, who distributed it to the craftsmen. 

Finally, there was enough, even MORE than enough, and still, the people offered their gifts. Moses had to issue a command, “Let no man or woman do anything more for the contribution for the sanctuary.“

Bezalel, Oholiab, and all the men (and women) got to work.  Oh, how wonderful to have a project! Something to look forward to – a beautiful sanctuary where their God would live among them. 

The Tabernacle tent was constructed first, using embroidered cloths and tanned skins for beauty and waterproofing. It was hung securely with loops and clasps on pillars, posts, and bars and set on bases. 

Exodus 37.

Next, the furniture for the inside of the Tabernacle tent was made. All the pieces were constructed of pure gold or wood overlaid with gold.  The Ark of the Covenant, with its Mercy Seat and Cherubim (representing the “throne of God” on earth), and its carrying poles, was to be placed in the inner room by itself. 

For the larger room of the Tabernacle, they made the Table for Bread, the Golden Lampstand, and the Altar of Incense with their utensils, supplies, and carrying poles. 

Exodus 38.

Outside the Tabernacle tent were two “furniture” items made of bronze or wood covered with bronze.  Just inside the courtyard gate was the massive bronze Alter of Burnt Offering (almost nine feet square and nearly five feet tall), with its grates, utensils, and carrying poles. 

Between the Alter and the Tabernacle tent was the Bronze Basin, or Laver, atop a bronze stand.  The basin itself was made from “the mirrors of the ministering women who served the entrance.”  (I’m not sure who these women were [cleaning ladies?], but they are mentioned in 1 Samuel 2:22).

Next, the wood and metal workers, with those who made and embroidered linen, constructed the outer courtyard hangings on the pillars, bars, and bases. They even designed the cords and pegs that secured the posts, even in the wind.

Moses also commanded that the Levites, under the direction of Aaron’s son, Ithamar, record the materials and construction (for future generations and for repairs?).  The total weights of the gold, silver, and bronze were massive and awesome. 

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If God took such care in the details of His earthly “dwelling place,” can you imagine what “the original” looks like in Heaven??  How wonderful and glorious is our God!

 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Days 40 & 41

Feb10

Days 40 & 41.  Reading Exodus 30 – 32 and Exodus 33 – 35. 

Read the scripture for today. What do you learn about God? Share what you learn with others.

Exodus 30.

Today, we learn about the two other pieces of Tabernacle furniture, one inside the tent and the other outside. We will also learn about the very special single-usage anointing oil and incense.

Inside the Holy Place of the Tabernacle, along with the Table for Bread and the Golden Lampstand, the small Altar of Incense would be placed just in front of the veil separating the two rooms.  This is where Aaron (the high priest) will burn holy, sweet-smelling incense before the LORD every morning and evening when he dresses the lamps.

The Holy Incense (not to be used elsewhere) was made of equal parts sweet spices, stacte, onycha, galbanum, and pure frankincense, with a sprinkle of pure, holy salt. These are to be ground and combined carefully, as by a perfumer. They were not to make any of this recipe for personal use or be cut off from Israel.

Just outside the door of the Tabernacle the Bronze Basin (or Laver) would be placed. This is where the priests would wash their hands and feet before entering the Tabernacle and before they burned food offerings to the LORD.

All the furniture inside and outside the Tabernacle would have rings attached at the lower corners and poles going through the rings. The Levites would carry the holy items, by the poles, never touching the furniture itself. 

The sacred Anointing Oil was to be made of the finest spices: liquid myrrh,  sweet-smelling cinnamon, aromatic cane, cassia, and olive oil. These were be mixed by a perfumer in the correct portions. This anointing oil would consecrate the Tabernacle, all its furniture and utensils, and Aaron and his sons (and any future priests).  It was never to be poured on the body of any other person. No one was to make a similar composition. or else be cut off from Israel.

Taxes. (Of course!)

Besides the contributions for making all the items involved with the Tabernacle, the people were to give a half shekel each for its upkeep annually. This was a “census tax,” meaning everyone twenty years old and above would give this offering, rich or poor, the same.  (Called the Temple Tax later)

Exodus 31.

The LORD called two men (Bezalel of Judah and Oholiab of Dan) to oversee the building of the Tabernacle and all its parts. God filled them with the Spirit of God, with the ability, intelligence, knowledge, and craftsmanship.

  • to devise artistic designs
  • to work in gold, silver, and bronze
  • in cutting stones for setting
  • in carving wood,
  • to work in every craft. 

God also gave “all able men” the ability to make everything (the Tent, furniture, garments, oil, and incense.

