Join us as we journey through the book of Genesis 

Simple reflections based on reading.

As we seek God together through Scripture.

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(See our Facebook page Journeying through for past reflections)

 Exodus 29: 29-37

29 ‘Aaron’s sacred garments will belong to his descendants so that they can be anointed and ordained in them. 30 The son who succeeds him as priest and comes to the tent of meeting to minister in the Holy Place is to wear them seven days.

31 ‘Take the ram for the ordination and cook the meat in a sacred place. 32 At the entrance to the tent of meeting, Aaron and his sons are to eat the meat of the ram and the bread that is in the basket. 33 They are to eat these offerings by which atonement was made for their ordination and consecration. But no one else may eat them, because they are sacred. 34 And if any of the meat of the ordination ram or any bread is left over till morning, burn it up. It must not be eaten, because it is sacred.

35 ‘Do for Aaron and his sons everything I have commanded you, taking seven days to ordain them. 36 Sacrifice a bull each day as a sin offering to make atonement. Purify the altar by making atonement for it and anoint it to consecrate it. 37 For seven days make atonement for the altar and consecrate it. Then the altar will be most holy, and whatever touches it will be holy.

The theme of inheritance and passing things on. Legacy. Think of things that you have that you would call part of your legacy – perhaps a family heirloom, or things that have been passed down to you over time. Ordination – being set apart for a specific and special task in God’s service. Aaron and his sons and other priests had a specific calling. However, although not all are ordained as priests in that way, we are all holy under God as believers, each with our own special calling and purpose as part of God’s overall plan. We receive a legacy from those who have gone before us, and we will leave a legacy for those who will follow. What does that look like? We tend not to be so attentive to the distinction to the sacred these days. However, the themes of sacrifice (giving things up) and offering and repentance and forgiveness and purity are still there. Sacrificing each day? Being pure? How can we apply these areas in our own lives as we seek to live according to God’s ways?

Exodus 29: 22-28

22 ‘Take from this ram the fat, the fat tail, the fat on the internal organs, the covering of the liver, both kidneys with the fat on them, and the right thigh. (This is the ram for the ordination.) 23 From the basket of bread made without yeast, which is before the Lord, take one round loaf, one thick loaf with olive oil mixed in, and one thin loaf. 24 Put all these in the hands of Aaron and his sons and wave them before the Lord as a wave offering. 25 Then take them from their hands and burn them on the altar along with the burnt offering for a pleasing aroma to the Lord, a food offering presented to the Lord. 26 After you take the breast of the ram for Aaron’s ordination, wave it before the Lord as a wave offering, and it will be your share.

27 ‘Consecrate those parts of the ordination ram that belong to Aaron and his sons: the breast that was waved and the thigh that was presented. 28 This is always to be the regular share from the Israelites for Aaron and his sons. It is the contribution the Israelites are to make to the Lord from their fellowship offerings.

There has been the slaughtering of three animals, a bull and two rams. Detailed instructions about what to do with the flesh and the blood, and the introduction of bread without yeast. The offerings – a sin offering, a burnt offering, a wave offering and a food offering. The whole concept of offering and of giving. Taking something from what one has and offering it to God and to others. Everything they had, and everything we have serves different purposes and has different qualities. The Israelites all had their provision, the Levites and the priests received their share from them. God provides us with all that we need. Most of us have far more than we need. What we can learn from this is to use what we have and discover how God wants us to use it – both material things like possessions and money, and giftings and abilities. Then be challenged about what you give to others. Financially, one biblical guideline is a tithe of ten per cent. Then consider how you might offer time and talent. From 2 Corinthians 9: ‘6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.’

Exodus 29: 10-21

10 ‘Bring the bull to the front of the tent of meeting, and Aaron and his sons shall lay their hands on its head. 11 Slaughter it in the Lord’s presence at the entrance to the tent of meeting. 12 Take some of the bull’s blood and put it on the horns of the altar with your finger, and pour out the rest of it at the base of the altar. 13 Then take all the fat on the internal organs, the covering of the liver, and both kidneys with the fat on them, and burn them on the altar. 14 But burn the bull’s flesh and its hide and its intestines outside the camp. It is a sin offering. 15 ‘Take one of the rams, and Aaron and his sons shall lay their hands on its head. 16 Slaughter it and take the blood and splash it against the sides of the altar. 17 Cut the ram into pieces and wash the internal organs and the legs, putting them with the head and the other pieces. 18 Then burn the entire ram on the altar. It is a burnt offering to the Lord, a pleasing aroma, a food offering presented to the Lord. 19 ‘Take the other ram, and Aaron and his sons shall lay their hands on its head. 20 Slaughter it, take some of its blood and put it on the lobes of the right ears of Aaron and his sons, on the thumbs of their right hands, and on the big toes of their right feet. Then splash blood against the sides of the altar. 21 And take some of the blood on the altar and some of the anointing oil and sprinkle it on Aaron and his garments and on his sons and their garments. Then he and his sons and their garments will be consecrated.

Today’s reading comes with a warning – it’s graphic! Not for the faint-hearted. This is something I’ll never get my head around – all these animals being slaughtered and blood being thrown around. It must have been very messy. But then, that is what it is all about. The world is very messy. A lot of butchering skills were needed to do what was required to prepare for the consecration of Aaron and his sons. So there was a sin offering, a burnt offering and other types of offering will be described tomorrow. The precise description and detail of what is required continues. The whole thing has a sense of solemnity about it despite what was involved. Again, we do not need to do any of this in any of our ceremonies or acts of worship. Thanks be to God! Everything that God requires is for a reason and has a purpose. We have far more freedom today because of Jesus’ once and for all sacrifice on the cross. From Acts 13: ‘38 “Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. 39 Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses.’

Exodus 29: 1-9. Consecration of the priests

29 ‘This is what you are to do to consecrate them, so that they may serve me as priests: take a young bull and two rams without defect. 2 And from the finest wheat flour make round loaves without yeast, thick loaves without yeast and with olive oil mixed in, and thin loaves without yeast and brushed with olive oil. 3 Put them in a basket and present them in it – along with the bull and the two rams. 4 Then bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the tent of meeting and wash them with water. 5 Take the garments and dress Aaron with the tunic, the robe of the ephod, the ephod itself and the breast piece. Fasten the ephod on him by its skilfully woven waistband. 6 Put the turban on his head and attach the sacred emblem to the turban. 7 Take the anointing oil and anoint him by pouring it on his head. 8 Bring his sons and dress them in tunics 9 and fasten caps on them. Then tie sashes on Aaron and his sons. The priesthood is theirs by a lasting ordinance. ‘Then you shall ordain Aaron and his sons.

