The Bible by David Alley

In this video listen to Leviticus 10 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer.In Leviticus 10 all four sons of Aaron’s make mistakes in the Levitical worship system. Firstly Nadab and Abihu have just seen in the previous chapter how approaching God produced fire on the sacrifice, and it was glorious. They now presume and approach God but not the way he asked, and instead it is them who are consumed by fire.The stakes are now much higher. God isn’t someone to be taken for granted. In the New Testament the story of Ananias and Sapphira is like this, where they presumed that they could do whatever and God would approve. Early in the spiritual life of the children of Israel, God is demonstrating the seriousness of approaching him properly.And if we are all priests before Him, it indicates we too are to approach God in all seriousness. There shouldn’t be any presumption, or assuming that whatever is good enough for God. People seem to forget that God is both loving and a righteous judge. The judgements of God are conveniently forgotten. But they will catch up with all people at some point. These points illustrate that we consider Christ seriously regardless as to whether there is instant judgment or delayed judgement.Then we see the failing of Aaron’s other two sons Eleazar and Ithamar. Their mistake wasn’t presumption, but forgetfulness as they tried to serve God, but neglected to eat the sacrifice. Here there is grace at work, rather than with Nadab and Abihu who were presumptuous. Aaron intercedes for them and mercy is extended. So we have here the intercession of a high priest (Christ) for the other priests. (us)This demonstrates that all priests make mistakes, but our approach to God should be that of a resolve to please God to the best of our abilities, which results in mercy.

In this video listen to Leviticus 9 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer.In Leviticus 9 God indicates his blessing of the newly instituted sacrificial system, by giving a sign. After Aaron, the newly installed High Priest offers the first sacrifices, fire from the presence of the Lord comes out and consumes it. This means that fire probably came out of the Holy of Holies. It was an indication that God was pleased and things were being done right. Fire didn’t normally come out after this.But it is also a sign of incredible change. Think back just a few hundred years to the Israelites as wandering nomads with sheep. They are now a nation, belonging to God, with a priesthood, and there has been a lot of change. But this was NOT the beginning of sacrifice. Rather that was already there at the very foundation of the world. First when Adam sinned, Christ killed a lamb to cloth them. Later Abel and Cain offered sacrifices. Right from the beginning people knew that sacrifice was needed. And of course scripture says that Christ himself was slain from the foundation of the world.But society corrupted sacrifice, so that people began to offer their children to demons. We have now come to a point where God has redeemed sacrifice, and setup an example of Himself in the world. It's a picture of Christ.And even though sacrifice is fulfilled in Christ, there is still a call for us who follow Him to offer spiritual sacrifices. Peter says (1 Peter 2:4-5)“As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— 5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”

In this video listen to Leviticus 8 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer.In Leviticus 8 we now have a type of repetition of Exodus 28-29 but with differences. There God commanded certain things concerning the High Priest and priests, and now we are seeing what God commanded actually happening.And it begins with the washing of Aaron, performed by Moses. While the passages says in English “washing”, its a sign of baptism by immersion. Aaron was the to be the high priest and he was baptised by someone before him and greater than him being Moses. In a very similar way Jesus Christ who was to become our High Priest was baptised by someone before him, namely John the Baptist. NEither of these washings was for the forgiveness of sin, but for the setting apart for High Priestly ministry.The Burton Coffman commentary lists 14 ways in which Aaron here is like Christ later. For example Aaron’s 4 sons watched the process of Aaron’s consecration. Later Christ has 4 gospels giving testimony to his life and ministry. No doubt Christ saw himself in not just this passage, but in all of them as he heard the law read in the synagogues as a child.The chapter advances to consider the anointing of the High Priest which came after the washing. This also happened to Christ after his baptism when the Holy Spirit came on Him.There is something for all believers to learn here. We are all priests in the Lord’s service under our High Priest.We should be baptisedWe should be set apart for serviceWe should be anointed too and filled with the SpiritAnd then we should serve.

In this video listen to Leviticus 7 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer.In Leviticus 7 the rest of the instructions are given about how to dispose of the sacrifices after they are completed.A very clear instruction is found in verse 26 that blood is not be consumed at all. We find that even though the law has not carried over in most instances into the economy of grace, that this instruction about blood did. Gentile believers in the New Testament were told to abstain from sexual immorality and from blood. This is outlined in Acts 15. There is something about sexual immorality with pollutes the body and soul, and something about blood which is so special that it must be treated with respect.This chapter then wraps up the five offerings, all of which represent the person and work of Christ. They teach us about him, and about his purpose in coming. But the sacrifices also demonstrate that we are to continue to be holy and offer spiritual sacrifices too. This is what Romans 12:1-2 says“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”Our response to God since Christ came then is that we still offer confession, repentance, but we accompany that with obedience, prayer, and with other sacrifices like out tithes, offerings and service to God. These are things done not out of obligation but out of love. The book of Leviticus emphasizes holiness and these are the kind of things we do as believers of Christ.

In this video listen to Leviticus 6 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer.In Leviticus 6 we continue to think about guilt offerings which had to be accompanied with restitution, or if they weren’t the offering couldn’t be accepted.In the New Testament period some have the idea of cheap grace. They believe someone can sin and live however they want, and Christ will forgive. This is clearly WRONG. While Christ is our sin and guilt offering, repentance is always required.In John 8 there is the story of the adulterous woman. Jesus was gracious and forgave but also gave the command to “go and sin no more.” She was required to repent, that is to change. But what if the woman was not humble and had said, “thank you for forgiving me, but I have every intention of sinning again.” Then there would be no forgiveness.Hebrews 10:26 says “if we deliberately keep sinning, no sacrifice for sin remains.”The chapter then goes on to discuss the disposal of the remains of sacrifices, and says that the fire must remain always on the altar. This reminds us of prayer, or at least the Moravian brethren in the 1700’s took it that way. They started a prayer meeting that ran non-stop for 117 years saying ‘we must not let the fire on the altar go out.” That prayer meeting had a profound historical effect on the evangelical and missionary movements that followed them.Repentance must accompany confession, and our prayers are to be ongoing before the Lord. This is part of a holy life, which the book of Leviticus is teaching us.

