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Exodus: A Study Outline

From Old Testament Digest, Volume 1 by William MacDonald

Outline based on Old Testament Digest, Volume 1: Genesis–Deuteronomy by William MacDonald. Copyright © 1981 by William MacDonald. Used by permission of the author (as published on plymouthbrethren.org). williammacdonald.org

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Overview of Exodus

As history, Exodus tells how God brought Israel out of slavery in Egypt. As doctrine, MacDonald sees it as the book of redemption: by the blood of the Passover lamb, by power at the Red Sea, and ending with God living among His people in the tabernacle. It covers the year from leaving Egypt to raising the tabernacle at Mount Sinai.

Key themes

Christ in Exodus. MacDonald urges readers to look for Christ throughout Exodus: Moses, the Passover lamb, the manna, the smitten rock, the bondservant with the pierced ear, and every part of the tabernacle and priesthood picture the Lord Jesus. The book closes, he says, full of pictures of Christ's moral perfections, calling us to worship Him.

Read Exodus in the NET Bible: Exodus 1 · MacDonald’s full commentary: Exodus in the Digest

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MacDonald’s Outline of Exodus

  1. Beginning of Bondage in Egypt (Exodus 1)
  2. Birth, Call, and Training of Moses (Exodus 2:1–7:18)
  3. The First Nine Plagues (Exodus 7:19–10:29)
  4. The Passover and the Death of the Firstborn (Exodus 11:1–12:30)
  5. The Exodus from Egypt (Exodus 12:31–15:21)
  6. The Journey to Sinai (Exodus 15:22–19:2)
  7. The Giving of the Law (Exodus 19:3–24:18)
  8. The Tabernacle and the Priesthood (Exodus 25–40)
    1. Instructions for building of tabernacle (Exodus 25–27; 30–31)
    2. Consecration of the priesthood (Exodus 28–29)
    3. Idolatry (Exodus 32–33)
    4. Covenant renewed (Exodus 34:1–35:3)
    5. Preparation of tabernacle furnishings (Exodus 35:4–38:31)
    6. Preparation of priestly garments (Exodus 39)
    7. Erection of the tabernacle (Exodus 40)

1 · Israel Multiplies Under a Cruel Pharaoh

Exodus 1

Exodus is Israel's rescue from Egypt and a picture of redemption, opening with a new Pharaoh who tries to crush the growing nation.

  1. Exodus is history and doctrine: Israel freed, and redemption pictured Exodus 1
    1. Redemption rests on the Passover blood, is shown at the Red Sea, and ends in God dwelling with His people
    2. Look for Christ: Moses, the lamb, the rock, the tabernacle (1 Corinthians 5:7; 1 Corinthians 10:4)
    3. Pray to see Christ in all the Scriptures, as at Emmaus (Luke 24:27)
  2. Seventy souls grow into a nation of millions Exodus 1:1–7
    1. See the notes on Genesis 46:8–27 Exodus 1:5
    2. 603,550 fighting men by the time they left Sinai (Numbers 1:46)
    3. Many years pass between Genesis and Exodus Exodus 1:6–7
  3. A new king who does not favor Joseph's people enslaves them Exodus 1:8–14
    1. He fears Israel would side with enemies in war Exodus 1:10
    2. They build the store cities Pithom and Raamses Exodus 1:11
    3. Oppression only multiplies them; God uses the hardship to toughen them for the journey Exodus 1:12
  4. Satan's attack on the Messianic line through the killing of baby boys Exodus 1:15–22
    1. Pharaoh, Athaliah (2 Kings 11) and Herod (Matthew 2) all slaughtered children
    2. Satan never forgot the promise of Genesis 3:15
  5. The midwives Shiphrah and Puah spare the boys Exodus 1:15–21
    1. Their excuse had some truth: Hebrew babies came quickly Exodus 1:18–19
    2. God rewarded their humanity, not their falsehood Exodus 1:21
    3. In a sinful world, obeying a higher duty may cost a lesser one

Cross references

1 Corinthians 5:7 1 Corinthians 10:4 Luke 24:27 Numbers 1:46 2 Kings 11 Matthew 2 Genesis 3:15

Lessons

  • Read Exodus looking for the Lord Jesus in its people and pictures.
  • What enemies mean for evil, God can turn to good for His people.

Related reading

  • Egypt-Canaan (Dan Snaddon) — Snaddon's background to Exodus as the book of redemption

Also discussed in the library

Read MacDonald on Chapter 1 →   Top

2 · Moses Is Born, Rescued, and Exiled

Exodus 2

God providentially preserves baby Moses, but at forty Moses runs ahead of God and must flee to Midian for further training.

  1. Moses' Levite parents hide him by faith Exodus 2:1–2
    1. Amram and Jochebed, both of Levi (Exodus 6:20) Exodus 2:1
    2. Faith implies they had some word from God about this child (Hebrews 11:23)
  2. The little ark and a chain of 'coincidences' reveal God's hand Exodus 2:3–10
    1. Jochebed's ark, like Noah's, pictures Christ Exodus 2:3
    2. Miriam watches (Numbers 26:59); the princess comes; the baby cries; the mother becomes nurse Exodus 2:4–9
    3. Christian parents may take verse 9 as a sacred charge and promise Exodus 2:9
    4. Satan's own tool, Pharaoh, ends up raising Israel's deliverer Exodus 2:10
  3. At forty Moses kills an Egyptian and is rejected by his brethren Exodus 2:11–14
    1. Zeal ran ahead of wisdom; he was forty years early (Acts 7:23; Genesis 15:13) Exodus 2:12
    2. Moses and the people both needed more training
    3. Israel's rejection of Moses foreshadows their rejection of Christ Exodus 2:13–14
  4. Moses finds a home in Midian Exodus 2:15–22
    1. Jethro, also called Reuel or Raguel (Numbers 10:29) Exodus 2:18
    2. Midianites were distant kin to Israel (Genesis 25:2)
    3. He marries Zipporah; son Gershom, 'a stranger there' Exodus 2:21–22
  5. God hears, remembers, sees, and takes notice of His people's groaning Exodus 2:23–25

Cross references

Hebrews 11:23 Numbers 26:59 Acts 7:23 Genesis 15:13 Numbers 10:29 Genesis 25:2

Lessons

  • God is never in a hurry, but He will not leave His people in trouble one moment longer than needed.
  • Zeal for God must wait for God's timing and training.

Related reading

Also discussed in the library

Read MacDonald on Chapter 2 →   Top

3 · God Calls Moses at the Burning Bush

Exodus 3

At Horeb the holy God reveals Himself as I AM and sends a reluctant Moses to deliver Israel.

  1. The bush that burns but is not consumed Exodus 3:1–3
    1. Shepherding Jethro's flock trained Moses to lead God's flock Exodus 3:1
    2. It suggests God's glory, God among His people, and Israel tried but not destroyed
    3. We should burn for God without burning out
  2. Holy ground and a promise of deliverance Exodus 3:4–10
    1. First use of the word 'holy' in the Bible Exodus 3:5
    2. Removing his sandals, Moses owns the place as holy Exodus 3:5
    3. God will bring them to a rich land held by six nations Exodus 3:8
  3. Moses' excuses and God's answer of His presence Exodus 3:11–12
    1. His list of disabilities runs through Exodus 6:12
    2. His very weaknesses were the reasons God chose him
    3. God promises he will worship at Sinai with a freed people Exodus 3:12
  4. God reveals His name: Jehovah, the great I AM Exodus 3:13–15
    1. YHWH, the sacred tetragrammaton; its true pronunciation unknown
    2. The name declares God self-existent, self-sufficient, eternal, sovereign Exodus 3:14
    3. 'I AM THAT I AM' may also mean 'I will be what I will be' Exodus 3:14
  5. The plan: tell the elders, test Pharaoh, and receive just wages Exodus 3:16–22
    1. The three days' journey request was an honest, minimal test Exodus 3:18
    2. God knew only His power would move Pharaoh; the wonders are the plagues Exodus 3:19–20
    3. Israel 'asked,' not 'borrowed'; it was fair payment for slave labor Exodus 3:21–22

Cross references

Exodus 4:14 Exodus 6:12

Lessons

  • God often chooses those who feel least able, so that the power is seen to be His.