Thankfully today we no longer need to involve the killing of animals when we ordain those called to be priests or those called into church leadership. The strong sense here is about purity and cleansing. Everything used in the service of God was without blemish or as pure as was possible. Everything was presented in the best possible way, as with Aaron and his sons first being washed and then being clothed in the amazing garments that we have seen described. Just the process of getting dressed in the finery would bring about a sense of honour and the majestic. Aaron and his sons were being introduced to their unique calling as priests to God’s people. This was no mean undertaking, and a solemn responsibility. It also gives a foretaste of the role of Jesus as the great High Priest. There is a permanency about it all. The old way being a foreshadow of the new. As we think of our own calling and ministries, do we perhaps take them too lightly? As Aaron entered his ministry, it makes me mindful of what God wants us to do. From Romans 12: ‘12 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.’

 Exodus 28: 31-43. Other priestly garments

31 ‘Make the robe of the ephod entirely of blue cloth, 32 with an opening for the head in its centre. There shall be a woven edge like a collar around this opening, so that it will not tear. 33 Make pomegranates of blue, purple and scarlet yarn around the hem of the robe, with gold bells between them. 34 The gold bells and the pomegranates are to alternate round the hem of the robe. 35 Aaron must wear it when he ministers. The sound of the bells will be heard when he enters the Holy Place before the Lord and when he comes out, so that he will not die. 36 ‘Make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it as on a seal: holy to the Lord. 37 Fasten a blue cord to it to attach it to the turban; it is to be on the front of the turban. 38 It will be on Aaron’s forehead, and he will bear the guilt involved in the sacred gifts the Israelites consecrate, whatever their gifts may be. It will be on Aaron’s forehead continually so that they will be acceptable to the Lord. 39 ‘Weave the tunic of fine linen and make the turban of fine linen. The sash is to be the work of an embroiderer. 40 Make tunics, sashes and caps for Aaron’s sons to give them dignity and honour. 41 After you put these clothes on your brother Aaron and his sons, anoint and ordain them. Consecrate them so they may serve me as priests. 42 ‘Make linen undergarments as a covering for the body, reaching from the waist to the thigh. 43 Aaron and his sons must wear them whenever they enter the tent of meeting or approach the altar to minister in the Holy Place, so that they will not incur guilt and die. ‘This is to be a lasting ordinance for Aaron and his descendants.

The thing that struck me most from today’s reading is that everything being described in these depictions of the priestly garments and everything to do with the construction of the tabernacle has a purpose. It has all been carefully designed and thought out, right down to the last detail. We read of a robe with real ringing bells on the hem, so people will know when Aaron is entering and exiting the Holy Place. Then a plate of pure gold with the words ’holy to the Lord.’ Even then there was a need for an expression of guilt, forgiveness and redemption. The tunic, turban, sash, caps, undergarments. God was being as detailed and creative with all of this as he was when he created our world. There is something of creativity in each of us, even if it is not our particular gifting. Think of your own experience of being creative. We read of God ‘knitting us together’ in our mothers’ wombs. Then for us in 1 Corinthians 10: ‘31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.’

 Exodus 28: 15-30. The breast piece

‘Fashion a breast piece for making decisions – the work of skilled hands. Make it like the ephod: of gold, and of blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and of finely twisted linen. 16 It is to be square – a span long and a span wide – and folded double. 17 Then mount four rows of precious stones on it. The first row shall be carnelian, chrysolite and beryl; 18 the second row shall be turquoise, lapis lazuli and emerald; 19 the third row shall be jacinth, agate and amethyst; 20 the fourth row shall be topaz, onyx and jasper. Mount them in gold filigree settings. 21 There are to be twelve stones, one for each of the names of the sons of Israel, each engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes. 22 ‘For the breast piece make braided chains of pure gold, like a rope. 23 Make two gold rings for it and fasten them to two corners of the breast piece. 24 Fasten the two gold chains to the rings at the corners of the breast piece, 25 and the other ends of the chains to the two settings, attaching them to the shoulder pieces of the ephod at the front. 26 Make two gold rings and attach them to the other two corners of the breast piece on the inside edge next to the ephod. 27 Make two more gold rings and attach them to the bottom of the shoulder pieces on the front of the ephod, close to the seam just above the waistband of the ephod. 28 The rings of the breast piece are to be tied to the rings of the ephod with blue cord, connecting it to the waistband, so that the breast piece will not swing out from the ephod. 29 ‘Whenever Aaron enters the Holy Place, he will bear the names of the sons of Israel over his heart on the breast piece of decision as a continuing memorial before the Lord. 30 Also put the Urim and the Thummim in the breast piece, so they may be over Aaron’s heart whenever he enters the presence of the Lord. Thus Aaron will always bear the means of making decisions for the Israelites over his heart before the Lord.

6 ‘Make the ephod of gold, and of blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and of finely twisted linen – the work of skilled hands. 7 It is to have two shoulder pieces attached to two of its corners, so that it can be fastened. 8 Its skilfully woven waistband is to be like it – of one piece with the ephod and made with gold, and with blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and with finely twisted linen. 9 ‘Take two onyx stones and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel 10 in the order of their birth – six names on one stone and the remaining six on the other. 11 Engrave the names of the sons of Israel on the two stones the way a gem cutter engraves a seal. Then mount the stones in gold filigree settings 12 and fasten them on the shoulder pieces of the ephod as memorial stones for the sons of Israel. Aaron is to bear the names on his shoulders as a memorial before the Lord. 13 Make gold filigree settings 14 and two braided chains of pure gold, like a rope, and attach the chains to the settings.

There is some significance in the wearing of the breast piece, very much around the means of making decisions, which was also signified by the Urim and the Thummim. Also, the sense of memorial. Only a priest could enter the Holy Place. They went in with clear instruction and intention. The breast piece is elaborate and covered with precious stones. The past, present and future somehow come together as the twelve patriarchs are represented and remembered, and communion with God takes place and important decisions are made. Jesus has made it possible for us to draw near to God and to approach his throne of grace – in prayer, in gathering together, in seeking him day to day. From James 4: “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” From Ephesians 2: “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” Think about his as you draw near to God and trust him to guide you in your decisions.

Exodus 28: 6-14 The ephod

We are now reading about the vestments to be worn by Aaron and the priests. Considering the duties they were to perform, I find myself interested in how they could be kept clean, bearing in mind the ornate way in which they were made. Gold, blue and scarlet yarn and fine linen. The need for skill in handiwork and weaving and engraving. The importance here of recognising and remembering their forbears. The need for much care and attention. Again, we can imagine what the finished garment would look like. The role of the priest was special and what they were to wear would reflect this. It was clearly important to God that what those who served him wore mattered. We largely give these things far less importance, yet perhaps we should consider these things more than we do. For us there is something about attitude of heart. God does care. As in 1 Peter 3: ‘3 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewellery or fine clothes. 4 Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.’

