Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Exodus Bible Study Notes Chapter 34

6/19/2012
Exodus 34 

-The Two Tablets of the Covenant and God’s Ten Commandments are given again to Moses on top of Mt. Sinai and reestablished here in chapter 34. The LORD’s proclamation concerning Himself is important here. “The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth; who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin; yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, visiting the iniquity of fathers on the children and on the grandchildren to the third and fourth generation (Exodus 34:6-7).” This phraseology is often repeated in the Word of God and gives us a true picture of His nature. He is patient; He is kind. But, He is also just and demands our recognition and repentance (a turning away from sin) for forgiveness. *Application* Psalm 32 best describes what our response should be to a loving God who wants proper relationship and fellowship with His created children. This is also Moses’ response when he hears the words of the LORD. He quickly bowed low to the earth and worshipped the King of kings. He begged His favor and presence not just for himself, but also for his people. He was an intercessor.

-God renewed His covenant because of His great grace and mercy. Let us never forget His kindnesses. He was exacting and clear, but He also was flexible. He made a way back to Himself when it was certainly not required of Him. *Application* Over and over in Scripture we see the nature of God being One who gives multiple chances to come to Him and submit to His authority. He is forbearing with us when we grieve and quench His Spirit within us. Take time today to come before him as Moses did and worship this forgiving Sovereign who loves us soooo much!

-God again gives warning as to His exclusivity. He is attempting to prepare His people so that they do not make covenants with the enemy, which would become a snare and a means of stumbling in their faith (Exodus 34:12). God is called by the Name Jealous (Exodus 34:14). *Application* He does not want to play the harlot with any other gods (Exodus 34:15-16). In other words, our faithfulness to Him alone is required and expected. Our worship is to be centered on Him only. The god of this age is often money. Has this god become a snare to your obedience to Him? Has it enslaved you because of your allegiance to it? Jesus said plainly, “No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one, and love the other, or else he will hold to one, and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon (money) (Luke 16:13)." When Jesus said this before the Pharisees, He was scoffed at and ridiculed by the money lovers (Luke 16:14). How will you receive this word today?

-Finally, Moses was filled with brilliance in radiant glory by being in the presence of God. His light shone on all who observed him as he came back to the people to the point that he had to place a veil over his face because it scared the people (Exodus 34:30). He would take off the veil when talking with God, but put it back on in the presence of the assembly. *Application* Our light should also be shining as “a city set on a hill (Matthew 5:14-16).” Jesus is the true Light and in Him we see clearly (John 8:12). He is the One who gives us illumination. Allow His Light to shine in you so that all you come into contact with will have a chance to see and know Him.

Verses to Memorize: Exodus 34:5-7

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