Related reading

Also discussed in the library

Read MacDonald on Chapter 3 →   Top

4 · Signs for Moses and His Return to Egypt

Exodus 4

God gives Moses three signs and Aaron as spokesman, and Moses must learn obedience himself before returning to Egypt.

  1. Three signs confirm Moses' commission Exodus 4:1–9
    1. Rod to serpent and back Exodus 4:2–5
    2. Hand made leprous and then clean Exodus 4:6–8
    3. Nile water turned to blood Exodus 4:9
    4. They speak of God's power over Satan and sin, and redemption by blood
  2. Moses' plea of poor speech brings Aaron as God's second best Exodus 4:10–17
    1. The Lord made man's mouth and could make Moses eloquent Exodus 4:11
    2. God's commands carry His enabling power
    3. Aaron later became a hindrance at the golden calf (Exodus 32)
  3. Moses returns to Egypt with the rod of God Exodus 4:18–23
    1. Family: Zipporah, Gershom, and Eliezer (Exodus 18:2–4) Exodus 4:20
    2. His ordinary staff becomes 'the rod of God' Exodus 4:2, 20
    3. God hardens Pharaoh's heart only after Pharaoh hardens his own Exodus 4:21
    4. Israel as 'firstborn' means a place of honor Exodus 4:22
  4. At the inn Moses must deal with his uncircumcised son Exodus 4:24–26
    1. Perhaps because of Zipporah's opposition
    2. Zipporah calls him a 'bridegroom of blood' Exodus 4:25–26
    3. May explain why Moses sent her home (Exodus 18:2–3)
  5. Aaron meets Moses; the people believe and worship Exodus 4:27–31

Cross references

Exodus 18:2–4 Exodus 32

Lessons

  • God never asks us to do anything without giving the power to do it.
  • God uses ordinary things to do extraordinary works so the power is plainly His.
  • A servant must obey God at home before he can carry God's message to others.

Related reading

Also discussed in the library

Read MacDonald on Chapter 4 →   Top

5 · Bricks Without Straw

Exodus 5

Pharaoh answers Moses' first demand by making Israel's labor harder, and the discouraged people turn on Moses.

  1. Aaron goes with Moses in place of the elders Exodus 5:1
    1. Compare Exodus 3:18 with Exodus 4:14–16
  2. Pharaoh refuses and increases the burden Exodus 5:2–14
    1. He accuses them of distracting the workers Exodus 5:4–5
    2. They must gather straw yet make the same number of bricks Exodus 5:7–8
    3. Straw strengthened bricks and kept them from sticking to the molds
  3. The foremen are beaten and blame Moses; Moses blames God Exodus 5:15–23

Cross references

Exodus 3:18 Exodus 4:14–16

Lessons

  • Opposition from within God's people is often harder to bear than persecution from outside.

Also discussed in the library

Read MacDonald on Chapter 5 →   Top

6 · God Renews His Promise as Jehovah

Exodus 6

The Lord answers Moses' complaint by revealing His name Jehovah in new power and restating His covenant, followed by a genealogy tracing Moses and Aaron.

  1. God assures Moses that Pharaoh will be forced to let Israel go Exodus 6:1
  2. Known to the fathers as El-Shaddai, God now shows Himself as Jehovah in new power Exodus 6:2–3
    1. The name was used before but now gains new meaning in deliverance
  3. God's covenant promise: 'I will' bring out, redeem, take, and bring in Exodus 6:4–8
    1. About 25 personal pronouns stress what God has done and will do
  4. Moses still dwells on his own weakness Exodus 6:9–13, 28–30
    1. 'Uncircumcised lips' means faltering speech Exodus 6:12, 30
  5. A selective genealogy to Moses and Aaron Exodus 6:14–27
    1. Only Reuben, Simeon, and Levi, Jacob's first three sons Exodus 6:14–16
    2. The aim is to trace the line to Moses and Aaron Exodus 6:20–26

Lessons

  • When we are occupied with our weakness, God points us to His 'I will.'

Also discussed in the library

Read MacDonald on Chapter 6 →   Top

7 · Aaron's Rod and the First Plague

Exodus 7

Moses stands before Pharaoh as God's representative; the magicians imitate, and the Nile is turned to blood.

  1. Moses is made 'as God' to Pharaoh, with Aaron as his prophet Exodus 7:1–7
  2. Aaron's rod becomes a serpent and swallows the magicians' rods Exodus 7:8–13
    1. The magicians copied it by demonic power Exodus 7:11
    2. They were Jannes and Jambres (2 Timothy 3:8)
    3. Their method was resistance by imitation
  3. God's hardening responds to Pharaoh's own stubbornness Exodus 7:13–14
  4. Plague one: the Nile turned to blood Exodus 7:14–25
    1. Fish die and the river stinks Exodus 7:18, 21
    2. Magicians copy it with other water, encouraging Pharaoh to resist Exodus 7:22–23
    3. For seven days people dig wells for water Exodus 7:24–25

Cross references

2 Timothy 3:8

Lessons

  • Satan often opposes God's work not by denying it but by imitating it.

Also discussed in the library

Read MacDonald on Chapter 7 →   Top

8 · Frogs, Lice, and Flies

Exodus 8

Three more plagues strike Egypt's gods, while Pharaoh bargains with compromises and hardens his heart again.

  1. Plague two: frogs everywhere Exodus 8:1–15
    1. Moses lets Pharaoh name the hour of relief Exodus 8:9
    2. The magicians add frogs but cannot remove them; the frog was a fertility god Exodus 8:7
    3. Dead frogs stink, and Pharaoh hardens again Exodus 8:13–15
  2. Plague three: dust becomes lice or gnats Exodus 8:16–19
    1. The magicians fail and admit a greater power Exodus 8:18–19
    2. The more Pharaoh hardens himself, the more God hardens him Exodus 8:19
  3. Plague four: swarms of flies or beetles Exodus 8:20–24
    1. Aimed at Khapara, god of the sacred beetle
  4. Pharaoh's compromises are refused Exodus 8:25–32
    1. 'Sacrifice in the land' would offend Egypt and stir a riot Exodus 8:25–26
    2. 'Don't go far' falls short of God's three days' journey Exodus 8:27–28
    3. Relief comes, and Pharaoh changes his mind Exodus 8:29–32

Lessons

  • God will not accept half-way obedience offered on the world's terms.

Related reading

Also discussed in the library

Read MacDonald on Chapter 8 →   Top

9 · Cattle Plague, Boils, and Hail

Exodus 9

God sends plagues that strike Egypt but spare Israel, showing His power through a ruler who stubbornly resists Him.

  1. Plague five: pestilence on Egypt's livestock Exodus 9:1–7
    1. Israel's animals spared: a selective judgment no natural theory explains Exodus 9:4, 6
    2. 'All' means all in the field or all kinds, since some animals survived Exodus 9:6, 19
    3. Sacred ram, goat, and bull now lay rotting
  2. Plague six: boils on man and beast, even the magicians Exodus 9:8–12
    1. Pharaoh's self-hardening leads to God's judicial hardening Exodus 9:12
  3. God's purpose with Pharaoh Exodus 9:13–17
    1. 'All my plagues' means their full force Exodus 9:14
    2. God spared him to show His power and spread His fame Exodus 9:15–16
    3. Not predestined to damnation; reprobation is not Bible teaching (Romans 9:16–17) Exodus 9:16
  4. Plague seven: hail, fire, and thunder Exodus 9:18–35
    1. Goshen untouched Exodus 9:26
    2. Moses prays and the storm stops Exodus 9:27–33
    3. Pharaoh grows even harder Exodus 9:34–35

Cross references

Romans 9:16–17

Lessons

  • Pharaoh stands as a warning of what happens to one determined to resist God.

Also discussed in the library

Read MacDonald on Chapter 9 →   Top

10 · Locusts and Darkness

Exodus 10

Pharaoh offers more compromises as locusts and thick darkness humble Egypt's gods, and he finally banishes Moses.