In this video listen to Leviticus 5 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer.In Leviticus 5 there is more on the sin offering up until verse 13, and from verse 14 onwards is discussion of the guilt offering. What is the difference between these two?Isaiah 53 can demonstrate as it talks about Christ Surely he took up our pain, and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.That passage says that the punishment was on Him. That is the blame and the guilt. But the iniquity is on him too, that is the sin. One is the act itself and the other is the restitution for that act. The payment for both is in Christ.The priests standing in the tabernacle or temple each day would have felt the weight and expense of sin. The amount of blood and animals being offered would have demonstrated how high human guilt was. This all speaks to the greatness of what God did on our behalf in sending Christ. What then is our response to such a great sacrifice.We come with confession, repentance, and then out of our gratitude, we offer our lives fully in return, quick to obey and quick to respond to God in all ways.

In this video listen to Leviticus 4 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer.In Leviticus 4 we encounter a sacrifice for unintentional sin. And interestingly there is NO sacrifice in the Law for intentional sin. When someone sinned deliberately, such as King David with Bathsheba, there was no outline for what to do. David had to cast himself on the mercy of God with repentance, and we see his prayer outlines in Psalm 51.We also encounter the idea of collective sin, that of an entire community or nation. This something we rarely think about today, but it's true that entire nations such as Australia, undoubtedly have collective sin and guilt. The answer for this is not sacrifices like in Leviticus, but in Christ where these sacrifices point to. The truth is that there is no group that is completely blameless, and while some groups do blame others, they are never guiltless themselves.This chapter also begs the question, why are there so many different types of sacrifices. A sacrifice for sin, for guilt, for peace, a burnt offering and an incense offering. David Alley will explain why each represents Christ and why there is a need for the variety.

In this video listen to Leviticus 3 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer.In Leviticus 3 we have my personal favourite sacrifice - the peace offering. Peace is everything in the Old Testament. The word shalom represents health, wealth, success, prosperity, favour, family, friendships, long life, wisdom and much more.Peace is the name of our church - a name we were given by the Lord. Scripture tells us in E’phesians 2:14 that Christ is our peace. And in Romans 5:1 it says "Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."The peace offering is an animal sacrifice that feeds the worshipper just as the previous meal offering did. So these two offered together to God represent joy and peace, and they feed the one making an offering.It’s an amazing picture of how in Christ we are fully fed with meat and bread. Christ offered himself not just for sin, but to be our joy and peace.

In this video listen to Leviticus 2 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer.In Leviticus 2 we have the second of the 5 offerings in Leviticus 1-7, the meal offering. This was an offering of fine flour, which talks of the fine character of Christ. We know and love many great people like John Wesley, or Abraham Lincoln, but each of these have their own character flaws. Christ however is someone with no leaven, and of fine flour, he has no character flaws.This offering was made often along with the previous one, out of gratitude to God. The scriptures tell us “for the joy set before Him, he incurred the cross.”This was also an offering to be eaten by the priests and the one bringing the sacrifice. So Christ is offered for us, and we are to eat Him. But how do you consume the Lord? We do so by simply believing in Him and being hungry for him.Christ tells us in Matt 5:6 that “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.” Do you hunger and thirst for Christ? If not, that’s why you are not satisfied.

In this video listen to Leviticus 1 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer.In Leviticus 1 we have a book that many people think is boring, and they skip it when doing their Bible reading. But rather than boring, its one of the most fascinating books.Firstly, the book is written in the first person with God doing nearly all the speaking. There are not many Bible passages like this. It is a red letter book. Also all the offerings and sacrifices have Christ hidden in them, its all about Jesus. And it's also the middle of the entire Torah. It is the central part of the Law, and there is a chiastic structure, which essentially means this book has been put right in the middle to highlight its importance.Chapter one starts with the first sacrifice, the burnt offering. Like all the sacrifices to come, it shows us an element of Christ. A perfect blemish free sacrifice was needed, which was Christ for us.In chapter 1 we also see that there were various level of sacrifice that could be made depending on one’s financial position. The most wealthy could offer a bull, and others a sheep or goat, and the poor could offer birds, such as doves or pigeons. In theory pigeons could be caught, so as to provide the very poorest a sacrifice of time only. Later in Luke 2 we see that Jesus’ parents offered a sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves indicating that Christ was born into a family with few resources. The God of all sent his son into a humble home.Learn all of this and more in this video.

In this video listen to Exodus 40 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer.In Exodus 40 the tabernacle is completed. It is now the first day of the first month of a new year. Burton Coffman in his commentary estimated they had left Egypt about 350 days earlier, about 15 days short of a full year.In this video we consider the last 18 months of Moses’ life, from his call, leaving his wife behind, challenging Pharaoh, the plagues, the exodus, the forming of a nation, giving of the law, covenant with God, building of the tabernacle and more.Now he is standing in the desert looking at the glory of God filling the tabernacle. What a whirlwind year and a half it was. It’s nothing short of incredible.This video then considers the glory of God as it enters the temple, and then the glory in Solomon’s temple, and the glory in Zerubabbel’s temple, and then finally the third temple.Finally the books of Exodus finished with a happy conclusion. God is with his people and leading them, and it speaks to us of how we should be as God’s people today.

In this video listen to Exodus 39 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer.In Exodus 39 we see the similarities to the creation of the world in Genesis 1 and 2. It looks like a repeating of the instructions of Exodus 28 but we now see it is a complete recreation of things in the earth, from the Lord’s perspective. And in the same way God blessed the original creation, now Moses blesses it in God’s name.Creation is a spiritual thing more than a physical thing, and here we have a new creation on Earth. Later in the new testament we are told that if we are in Christ we are a new creation, but here long before Christ physically came, he is here on Earth symbolically as the tabernacle. If Satan has his eyes opened, he would have been shocked at the bold advances of the Lord in taking ground and bit by bit taking back this fallen creation for Himself.What began as the smallest seed of faith in the heart of Abraham, has now grown to become an entire nation of people in the wilderness, with God in their midst. Something powerful is at work, as the rest of the Bible to follow outlines.

In this video listen to Exodus 38 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer.In Exodus 38 we see parts of Exodus 27 and 30 repeated but now in a past tense of having happened, rather than in the future tense as before. What we are seeing here is the willingness of the Israelites to actually do what God said.Previously God did things for them, and they were largely ignorant of Him, but now they have seen a certain amount of His dealings, not just miracles, but also the golden calf incident. They have collectively now chosen to obey and follow.There comes a time in the life of every person when they must choose for themselves. For children there is an age of accountability, and for every person there comes a time when they have learned enough information and they become responsible for their choices. This video considers this, and asks, will you choose the way of God?

