This Is the Old Testament is part of a twelve-week thematic overview of the entire Bible. As we read, we’ll gain a broader understanding of the redemptive story of Scripture. Each day we’ll read a thematic selection from a different book of the Bible, along with supplemental passages that show how the theme of that day’s main reading is found throughout Scripture. We’ll also read a brief summary of each book and a reflection on how the book fits into the larger story of Scripture.
What Is Exodus? The book of Exodus details how God used Moses to bring the Israelites out of Egyptian slavery, His provision in their wilderness wanderings, and His covenant with them at Mount Sinai, including the beginning of the law.
How Exodus Fits Into the Story: Exodus is the high point of redemptive history in the Old Testament. It is a story of salvation that begins with God bringing a captive people out of slavery in Egypt into a place of total dependence on Him. Many patterns and concepts from Exodus are revisited elsewhere in Scripture, especially in the past, present, and future work of Jesus. From deliverance and provision to God’s glory and presence, the themes of Exodus find their fulfillment in Christ.
Reflection Questions:
1. What purpose does Exodus 19:4–6 give for the law established in Exodus 20?
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
Take time to reflect on your responses and share what you are learning with others in the community in the comments.
God delivered us from sin into freedom. Following his commandments and rules will be to protect us
1 he reminds the isrealites everything that he has done to get them to this point so they must trust him to follow his rules
2 he will magnify his power through us!
The fear of God may lead to sins but just follow the commandment. Have obedience and spread his glory to others.
Full circle!
I love the tie to the new testament through Matthew.he reminds us that Jesus didn’t come to abolish the law so that we could behave howeverwe wanted, but to teach how to keep the law and remind us of it’s importance. The Old Testament is just as validto day as when it was written!
The commandments exist not only to protect us from the darkness of this world but to remind us that we need a Savior. It’s impossible to keep the commandments on our own. Thankful for a loving and patient Father.
So often, I have thought of The 10 Commandments as God’s “Must-Do’s” in order to be loved by Him. Frequent thoughts go something like, “I must do everything perfectly and I am loved.” WRONG. God loves me – as he did the Israelites wandering in the wilderness – enough to put His presence before me and give me a list of things to avoid to enjoy deeper intimacy and delight with my Creator. It’s not an either/or. It’s a love note to His people. How we are invited into relationship and restoration to Him.
When we can view the commandments from the perspective that God gave those to us to protect us, it is very enlightening. Consider for instance, do we think our life would be better if stole things or lied about our neighbors?