  1. Compromise: only the men may go Exodus 10:1–11
    1. God will not have the men in the wilderness and their families in Egypt
  2. Plague eight: locusts of unmatched severity Exodus 10:12–20
    1. They eat every green thing Exodus 10:15
    2. The god Serapis cannot protect
  3. Plague nine: three days of darkness that could be felt Exodus 10:21–23
    1. Israel has light in their homes: a clear miracle Exodus 10:23
    2. Ra, the sun god, is shown to be powerless
  4. Compromise: leave the livestock behind Exodus 10:24–29
    1. Pharaoh wanted to guarantee their return, perhaps restock his herds
    2. Without animals there could be no sacrifice, the reason for leaving Exodus 10:26
    3. Moses refuses and is banished Exodus 10:28–29

Lessons

  • Families and possessions belong with God's people, not left behind in the world.

Related reading

Also discussed in the library

Read MacDonald on Chapter 10 →   Top

11 · The Final Warning to Pharaoh

Exodus 11

Before leaving Pharaoh, Moses announces the death of Egypt's firstborn, while Israel is told to ask the Egyptians for jewelry.

  1. A parenthesis: Israel to ask for gold and silver Exodus 11:1–3
    1. 'Ask,' not 'borrow' as in the KJV Exodus 11:2
  2. Moses, still before Pharaoh, foretells the death of the firstborn Exodus 11:4–8
    1. At midnight on the appointed day (Exodus 12:6) Exodus 11:4
    2. Israel untouched; Pharaoh's servants will beg them to leave Exodus 11:7–8
    3. Moses leaves in hot anger Exodus 11:8
  3. Pharaoh will not listen; God hardens his heart further Exodus 11:9–10

Cross references

Exodus 12:6

Related reading

  • Egypt-Canaan (Dan Snaddon) — Snaddon begins the Passover study at Exodus 11

Also discussed in the library

Read MacDonald on Chapter 11 →   Top

12 · The Passover and the Exodus

Exodus 12

The Passover lamb, sheltering Israel by its blood, pictures Christ our Passover; that night Egypt's firstborn die and Israel leaves after 430 years.

  1. The Passover begins Israel's religious year Exodus 12:1–2
  2. The lamb as a picture of Christ (1 Corinthians 5:7) Exodus 12:3–11
    1. Without blemish: Christ's sinlessness Exodus 12:5
    2. A male of the first year: cut off in His prime Exodus 12:5
    3. Kept until the fourteenth day: tested privately by God, then publicly by man Exodus 12:6
    4. Killed by the congregation, in the evening (Acts 2:23; Matthew 27:45–50) Exodus 12:6
  3. Blood on the door, roasted flesh, and eating the lamb Exodus 12:7–11
    1. Applied blood saves, as Christ's blood received by faith saves from sin, self, and Satan Exodus 12:7
    2. Roasting with fire pictures Christ bearing God's wrath Exodus 12:8
    3. Unleavened bread and bitter herbs: sincere living and true repentance Exodus 12:8
    4. Eaten ready to travel: pilgrims should travel light Exodus 12:11
  4. 'Passover' means the Lord standing guard over the blood-marked door Exodus 12:12–13, 21–23
    1. Not just 'pass by' but keep watch like a sentry
    2. Hyssop may picture faith applying the blood personally Exodus 12:22
  5. The Feast of Unleavened Bread Exodus 12:14–20
    1. Recalls the haste of the exodus Exodus 12:34, 39
    2. Leaven speaks of sin; the redeemed leave sin and the world behind
    3. Eating leaven meant being cut off from the congregation Exodus 12:19
  6. Passover as a tool for teaching children redemption Exodus 12:24–28
  7. Death of the firstborn and the departure from Egypt Exodus 12:29–42
    1. Pharaoh's word may have come through servants (Exodus 10:29; Exodus 11:8) Exodus 12:31
    2. Egypt's wealth given: equipment for the journey and for God's service Exodus 12:35–36
    3. About 600,000 men plus families; a mixed multitude joins (Numbers 11:4) Exodus 12:37–38
    4. The date is uncertain; a conservative date is 1441 B.C.
  8. 430 years to the very day: God keeps His word Exodus 12:40–42
    1. See notes on Genesis 15:13–14
    2. God is not slack about our redemption either (2 Peter 3:9)
    3. Christ, the greater Moses, will lead His people to the eternal promised land
  9. Only the circumcised may eat the Passover Exodus 12:43–51
    1. No bone broken, fulfilled in Christ (John 19:36) Exodus 12:46

Cross references

1 Corinthians 5:7 Acts 2:23 Matthew 27:45–50 John 19:36 Numbers 11:4 Genesis 15:13–14 2 Peter 3:9

Lessons

  • Christ's blood must be personally applied by faith to save.
  • Those redeemed by blood should put away sin and leave the world behind.
  • Pilgrims on a long journey should travel light.

Related reading

  • Lessons from Exodus (F. W. Grant) — Grant's lecture on Exodus 12, the sheltering blood
  • Egypt-Canaan (Dan Snaddon) — Snaddon on the Passover lamb as Christ
  • Egypt-Canaan (Dan Snaddon) — Snaddon on the departure, Exodus 12:31–39

Also discussed in the library

Read MacDonald on Chapter 12 →   Top

13 · The Firstborn, the Feast, and the Cloud

Exodus 13

Because God spared Israel's firstborn, they belong to Him; unleavened bread teaches purity, and God leads His people by the pillar of cloud and fire.

  1. The firstborn are set apart for God Exodus 13:1–2, 11–16
    1. Firstborn sons served as priests until Levi was chosen
    2. Clean animals sacrificed; an unclean ass redeemed by a lamb or its neck broken Exodus 13:13
    3. A choice between redemption and destruction Exodus 13:13
    4. Firstborn sons redeemed for five shekels (Numbers 18:16): man is morally unclean Exodus 13:13, 15
  2. Unleavened bread teaches the purity expected of the redeemed Exodus 13:3–10
    1. Seven days, with no leaven in their homes Exodus 13:6–7
    2. Both rites were object lessons for future generations Exodus 13:8, 14
  3. A sign on hand and forehead Exodus 13:9, 16
    1. Taken literally in phylacteries
    2. Spiritually: all we do and desire should follow God's Word
  4. God leads by the longer way to spare them war Exodus 13:17–18
    1. The coastal road was busy and guarded by Egypt's army
    2. 'Yam Suph' means the Sea of Reeds; the exact crossing place is unknown Exodus 13:18
    3. They went out in orderly ranks, not 'harnessed' Exodus 13:18
  5. The pillar of cloud and fire: the Shekinah glory Exodus 13:21–22

Cross references

Leviticus 27:27 Numbers 18:15 Numbers 18:16

Lessons

  • The redeemed belong to God and should live in moral purity.
  • God's roundabout leading protects His people from what they cannot yet face.

Related reading

Also discussed in the library

Read MacDonald on Chapter 13 →   Top

14 · Crossing the Red Sea

Exodus 14

Trapped by the sea and Pharaoh's army, Israel is told to stand still and see God's salvation as the sea opens for them and closes on Egypt.

  1. God leads them to a place where escape seems impossible Exodus 14:1–9
    1. Encamped at Pi-hahiroth, west of the sea Exodus 14:2
    2. This makes the coming miracle greater
    3. Pharaoh thinks them trapped and pursues Exodus 14:3–9
  2. The people complain; Moses says 'Stand still and see' Exodus 14:10–14
    1. They had complained once before (Exodus 5:21) Exodus 14:10–12
    2. Moses is no longer timid Exodus 14:13
  3. The Angel of the Lord, Christ, guards the rear Exodus 14:19–20
    1. The cloud gives light to Israel and darkness to Egypt Exodus 14:20
  4. The sea divides and Israel crosses on dry ground Exodus 14:21–22
  5. Egypt's army is troubled and drowned Exodus 14:23–31
    1. Chariots disabled Exodus 14:24–25
    2. The sea returns at Moses' command Exodus 14:26–28
  6. The greatest power display of the Old Testament, surpassed only by Christ's resurrection Exodus 14

Cross references

Exodus 5:21

Lessons

  • The faith that opened the Red Sea lets us do the impossible when we move forward in God's will.