In this video listen to Exodus 37 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer.In Exodus 37 we have a showing, rather than a telling of the meticulous obedience to what God said. This is the reason why the information about the building of the tabernacle and its furnishings is repeated here.The repetition however isn’t exactly the same. It’s second telling demonstrates that what God said, was done in the manner in which he said, and to the level of detail that he requested. Even though we don’t live under legalism, we do learn here that obeying the Lord properly always remains important. We live however by the Holy Spirit’s guidance, and so we apply the same diligence to the instruction of God in our lives today, as the children of Israel did at that time.This chapter thus shows us the meticulous obedience of God’s people, rather than just telling us they obeyed.

In this video listen to Exodus 36 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer.In Exodus 36 we talk about repetition.… about repetition.… about repetition.… ok you get the idea. Exodus 36 seems like just Exodus 26 repeated, but the truth is that sometimes things have to be said multiple times.In this video you will hear why repetition is important, and in particular why we should not just strive to read our Bible once in a lifetime, but to read it over and over again as long as we live.

In this video listen to Exodus 35 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer.In Exodus 35 what seems like the beginning of a lifeless repetitious series of chapters is actually a remarkable insight into spiritual life and God. Exodus 25-31 is now about to be repeated in almost exactly the same in chapters 35-40.However there are subtle differences which highlight bigger things.First this is actually the first time the people of Israel are hearing these things. Because the first time we read them was when Moses was being instructed up the mountain on what to tell them. And when he came down, he met the golden calf and wasn’t able to do what God said. Everything was over.But because God called Moses up a second time, now we are able to finally do what God wanted, and this time the people are able to hear Moses (although he has a veil over his face) tell them what God said during those 40 days. The tense of the language has changed from future to present/past, and the people are finally listening to what God said.It was back in Exodus 19 they said they would listen, and it is finally happening. This video explains all of this and more, and what it means for you.

In this video listen to Exodus 34 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer.In Exodus 34 Moses goes back up the mountain to spend a second forty days with the Lord. He is there to reissue the covenant, with new tablets and God goes over everything again, although greatly summarised in this chapter. But a few different things happen.Firstly the people know what is going to happen this time, and they don’t go wild in his absence and there is no golden calf on his return. While Moses is gone, he has an experience of God’s love which greatly touches him, and he is covered in the glory of God. When he comes back down the mountain his face is shining.And so Moses must feil his face so as to talk with people, because the glory was too bright for them to handle. Paul writes about this in 2 Corinthians 3, comparing the glory of this covenant and the glory of the new covenant, which is much brighter.And the gospel today is covered and cannot be seen if anyone to tries to approach it via Moses, or via any other means than Christ. This video explains these things in more detail.

In this video listen to Exodus 33 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer.In Exodus 33 God tells them to go to Canaan, but he isn’t coming with them. The broke their side of the covenant made just earlier, and now God is released from His promise to them. LIke an unfaithful partner, the other now has grounds for divorce.Moses goes to sort the matter out with God in the tent of meeting. It turns out there are two tents of meeting, which is explained in this video. Moses convinces God to remain faithful to his promise even though the Israelites are hopeless.He admits they won’t make it without Him, which is true for all people at all times. Thus God demonstrates his long faithful patience which has always been His way.Moses then proceeds to ask if he can see God’s glory, which is a prayer every believer should pray.But God advises he cannot see His face and live. Earlier in verse 11 it said that Moses talked to God face-to-face. Is there a contradiction here?

In this video listen to Exodus 32 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer.In Exodus 32 the biggest thing that must be observed is that Elohim is the translation for the golden calf. The Israelites think they are worshipping the same God that Moses talked about. In verse 5 after making the calf, Aaron says “tomorrow we celebrate a feast to Yahweh.” They then begin to “play” which is actually practice sexual immorality like the fertility cults and 23000 of them (1 Cor 10:7-8) commit adultery. The KJV better translates in verse 25 that the people were naked.The Israelites had been removed from Egypt, but here we see that Egyptian thinking was still in them. They saw their leader as a god and with Moses apparently dead, they needed God back. This futile and strange thinking wasn’t cured out of them until the exile and the destruction of the temple. Worshipping of idols was a problem right up until Josiah’s big reforms just a few years before Nebuchadnezzar began taking people away. Daniel of course was one of those exiles, a highly righteous person.Moses had to intercede for the people because God wanted to destory them, and the key was giving God a good reason. We need to find good reasons to back up our prayers because we actually find it strengthens our faith and moves God’s heart.This video also discusses the debate about the actual tablets.At Sinai God instructed punishment and 3000 people died. Later on the day of Pentecost which celebrates the giving of the law, 3000 people were saved. This video goes over all these things and shows that the law kills, but the spirit gives life.

In this video listen to Exodus 31 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer.In Exodus 31 the Holy Spirit is given to Bezalel and Oholiab, who are two tradesmen, for their work in building the tabernacle. This is surprising because we usually think the Spirit is given for spiritual work. Yet we see that building this tabernacle is spiritual work.Earlier in scripture God was with Joseph in all he did, and later the “spirit of the gods” was with Daniel. We see in these examples that the Spirit of the Lord is given for our regular work as well, to give us success and favour with unbelievers.Bezalel and Oholiab were trained in Egypt, and probably had slave jobs building elaborate things for Kings. Even so, this is still considered “wisdom’ that God has put into these men, and to be used for him. Everything good we have comes from God, even that which we learn from strange sources.This chapter then makes clear that the Sabbath is Holy. Holy means it belongs to God. Later in the New Testament we see that the Sabbath has become the first day of the week coinciding with the resurrection. Fitting it remains holy and is called very clearly “the Lord’s day.”Finally, God gives the tablets of stone written with his finger. NOTE: These tables were double sided and there were two copies. The finger of God is a symbol of the Holy Spirit, and later in Jeremiah God says he is going to give a new covenant and write the law on our hearts. It is the finger of God that does that writing too. The Holy Spirit causes us to love God’s laws, and hate wickedness. If that is not your experience, then you need to seek the Spirit’s work within you so he writes on your heart.