And lest they get carried away with all this construction and craft, Moses was to remind the people that “Above all, you shall keep my Sabbaths, for this is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I, the LORD sanctify you. Keep the Sabbath because it is holy for you. Anyone who profanes it shall be put to death. Six days your work will be done, and the seventh is a day of solemn rest, holy to the LORD.”

Then God gave Moses the two stone tablets with the Ten Commandments engraved by “the finger of God.”

Exodus 32.

But, while glorious things were happening in the presence of the LORD on Mt. Sinai, below, the people sank into darkest sin.

For forty days, Moses was gone.  Had he died on that fire-engulfed mountaintop? Was he ever coming back?  No, he was NEVER coming back!  What are we to do? We HAVE TO go back to Egypt!  We need gods to lead us back through this desert! Aaron!  Make us gods to lead us!!!!

So Aaron (Israel’s future holy High Priest) collected gold earrings from the people and crafted a golden calf (a prime god of Egypt) for them to worship. 

They did just that, with singing, dancing, sacrifices, and an orgy.

The LORD to Moses:  “Go down, for your people, whom you brought up out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves. They have quickly turned aside from the Way I commanded them. They have made a golden calf to worship and sacrifice to, saying, “THESE are our gods.”  My wrath burns hot against them. I may consume them to make a great nation of YOU, Moses.”

Moses to the LORD:  “O LORD, why does your wrath burn hot against Your people, whom You have brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and with a mighty hand?  The Egyptians will say You brought them out to kill them. Turn from your burning anger and relent from this disaster against Your people. REMEMBER Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, Your servants to whom You swore by Your own self to multiply their offspring, and give them the promised land to inherit it forever!”

(The LORD heard Moses’ intercession for His glory and relented from His plans to annihilate the people.)

But Moses’s anger burned for the LORD’s sake.

He met Joshua, who had been waiting halfway down the mountain. Joshua heard the noise of the people as they shouted.  “There is a noise of WAR in the camp!”

“It is not the sound of shouting for victory, or the sound of the cry of defeat, but the sound of singing that I hear.” growled Moses.

As they neared the camp, they SAW the golden calf. 

Moses’ anger burned HOT. He threw down the stone tablets (with God’s laws) and broke them at the foot of the mountain. He took that golden image and burned it with fire. He ground it to powder and scattered it on the water. Then he made the people drink it.

To Aaron, his brother, the future High Priest, Moses growled. “What did this people do to you that you have brought such a great SIN upon them?”

Aaron answered with… a lie. “Don’t be angry. You know the people, that they are set on evil. They told me to make them gods to lead them back to Egypt because they didn’t know what happened to you. So they gave me their earrings, and I threw them into the fire … and out came this calf.”

Meanwhile, the people were “breaking loose” in craven, pagan frenzy. 

Moses stood at the gate of the camp and called, “WHO IS ON THE LORD’S SIDE. COME TO ME.”  And all the Levites gathered around him. Moses sent them on a horrific mission of holy wrath. They were to go throughout the camp and kill all who had been crazy worshiping the calf.   They did.  They killed 3,000 men.

And in showing such loyalty to Moses and to God, Moses proclaimed, “Today you have been ORDAINED FOR THE SERVICE OF THE LORD for what you have done.” 

And so the Levites were in charge of the Tabernacle and everything involving the worship of the LORD God of Israel.

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Day 41, Exodus 33.

Moses, with a love for the Jewish people like Paul’s (Romans 9:1-5), intercedes for Israel because of their idolatry. “Alas, this people has sinned a great sin. They have made for themselves gods of gold. But now, if you will forgive their sin–but if not, please blot me out of your book that you have written.”  

And after a plague swept through the camp, God announced that He would not go up to the promised land with Israel “lest I consume you on the way, for you are a stiff-necked people. So now take off your ornaments so know what to do with you.” 

And the people stripped themselves of their ornaments from that day on. 

Moses pleaded with God to accompany them with His Presence and not simply send an angel to guide them. “If your Presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here. For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people?  Is it not in Your going in with us, so that we are distinct, I and your people, from every other people on earth?”

And God listened to Moses’ plea.

Then … throwing caution to the wind, Moses asked to SEE GOD’S GLORY.   Whoa!

I can see God smiling at His chosen leader but shaking His head. “I will show you my GOODNESS and proclaim my Name before you. But you cannot see my face, for man shall not see me and live.”  Then God told him how He would do that. But first, Moses was to cut new stone tablets (which he broke) for God to write the Ten Commandments on, and come up into Mt. Sinai.

Exodus 34.

After Moses made them and ascended the mountain, the LORD descended in a cloud.  He put Moses in a rock cleft, covered him with His hand, and passed by so that Moses could only see the “backside” of God’s glory. And Moses heard the “goodness” of the LORD. 