Related reading

Also discussed in the library

Read MacDonald on Chapter 14 →   Top

15 · The Song of Moses, Marah, and Elim

Exodus 15

Israel sings of redemption by power, then meets bitter water at Marah made sweet by a tree, and rest at Elim.

  1. The Passover is redemption by blood; the Red Sea is redemption by power Exodus 15:1
  2. Woodring's outline of the song Exodus 15:1–21
    1. Prelude: Jehovah's triumph Exodus 15:1
    2. What He is: strength, song, salvation Exodus 15:2–3
    3. What He has done: victory over Egypt Exodus 15:4–13
    4. What He will do: defeat future foes, bring them into the inheritance Exodus 15:14–16
    5. Postlude and Miriam's response Exodus 15:19–21
  3. Marah: bitter water made sweet Exodus 15:22–26
    1. Marah speaks of life's bitter experiences Exodus 15:23
    2. The tree suggests the cross, turning bitter to sweet Exodus 15:25
    3. God reveals Himself as Jehovah-Rapha, the Lord who heals Exodus 15:26
  4. Elim: twelve springs and seventy palms Exodus 15:27
    1. Rest and refreshment after we have been to the cross

Lessons

  • Every stage of the journey to Sinai holds lessons for believers.
  • The cross can turn life's bitter experiences into sweetness.

Related reading

Also discussed in the library

Read MacDonald on Chapter 15 →   Top

16 · Manna from Heaven and the Sabbath

Exodus 16

God answers Israel's grumbling with quail and daily manna, a picture of Christ the Bread of God, and gives the Sabbath to Israel.

  1. Complaining in the Wilderness of Sin Exodus 16:1–3
    1. They longed for Egypt's food and forgot its slavery Exodus 16:3
  2. Quail at evening, manna in the morning Exodus 16:4–15
    1. Quail only twice (Numbers 11:31); manna continually
    2. 'Manna' means 'What is it?'; no natural explanation works Exodus 16:15
  3. Manna as a picture of Christ, the Bread of God (John 6:48–51) Exodus 16:14, 31
    1. Small, round, white, sweet: His humility, perfection, purity, sweetness
    2. Came with the dew: the Holy Spirit ministers Christ to us Exodus 16:13–14
  4. How the manna was gathered Exodus 16:16–30
    1. An omer each: always enough, never too much (2 Corinthians 8:15) Exodus 16:16–18
    2. Gathered early before the sun melted it Exodus 16:21
    3. Gathered daily; double on the sixth day; none on the Sabbath Exodus 16:22–30
  5. The Sabbath given to Israel Exodus 16:23–30
    1. God rested at creation but did not then command man to (Genesis 2:2)
    2. A sign of the Sinai covenant (Exodus 31:13; Deuteronomy 5:15)
    3. Never commanded to Gentiles; the only commandment not repeated in the New Testament
    4. For Christians, the Lord's Day is a gracious privilege, not a legal duty
  6. A pot of manna kept as a memorial Exodus 16:32–36
    1. Later placed in the ark (Hebrews 9:4) Exodus 16:33–34
    2. 'Testimony' named before it existed: the law of prior mention Exodus 16:34
    3. Forty years foretold; manna ceased at Gilgal (Joshua 5:12) Exodus 16:35

Cross references

Numbers 11:31 John 6:48–51 2 Corinthians 8:15 Hebrews 9:4 Genesis 2:2 Deuteronomy 5:15 Joshua 5:12

Lessons

  • Feed on Christ at the start of each day, before life's pressures crowd in.
  • We must feed on the Lord daily; yesterday's portion will not do.
  • Christ is sufficient for every need, and sharing ensures no one lacks.

Related reading

Also discussed in the library

Read MacDonald on Chapter 16 →   Top

17 · Water from the Rock and War with Amalek

Exodus 17

At Rephidim the smitten rock gives water, picturing the Spirit given through Christ's death, and Israel defeats Amalek while Moses' hands are raised.

  1. The smitten rock at Horeb Exodus 17:1–7
    1. The people chide Moses for lack of water Exodus 17:2–3
    2. Water from the struck rock pictures the Spirit given at Pentecost through Calvary Exodus 17:6
    3. Massah means testing; Meribah means strife Exodus 17:7
  2. Joshua's first appearance, fighting Amalek Exodus 17:8–10
    1. His name means 'Jehovah is salvation' Exodus 17:9
    2. Hur, by Josephus the husband of Miriam (Exodus 24:14) Exodus 17:10
  3. Victory depends on Moses' raised hands Exodus 17:11–13
  4. Amalek as a picture of the flesh Exodus 17:8–16
    1. Esau's descendant, the corrupt Adamic nature
    2. Attacks after the Spirit is given, as the flesh fights the Spirit Exodus 17:8
    3. War from generation to generation: never removed in this life Exodus 17:16
    4. Victory through prayer and the Word Exodus 17:11, 14
  5. Jehovah-nissi: the Lord is my banner Exodus 17:15

Cross references

Exodus 24:14

Lessons

  • The flesh is overcome by prayer and by the Word of God.
  • The believer's conflict with the flesh lasts all of life.

Related reading

Also discussed in the library

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18 · Jethro's Visit and Counsel

Exodus 18

Jethro brings Moses' family, worships the true God, and advises Moses to share the work of judging, a scene foreshadowing Christ's coming kingdom.

  1. A foregleam of Christ's future glory Exodus 18
    1. Manna, rock, and stream picture incarnation, death, and the Spirit
    2. Moses: Christ reigning; his sons: the Jews; Jethro: the Gentiles
    3. Zipporah, Moses' Gentile bride: the church reigning with Christ
  2. The events are placed out of time order Exodus 18:5
    1. Israel does not reach Sinai until Exodus 19:2
    2. Likely to clear the way for an unbroken account of the giving of the law
  3. Joyful reunion and Jethro's apparent conversion Exodus 18:1–12
    1. Zipporah, Gershom, and Eliezer ('my God is help') return Exodus 18:2–4
    2. Jethro offers sacrifices to the true God Exodus 18:12
  4. Jethro advises delegating the judging Exodus 18:13–26
    1. Some see this as sensible, God-given counsel
    2. Others say Moses should have carried on with God's grace until God changed things

Cross references

Exodus 19:2

Lessons

  • God never assigns a task without giving grace to carry it out.

Also discussed in the library

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19 · Israel at Mount Sinai

Exodus 19

At Sinai God offers Israel a conditional covenant of law, which they boldly accept, and the terrifying mountain shows what it means to meet God on the basis of law.

  1. Arrival at Sinai, where much of the Pentateuch takes place Exodus 19:1–2
    1. The rest of Exodus, all of Leviticus, and Numbers 1–9
  2. A shift from grace to a conditional covenant of law Exodus 19:3–8
    1. No direct law from Adam until now; God dealt mainly in grace
    2. If they obey, He will bless Exodus 19:5–6
    3. Self-confident Israel says, 'All the Lord has spoken we will do' Exodus 19:8
    4. Their history proves man's broken vows
  3. Preparation teaches purity before God Exodus 19:10–15
    1. Washing clothes and abstaining from marital relations Exodus 19:10, 15
  4. A forbidding mountain Exodus 19:12–20
    1. Touching it meant death; offenders stoned or shot from a distance Exodus 19:12–13
    2. Thunder, lightning, cloud, fire, smoke, and quaking Exodus 19:16–18
    3. All this shows the terror of meeting God by law-keeping
  5. The warning repeated; the 'priests' were likely the firstborn Exodus 19:21–25

Lessons

  • Man is quick to promise obedience but powerless to keep it.
  • Purity is required in the presence of a holy God.

Related reading

  • Egypt-Canaan (Dan Snaddon) — Snaddon on Exodus 19 and the dispensation of law

Also discussed in the library

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20 · The Law Given: Two Tables

Exodus 20

MacDonald introduces the Ten Commandments as two sections, love for God and love for neighbor.