In this video listen to Exodus 30 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer.In Exodus 30 the table of incense is described with its requirements. It was located in the holy place and covered in gold.Next in this chapter weirdly it describes the process of taking a census of the fighting men. It seems very out of place, but that is convenient as it puts to death the idea of a later redaction which would certainly not have happened here.When a nation wanted to take a census of its fighting men, it had to redeem them, and every man had to pay a half shekel to the temple. This was the poll tax. This was to “buy them back” and remind everyone that they belong to God. A count is only undertaken in situations of ownership, and this reminded everyone that they belonged to God.It described the consequences of not following this, which was a plague. Later in 2 Samuel 24:1 KIng David did take a census, did not pay the poll tax, and there was a plague. However it is worth noting the census displeased God because David was looking at how great he was, rather than how great God was.Next the bronze laver is described, setup between the entrance and the tent of meeting. It turns out that the tent of meeting here is the part of the tabernacle housing the holy place and the most holy place. But to confuse things, later in Exodus 33 there was another tent of meeting where Moses met with God aside from all the regulations going on in the tabernacle.So the two tents of meetings are a foreshadowing of law and grace. THere are two ways to meet with God, first through perfection in keeping the law, or secondly through faith and grace. Which way will you choose? You cannot mix methods.

In this video listen to Exodus 29 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer.In Exodus 29 we have the consecration of the priests. This means they were set apart for God’s use. And they were anointed with oil as part of that process. In a same way we as Christians are called to be set apart for God’s purpose. We must not be like the world, but be different to it. And God wants to give us the Holy Spirit as an anointing to empower us for his service.Even the Lord Jesus was anointed at his baptism when the Spirit came on him, and He was publicly affirmed at that time too. Afterwards he was tempted and then commenced his public ministry. This chapter, and Christ’s experience are a model of what should happen for every believer.Once the priests were consecrated they began a daily sacrificial system where lambs were sacrificed morning and evening. This demonstrates the continual intercession of Christ on our behalf.Finally with Christ as our high priest, we too are priests and we offer spiritual sacrifices continually. Peter wrote that “you also like living stones are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” It’s chapters like this where Peter saw what he was talking about.

In this video listen to Exodus 28 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer.In Exodus 28 we now turn to the clothing of the High Priest and priests. Their clothing is colorful, for example the robe worn under the ephod is entirely blue. The ephod which was a second layer like an apron, was multicolored. This is very different to the depictions we see of the High Priest wearing mostly white.On the Ephod was the breastplate, with 12 interesting stones like jade, turquoise, onyx, sapphire and others. It also contained the Urim & Thummim, terms whose meaning has been lost. These were items for enquiring of the Lord. Some people think they were like sacred dice which could be cast to reveal a yes or no answer. Later in the Bible in 2 Sam 30 we see King David ask for Abiathar the priest to bring the ephod, so he can ask the Lord whether to pursue the Amalekites in battle.However the High Priest is a picture of Christ. So we are learning about Jesus here. Firstly Jesus is a king, and the High Priests robe was blue representing holiness. Jesus also wore a seamless garment as the High Priest does here. Jesus is also the one we go to when we enquire of the Lord, just as people had to go to the High Priest to enquire of the Lord via the Urim and Thummim.When Jesus was questioned by the High Priest wearing his seamless robe, He admitted to being God. At that point the current High Priest Caiphas actually tore his clothes, (Mark 14:53) which was an offence for a High Priest according to Leviticus 10:6. So the real High Priest was demonstrated in that moment, and when JEsus died, rather than rip his clothes, the soldiers gambled for them. (John 19:23)Finally the other priests wore linen pants, a symbol or righteousness. Pants were also important rather than a dress or robe because it covered their nakedness from below.

In this video listen to Exodus 27 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer.In Exodus 27 it Describes the outer court and the first big piece of furniture there, the altar.There were three main sections to the tabernacle, the outer court, the holy place and the most holy place. The outer court was a busy location and where no priests could come. This is where the altar was located and one could come to make atonement. Everything here is made of silver or bronze, or less precious materials.The holy place was the first inner room and only priests would enter and perform various tasks there every day and week. Finally the most holy place was only available for the high priest to enter one day in a year on the day of atonement. Everything in here is made of gold or more precious materials.These separate sections teach us about how God is both approachable and unapproachable at the same time. None of us can fully approach him because of the greatness of His glory, but at the same time all of us can approach him. The modern danger is to assume that God is mundane because he is easily approached. The truth is that people with this assumption haven’t really drawn as near to God as they think. People who think little of God, or assume much are not privy to know Him. He is personal and relationship with Him is always required.Finally, the chapter describes the need to keep lamps burning at the temple. This speaks of Christian witness and is well interpreted by Christ’s parable of the virgins and their lamps in the New Testament. Each of us must keep full of the Holy Spirit, which is the oil for the lamp, and thus we each have a spiritual responsibility to maintain our light, or testimony for Christ.

In this video listen to Exodus 26 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer.In Exodus 26 we come to the actual building of the tabernacle itself. As you listen to the chapter read, try to imagine actually building a tabernacle with these instructions. A number of modern day replicas exist, which don’t look the same as each other, and in analysing them you can see that they don’t match these instructions perfectly either. For example the replica in Timnah Park, north of Eilat in modern day Israel is mostly white with 19 side panels. Whereas the replicas built by students at Bringham Young University had a colored tent entrance and 18 side panels.Not only would it be difficult because we don’t have precise certainty about the size of the cubit used, but it's clear that the instructions are not complete.This is deliberate and in verse 30 Moses is told to build it according to what he was shown on the mountain. In other words, Moses received a lot more from God during his 40 days than what was written down. So the question is then, why write down half a set of instructions. It would seem that these otherwise mundane instructions have spiritual value and are also needed to remember what God did, and certain important details about it.The big thing about the tabernacle is that God was going to dwell among his people. Later in the New Testament Jesus came as God to dwell among the people. He took on flesh. So the tabernacle is a type or shadow of Christ. He himself alluded to this when he later said he would tear down the temple and rebuild it in three days. The tabernacle was the first version of the temple.In any case the replicas are useful for learning and good to stimulate thought, and these instructions certainly help with that.

In this video listen to Exodus 25 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer.In Exodus 25 we get to one of the biggest shadows in the Bible. As humans we use metaphor to illustrate an idea sometimes in a unique powerful way. God does this too, but he also uses real things to illustrate (or to shadow) something that is even more real that the real thing. The tabernacle is one such thing, and we are about to start seeing it built, commencing with its furniture.This chapter is God’s instructions to Moses while he is on Mt Sinai. God tells the Israelites to bring gifts of gold, silver and other precious things for the construction project. The giving however is not compulsory. What joy to contribute to what God is doing?Now the chapter describes the first three things to be built, the ark of the covenant, the table of showbread, and the golden lampstand with seven candles.