 Exodus 28: 1-5. The priestly garments

28 ‘Let Aaron your brother be brought to you from among the Israelites, with his sons Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, so that they may serve me as priests. 2 Make sacred garments for your brother Aaron to give him dignity and honour. 3 Tell all the skilled workers to whom I have given wisdom in such matters that they are to make garments for Aaron, for his consecration, so that he may serve me as priest. 4 These are the garments they are to make: a breast piece, an ephod, a robe, a woven tunic, a turban and a sash. They are to make these sacred garments for your brother Aaron and his sons, so that they may serve me as priests. 5 Make them use gold, and blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and fine linen.

We know that there are some church traditions today that still make good use of priestly garments, and there is some debate across our traditions regarding their necessity. Well, whatever your view or mine, this is where they came from – and they are clearly biblical! I take some solace from this, as my tradition does not make much of clerical wear (perhaps a clerical collar for certain functions), yet we see a lot of examples of robes etc across the main church traditions. The colours all have significance. Here we see that there is something about their purpose, ‘2 Make sacred garments for your brother Aaron to give him dignity and honour.’ When you see it like that, perhaps it gives a different perspective on their use. Note the components. The detail follows. It is not about what is being worn, far more about the attitude of the wearer. It is not about the individual, but about serving God. And as for us, from 1 Peter 2: ‘9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.’

Exodus 27: 20-21. Oil for the lampstand

20 ‘Command the Israelites to bring you clear oil of pressed olives for the light so that the lamps may be kept burning. 21 In the tent of meeting, outside the curtain that shields the ark of the covenant law, Aaron and his sons are to keep the lamps burning before the Lord from evening till morning. This is to be a lasting ordinance among the Israelites for the generations to come.

A few short verses today. A strong sense of presence. Light. Lamps that keep burning. This points to the Holy Spirit. God’s presence with his people. An ongoing reminder to the Israelites through the dark hours of the night that they are not alone. Remember the chorus, ‘Give me oil in my lamp, keep me burning’. The parable of the wise and foolish virgins – some who trimmed their lamps and kept them burning, while others neglected theirs and ran out of oil. God wants us all to experience the light that only he can offer. The light that the darkness cannot overcome, as in John 1: ‘5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.’ The Holy Spirit is always present with us, not just at night-time. Know God’s continual presence with you. Jesus said, as recorded in John 8: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Exodus 27: 9-19. The courtyard

9 ‘Make a courtyard for the tabernacle. The south side shall be a hundred cubits long and is to have curtains of finely twisted linen, 10 with twenty posts and twenty bronze bases and with silver hooks and bands on the posts. 11 The north side shall also be a hundred cubits long and is to have curtains, with twenty posts and twenty bronze bases and with silver hooks and bands on the posts. 12 ‘The west end of the courtyard shall be fifty cubits wide and have curtains, with ten posts and ten bases. 13 On the east end, towards the sunrise, the courtyard shall also be fifty cubits wide. 14 Curtains fifteen cubits long are to be on one side of the entrance, with three posts and three bases, 15 and curtains fifteen cubits long are to be on the other side, with three posts and three bases. 16 ‘For the entrance to the courtyard, provide a curtain twenty cubits long, of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen – the work of an embroiderer – with four posts and four bases. 17 All the posts around the courtyard are to have silver bands and hooks, and bronze bases. 18 The courtyard shall be a hundred cubits long and fifty cubits wide, with curtains of finely twisted linen five cubits high, and with bronze bases. 19 All the other articles used in the service of the tabernacle, whatever their function, including all the tent pegs for it and those for the courtyard, are to be of bronze.

Back to our imagination and the sheer scale of the courtyard. A cubit turns out to be close to half a metre. A hundred cubits is 45 metres. More curtains, posts, bases, hooks and bands. Those with an interest in maths may even enjoy adding them all up! Perhaps our nearest equivalent is some of the amazing cathedrals that we have. Each of them would have been years in the making. However, they were made of brick and mortar and were not intended to be portable. All these things had been gathered and transported by the people, which in turn gives an insight into the sheer scale of the number of people under Moses and Aaron and the possessions they took with them. Something else we learn from this is the vast amount of skill, artistry and forbearance that must have existed among the people of Israel. Not to mention obedience and a willingness to respond to precise instructions. Does that challenge you? Despite their flaws (like ours), they must have worked together. Think of this from 1 Peter 4: ‘10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.’

Exodus 27: 1-8. The altar of burnt offering

27 ‘Build an altar of acacia wood, three cubits high; it is to be square, five cubits long and five cubits wide.2 Make a horn at each of the four corners, so that the horns and the altar are of one piece and overlay the altar with bronze. 3 Make all its utensils of bronze – its pots to remove the ashes, and its shovels, sprinkling bowls, meat forks and firepans. 4 Make a grating for it, a bronze network, and make a bronze ring at each of the four corners of the network. 5 Put it under the ledge of the altar so that it is halfway up the altar. 6 Make poles of acacia wood for the altar and overlay them with bronze. 7 The poles are to be inserted into the rings so they will be on two sides of the altar when it is carried. 8 Make the altar hollow, out of boards. It is to be made just as you were shown on the mountain.

Have you ever thought about what would go on in the tabernacle? Animals being slaughtered, blood being literally thrown about, everything getting very dirty by our standards! This would take place on a regular basis. The priests were very much in the front line of all of this. I am thankful we no longer have to undertake these rituals of sacrifice. There was no room for blood phobias! Materials of wood and bronze. Quite similsr to what we would now have for a barbecue, but rather more ornate and able to withstand regular use. In order for the people to receive forgiveness, animals had to be killed and burnt. Thankfully, Jesus did this for us himself once and for all.

From Hebrews 9: 11 But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, is not a part of this creation. 12 He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption.’

Exodus 26:30-37

30 ‘Set up the tabernacle according to the plan shown you on the mountain.

31 ‘Make a curtain of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen, with cherubim woven into it by a skilled worker. 32 Hang it with gold hooks on four posts of acacia wood overlaid with gold and standing on four silver bases. 33 Hang the curtain from the clasps and place the ark of the covenant law behind the curtain. The curtain will separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. 34 Put the atonement cover on the ark of the covenant law in the Most Holy Place. 35 Place the table outside the curtain on the north side of the tabernacle and put the lampstand opposite it on the south side. 36 ‘For the entrance to the tent make a curtain of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen – the work of an embroiderer. 37 Make gold hooks for this curtain and five posts of acacia wood overlaid with gold. And cast five bronze bases for them.