  1. Christ divided the law into love to God and love to neighbor Exodus 20:1–17
    1. Matthew 22:37–40
    2. Some count four commandments toward God; others five
    3. 'Jehovah thy God' appears in the first five

Cross references

Matthew 22:37–40

Related reading

Also discussed in the library

Read MacDonald on Chapter 20 →   Top

The Ten Commandments and the Altar

Exodus 20:1–26

MacDonald explains each of the ten commandments, then shows that the law reveals sin while the altar points to Christ as the only way to God.

  1. 1. No other gods Exodus 20:2–3
    1. Forbids worship of many gods or any god but Jehovah
  2. 2. No graven image Exodus 20:4–6
    1. Forbids making and worshiping images of deity
    2. Not all art: the cherubim and the bronze serpent (Numbers 21:8)
    3. A jealous God: sins of fathers affect later generations; His mercy reaches thousands Exodus 20:5–6
  3. 3. Not taking God's name in vain Exodus 20:7
    1. False oaths, profanity, minced oaths, broken promises
  4. 4. Remember the Sabbath Exodus 20:8–11
    1. Rooted in Genesis 2:1–3 and the manna (Exodus 16)
    2. Pictures rest in Christ now and in the Millennium
    3. The seventh day, never commanded to Christians
  5. 5. Honor father and mother Exodus 20:12
    1. Honor means obey; tends toward long life
    2. First commandment with a promise (Ephesians 6:2); respect for authority
  6. 6–9. Respect for life, marriage, property, and reputation Exodus 20:13–16
    1. No murder (not capital punishment or manslaughter) Exodus 20:13
    2. No adultery: all unlawful sexual conduct Exodus 20:14
    3. No stealing Exodus 20:15
    4. No false witness that damages another's character Exodus 20:16
  7. 10. Do not covet Exodus 20:17
    1. Moves from deeds to thoughts
    2. Brought Paul deep conviction of sin (Romans 7:7)
  8. The people tremble; Moses reassures them Exodus 20:18–21
    1. The law's purpose was to show people their sin
  9. The altar: sinners approach God only by shed blood Exodus 20:22–26
    1. The altar speaks of Christ as the way to God
    2. No tools: man adds nothing to Christ's perfection Exodus 20:25
    3. No steps: no human achievement, and no immodest exposure Exodus 20:26

Cross references

Numbers 21:8 Genesis 2:1–3 Ephesians 6:2 Romans 7:7

Lessons

  • The law shows us our sin; only Christ's blood brings us near to God.
  • We can add nothing of our own effort to the work of Christ.

Related reading

Also discussed in the library

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21 · Laws on Servants, Violence, and Injury

Exodus 21

God gives Israel civil laws on servants, capital crimes, and injuries, including the freely chosen bondservant who pictures Christ.

  1. Hebrew servants go free in the seventh year Exodus 21:1–4
    1. Slavery came through debt, theft, or birth
    2. A wife brought in goes free with him; one given by the master stays Exodus 21:3–4
  2. The servant who chooses to stay, ear bored at the door Exodus 21:5–6
    1. A beautiful picture of Christ who would not go out free
    2. We should be His willing bondslaves (Handley Moule's hymn)
  3. Protections for a female servant Exodus 21:7–11
    1. Redeemed, not sold to foreigners; given full rights or freed
    2. Regulation protected the enslaved; it did not approve slavery
  4. Capital crimes Exodus 21:12–17
    1. Murder punished by death; manslayers may flee to the altar, later cities of refuge Exodus 21:12–14
    2. Striking or cursing parents and kidnapping Exodus 21:15–17
  5. Injuries to people Exodus 21:18–27
    1. Pay for lost time and medical costs Exodus 21:18–19
    2. A master may not kill a servant Exodus 21:20–21
    3. Eye for eye: penalty to fit the crime; fines allowed except for murder (Numbers 35:31) Exodus 21:23–25
  6. Liability for animals and pits Exodus 21:28–36
    1. A goring ox; owner liable if warned Exodus 21:28–32
    2. Thirty shekels for a slave Exodus 21:32

Cross references

Numbers 35:31

Lessons

  • In view of Christ's love, we should gladly be His bondservants for life.

Related reading

Also discussed in the library

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22 · Laws on Property, Morality, and Mercy

Exodus 22

Laws on theft, trust, and borrowing are followed by capital crimes and commands to show compassion to strangers, widows, and orphans.

  1. Theft and restitution Exodus 22:1–6
    1. Killing a night burglar is not guilt; by day it is Exodus 22:2–3
    2. A thief who cannot pay is sold Exodus 22:3
    3. Restitution for straying animals and careless fires Exodus 22:5–6
  2. Goods held in trust, borrowed, or hired Exodus 22:7–15
    1. Judges decide breach of trust; double payment Exodus 22:7–9
    2. An oath clears loss beyond the keeper's control Exodus 22:10–13
    3. A borrower pays unless the owner was present; hire covers the risk Exodus 22:14–15
  3. Seduction requires marriage or the bride price Exodus 22:16–17
  4. Capital crimes: sorcery, bestiality, idolatry Exodus 22:18–20
  5. Compassion for strangers, widows, and orphans Exodus 22:21–27
    1. Israel had been strangers too Exodus 22:21
    2. God Himself will punish those who wrong the defenseless Exodus 22:22–24
    3. No interest to Israelites (Deuteronomy 23:20); a cloak pledge returned by night Exodus 22:25–27
  6. Reverence and the Lord's portion Exodus 22:28–31
    1. Do not curse God or rulers Exodus 22:28
    2. Firstborn given on the eighth day Exodus 22:29–30
    3. No torn meat, since its blood was not drained (Leviticus 17) Exodus 22:31

Cross references

Deuteronomy 23:20 Leviticus 17

Lessons

  • God still cares for widows and orphans, and believers should too.

Related reading

Also discussed in the library

Read MacDonald on Chapter 22 →   Top

23 · Justice, Feasts, and the Promised Angel

Exodus 23

God commands fair justice and kindness, sets three annual feasts, and promises His Angel to lead Israel into a land they must keep separate from idolatry.

  1. Justice in the courts and kindness to enemies Exodus 23:1–9
    1. No false report, mob support, or partiality Exodus 23:1–3
    2. Help an enemy's lost or fallen animal Exodus 23:4–5
    3. No bribes; do not oppress strangers Exodus 23:8–9
    4. The God of the Old Testament is merciful and just
  2. Sabbath year and Sabbath day Exodus 23:10–12
    1. The land rests; the poor gather what grows Exodus 23:10–11
    2. Rest for master, servant, and animal Exodus 23:12
  3. Three annual feasts Exodus 23:14–17
    1. Unleavened Bread: purging malice and wickedness Exodus 23:15
    2. Harvest (Pentecost): the Spirit's coming and the church Exodus 23:16
    3. Ingathering (Tabernacles): Israel secure in the Millennium Exodus 23:16
  4. Further rules on sacrifice Exodus 23:18–19
    1. No leaven with the Passover blood; fat is the Lord's Exodus 23:18
    2. Do not boil a kid in its mother's milk Exodus 23:19
  5. The Angel will lead them and drive out the nations Exodus 23:20–33
    1. The Angel is the Lord Himself Exodus 23:20
    2. Boundaries from the Red Sea to the Euphrates Exodus 23:31
    3. No treaties, idols, or mixing (2 Corinthians 6:14–18) Exodus 23:32–33

Cross references

2 Corinthians 6:14–18

Lessons

  • God gives victory over the world, the flesh, and the devil, but expects us to fight.
  • Separation from the world has always been God's will; bad company corrupts.

Related reading

Also discussed in the library

Read MacDonald on Chapter 23 →   Top

24 · The Covenant Sealed with Blood

Exodus 24

Israel agrees to the law, the covenant is ratified with blood, the elders see God, and Moses enters the cloud for forty days.