In this video listen to Exodus 24 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer.In Exodus 24 one of the most remarkable passages happens in the Old Testament, but its huge significance may be overlooked by many. In ancient times a greater king would often make a covenant with a lesser king or group. This covenant would involve the wording or terms, a sacrifice and a meal.Here what is remarkable is that God is making a covenant with Israel, and there is his law as the words, the sacrifices mentioned in the chapter, and then 74 men have a meal with God and partially see his shape. Who ever heard of such a thing as God doing this?Later in the New Testament, God once again makes a covenant with people. At the last supper Jesus sits down for a meal, speaks his words to them and over passover, a sacrifice, he talks about the sacrifice of his own life given for many. Now God is not only negotiating the covenant but has become its sacrifice also, giving his own blood. Incredible.But it becomes more amazing. God is also a human in the form of Jesus, who perfectly with his life fulfilled the human side of the covenant perfectly matching what God asked for

In this video listen to Exodus 23 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer.In Exodus 23 more national laws continue.Justice is for the rich as well as the poor, and they should be treated equally not on the basis of how much wealth they have.Then when God outlines more details about sabbath rest, we find out here that indentured servants, slaves and animals also are required to rest. This is very unusual. In recent times, the last century in particular all around the world, workers unions have stood up for the needs of regular workers, but here God is standing up for the needs of servants and animals long before unions were ever thought of.Do not name other gods. The Lord doesn’t want any attention being given to the evil one. Like a teacher who doesn't want the class attention to go to the badly behaved student, so the devil should not get our attention. This was possibly why the Pharaoh in the exodus story is not named, given that he considered himself godlike. Nor are any of the Egyptian gods named.A weird random command appears not to boil a baby goat in its mother’s milk. Was this a culinary suggestion? Watch the video to find out.

In this video listen to Exodus 22 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer.In Exodus 22 we continue with laws relating with daily life in the nation. We first talk about restitution. If people do something that harms another they must fix it multiple times over. This is not at the whim of people, but at a rate designated by God, and such a thing is designed to help people become mindful of others and create a considerate society.Today we still have similar things at play, where if we harm someone's car or property we are expected to fix it for them.If an Israelite helped another by caring for an entrusted item and it was accidentally destroyed, they could take an oath in God’s name that it was an accident, and no restitution was required. But, by invoking God they must be truthful or would otherwise be taking God’s name in vain, which is different to blasphemy. Having said that blasphemy is now also outlawed in this chapter, but is not a capital offence. However not just cursing God, but cursing human leaders is put into the same category. God sees both as equally wrong.This chapter also begins to teach the Israelites to treat foreigners properly, showing that God was on top of racism way ahead of anyone else. Many of the commands here were to live in a way different to how they had been treated in Egypt, and certainly different to how people treated others in Canaan. God wanted a holy nation, different to others, and some of his commands didn’t make sense.Also it talks about pre-marital sex and the lifelong consequences for such an act in the Israelite nation.Sometimes we are asked to do things without understanding them too, but our trust in God is pleasing to Him.

In this video listen to Exodus 21 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer.In Exodus 21 we start the second half of Exodus now getting into a lot of laws. In the last chapter we saw the moral law, the ten commandments, and now a lot of civil and criminal law is going to follow. Later in Leviticus we will see Ceremonial law.The first set of laws seem to be about slavery, and some people condemn the Bible for seeming to be pro-slavery. Does God condone slavery?Actually the entire book of Exodus is about freeing slaves from Pharaoh. Plus, the entire Bible picutre is about Christ freeing people from slavery to sin. What must be understood is the culture of the day, and the Bible’s intent, not God’s overall position.The slavery here is temporary indenturerd servitude, a type of forerunner to our modern bankruptcy laws. A person could sell themselves to service but must be released in the seventh year. This was a great moral leap forward.The idea of a bond slave now appears, which has symbolisms to giving our ears to Christ. This video explains.Finally, why are some laws so barbaric sounding? Firstly imagine the HUGE need for clear law and order after two million people are lumped together with no clear oversight. Secondly the times were already barbaric, so very black and white standards were crucial. Finally, we wouldn’t have a sense of what barbarism is today, without laws like these that brought about genuine reforms.

In this video listen to Exodus 20 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer.In Exodus 20 we see the Ten Commandments given and very briefly discussed. This video will discuss just 4 of the ten briefly. This is part of the moral law, whereas the civil and ceremonial law are also a big part of the scriptures ahead.Taking God’s name in vain is not swearing, but has a deeper meaning and application. The Sabbath is also holy, so now a day is declared holy, and what does this mean for us today? Next honoring parents is something for adults, and the command not to murder is different from what the KJV says, not to kill.In verse 19 the Israelites are scared and tell Moses they don’t want to hear God’s voice. They have already changed their mind in just the space of one day. This video considers God’s desire that all his people should want to hear his voice.

In this video listen to Exodus 19 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer.In Exodus 19 they come to Sinai for the first time in the Bible. Now where exactly is Sinai? There are 2 popular theories which this video outlines. At Sinai they get ready to hear and receive the Law and Commandments. God tells them, they are a holy nation and a royal priesthood, but what does that mean?This video explains what being holy is, a concept which is going to ripple through the entire Bible from here onwards.Also they are a nation of royal priests. Just as the Levites were a tribe in this nation to serve the others, this nation is to serve the other nations in a certain way. This video explains how.Finally the Israelites say yes to God, they will listen to everything he says and do it. This reminds us of Christ’s parable of two sons who were asked to work by their father. One said yes but later didn’t go out, but the second said no, but later did.Here the Israelites turn out to be the son who says yes, but later doesn't go out. Which son are you?