When I read this, I thought it was a repeat of the instructions for the tabernacle which we had earlier, but this specification is for another part of the structure. Yet the similarity reflects the accuracy and the uniformity of the overall project. The same colour scheme and again, the inclusion of cherubim. Something else that struck me is that none of this was going to happen overnight. The required work would take time, and some would be quite laborious. The embroidery would require fine application to detail and a lot of skilled people would be needed to complete this. There is a sense here of immense talent, attention and co-operation. God would have known the gifting that the people had. I have no doubt he specifically equipped people for the work, some discovering gifts that they had not discovered before. From Ephesians: “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do”

 Exodus 26: 15-29

15 ‘Make upright frames of acacia wood for the tabernacle. 16 Each frame is to be ten cubits long and a cubit and a half wide, 17 with two projections set parallel to each other. Make all the frames of the tabernacle in this way. 18 Make twenty frames for the south side of the tabernacle 19 and make forty silver bases to go under them – two bases for each frame, one under each projection. 20 For the other side, the north side of the tabernacle, make twenty frames 21 and forty silver bases – two under each frame. 22 Make six frames for the far end, that is, the west end of the tabernacle, 23 and make two frames for the corners at the far end. 24 At these two corners they must be double from the bottom all the way to the top and fitted into a single ring; both shall be like that. 25 So there will be eight frames and sixteen silver bases – two under each frame. 26 ‘Also make crossbars of acacia wood: five for the frames on one side of the tabernacle, 27 five for those on the other side, and five for the frames on the west, at the far end of the tabernacle. 28 The centre crossbar is to extend from end to end at the middle of the frames. 29 Overlay the frames with gold and make gold rings to hold the crossbars. Also overlay the crossbars with gold.

The giving of the specifications for the construction of the tabernacle continues. You are invited to continue imagining the appearance of what is being described. This time there is the need for a large amount of acacia wood and silver and finally gold. I find it all a bit mind-blowing. I think there was a need for some mathematical skill and design, to enable everything to be constructed and made as instructed. This is a clear example of God giving instructions, with a clear expectation of response and action. For me this speaks of relationship and trust on both sides. Consider the importance here of following God’s instructions to the letter. For me the following verses from Proverbs come to mind: ‘5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.’

Exodus 26: 1-14. The tabernacle

26 ‘Make the tabernacle with ten curtains of finely twisted linen and blue, purple and scarlet yarn, with cherubim woven into them by a skilled worker. 2 All the curtains are to be the same size – twenty-eight cubits long and four cubits wide. 3 Join five of the curtains together, and do the same with the other five. 4 Make loops of blue material along the edge of the end curtain in one set, and do the same with the end curtain in the other set. 5 Make fifty loops on one curtain and fifty loops on the end curtain of the other set, with the loops opposite each other. 6 Then make fifty gold clasps and use them to fasten the curtains together so that the tabernacle is a unit.

7 ‘Make curtains of goat hair for the tent over the tabernacle – eleven altogether. 8 All eleven curtains are to be the same size – thirty cubits long and four cubits wide. 9 Join five of the curtains together into one set and the other six into another set. Fold the sixth curtain double at the front of the tent. 10 Make fifty loops along the edge of the end curtain in one set and also along the edge of the end curtain in the other set. 11 Then make fifty bronze clasps and put them in the loops to fasten the tent together as a unit. 12 As for the additional length of the tent curtains, the half curtain that is left over is to hang down at the rear of the tabernacle. 13 The tent curtains will be a cubit longer on both sides; what is left will hang over the sides of the tabernacle so as to cover it. 14 Make for the tent a covering of ram skins dyed red, and over that a covering of other durable leather.

As we read the measurements for the curtains and the added detail for the tabernacle, we get an idea of the size and scale of what is being asked. A great amount of work requiring skill and precision. The first ten are each 13 metres long and 1.8m wide. As you read through, see if you are able to get some idea of what it will look like in your imagination. The tabernacle is to be a representation of God being with his people. Despite the scale of it’s size, it is intended to be portable. God is shown as meeting with his people throughout Scripture. Jesus said, ‘’And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Let us hold on to that truth each and every day. Know, God is always with you.

31 ‘Make a lampstand of pure gold. Hammer out its base and shaft, and make its flowerlike cups, buds and blossoms of one piece with them. 32 Six branches are to extend from the sides of the lampstand – three on one side and three on the other. 33 Three cups shaped like almond flowers with buds and blossoms are to be on one branch, three on the next branch, and the same for all six branches extending from the lampstand. 34 And on the lampstand there are to be four cups shaped like almond flowers with buds and blossoms. 35 One bud shall be under the first pair of branches extending from the lampstand, a second bud under the second pair, and a third bud under the third pair – six branches in all. 36 The buds and branches shall all be of one piece with the lampstand, hammered out of pure gold.37 ‘Then make its seven lamps and set them up on it so that they light the space in front of it. 38 Its wick trimmers and trays are to be of pure gold. 39 A talent of pure gold is to be used for the lampstand and all these accessories. 40 See that you make them according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.

The image that comes to my mind today is that of light. As we read through the description of the lampstand, I am sure a picture forms in each of our minds, and am also sure that our pictures will not be identical! The lampstand, the branches, the cups – all described meticulously, yet still with room for some imagination. Someone with great artistic skill would be needed to make the lampstand with all that it comprises. Lots of gold, the potential for lots of light. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” What an encouragement to us all. May we claim that light and also be a source of light for others to follow, pointing them to Jesus.

First, may I wish everyone a Happy New Year!

Thursday 1st January 2026 Exodus 25:23-30 The table

23 ‘Make a table of acacia wood – two cubits long, a cubit wide and a cubit and a half high. 24 Overlay it with pure gold and make a gold moulding around it. 25 Also make around it a rim a handbreadth wide and put a gold moulding on the rim. 26 Make four gold rings for the table and fasten them to the four corners, where the four legs are. 27 The rings are to be close to the rim to hold the poles used in carrying the table. 28 Make the poles of acacia wood, overlay them with gold and carry the table with them. 29 And make its plates and dishes of pure gold, as well as its pitchers and bowls for the pouring out of offerings. 30 Put the bread of the Presence on this table to be before me at all times.

We are returning to the book of Exodus, where before Advent we started to read about God’s instructions to Moses for the construction of a tabernacle that the Israelites would take with them. First the components. The ark was first, today we read about the table. Note the precision of the instructions. Precise materials and measurements. One thing that comes over is – nothing but the best for God. Perfection, precision, design. Ponder on that. Then the bread – Jesus described himself as the bread of life, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty”. As he was present then, so he is now, at all times.

Exodus 24: 9-18

9 Moses and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and the seventy elders of Israel went up 10 and saw the God of Israel. Under his feet was something like a pavement made of lapis lazuli, as bright blue as the sky. 11 But God did not raise his hand against these leaders of the Israelites; they saw God, and they ate and drank.12 The Lord said to Moses, ‘Come up to me on the mountain and stay here, and I will give you the tablets of stone with the law and commandments I have written for their instruction.’13 Then Moses set out with Joshua his assistant, and Moses went up on the mountain of God. 14 He said to the elders, ‘Wait here for us until we come back to you. Aaron and Hur are with you, and anyone involved in a dispute can go to them.’15 When Moses went up on the mountain, the cloud covered it, 16 and the glory of the Lord settled on Mount Sinai. For six days the cloud covered the mountain, and on the seventh day the Lord called to Moses from within the cloud. 17 To the Israelites the glory of the Lord looked like a consuming fire on top of the mountain. 18 Then Moses entered the cloud as he went on up the mountain. And he stayed on the mountain forty days and forty nights.