  1. Under law, only Moses may come near Exodus 24:1–2
    1. Grace says 'Let us draw near' (Hebrews 10:19; Hebrews 10:22)
  2. The people promise obedience; the covenant is ratified Exodus 24:3–8
    1. Unaware of their powerlessness Exodus 24:3
    2. An altar with twelve pillars for the tribes Exodus 24:4
    3. Half the blood on the altar, half on the people Exodus 24:6–8
  3. The leaders see God and eat and drink Exodus 24:9–11
    1. They see God and live to eat the peace offering Exodus 24:11
  4. Can man see God? Exodus 24:10
    1. No one can see Him (Exodus 33:20; John 1:18; 1 John 4:12)
    2. Yet some did (Genesis 32:30; Exodus 33:23)
    3. He reveals Himself as a man, an angel, or a glory cloud (Deuteronomy 5:24)
  5. Moses enters the cloud for forty days and nights Exodus 24:12–18
    1. Joshua goes part way; Aaron and Hur left as judges Exodus 24:13–14
    2. Forty is testing, and the people fail it Exodus 24:18
    3. Instructions given through Exodus 31:18

Cross references

Hebrews 10:19 Hebrews 10:22 Exodus 33:20 John 1:18 1 John 4:12 Genesis 32:30 Deuteronomy 5:24

Lessons

  • Law keeps the sinner at a distance; grace invites us to draw near by Christ's blood.

Related reading

Also discussed in the library

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25 · The Ark, the Table, and the Lampstand

Exodus 25

God begins His instructions for the tabernacle, His dwelling among His people, with the ark and mercy seat, the table of showbread, and the golden lampstand, all speaking of Christ.

  1. The tabernacle and priesthood introduced Exodus 25:1–9
    1. Seven chapters of instructions; fifty chapters in the Bible on the tabernacle
    2. Each part teaches about Christ and the way to God
    3. The priesthood shows sin had created distance from God
    4. An offering of materials from the people Exodus 25:1–9
  2. The ark of the covenant Exodus 25:10–16
    1. A wooden chest overlaid with gold, carried on poles Exodus 25:10–15
    2. Held the law, later Aaron's rod and the manna (Hebrews 9:4) Exodus 25:16
    3. Gold and wood: Christ's deity and humanity
  3. The mercy seat and cherubim Exodus 25:17–22
    1. God met His people in the glory cloud above it Exodus 25:22
    2. Cherubim relate to God's holiness and throne (Ezekiel 1; Ezekiel 10)
    3. Christ is our mercy seat or propitiation (Romans 3:25)
  4. The table of showbread Exodus 25:23–30
    1. Twelve loaves for the twelve tribes Exodus 25:30
    2. Pictures Christ the Bread of life
  5. The golden lampstand Exodus 25:31–39
    1. Seven branches of solid gold, with tongs and snuff dishes Exodus 25:31–38
    2. Pictures Christ the Light of the world
  6. Everything made after the pattern shown on the mount Exodus 25:40
    1. No room for human ingenuity
  7. All the furniture speaks of Christ Exodus 25–30
    1. Bronze altar: Christ the burnt offering (Exodus 27)
    2. Golden altar: His fragrance to God (Exodus 30)
    3. Laver: cleansing by the Word (Titus 3:5; John 13:10; Ephesians 5:26)

Cross references

Hebrews 9:4 Romans 3:25 Ezekiel 1 Ezekiel 10 Titus 3:5 John 13:10 Ephesians 5:26

Lessons

  • In spiritual things we must follow God's pattern, not our own ideas.

Related reading

Also discussed in the library

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26 · The Tabernacle's Curtains, Boards, and Veil

Exodus 26

MacDonald describes the tabernacle structure itself: its four coverings, gold-covered boards and bars, and the veil dividing the holy place from the most holy.

  1. Overall size: about 45 by 15 by 15 feet Exodus 26
    1. Boards on two sides and one end; pillars at the entrance
  2. The four coverings Exodus 26:1–14
    1. Fine linen with cherubim, joined by gold clasps: 'the tabernacle' Exodus 26:1–6
    2. Goats' hair joined by bronze clasps: 'the tent' Exodus 26:7–13
    3. Rams' skins and badger (or sea animal) skins Exodus 26:14
  3. Boards and bars Exodus 26:15–29
    1. Acacia boards overlaid with gold, set in sockets Exodus 26:15–25
    2. Twenty boards per side, six at the rear, two corner boards
    3. Gold-covered bars through gold rings; the middle bar one piece Exodus 26:26–29
  4. Two rooms divided by the veil Exodus 26:31–35
    1. Holy place 30 by 15 feet; most holy place 15 by 15
    2. Ark and mercy seat in the most holy place Exodus 26:33–34
    3. Table on the north, lampstand on the south, incense altar before the veil Exodus 26:35
  5. The door curtain on five pillars Exodus 26:36–37

Related reading

Also discussed in the library

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27 · The Bronze Altar, the Court, and the Oil

Exodus 27

The bronze altar of burnt offering and the linen-walled court are described, with pure olive oil for the ever-burning lamp.

  1. The altar of burnt offering Exodus 27:1–8
    1. Bronze-covered wood, 7.5 feet square and 4.5 feet high Exodus 27:1
    2. A horn at each corner; carried on poles Exodus 27:2–7
  2. The court around the tabernacle Exodus 27:9–19
    1. Linen curtains on bronze pillars, 150 by 75 feet Exodus 27:9–18
    2. A 30-foot embroidered gate on the east Exodus 27:16
    3. Vessels of bronze unless stated otherwise Exodus 27:19
  3. Pure olive oil for the lamp, a symbol of the Holy Spirit Exodus 27:20–21
    1. Burned from evening to morning Exodus 27:21
    2. 'Tent of meeting' here differs from Moses' provisional tent (Exodus 33:7) Exodus 27:21

Cross references

Exodus 33:7

Related reading

Also discussed in the library

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28 · Garments for Glory and Beauty

Exodus 28

The high priest's garments, each detail picturing the glories of Christ our Great High Priest, who carries His people on His shoulders and heart.

  1. Aaron's family is the priestly family Exodus 28:1–4
    1. Garments of glory and beauty, plus plain linen ones Exodus 28:2
    2. All speak of the glories of Christ, our Great High Priest
  2. The ephod and its onyx shoulder stones Exodus 28:6–14
    1. An apron-like garment joined at the shoulders Exodus 28:6–7
    2. Six tribal names on each shoulder stone Exodus 28:9–12
    3. The girdle; 'ouches' are gold settings Exodus 28:8, 13
  3. The breastplate of judgment Exodus 28:15–30
    1. Twelve stones, each bearing a tribe's name Exodus 28:17–21
    2. The tribes on his shoulders (strength) and heart (affection) Exodus 28:29
    3. Urim and Thummim, 'lights and perfections,' for guidance (Numbers 27:21) Exodus 28:30
  4. The blue robe with bells and pomegranates Exodus 28:31–35
    1. Testimony and fruit Exodus 28:33–34
    2. The bells heard as he went in and out Exodus 28:35
  5. The gold plate: 'Holy to the Lord' Exodus 28:36–38
    1. Bearing the iniquity of holy things Exodus 28:38
    2. Even our holiest acts are stained with sin (Beveridge)
  6. Tunic, sash, caps, and linen undergarments Exodus 28:39–43
    1. Bare feet, for they ministered on holy ground (Exodus 3:5)
    2. 'Consecrate' means to fill the hand Exodus 28:41

Cross references

Numbers 27:21 1 Samuel 28:6 Exodus 3:5

Lessons

  • Christ bears His people before God with strength and love.
  • Even our best worship needs cleansing by our High Priest.

Related reading

  • The Tabernacle (Dan Snaddon) — Snaddon on the high priest's garments, Exodus 28
  • “The Mediator” (F W Grant, plymouthbrethren.org) — Grant on the breastplate and Christ the Mediator

Also discussed in the library

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29 · The Consecration of the Priests

Exodus 29

Aaron and his sons are washed, clothed, anointed, and consecrated with blood and offerings, and the daily burnt offering is set.