In this video listen to Exodus 18 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer.In Exodus 18 Jethro arrives to visit Moses bringing Moses’ wife and two sons. The whole story prompts a question (at least in the minds of commentators) if Moses had previously divorced her. That seems however trying to push the story too far. Moses had enough struggles going to Egypt on his own, and wanted her safe with her father, but now they are back where the story started, near Sinai in the desert.And Jethro is a priest of Midian, a leader of a foreign religion, but clearly has an interest in Yahweh, because he is converted and ends up sacrificing to the Lord after hearing all that God has done. The Exodus story brought a conversion to many people, many Egyptians, certainly many Hebrews and now this Midianite leader. It also highlights why we must not withhold our personal testimony of what God has done for us. Through Moses’ testimony, Jethro was converted.Finally the chapter finishes with Jethro giving Moses advice about how to use his time. Moses was in danger of burnout, by taking on too much. Each of us must make sure we are doing what the Lord wants of us, but not things he hasn’t asked, or we too are at risk.

In this video listen to Exodus 17 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer.In Exodus 17 the Israelites grumble… again. This time they come to Rephidim where there isn’t sufficient water and Moses strikes the Rock, which is a symbol of Christ being struck and through him our provision coming.The Israelites are so bothered they want to kill Moses, and of course it is not his fault. God was behind this again, and it was a test of faith. It's a reminder that not everything our leader does is directly his choosing, and we need to trust God.Then ensues a battle for water… with the Amalekites. The Rephidim oasis was now a precious resource, and descendents of Esau, via Amalek, want it.Whilever Moses has his hands raised, they are winning. This is a picture of the power of a prayerful leader. But sometimes it's too much for a leader who needs help, which is given by Aaron and Hur holding up his hands. Leaders need prayer support too.Then the Lord wants this story recorded so that Joshua knows. Joshua was the winning general of the battle, but not privy to Moses’ actions. People on the ground should not assume all the glory, but be mindful of the invisible battle going on, and the power of prayer at work. Prayer doesn't guarantee there is no battle, but helps in the winning.

In this video listen to Exodus 16 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer.In Exodus 16 the children of Israel experience something common to all humanity.When things are going well, we assume that is normal, and that nothing special is happening, but rather that is the wrong assumption. When God lifts his hand and nothing actually is happening, that is when things go wrong, but when God is involved, things go right, and nothing seems out of place.So the Israelites grumble when they face trouble, as we all do, because we notice so easily what God seems to not be doing, rather than his constant love and care for us.They complain about nothing to eat, and rather than raining down fire, God rains down bread. He doesn’t give them as they deserve, but rather blesses them. He takes his own advice from the New Testament, and “turns the other cheek.” God repays kindness for evil. And He no doubt does this for us too, all the time, and we are unaware.Manna is believed to mean (in Egyptian) what is it? People didn’t completely understand it. And Christ used this as an illustration of himself in John 6, saying that he was the bread that came down from Heaven to feed the world. And people are just as mystified about Christ as they were about the manna.

In this video listen to Exodus 15 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer.In Exodus 15 we find the oldest song in the Bible, and possibly in the world. Various online places list other songs as the oldest, but they have forgotten about this one. What would it have sounded like? (Its even older than the Hurrian Hymn found in Uggarit)Next the Egyptian army perishes in the red sea totally, but does Pharaoh die with them? It isn’t explicitly clear on this point, and many assume yes. At least one Christian archaeologist thinks a certain Pharaoh was the exodus Pharaoh based on a lack of his mummy in the archaeological record, but arguments from absence cannot be absolutely proven.Next the Israelites come to a place with only unsuitable (bitter) water to drink. God is testing them and they quickly forget how he has saved them before and start to blame. They complain and Moses rescues the situation by placing a branch in the water. This branch is a symbol of Christ (the branch of Jesse) who took our bitterness on himself so that we could experience sweet living water instead.As it turns out, we are no different to the early Israelites.

In this video listen to Exodus 14 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer.In Exodus 14 Pharaoh's ugly head is raised again, he seems to not get the point of leaving God’s people alone. In this he is a symbol of the Accuser, Satan, who has such a hard heart he isn't able to let God’s people alone either.Pharaoh thus brought destruction on himself, and while this brought momentary (a days worth) of panic on the Israelites, they were delivered now not only out of Egypt, but their oppressor was gone. They would not have to worry anymore about what they had left behind. In the same way God delivers us from sin, but there is going to be a day when we are delivered from our oppressor too.Then we see the baptism of a nation, an idea noted by the writer to the Hebrews. This entire nation went into water and came out belonging to God. It's the first baptism in the bible, and a reminder that we too are dedicated to God.Finally, the red sea story also shows us how God is the God of deliverances, and able to spare us when we are also trapped between a rock and a hard place.

In this video listen to Exodus 13 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer.In Exodus 13 finally the Exodus is happening. They go out and before properly leaving God talks to them about the dedication of every firstborn. Those who were saved in the plague of the firstborn belong to God.Later in scripture we are told in Hebrews 12:23 that we are the “church of the firstborn” and so all of us who believes is a firstborn son. This is fascinating in comparison with the genesis stories which always show a non firstborn obtaining an inheritance, but then of course we realise that most of us are not really actually firstborns or male, in a natural sense.And Christ is the firstborn to rise from the dead, and we are to follow Him.God then takes the Israelites the longer route on the way to Canaan. He avoids the short quicker route directly though Philistine land. The Philistines were a newly occupying force from Europe (possibly Greece, or Cyprus) and God opts for a longer road. How often as Christians does God take us on the longer road?

In this video listen to Exodus 11 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer.In Exodus 11 God announces the final plague, the worst one of all, the plague of the firstborn. He also tells the Israelites to ask their neighbors for gold, and they are given huge wealth. Egyptian gold and the skills to work with it, are seen in the face mask of the boy Pharaoh Tutankamun.Interestingly the Israelites take Egyptian gold into the desert with them, and it will be used to build the ark of the covenant, and other tabernacle furniture. Leaving Egypt are also Oholiab and Bezalel, skilled tradesmen at working with raw materials such as the gold. God provided for them. Of course before that, the gold would be used to make a gold calf.Here we also see the shortest chapter in Exodus, a reminder that chapter breaks were somewhat arbitrary, and sometimes breaking thoughts, although not so much in Exodus. This is the work of Archbishop Stephen Langton in the 1200s.