The first description of what the elders, Moses and Aaron saw when they went up to see God reminds me of some of the descriptions in the book of Revelation. Precious jewels are used in several Biblical descriptive accounts and give an idea of brilliance and perfection. This encounter would be unique for those gathered. We are told that they saw God – that would be an experience that would never be forgotten and that would be recounted for generations to follow. However, it was Moses and Joshua alone who ventured further up the mountain. I wonder what was happening for those six days that the cloud covered the mountain. The timescale is reminiscent of the story of creation – six days followed by one. However, reversed – six days of silence with communication from God on the seventh. A strong sense of waiting. Something that many of us understand! Waiting is a significant theme in the life of a Christian and follower of Christ. The Israelites must have been in wonder as they saw the fire. Then they were made to experience uncertainty and patience. Moses was on the mountain, similar to Jesus’ experience in the desert – forty days and forty nights…..

Exodus 24: 1-8. The covenant confirmed

24 Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Come up to the Lord, you and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel. You are to worship at a distance, 2 but Moses alone is to approach the Lord; the others must not come near. And the people may not come up with him.’ 3 When Moses went and told the people all the Lord’s words and laws, they responded with one voice, ‘Everything the Lord has said we will do.’ 4 Moses then wrote down everything the Lord had said .He got up early the next morning and built an altar at the foot of the mountain and set up twelve stone pillars representing the twelve tribes of Israel. 5 Then he sent young Israelite men, and they offered burnt offerings and sacrificed young bulls as fellowship offerings to the Lord. 6 Moses took half of the blood and put it in bowls, and the other half he splashed against the altar. 7 Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read it to the people. They responded, ‘We will do everything the Lord has said; we will obey.’8 Moses then took the blood, sprinkled it on the people and said, ‘This is the blood of the covenant that the Lord has made with you in accordance with all these words.’

Access to God looked very different at the time of Moses compared to today. Everything was done via an intermediary – an ordinary man, chosen by God. At this point in the human story, Moses met with God, then communicated to the people. In turn, the people gave every impression that they would honour God’s laws and decrees as received. As I read what Moses did, in writing everything down that the Lord had said, and setting up the twelve stone pillars, I realise that this was no mean undertaking. It reads so simply, yet the effort and time taken were far greater than we might think. The use of blood here shows its importance in all aspects of sin and reconciliation with God. This is the foretaste of the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus, once and for all on the cross. Imagine being literally sprinkled by blood as recorded here! The words in verse 8 are very like the words that Jesus spoke at what we call the Last Supper. The people said they would be obedient, yet we know that it is impossible for any of us without Christ. We aim to be the best that we can be, but we can only be made perfect in God’s eyes through the cross. Jesus has made it possible. We need to focus on him at all times.

Exodus 23: 20-26. God’s angel to prepare the way

20 ‘See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared. 21 Pay attention to him and listen to what he says. Do not rebel against him; he will not forgive your rebellion, since my Name is in him. 22 If you listen carefully to what he says and do all that I say, I will be an enemy to your enemies and will oppose those who oppose you. 23 My angel will go ahead of you and bring you into the land of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Canaanites, Hivites and Jebusites, and I will wipe them out. 24 Do not bow down before their gods or worship them or follow their practices. You must demolish them and break their sacred stones to pieces. 25 Worship the Lord your God, and his blessing will be on your food and water. I will take away disease from among you, 26 and none will miscarry or be barren in your land. I will give you a full life span.

Today’s passage speaks of God’s constant presence and protection, while at the same time emphasising the importance of following God and his ways as opposed to anything else. This idea of God leading and guiding is important for all who believe today, as then, and has been important throughout history. A key element of the Christian life is having the right focus and listening, then responding as led. God is very much with all who believe and seek him. He does not force himself on us, but he desires that we seek him and aim to follow his ways in all that we do. Jesus has made that possible. Through all the trials of this life, if we focus on the things of God, and hold on to the truth that we have Jesus in all things, we will stand. The more we hold on to God and his teachings, and honour him, the greater the blessings we will receive. God goes before us and is always with us.

 Exodus 23: 14-19 The three annual festivals

14 ‘Three times a year you are to celebrate a festival to me. 15 ‘Celebrate the Festival of Unleavened Bread; for seven days eat bread made without yeast, as I commanded you. Do this at the appointed time in the month of Aviv, for in that month you came out of Egypt. ‘No one is to appear before me empty-handed. 16 ‘Celebrate the Festival of Harvest with the first fruits of the crops you sow in your field. ‘Celebrate the Festival of Ingathering at the end of the year, when you gather in your crops from the field. 17 ‘Three times a year all the men are to appear before the Sovereign Lord. 18 ‘Do not offer the blood of a sacrifice to me along with anything containing yeast. ‘The fat of my festival offerings must not be kept until morning. 19 ‘Bring the best of the first fruits of your soil to the house of the Lord your God. ‘Do not cook a young goat in its mother’s milk.

The last verse seems a bit of an aside from what has gone before and what follows. Festivals are a great time of coming together, celebrating and honouring. God gave the Israelites three specific times to do this. The festival of unleavened bread as a reminder of the Israelites’ hurried escape from slavery. The festival of harvest as a celebration of crops after the growing season and the festival of ingathering, which is commemorating the years spent in the desert. Festivals punctuate the year and remind people of what has gone before and give them a focus on God’s provision. We too have occasions that the church marks throughout the year. Examples are Easter, Pentecost, Harvest and Christmas. It is good to have seasonal events. We particularly remember the crucifixion and resurrection at Easter, the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, thanksgiving and God’s provision at Harvest and Jesus coming into the world at Christmas. Thankfully we no longer have to offer sacrifices, but it is still good to give, and particularly to offer ourselves as ‘living sacrifices’, committed and surrendered to Him.

Exodus 23: 10-13 Sabbath laws

10 ‘For six years you are to sow your fields and harvest the crops, 11 but during the seventh year let the land lie unploughed and unused. Then the poor among your people may get food from it, and the wild animals may eat what is left. Do the same with your vineyard and your olive grove. 12 ‘Six days do your work, but on the seventh day do not work, so that your ox and your donkey may rest, and so that the slave born in your household and the foreigner living among you may be refreshed.13 ‘Be careful to do everything I have said to you. Do not invoke the names of other gods; do not let them be heard on your lips.