“The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands (of generations), forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by NO MEANS clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on their children and grandchildren to three or four generations.”

And Moses fell to his face and worshiped God.

Then, God renewed His covenant with Israel. He said He WILL go with them to the Promised Land and drive out the pagans there. But THEY are to tear down the altars, idols, and pillars and break them into pieces. “You shall worship no other god, for the LORD whose name is “Jealous,” is a jealous God. And you shall NOT make for yourself ANY GODS OF CAST METAL.”

God reminded Moses of the feast days to be kept, the importance of the Sabbath, how to offer sacrifices and other offerings. Then God wrote the Ten Commandments again on the new stone tablets.

Exodus 35.

Moses returned to a more subdued people and repeated what the LORD commanded them.

THEN, Moses told them about the glorious Tabernacle they were to construct for the LORD so His presence would dwell “among” them in their camp.  He asked them for the contribution items and the gifted craftsmen to come forward.

All the people departed …

And then they returned. Everyone whose heart had been stirred and whose spirit had been moved came. They brought jewelry, cloth and yarns, animal skins, silver and bronze items, and acacia wood.   Every skillful woman spun with their hands the goat’s hair and wool. Men brought precious stones to be set, spices, oil, and fragrant incense.  Everyone donated items and time as “a free-will offering to the LORD.”

Bezalel, the architect and general construction manager, presented himself, got the plans, and began teaching others the skills of the trades and design. Oholiab also came and taught the skills of engraving and embroidery.  Both men had been called by God for the work, filled with the Spirit of God, and given skill, intelligence, and knowledge in all areas of craftmanship. 

(Perhaps this amazing, exacting project would keep the people’s hearts and minds away from idolatry and grumbling.)  It would take them almost one year.

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 36

Feb5

Day 36. Reading Exodus 19 – 21. 

Read the scripture for today. What do you learn about God? Share what you learn with others.

Exodus 19.

After the exodus from Egypt and the Red Sea Crossing, Israel moved in stages across the desert for about three months, learning lessons about their God’s care for them and coming together as a “nation.” Finally, they arrived at Sinai and camped in front of the mountain.

(This was a fulfillment of God’s promise to Moses from the burning bush in Exodus 3:12. “I will be with you, and this shall be a sign for you, that I have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.”)

It’s good that Moses (at 80) is in good shape, for now begins a series of climbs up and down Mt Sinai to meet with the LORD. 

First thing: a contract between God and the people must be ratified. “IF you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all the peoples, for all the earth is mine, and you shall be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.”

“All that the LORD has spoken, we will do,” they answered. Okay, cool.

Then, God told Moses to instruct the people on a few things. 

  • They were to clean and consecrate themselves.
  • They were to stay away from the mountain and not even touch its edge. (or die). 
  • When a ram’s horn sounded long and loud, they were to come to the mountain’s edge and wait.

Moses and the people obeyed. On the third day, smoke wrapped Mt. Sinai when the LORD descended on it in FIRE. The earth quaked, and a great smoke plum rose up like from a kiln. God’s voice thundered to Moses.  “Tell the people to keep back again!  NO LOOKEY-LOOS!  Then, get Aaron and come up to me on the mountain.“

Exodus 20.

On the mountain of Sinai, God gave His TEN COMMANDMENTS. (As a “preamble” to the “constitution” of Israel.)

  • NO other gods come BEFORE ME.
  • NO carving images of anything, and NO bowing down or serving anything but the LORD.
  • NO profaning the Name of the LORD your God.
  • REMEMBER what I said about the SABBATH Day. Rest, NOT work.
  • HONOR your parents.
  • NO murder.
  • NO adultery.
  • NO stealing.
  • NO lying about anyone in court.
  • NO coveting anything that anyone else has.

The people heard the rumbling thunder of God’s voice, felt the earth’s violent shaking, and saw the billowing fire and smoke.  They stood far off and pleaded with Moses to intercede for them. 

“Don’t be afraid, for God has come to test you, that the fear of Him may be before you, and that you do not sin.”

Exodus 21.

God then gave Moses some other laws to honor Him in worship and for righteous/fair treatment of others.

  • How to build and use altars for worship that will please God.
  • How to treat slaves and when to release them (REMEMBER, YOU were slaves!)
  • How to deal with those who hurt others by striking or cursing them.
  • What to do if violence causes a woman to miscarry or abort a baby.
  • Reinstating the Noahic law of “equal retribution for equal offense.” (eye for an eye, but no more)
  • Restitution if one of your animals hurts someone or what you do causes harm to another.

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(More tomorrow on liability, social justice, holidays (holy days), and that “carrot” in front of them: the conquest of the Promised Land.)