In this video listen to Exodus 11 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer.In Exodus 11 God announces the final plague, the worst one of all, the plague of the firstborn. He also tells the Israelites to ask their neighbors for gold, and they are given huge wealth. Egyptian gold and the skills to work with it, are seen in the face mask of the boy Pharaoh Tutankamun.Interestingly the Israelites take Egyptian gold into the desert with them, and it will be used to build the ark of the covenant, and other tabernacle furniture. Leaving Egypt are also Oholiab and Bezalel, skilled tradesmen at working with raw materials such as the gold. God provided for them. Of course before that, the gold would be used to make a gold calf.Here we also see the shortest chapter in Exodus, a reminder that chapter breaks were somewhat arbitrary, and sometimes breaking thoughts, although not so much in Exodus. This is the work of Archbishop Stephen Langton in the 1200s.

In this video listen to Exodus 10 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer.In Exodus 10 God said he would show He was Yahweh through his signs. This chapter now outlines up to the ninth plague, the plague of darkness, and every plague is both showing God’s wonders, and the weakness of the so called Egyptian deities. Here is a list of the false gods challenged in the plagues.Hapi, nile god...Plague of Blood.Heket, frog goddess...Plague of Frogs.Geb, earth god...Plague of Lice Khepri, fly-headed god...Plague of Flies.Hathor, cow-headed goddess...Plague of the Cattle Dying.Isis, goddess of health...Plague of Boils.Nut, sky goddess...Plague of Hail. Seth, also a sky god...Plague of Locusts. Ra, sun god...Plague of Darkness.Pharaoh, son of Ra... Final Plague, death of the firstborn, a challenge to the supreme authority of Egypt, the Pharaoh himself.In this chapter Pharaoh now starts being told by his own people to listen to Moses. Most people have a hard time taking advice, but in this case it would have been harder for Pharaoh. It would have required something of a change of identity for him, admitting he wasn’t infallible, and wasn’t the son of the gods.Then Pharaoh seems to admit he has sinned, but in reality this isn’t what we think. He isn’t admitting that there is a moral good, and a moral bad, and that he is in the wrong. No rather, he is simply admitting he has done something that God doesn’t like and wants to fix the problem. Many people see morality in this light, thinking that it is simply a list of God’s wishes, rather than genuine right and wrong.Finally in this chapter Pharaoh declares he never wants to see Moses again. Pharaoh has come from Atheism, not acknowledging that Yahweh was a God at all, through rebellion and fighting against God, and now to ignoring, hoping the problem will go away. These are three very common positions against God by people.

In this video listen to Exodus 9 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer.In Exodus 9 we see the 5th and 6th plagues against Egypt, that of the cattle dying, and of the hail. Reading this you get the impression that every single cow died in the 5th plague, but a mistranslation of the word ‘kol’ for all, should have been better translate as ‘everywhere.’ Rather than saying all the cattle died, it should have said that cattle died all over the place.Each of the major gods of the Egyptians is demonstrated to be false through the plagues, but the Pharaoh is also seen by Egyptians as a god. And now the real God starts to target him also by hardening his heart. Pharaoh has been hardening his own heart before and after this point, but in this plague, God turns the screws. God is now going to demonstrate through the entire plague process that Pharaoh is not a god at all.Along with those who are refusing to acknowledge Yahweh, there is a growing group of Egyptians who now fear God. When the plague of hail is announced, they rush to bring in their servants and cattle. This proves that there were cattle that survived. But it also shows there are many Egyptians now inclined differently. When the Hebrews do leave Egypt, many go with them, explaining why we get millions of people.Those who are attached to their false gods refuse to listen and they suffer the consequences of their choices. This is no different then to now, because all people must choose who they love and worship. God is patient with all demonstrating his grace towards those who choose him and warning of what happens to those who don’t.

In this video listen to Exodus 8 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer.In Exodus 8 we now encounter the second, third and fourth plagues. Were the 10 plagues supernatural or natural? This video explains that this point isn’t important, because as they were induced by God through Moses, whether God used natural or supernatural means, they were supernatural either way.This chapter is also the first time Pharaoh acknowledges that God is a God. But he also thought of himself as a god, and they believed that gods were gods of certain things. So his acknowledgement isn’t giving God a really significant place as creator, or God almighty.Then Pharaoh’s magicians cannot repeat what Moses does and declare it to be the ‘Finger of God.’ This phrase is only found in the Bible three times. Once here, next int he writing of the ten commandments, and third when Jesus casts out a demon and says the finger of God did it. Essentially the finger of God is an example of the Holy Spirit defeating demons. And by implication, the Bible is saying that the false gods of Egypt are demons, defeated by God’s power.Finally, Pharaoh keeps hardening his own heart. It makes things worse and worse, and gives us a terrible example of what not to do with God’s dealings in our own lives.

In this video listen to Exodus 7 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer.In Exodus 7 God tells Moses that Pharaoh will not listen to him. This is because God is eternal, that is outside of time, and omnitemporal, that is everywhere in time. But God also knows Pharaoh so well he knows what we will do. This is like parents who generally know what their children will do.If God knows what we will do, does this mean we have no choice? Not at all, but we should cry out to Him to change us and help us follow Him according to His will.Next, the really supernatural part of the Exodus story begins, with rod turning into a snake, and the Egyptian magicians doing the same, thus hardening Pharaoh’s heart. Many people in western society think that something like this is mythical, and yet they are not aware that for billions of people, the supernatural is a daily part of life around the world. In the west the devil has a covert strategy, but many other places he has an overt strategy.Moses then is told by God to use his rod to strike the Nile and it will turn to blood. Presumably this was only in the land of Egypt, as the Nile is a very long river running through other nations. This is the first of the ten plagues.One wonders why all the people had to suffer for the sin of the Pharaoh, and yet if we paid careful attention to the story from the beginning we realize that all of Egypt had participated in his command to kill Hebrew boys. This is collective sin, guilt and judgement. And additionally, there are a number of other perspectives on why the plagues were collective which you can find out by watching the video. The plagues were God’s mercy, and this video will explain that.

In this video listen to Exodus 6 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer.In Exodus 6 God repeats his promise to the whole nation, but this time they know his name. Back in Genesis 32:29, Jacob asked God what his name was, but God wouldn’t say. So this is quite a thing.But now Moses finds that not only won’t Pharaoh listen to him, but the Israelites won’t either. It's terrible when a pastor knows he is saying what God wants but people won’t listen. Moses takes it personally in verse 12 telling God his lips are uncircumcised, that is not suitable or acceptable to God for his purpose.Up to verse twenty we see a list of four generations from Levi through to Moses. If the Israelites were slaves for 430 years this would be odd, but from Joseph’s death to Moses birth is only about 65 years, so this works. For a correct chronology of how long the Israelites were in Egypt see the TOBI Talk - How long were the Israelites Slaves in Egypt?If the four generations and the timing isn’t a problem, how on earth did the Israelites grow from 70ish people to millions? This also isn’t a problem, but needs a better explanation, which will be forthcoming in a later video.Finally Moses repeats his problem about how he feels about his speaking ability… it is becoming a theme now. He really feels incapable, and has no choice but to rely on God. This should put us in a whole new light concerning Moses. He saw himself as completely not suitable for the task, and the great outcomes are all due to the Lord.

