Exodus 21 - 24

Today's reading is one of the longest portions encountered so far - 116 verses.  The material lends itself well to the NLT and makes me appreciate this newer translation for ease of understanding.

The material really begins at the end of yesterday's reading, starting in 20:22.  The Lord gives Moses more detailed instructions covering a wide variety of subjects.  While the Ten Commandments dealt strictly with mankind's relationship to God and mankind's relationship to mankind along spiritual lines, the instructions given in 21 to 23 are meticulous to the point of prescribing specific punishments for specific acts.

The progression of topics is interesting.  First, man's approach to God and details about altars are given.  The altar must be made of earth or uncut, natural stone.  The altar can be accessed by steps. The Lord knew that, as sinners, the children of Israel would need to offer sacrifices for their sins, so the first thing he describes in how they are to do this.

Next he discusses slaves and their treatment.  Of particular interest are the actions a slave owner is to take when a slave refuses freedom.  The slave is tried before the Lord and then their ear is bored through with an awl.  This is a metaphor for the sinner who refuses God's salvation.  We are all sinners but we are offered free salvation through Jesus Christ. If we willingly turn down His salvation, then we are deafened to the Word of the Lord forever and remain a slave to sin for the rest of our lives.

The next instructions deal with loss of life, capital punishment, injury, theft of property, social and sexual crimes, and testimony during a trial. For most of these an "in-kind" punishment or payment is exacted on the perpetrator.

The Lord discuss the three required feasts: Unleaved Bread, Firstfruits, and Harvest.  All of these are types of the life of Christ and His interactions with believers.

In chapter 24, after Moses discusses all of these instructions to the children of Israel, they make an outstanding pledge - twice!  In 24:3 and 24:7 they state, "We will do everything the Lord has commanded."  As we will find out in future readings, this promise was not kept - much to the chagrin of Moses, the disappointment of Yahweh, and the punishment of Israel.

May God bless you and bless the reading of His Word.