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 brings us out of slavery and we are dependent on Him just as we were as infants. When we are dependent on God, we are obedient. His laws teach us how to live and love.
I think the purpose of God’s Law is to bring us closer to himself. He talks about how the Israelites are his special people because they seek after Him by following His Law.
He wants nothing more to make us clean and holy for us to be in covenant with Him. Teaching us to keep His commandments is teaching us to stay close to Him. Though we can’t keep the commandments alone no matter how hard we try Jesus did that very thing for us when He died on the cross for our salvation. But like what is stated in Matthew He didn’t come to abolish the law nor change the law but to preach it. So it’s our job to keep near to God through obedience and ask for forgiveness and repent when we do fall astray.
God is not an OT God of wrath and an NT God of restoration. He has rescued, spoken and promised from the start. I will be your God and you will be my people. It’s about relationship. It always has been. Now it’s restoration of that relationship.
“The people stood far off while Moses drew near to the thick darkness where God was…
Today’s reading helps me further understand redemption by feeling into the law. The laws outline basic moral behavior. It shows us how to be kind to ourselves and one another. God’s love shines through these laws by showing us this is what matters most to him.
God equips us with what we need to be obedient and pursue righteousness. He gave us instructions through the law and then have use the Holy Spirit. He provides exactly what we need!
God is always with us and desires to be in communion with us. He is a God of justice who fights for the oppressed. Gods faithfulness to the people of Israel is throughout exodus.