In this video listen to Exodus 5 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer.In Exodus 5 Pharaoh’s real name is deliberately left out by Moses. Moses clearly knew it, and being trained and educated in Egypt did this on purpose. God either instructed him to do so, or there was a cultural reason. Dr David Downs thinks that this Pharaoh is Khasekemre-Neferhotep. Other archaeologists think it is Rameses II.Pharaohs thought they were the incarnation of God, and all of Egypt thought it too. So as Moses approached Pharaoh with God’s request a battle of divine wills begins. And this is one possible reason why Pharaoh is not named, so as not to give him unwarranted significance.Pharaoh asks who is Yahweh? When he finds out that Yahweh is the God of the Hebrews, he must have felt great disrespect, for a god of slaves cannot be any god at all. He has not regard or desire to listen. So he makes things worse for the slaves.So we see that the first response to prayer of the Israelites for deliverance is that things get worse for them. Sometimes when we pray this is exactly what happens. The opposite is the first result. We must trust God because he has a process so as to bring about an even better outcome than we can imagine.But the Israelites don’t trust, and don’t understand, so they begin by blaming their leaders, Moses and Aaron. Yet Moses was just obeying God. How sad for pastors when their people blame them because of misunderstanding. Hebrews 13:17 says “Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.” Hebrews 13:17

In this video listen to Exodus 4 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer.In Exodus 4 Moses makes more excuses for not wanting to go. His initial excuse in Exodus 3 was “Who am I?” Now he says “they won’t believe me.” And, “I’m not a good speaker,” and finally, “Please pick someone else.” God is not impressedContrast this with Mary the mother of Jesus who cheerfully trusted and was willing. No wonder she was highly favoured.God asks Moses “what is in your hand?” It was his rod. Through the rod that Moses already owned God worked wonders. And God will use us, with what we already have and are. We need our eyes opened to see.Then Moses second son was left uncircumcised, most likely just after his birth. Moses became sick and was to die. But Zipporah realised that God was angry because the circumcision had not happened. So she did what should have been Moses’ responsibility.Moses then recovered. This highlights how being called doesn’t spare us from having to obey. In fact the requirements are not lower, but higher. Moses seems stubborn and maybe lazy in this chapter, but nobody else could have performed the tasks he did later. God knew.God has also called you to do certain things. Are you being stubborn and lazy?

In this video listen to Exodus 3 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer.In Exodus 3 God is speaking again after what seems like silence for 145 years. He is saying the same things to Moses that he said to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Amazingly we see that God was working to answer the prayers of the Israelites long before they prayed. He started preparing Moses 80 years earlier, by putting him into the Egyptian palace to receive their education.Then when the Israelites cried out, God had a deliverer he was already working on. Moses then doesn't think he is capable for the task. This is an astoundingly different position to that which he would have had as a prince of Egypt. God needed 40 years of desert humility to get the 40 years of Egyptian pride out of him. And he was indeed humble. Humility is being dependent on God. And we cannot serve God without depending on him.Then God reveals his name for the first time in the Bible as “I AM.” It doesn’t seem like a satisfying name, but it reveals that God is the self-existent one. Without something self-existent nothing could exist. So we find out that God is this eternal all-knowing God. In this chapter we learn God’s name, that God is self-existent, and that there is only 1 God.We also see God working to answer prayer, which is remarkable in itself, that God should consider people. But we also see him anticipating the prayer and working in advance. And we see that God is holy and deserves our reverence.

In this video listen to Exodus 2 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer.In Exodus 2 the birth of Moses is described. Moses is no ordinary child, there is obviously something special about him which prompts his mother to risk her life to save him. He goes into the water in a basket and is drawn out of the water, in a very early picture of baptism.Bithiah is most likely the Egyptian princess here who rescues Moses, a name given to her later when she married Mered from the tribe of Judah and left Egypt in the Exodus. Her Egyptian name was probably Meri, according to Maclaren’s Expositions. Bithiah was God’s enemy, an Egyptian. It’s incredible how God uses his enemies for his purposes, and in this case, the enemy became a friend. In Christ at the cross, God attempts to turn all of his enemies into his friends, and you and I are those.Finally and remarkably, at the end of Exodus 2 the Israelites cry out to God for deliverance, but God has been preparing Moses for 40 years at least already for this. God hears our prayers before we pray them, and even though there is a timetable to it all, and it can take longer than we want, God is at work even when we don’t see it.

In this video listen to Exodus 1 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer.In Exodus 1 a new king arises in Egypt. The kings were called Pharaohs. Egyptian chronology is very confusing and the world’s leading Egyptologists even among themselves have differing chronologies. There are possibly 30 dynasties, some which overlap. See this for a sense of the complexity.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dynasties_of_ancient_Egypt#:~:text=In%20ancient%20Egyptian%20history%2C%20dynasties,%22%20and%20%22intermediate%20periods%22The Bible doesn’t say which Pharaoh we are talking of here. The National Geographic and some other non-biblically-leaning experts think Rameses II was Pharaoh during the actual Exodus, which would mean that Seti was Pharaoh when Moses was born. Some Christian Egyptologists disagree with these names and place it in another dynasty altogether. For example Dr David Downs thinks the Pharaoh at the time of the Exodus was Khasekemre-Neferhotep.No one is entirely certain, but the Bible is itself an incredibly old document and is the provision of huge evidence for Moses and these events to follow. More importantly, Jesus believed in Moses and made many comments about the law of Moses. Indeed Christ is in the law himself, and he said he had come to fulfil the law and the prophets.The chapter then talks about the midwives who lied to save the lives of Hebrew boys. Boys were drowned in the Nile, but girls were saved. The Bible says they feared God, indicating there are a few limited occasions when being sneaky is allowed because we fear God. The hiding of Jews in World War 2 by the Ten Boom family is a modern day example of this.