The principles we read about here are quite sensible and make a lot of sense, but I am not aware of them being observed widely today. Firstly, to give land a rest. Those who are greedy are going to want to get as much as they possibly can out of the land. The result of that approach is that over time the land will become ‘tired’ or less productive, which then becomes a false economy. If the land is left for a season, it can recover and be productive for a new period of time. Some farmers rotate the use of their land to maximise production. Another reason to leave the land is for the needy. There will always be somewhere that is lying fallow, so there should always be some spare provision. The same thing applies to us as human beings. We need our time to recuperate, rest and relax. Ideally, one day out of seven. We will all be familiar with the need to stop the relentless demands on our time and talents. A work life rest balance is something to which we should all aspire. It is possible. We just need to stop making excuses and care for ourselves, and in turn care for others.

Exodus 22: 16-31 Social responsibility

16 ‘If a man seduces a virgin who is not pledged to be married and sleeps with her, he must pay the bride-price, and she shall be his wife. 17 If her father absolutely refuses to give her to him, he must still pay the bride-price for virgins. 18 ‘Do not allow a sorceress to live. 19 ‘Anyone who has sexual relations with an animal is to be put to death. 20 ‘Whoever sacrifices to any god other than the Lord must be destroyed. 21 ‘Do not ill-treat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt. 22 ‘Do not take advantage of the widow or the fatherless. 23 If you do and they cry out to me, I will certainly hear their cry. 24 My anger will be aroused, and I will kill you with the sword; your wives will become widows and your children fatherless. 25 ‘If you lend money to one of my people among you who is needy, do not treat it like a business deal; charge no interest. 26 If you take your neighbour’s cloak as a pledge, return it by sunset, 27 because that cloak is the only covering your neighbour has. What else can they sleep in? When they cry out to me, I will hear, for I am compassionate.28 ‘Do not blaspheme God or curse the ruler of your people. 29 ‘Do not hold back offerings from your granaries or your vats. ‘You must give me the firstborn of your sons. 30 Do the same with your cattle and your sheep. Let them stay with their mothers for seven days, but give them to me on the eighth day. 31 ‘You are to be my holy people. So do not eat the meat of an animal torn by wild beasts; throw it to the dogs.

Today we have what reads as quite a random collection of laws. Verse 18 in particular! There are laws about relationships (with humans and with animals), sacrifices, foreigners, widows and orphans (who were very much a protected group in Jesus’ eyes), moneylending, borrowing, cursing, giving and holiness. As I read through, I find there is a strong sense of honour, justice and fairness. Death seems to be a consequence of more behaviours then than is the case today. The people were to be prudent and generous, respectful of others and their property. Verse 21 is significant for our times: ‘21 ‘Do not ill-treat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt.’ God does often speak of treating foreigners well. Many of the significant figures in the Bible lived away from their place of birth, including Jesus himself. God’s people were travellers. They frequently stepped out of their comfort zones and homeland led by God. Even though most of us like a comfortable life, I’m not sure that is what God offers! God wants the best from us and offers the best in return. What is your take-away from today?

 Exodus 22: 10-15

10 ‘If anyone gives a donkey, an ox, a sheep or any other animal to their neighbour for safekeeping and it dies or is injured or is taken away while no one is looking, 11 the issue between them will be settled by the taking of an oath before the Lord that the neighbour did not lay hands on the other person’s property. The owner is to accept this, and no restitution is required. 12 But if the animal was stolen from the neighbour, restitution must be made to the owner. 13 If it was torn to pieces by a wild animal, the neighbour shall bring in the remains as evidence and shall not be required to pay for the torn animal. 14 ‘If anyone borrows an animal from their neighbour and it is injured or dies while the owner is not present, they must make restitution. 15 But if the owner is with the animal, the borrower will not have to pay. If the animal was hired, the money paid for the hire covers the loss.

We all deal with loss in different ways – and I am particularly thinking about the loss of items. Our possessions have different levels of importance to us. Some we have had perhaps all our lives, or certainly for a long time. They tend to matter to us more, and losing them or breaking them can be quite upsetting. Animals were important to the Israelites – I wonder what our equivalent might be? For some of us it may be our pets. We certainly have a lot of animals that are reported as lost on social media, causing a lot of distress to their owners. Some are indeed stolen and never come home. We hear of pets turning up years after they originally disappeared! There are different ways of dealing with such situations, the desired outcome being a just outcome. There are specific processes for different situations – we have the same approaches in place. I wonder what our thoughts are on the solutions faced by the Israelites. It appears that there is nothing new under the sun!

Exodus 22: 7-9

7 ‘If anyone gives a neighbour silver or goods for safekeeping and they are stolen from the neighbour’s house, the thief, if caught, must pay back double. 8 But if the thief is not found, the owner of the house must appear before the judges, and they must determine whether the owner of the house has laid hands on the other person’s property. 9 In all cases of illegal possession of an ox, a donkey, a sheep, a garment, or any other lost property about which somebody says, “This is mine,” both parties are to bring their cases before the judges. The one whom the judges declare guilty must pay back double to the other.

Today is very much about, ‘justice must be done’. There are times when it is very difficult to know what is true. In cases of property ownership, it may well be known who owned the property at a specific point in time, but without evidence, it would be very difficult to prove. This is why evidence is so important. There are so many difficult situations where something has gone missing, or someone is denying what someone else is saying or claiming. Such situations are common today. Things go missing, and it’s not always clear whether the item is lost or stolen. There is the joke around today about people losing keys, glasses and mobile phones more often than most other things! The problem is that people are not always honest. It is also not always easy to tell whether people are telling the truth or not. Justice does need to be done, whether between the parties concerned, or through the courts. Resolution is always the best way forward. The challenge for all of us is not to be in a position where we are the perpetrator, and to be honest in all our dealings with others, with God’s help.

Exodus 22: 1-6 Protection of property

22 ‘Whoever steals an ox or a sheep and slaughters it or sells it must pay back five head of cattle for the ox and four sheep for the sheep.2 ‘If a thief is caught breaking in at night and is struck a fatal blow, the defender is not guilty of bloodshed; 3 but if it happens after sunrise, the defender is guilty of bloodshed.‘ Anyone who steals must certainly make restitution, but if they have nothing, they must be sold to pay for their theft. 4 If the stolen animal is found alive in their possession – whether ox or donkey or sheep – they must pay back double.5 ‘If anyone grazes their livestock in a field or vineyard and lets them stray and they graze in someone else’s field, the offender must make restitution from the best of their own field or vineyard. 6 ‘If a fire breaks out and spreads into thorn-bushes so that it burns sheaves of corn or standing corn or the whole field, the one who started the fire must make restitution.