  1. Priesthood by birth then, by new birth now Exodus 29
    1. In the church, every believer is a priest (Revelation 1:5–6)
    2. Man ordaining priests is presumption
    3. Carried out in Leviticus 8; compare the leper's cleansing (Leviticus 14)
  2. Washing, clothing, and anointing Exodus 29:1–9
    1. Washed at the door Exodus 29:4
    2. Aaron clothed and anointed; then his sons clothed Exodus 29:5–9
  3. Three offerings Exodus 29:10–21
    1. Laying on hands means identification and substitution Exodus 29:10
    2. Bull for sin offering; fat to the Lord Exodus 29:10–14
    3. First ram wholly burned: Christ's full devotion to God Exodus 29:15–18
    4. Blood on ear, thumb, and toe: cleansing for hearing, service, and walk Exodus 29:19–21
  4. Filling the priests' hands Exodus 29:22–34
    1. Wave breast: God's love; heave shoulder: His power for us Exodus 29:26–28
    2. Garments pass from father to son Exodus 29:29–30
  5. Seven days of consecration and the daily lambs Exodus 29:35–42
    1. Altar cleansed and anointed Exodus 29:36–37
    2. A lamb each morning and evening Exodus 29:38–42
  6. God promises to meet with and dwell among His people Exodus 29:43–46

Cross references

Revelation 1:5–6 Leviticus 8 Leviticus 14

Lessons

  • Atoning blood may seem unattractive to man, but it is essential to God.
  • Every part of life, what we hear, do, and where we go, needs cleansing.

Also discussed in the library

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30 · Incense Altar, Ransom Money, Laver, and Oil

Exodus 30

The golden altar of incense, the half-shekel ransom, the bronze laver, and the holy anointing oil and incense complete the instructions for worship.

  1. The golden altar of incense Exodus 30:1–10
    1. Gold-covered wood, 18 inches square and 3 feet high Exodus 30:1–2
    2. Incense morning and evening: Christ's intercession Exodus 30:7–8
    3. So linked to the holiest that Hebrews 9:4 places it there
  2. The half-shekel ransom Exodus 30:11–16
    1. Paid by every man over twenty at a census Exodus 30:12–14
    2. The same for rich and poor Exodus 30:15
    3. Made the silver sockets: redemption is our foundation
  3. The bronze laver Exodus 30:17–21
    1. Between the altar and the door, for hands and feet Exodus 30:18–19
    2. Made from the women's mirrors (Exodus 38:8)
    3. Serving unwashed meant death (Hebrews 10:22) Exodus 30:20–21
  4. Holy anointing oil and incense, not to be copied Exodus 30:22–38
    1. Oil pictures the Spirit; service requires His enabling Exodus 30:22–33
    2. Incense burned morning and evening on the golden altar Exodus 30:34–38

Cross references

Hebrews 9:4 Exodus 38:8 Hebrews 10:22

Lessons

  • Redemption is needed by all and offered to all on the same terms.
  • We must be clean in life before serving the Lord.

Related reading

Also discussed in the library

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31 · Gifted Workmen and the Sabbath Sign

Exodus 31

God appoints and equips Bezalel and Oholiab, repeats the Sabbath as Israel's sign, and gives Moses the stone tablets.

  1. Bezalel and Oholiab called and gifted Exodus 31:1–11
    1. The repeated 'I' shows God enables what He commands Exodus 31:2–6
    2. God appoints, equips, works through, and rewards His servants
  2. The Sabbath as a sign between God and Israel Exodus 31:12–17
    1. No work, not even on the tabernacle
    2. Breaking it was punishable by death Exodus 31:14–15
  3. The two stone tablets given to Moses Exodus 31:18
    1. Compare Deuteronomy 10:4

Cross references

Deuteronomy 10:4

Lessons

  • The work is the Lord's, but He does it through people He equips.

Also discussed in the library

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32 · The Golden Calf and Moses' Intercession

Exodus 32

While Moses is on the mountain, Israel worships a golden calf; Moses pleads for them, judges the sin, and offers his own life for the people.

  1. Aaron makes the golden calf Exodus 32:1–6
    1. Impatient people; a compliant Aaron Exodus 32:1–4
    2. Expressly forbidden (Exodus 20:4)
    3. Calling it worship of the Lord Exodus 32:5
    4. Egypt's gold turned from blessing to curse (Exodus 12:35–36)
  2. Moses' great intercession Exodus 32:7–14
    1. They are Your people, whom You delivered Exodus 32:11
    2. Egypt would gloat Exodus 32:12
    3. Remember Your covenant with the fathers Exodus 32:13
    4. The Lord turns from the punishment ('evil') Exodus 32:14
  3. The tablets broken and the calf destroyed Exodus 32:15–20
    1. The broken tablets witness to the broken law Exodus 32:19
    2. The people drink the powder: sin's bitter return Exodus 32:20
  4. Aaron's lame excuse Exodus 32:21–24
    1. Spared only by Moses' prayer (Deuteronomy 9:19–20)
  5. The Levites stand with the Lord Exodus 32:25–29
    1. Law brought death to 3,000; grace at Pentecost saved 3,000 Exodus 32:28
    2. Perhaps why Levi became the priestly tribe Exodus 32:29
  6. Moses offers his life for the people Exodus 32:30–35
    1. 'Blot me out' means end my life Exodus 32:32
    2. Like Christ, the Just for the unjust; but God did not spare His Son
    3. God sends a plague and an angel to lead them Exodus 32:34–35

Cross references

Exodus 20:4 Exodus 12:35–36 Deuteronomy 9:19–20

Lessons

  • God's blessings can become a curse through a sinful heart.
  • Intercession can turn away judgment, as Moses' prayer did.

Related reading

Also discussed in the library

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33 · God's Presence and Moses' Request for Glory

Exodus 33

After the calf, Moses meets God in a tent outside the camp, pleads for God's own presence, and asks to see His glory.

  1. God will send an angel, not go Himself Exodus 33:1–6
    1. Lest He consume them on the way Exodus 33:3
    2. The people mourn and remove their ornaments Exodus 33:4–6
  2. The tent of meeting outside the camp Exodus 33:7–11
    1. A provisional tent, not the tabernacle Exodus 33:7
    2. Outside because the camp was defiled
    3. 'Face to face' means direct communion, not seeing God's essence Exodus 33:11
  3. Moses asks for God's presence, not just an angel Exodus 33:12–16
    1. God promises, 'My presence shall go with thee' Exodus 33:14
    2. Safety lies in God's presence, not the absence of danger
  4. Moses asks to see God's glory Exodus 33:17–23
    1. God will show His grace and mercy (Exodus 34:6–7) Exodus 33:19
    2. Moses sees His 'back' from the rock; figurative, for God is spirit (John 4:24) Exodus 33:21–23
  5. No one can see God's face and live Exodus 33:20
    1. He dwells in unapproachable light (1 Timothy 6:16; 1 John 4:12)
    2. Those who 'saw God' saw Him in Christ (Genesis 32:30; Isaiah 6:1)
    3. Christ fully declares the Father (John 1:18; Hebrews 1:3; John 14:9)

Cross references

Exodus 34:6–7 John 4:24 1 Timothy 6:16 1 John 4:12 John 1:18 Hebrews 1:3 John 14:9

Lessons

  • Nothing short of God's own presence will do for His people.
  • We see God's glory in the face of Jesus Christ.

Related reading

  • Egypt-Canaan (Dan Snaddon) — Snaddon's study on Exodus 33
  • “The Pillar of Cloud” (Daniel C Snaddon, plymouthbrethren.org) — Snaddon on God's presence and the cloud, Exodus 33:14–16

Also discussed in the library

Read MacDonald on Chapter 33 →   Top

34 · The Covenant Renewed and Moses' Shining Face

Exodus 34

God reveals His name of grace and justice, renews the covenant with warnings against idolatry, rewrites the law, and Moses returns with a shining face.

  1. God proclaims His name of grace and justice Exodus 34:1–7
    1. New tablets prepared by Moses Exodus 34:1–4
    2. Iniquity, transgression, sin: all fall short of God's glory (Romans 3:23) Exodus 34:7
  2. Moses worships and pleads for God's presence Exodus 34:8–9
  3. The covenant renewed with a call to separation Exodus 34:10–17
    1. God will do marvels and drive out the nations Exodus 34:10–11
    2. No covenants with the heathen; destroy the Asherim Exodus 34:12–15
    3. One cannot be joined to God and to idols (1 Corinthians 10:21)
  4. Feasts and firstborn repeated Exodus 34:18–26
    1. Unleavened bread, firstborn, Sabbath, weeks, ingathering Exodus 34:18–22
    2. God would guard their land while they went up to worship Exodus 34:24
  5. The words written; the Lord writes the commandments Exodus 34:27–28
    1. The last 'he' in verse 28 is Jehovah (Deuteronomy 10:1–4) Exodus 34:28
  6. Moses' face shines Exodus 34:29–35
    1. He did not know it shone Exodus 34:29
    2. Veiled after speaking, to hide the fading glory of law (2 Corinthians 3:13) Exodus 34:33

Cross references

Romans 3:23 1 Corinthians 10:21 Deuteronomy 10:1–4 2 Corinthians 3:13

Lessons

  • We cannot belong to God and cling to idols at the same time.

