Bible Study Guide Day 041: Exodus 33–35
Then the Lord said, “There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock.”
Exodus 33:21
Previous Day 040: Exodus 30–32
Exodus 33
After the incident with the golden calf, in which the Israelites strayed from God and worshiped idols, Moses pleads with God to spare them. He reminds God of His promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to make their descendants into a great nation. Despite Moses’ intercession, God punishes the people for their sin by sending a plague among them.
God then tells Moses to lead the people to the promised land, but warns that He will not go with them because of their disobedience.
The Tent of Meeting
Moses sets up a tent outside the camp, known as the Tent of Meeting, where he would go to speak with God. When Moses enters the tent, a pillar of cloud descends and stands at the entrance while God speaks with Moses face to face.
Moses and the Glory of the LORD
After God warns Moses that He will not go with them to Canaan, Moses pleads with God to reconsider. He says that without God’s presence, the people would be no different from any other nation on earth. God is moved by Moses’ plea and agrees to go with them.
Moses asks to see God’s glory, and God agrees to pass by and reveal Himself to Moses. However, Moses cannot look directly at God because it would be too much for him to handle. Instead, God directs Moses to hide in a crevice of the rock that He will pass by.
Exodus 34
The New Stone Tablets
God tells Moses to chisel two new stone tablets, as the first ones were destroyed during the incident with the golden calf. God writes on the tablets, once again inscribing the Ten Commandments.
God reaffirms His covenant with the Israelites, promising to do wonders among them and drive out their enemies as they enter Canaan. He reminds them not to make treaties with the people of the land or worship their gods.
He also reminds them to keep the Sabbath day holy, and to celebrate the Feast of Unleavened Bread, Feast of Weeks, and Feast of Tabernacles as a memorial to Him.
Moses stays with God for forty days and nights without food or water, as God continues to reveal His laws and commandments to him.
The Radiant Face of Moses
As Moses descends from Mount Sinai, his face is radiant because he has been in the presence of God. The people are afraid to come near him, but Moses calls to them and tells them all that God has commanded. He also puts a veil over his face when he is not speaking with God, as the people are not yet ready to see the full glory of God.
Exodus 35
Sabbath Regulations
God commands the people to observe the Sabbath day as a holy day of rest. He instructs them not to light a fire or do any work on that day, as it is a sign of their covenant with Him.
Materials for the Tabernacle
Moses reminds the people of God’s command to make offerings and contributions for the construction of the tabernacle. The people are filled with joy and bring an abundance of materials, such as gold, silver, bronze, precious stones, and fabrics.
The skilled women of the community contribute their talents by spinning and weaving fine fabrics for the tabernacle. The leaders bring onyx stones, valuable spices, and oils for the anointing oil and incense.
Bezalel and Oholiab
God chooses Bezalel and Oholiab, two skilled craftsmen, to oversee the construction of the tabernacle. He fills them with His Spirit and gives them wisdom, understanding, and knowledge in all kinds of crafts.