What can we learn as we work through all of these new laws that God gave to the Israelites through Moses? We can see that far from being well-behaved and compliant, there must have been a significant amount of issues in the lives of the people as there are today. Stealing and setting boundaries regarding property are as relevant today as then. The principle here is that if you steal something, you will be expected to pay back more than you stole. Knowing how victims of break-ins can be treated today should they try and defend themselves, I find the distinction here helpful. If you defend yourself at night, you are not liable, but if in the day – when you would be able to see the perpetrator, then you are liable. Perhaps the same should apply now. The idea is that people are responsible for the consequences of their own actions. The context may not always be the same, but perhaps the principles still apply. Our laws may be culturally different, but the moral implications are the same.

 Exodus 21: 28-36

28 ‘If a bull gores a man or woman to death, the bull is to be stoned to death, and its meat must not be eaten. But the owner of the bull will not be held responsible. 29 If, however, the bull has had the habit of goring and the owner has been warned but has not kept it penned up and it kills a man or woman, the bull is to be stoned and its owner also is to be put to death. 30 However, if payment is demanded, the owner may redeem his life by the payment of whatever is demanded. 31 This law also applies if the bull gores a son or a daughter. 32 If the bull gores a male or female slave, the owner must pay thirty shekels of silver to the master of the slave, and the bull is to be stoned to death. 33 ‘If anyone uncovers a pit or digs one and fails to cover it and an ox or a donkey falls into it, 34 the one who opened the pit must pay the owner for the loss and take the dead animal in exchange. 35 ‘If anyone’s bull injures someone else’s bull and it dies, the two parties are to sell the live one and divide both the money and the dead animal equally. 36 However, if it was known that the bull had the habit of goring, yet the owner did not keep it penned up, the owner must pay, animal for animal, and take the dead animal in exchange.

We now move on to the relationship between animals and their owners and people. The Israelites depended a lot on their livestock and not only for food, but also for sacrifices. We are again reminded of the difference between cultures. Although in the first instance the owner of the bull would not be held personally responsible, they would still have experienced a great loss as they would lose the bull, need to dispose of it, but not gain any income. The second scenario is somewhat more horrifying – with the death of both the bull and the owner, unless recompense is acceptable. The view of slaves being seen as of less value is also underlined here. As we read through these laws, we can get a better picture of the issues faced by the Israelite community. They are quite different to some of the things we experience and read about in the news, yet the basic causes are very similar. Human behaviour is flawed, and safeguards need to be put in place. How do we protect the vulnerable today?

. Exodus 21:20-27

20 ‘Anyone who beats their male or female slave with a rod must be punished if the slave dies as a direct result, 21 but they are not to be punished if the slave recovers after a day or two, since the slave is their property.22 ‘If people are fighting and hit a pregnant woman and she gives birth prematurely but there is no serious injury, the offender must be fined whatever the woman’s husband demands and the court allows. 23 But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, 24 eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, 25 burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise.26 ‘An owner who hits a male or female slave in the eye and destroys it must let the slave go free to compensate for the eye. 27 And an owner who knocks out the tooth of a male or female slave must let the slave go free to compensate for the tooth.

This is language that is definitely not palatable in our current time. It seems that ill-treatment of slaves was acceptable in Moses’ day, as long as they survived and recovered. I find the principle illustrated here abhorrent. I literally thank God that this practice is not acceptable today. People are not someone else’s property. Every human being has value and worth. There are ideas illustrated here that speak of retribution and very much ‘tit for tat’. For these rules to be needed at the time, I can only imagine that the norms were far worse. The reality must have been that people literally got away with murder and that violence was common. The Israelites were a huge community who were all related to each other through common ancestors. These would have been day to day incidents which were finally being given some boundaries to improve the way of life among the people being led by Moses under God. This is not a passage to be applied literally by us today. We have our own laws and penalties. Human beings needed controls then as they still do today. We need to pray for justice and for God’s will to be done.

 Exodus 21: 12-19 Personal injuries

12 ‘Anyone who strikes a person with a fatal blow is to be put to death. 13 However, if it is not done intentionally, but God lets it happen, they are to flee to a place I will designate. 14 But if anyone schemes and kills someone deliberately, that person is to be taken from my altar and put to death. 15 ‘Anyone who attacks their father or mother is to be put to death. 16 ‘Anyone who kidnaps someone is to be put to death, whether the victim has been sold or is still in the kidnapper’s possession.17 ‘Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.18 ‘If people quarrel and one person hits another with a stone or with their fist and the victim does not die but is confined to bed, 19 the one who struck the blow will not be held liable if the other can get up and walk around outside with a staff; however, the guilty party must pay the injured person for any loss of time and see that the victim is completely healed.

We all have different views on capital punishment. It is less than one hundred years since it became illegal in the UK and was common in Biblical times. In this passage we are introduced to the provision of safe places. The key element here is around intention – was an act of murder deliberate or accidental? There are several acts here which result in death. This is another example of biblical content which we know no longer applies today and therefore belongs to a specific context. When we debate and argue about issues from a Biblical standpoint, it is often not easy or in black and white. The Bible is a big book/collection of books. We need to be careful about the claim, ‘The Bible says….’ or ‘The Bible is clear….’ A key principle from what we read today – sin has consequences. Hurting others and destructive acts have consequences. It may not be physical death. However, the bible tells us that ‘the wages of sin is death’. We have the wonderful knowledge today that we can escape that inevitable outcome through faith in Jesus. Acknowledge your own sin and shortcomings and accept Jesus and his forgiveness. Come to receive the eternal life that he offers to all who believe. Seek to follow him and to live the fullness of life he offers.

 Exodus 21: 1-11

21 ‘These are the laws you are to set before them: Hebrew servants

2 ‘If you buy a Hebrew servant, he is to serve you for six years. But in the seventh year, he shall go free, without paying anything. 3 If he comes alone, he is to go free alone; but if he has a wife when he comes, she is to go with him. 4 If his master gives him a wife and she bears him sons or daughters, the woman and her children shall belong to her master, and only the man shall go free. 5 ‘But if the servant declares, “I love my master and my wife and children and do not want to go free,” 6 then his master must take him before the judges. He shall take him to the door or the door-post and pierce his ear with an awl. Then he will be his servant for life.7 ‘If a man sells his daughter as a servant, she is not to go free as male servants do. 8 If she does not please the master who has selected her for himself, he must let her be redeemed. He has no right to sell her to foreigners, because he has broken faith with her. 9 If he selects her for his son, he must grant her the rights of a daughter. 10 If he marries another woman, he must not deprive the first one of her food, clothing and marital rights. 11 If he does not provide her with these three things, she is to go free, without any payment of money.

The laws that we read about now are laws that perhaps do not ring true for us, in fact they probably even feel alien or irrelevant to our lives today. I suspect there are cultures for whom the ideas portrayed here are still taking place. However, in 21st century Britain, apart from modern day slavery, which we have to admit does exist in this country and does need to be exposed and erased, we don’t culturally buy and sell people. This practice was commonly accepted in Biblical times. I am reminded of Joseph being sold as a slave by his brothers. The principles here are very much around ownership, freedom and allegiance. This whole idea horrifies me. Imagine having a family and having to leave them behind if you want to go free. This whole way of life is one that is not part of our modern-day society, yet we know that there is much that still needs to be changed and/or improved. We should remember too that women were not seen as any more than a chattel. There was no equality. As I read this, I am thankful that I am living now, despite the need for much more improvement. How can we each make a difference to the lives of the oppressed?