Also discussed in the library

Read MacDonald on Chapter 34 →   Top

35 · Willing Gifts for the Tabernacle

Exodus 35

After restating the Sabbath, Moses calls for offerings and workers, and God's people give freely and generously.

  1. The Sabbath repeated Exodus 35:1–3
  2. A call for materials and skilled volunteers Exodus 35:4–19
    1. Both tabernacle and temple were paid for in advance
  3. Willing hearts give generously Exodus 35:20–29
    1. God stirred their hearts Exodus 35:21, 26, 29
    2. Gold given to the calf was lost; gold given to God brought joy
  4. Bezalel and Oholiab publicly named Exodus 35:30–35

Lessons

  • Our giving and service should be willing and ungrudging.
  • What we invest in God's work is never lost.

Related reading

Also discussed in the library

Read MacDonald on Chapter 35 →   Top

36 · Too Much Given; the Building Begins

Exodus 36

The people give more than enough, and the workmen make the curtains, boards, bars, veil, and door, each picturing Christ.

  1. More than enough: Moses stops the giving Exodus 36:1–7
    1. Verse 1 belongs with Exodus 35:30–35 Exodus 36:1
  2. The building account (to chapter 39) Exodus 36:8
    1. The repetition shows God never tires of what speaks of His Son
  3. The curtains: tabernacle, tent, and covering Exodus 36:8–19
  4. Acacia boards picture Christ Exodus 36:20–30
    1. A root out of dry ground (Isaiah 53:2), morally beautiful, eternal
  5. The bars hold the boards together Exodus 36:31–34
    1. The hidden middle bar: the Spirit uniting believers (Ephesians 2:21–22) Exodus 36:33
    2. The four visible bars: shared life, love, position, confession
  6. The veil and the door Exodus 36:35–38
    1. The veil is Christ's flesh, torn to open the way (Hebrews 10:20) Exodus 36:35–36
    2. The door curtain pictures Christ as the way to God Exodus 36:37–38

Cross references

Isaiah 53:2 Ephesians 2:21–22 Hebrews 10:20

Lessons

  • Believers are bound together by the Holy Spirit into one holy temple.

Related reading

Also discussed in the library

Read MacDonald on Chapter 36 →   Top

37 · Making the Ark and the Holy Furniture

Exodus 37

Bezalel makes the ark, mercy seat, table, lampstand, and incense altar, which MacDonald reads as pictures of Christ.

  1. The ark and its contents Exodus 37:1–5
    1. Acacia and gold: our Lord's humanity and deity
    2. Law, manna, and rod picture Christ (Psalm 40:8; John 6:33; Hebrews 7:24–26)
    3. For Israel, they were memorials of failure
  2. The mercy seat, God's throne on earth Exodus 37:6–9
    1. The cherubim saw the sprinkled blood, not the broken law
    2. Christ is God's mercy seat (Romans 3:25)
  3. The table of showbread Exodus 37:10–16
    1. Israel accepted before God in Christ (Morrish)
  4. The golden lampstand Exodus 37:17–24
    1. Christ the Light (John 8:12), the Spirit, or Christ with believers
    2. Seven branches, one piece
  5. The incense altar, oil, and incense Exodus 37:25–29
    1. Christ a constant sweet savor and our Intercessor Exodus 37:25–28
    2. Oil: the Spirit; incense: Christ's fragrance to the Father Exodus 37:29

Cross references

Psalm 40:8 John 6:33 Hebrews 7:24–26 Romans 3:25 John 8:12

Lessons

  • Mercy reaches rebellious sinners because God sees the sprinkled blood.

Related reading

Also discussed in the library

Read MacDonald on Chapter 37 →   Top

38 · The Altar, Laver, Court, and Materials

Exodus 38

The bronze altar, laver, and court are made, the workmen are named, and the materials are counted.

  1. The altar of burnt offering pictures the cross Exodus 38:1–7
    1. No access to God apart from Christ's sacrifice
  2. The laver pictures Christ cleansing by the Word (Ephesians 5:26) Exodus 38:8
    1. Clean hands and feet before service
  3. The court and its gate Exodus 38:9–20
    1. White linen: righteousness that bars sinners and guards believers
    2. One gate: Christ the only way to God
    3. Linen, blue, purple, scarlet: purity, heaven, royalty, suffering
  4. God raises up workmen for His work Exodus 38:21–23
    1. Bezalel and Oholiab; Hiram for the temple; Paul for the church
  5. The materials counted Exodus 38:24–31
    1. Worth millions today

Cross references

Ephesians 5:26

Lessons

  • Our actions and walk must be clean to serve the Lord well.
  • We can dedicate our possessions to the Lord's work.

Related reading

  • The Tabernacle (Dan Snaddon) — Snaddon on the altar and laver, Exodus 38

Also discussed in the library

Read MacDonald on Chapter 38 →   Top

39 · The Priestly Garments Completed

Exodus 39

The priests' garments are made, displaying Christ's glories, and Moses inspects and blesses the finished work.

  1. The four colors and Christ in the Gospels Exodus 39:1–5
    1. Purple: Matthew, the King; scarlet: Mark, the Servant
    2. White: Luke, the sinless Man; blue: John, the Son of God
    3. Gold threads: His deity Exodus 39:3
  2. Shoulder stones and breastplate Exodus 39:6–21
    1. Christ bears His people's names on His shoulders and heart (Pell)
  3. The robe with bells and pomegranates Exodus 39:22–26
    1. Testimony and fruit, in Christ and in us
  4. Linen tunics first, then garments of glory Exodus 39:27–29
    1. Righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21) before glory (Philippians 3:20–21)
    2. Compare Leviticus 8:7
  5. The gold plate: holiness to the Lord Exodus 39:30–31
    1. Our High Priest purges our worship (Exodus 28:38)
  6. Moses inspects the work and blesses the people Exodus 39:32–43

Cross references

Leviticus 8:7 2 Corinthians 5:21 Philippians 3:20–21 Exodus 28:38

Lessons

  • Righteousness must come before glory.
  • Our flawed worship is made acceptable through our Great High Priest.

Related reading

Also discussed in the library

Read MacDonald on Chapter 39 →   Top

40 · The Tabernacle Raised and Filled with Glory

Exodus 40

On the first day of the new year the tabernacle is set up and anointed, and the glory cloud fills it and leads Israel's journeys.

  1. Set up on the first day of the first month Exodus 40:1–2, 16–17
    1. Almost a year after leaving Egypt Exodus 40:17
  2. Tabernacle, furniture, and priests anointed Exodus 40:9–15
  3. The glory cloud fills the tabernacle Exodus 40:34–35
    1. Moses cannot enter Exodus 40:35
    2. As a Levite, Moses served as priest until Aaron's investiture (Leviticus 8)
  4. The cloud guides their travels Exodus 40:36–38
  5. Exodus closes full of pictures of Christ Exodus 40
    1. The year from deliverance to the tabernacle
    2. We are called to worship Christ and live in His holiness

Cross references

Leviticus 8

Lessons

  • We should worship the Christ of glory and live in the light of His holiness.
  • God's people move only when He leads.

Related reading

Also discussed in the library

Read MacDonald on Chapter 40 →   Top

Further reading on Exodus

In the Faithful Men Library

On plymouthbrethren.org

Every library book that cites Exodus: Scripture index — Exodus

Outline based on Old Testament Digest, Volume 1: Genesis–Deuteronomy by William MacDonald. Copyright © 1981 by William MacDonald. Used by permission of the author (as published on plymouthbrethren.org). williammacdonald.org