Lecture on Exodus Chapters 34-37

Disclaimer

Israel United in Christ (IUIC) is not a hate group.
IUIC is a non-violent Bible-based movement.
IUIC does not condone any acts of violence against any race, ethnicity, or gender.
If you hear of any plots to cause harm, contact the proper authorities as advised in Leviticus 5:1.

Verses 1-4: The Lord commands Moses to carve two new stone tablets like the first ones.
- Moses must present himself alone on Mount Sinai with the new tablets.
Verses 5-7: The Lord descends in a cloud and declares His nature.
- Psalms 104:3: The cloud is referred to as the Lord's chariot.
- The Lord is merciful, gracious, long-suffering, abundant in goodness and truth.
Verses 8-10: Moses requests the Lord to go among the Israelites, a stiff-necked people, and pardon their iniquity.
- The Lord makes a covenant to do marvels not seen in any land.
Verses 11-16: Instructions to destroy the altars of other gods and not to make covenants with the inhabitants of the land to avoid a snare.
- Worship no other god; the Lord is a jealous God.
- Do not take daughters and sons of other nations, leading Israelites to idolatry.
- Feast of Unleavened Bread and Passover instructions.
Verses 17-35: Detailed laws on various offerings and feasts.
- Command to rest on the seventh day, even during harvest time.
- Command to keep three annual feasts: Passover, Feast of Weeks (Pentecost), and Feast of In-Gathering (Tabernacles).
- Instructions on offerings, the firstborn, and the tabernacle.
- Glory of the Lord; Moses' face shone after speaking with the Lord; he wore a veil.

Verses 1-9: Reiteration of the Sabbath rest and calling for offerings for the tabernacle.
- No work on the Sabbath, including kindling a fire (related to cooking, Exodus 16:23).
- Call for gold, silver, bronze, fine linen, goat hair, ram skins, and acacia wood.
Verses 10-19: Description of the tabernacle's components and the craftsmanship needed.
- Reference to the Tabernacle and items like the Ark, Table, Lampstand, Altar, and holy garments for priests.
Verses 20-29: The people's generous response in bringing offerings willingly.
- Men and women brought all the required items and materials as offerings.
Verses 30-35: Special skill sets imparted to Bezalel and Oholiab for craftsmanship.
- Bezalel from Judah and Oholiab from Dan were gifted with wisdom and skills.
- They were to lead and teach others in the making of the tabernacle elements.

Verses 1-7: Skilled craftsmen begin the work, and offerings become more than sufficient.
- The people had to be restrained from bringing more offerings.
Verses 8-38: Detailed instructions for the construction of the tabernacle and its components.
- Curtains, boards, bars, veils, and everything required to be assembled as per the Lord's command.
  - Illustration of the tabernacle covering and curtaining process.

Verses 1-9: Construction of the Ark of the Covenant.
- The Ark, its cover (mercy seat), and cherubim were made of pure gold.
- Description of the cherubim and their role in the Ark.
- Illustration of the Ark of the Covenant.
Verses 10-29: Making the table for the showbread, the lampstand (menorah), the incense altar, and the anointing oil.
- Table made of acacia wood overlaid with gold.
- Lampstand with detailed design, including almond flowers and branches.
  - Illustration of the menorah.
- Incense altar made as described, following prescribed measurements and decorations.
  - Illustration of the incense altar.

God’s commandments on Sabbath rest and keeping holy days are strictly enforced.
Detailed construction guidelines and offerings highlight the sacredness of building the tabernacle.
Role of skilled craftsmen like Bezalel and Oholiab in the work of the Lord.
Use of specific materials and adherence to instructions for creating holy items for worship.
Symbolism and practical instructions provide a foundation for Israel's covenantal relationship with God.

Question on why Aaron’s sons were killed: Leviticus 10:1-2 explains they offered unauthorized “strange fire” before the Lord, acting outside their appointed roles.
Question on current location of tabernacle items: Belief is that they are kept in the Vatican or in locations controlled by those who conquered Israel.