Exodus 20: 22- Idols and altars

22 Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Tell the Israelites this: “You have seen for yourselves that I have spoken to you from heaven: 23 do not make any gods to be alongside me; do not make for yourselves gods of silver or gods of gold.24 ‘“Make an altar of earth for me and sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, your sheep and goats and your cattle. Wherever I cause my name to be honoured, I will come to you and bless you. 25 If you make an altar of stones for me, do not build it with dressed stones, for you will defile it if you use a tool on it. 26 And do not go up to my altar on steps, or your private parts may be exposed.”

We have seen the ten commandments, that have largely stood the test of time. However, there were many more rules given to the Israelites which we tend not to hear about because they simply don’t apply to modern day life. Some still do – such as not making ‘gods’ out of materials to be alongside God. There is one true God, the God who created the heavens and earth as recorded in Genesis. God who created every one of us in his image. However, he does not tolerate worship of anyone or anything else. Worship did involve sacrifices for sin. Worship would have been very different then to today. Thank God that because of Jesus we no longer have to go through the grisly regular sacrifice of animals. The death of Jesus alone has dealt with all our sin and opened up the way for us to eternal life with him. God wants to bless us and to be honoured by us. How do we do that in our lives today?

Exodus 20: 12-21

12 ‘Honour your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.13 ‘You shall not murder. 14 ‘You shall not commit adultery. 15 ‘You shall not steal. 16 ‘You shall not give false testimony against your neighbour. 17 ‘You shall not covet your neighbour’s house. You shall not covet your neighbour’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbour.’18 When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear. They stayed at a distance 19 and said to Moses, ‘Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not let God speak to us or we will die.’20 Moses said to the people, ‘Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning.’ 21 The people remained at a distance, while Moses approached the thick darkness where God was.

These are the rest of the commandments following on from those yesterday. Again, good principles that we can still practice today. We are tasked with honouring our parents – for some, this will be caregivers – those who have nurtured us and brought us up. I’m sure we would all agree that these commandments are good and relevant for life today. How do we measure up to the ten commandments? It is good to be reminded of them. They enable all of us to live more in harmony with each other. Many of us may not have servants or donkeys, but the principle of not coveting still applies. One thing that came across to me today is that the things of God do not make sense to anyone unless they choose to submit to him and seek understanding. If we listen and respond, we do not need to fear and we are now able to receive increasing revelation of God’s ways for ourselves. Moses provided a way to God as an intermediary. Jesus gives us a way to God that is freely available. He is the way the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father but through him. How wonderful it is that we can approach God ourselves and be fully accepted and guided by him.

Exodus 20: 1-11 The Ten Commandments

20 And God spoke all these words: 2 “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.

3 “You shall have no other gods before me. 4 “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.

5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, 6 but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments. 7 ‘You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.8 ‘Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 9 Six days you shall labour and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. 11 For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.

Today and tomorrow we are looking at some of the most well known verses in the Bible – in particular, the account of God giving the Israelites what are now known to us as the Ten Commandments. More rules will follow, but these are the commandments that we still recognise today and that have stood the test of time. The first few are highly significant and important for us to observe as best we can. Remember, we are not alone and we are given help from God in all we do. God is clear that he is the one true God. The Israelites already had personal experience of God’s leading and guidance but were reminded not to be misled by those who worshipped other gods. ‘3 ‘You shall have no other gods before me’. Those words deserve some reflection. What might that mean in your life and mine? Are there ways in which we do worship things? Also to ponder is around the misuse of God’s name (that includes Jesus) and keeping the Sabbath holy. What changes might we make to honour God in response?

Exodus 19: 20-25

20 The Lord descended to the top of Mount Sinai and called Moses to the top of the mountain. So Moses went up 21 and the Lord said to him, ‘Go down and warn the people so they do not force their way through to see the Lord and many of them perish. 22 Even the priests, who approach the Lord, must consecrate themselves, or the Lord will break out against them.’ 23 Moses said to the Lord, ‘The people cannot come up Mount Sinai, because you yourself warned us, “Put limits around the mountain and set it apart as holy.”’ 24 The Lord replied, ‘Go down and bring Aaron up with you. But the priests and the people must not force their way through to come up to the Lord, or he will break out against them.’ 25 So Moses went down to the people and told them.

There are a lot of biblical examples of encounters on mountains. Here God is recorded as descending to Moses and Moses being called to meet at the top of the mountain. Access to God then was not as it is today. God spoke to people through people that he had specifically chosen. They, themselves having started out as ordinary people, yet called and having responded to the call on their lives. People were not able to come directly to God on pain of death. This is what makes such a difference for us today, now able to approach God freely ourselves because of Jesus. The people with Moses had to consecrate themselves. Jesus has made it so that we are consecrated through his sacrifice once and for all. We are simply asked to hear and believe and respond. We don’t have to do anything more – God accepts us just as we are. The message of Moses was for the people to stay beyond set boundaries. The gospel message – the good news for us – is that of unconditional love and acceptance made possible by Jesus through his death on the cross. God gave his only son so that all who believe shall not perish but have eternal life.

 Exodus 19: 14-19

14 After Moses had gone down the mountain to the people, he consecrated them, and they washed their clothes. 15 Then he said to the people, ‘Prepare yourselves for the third day. Abstain from sexual relations.’16 On the morning of the third day there was thunder and lightning, with a thick cloud over the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast. Everyone in the camp trembled. 17 Then Moses led the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. 18 Mount Sinai was covered with smoke, because the Lord descended on it in fire. The smoke billowed up from it like smoke from a furnace, and the whole mountain trembled violently. 19 As the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke and the voice of God answered him.

The image today is that of a people being cleansed and meeting with God. Moses was an intermediary. The people responded to the message they were given by him from God. It brings to my mind the image of each of us being cleansed once and for all by the sacrifice of Jesus. The Israelites needed to be absolved of their sin on a regular basis by making sacrifices and being repeatedly cleansed. Jesus has done that for us once and for all. They were told to prepare for the third day as we are asked to prepare for the coming of Jesus. Both offer future hope. In the same way as there were undisputable earthly manifestations when God met with the people and Moses, the coming of Jesus will be obvious and undeniable. Then everyone will be in no doubt that God is here. This must have been a fearful and awesome experience for the Israelites. I suspect it will be the same at the time of the second coming. God is still speaking. Jesus is our permanent light, our gate, our living water, our saviour. In these times, we should be reminded of all God has done and is doing and be prepared.

 Exodus 19: 10-13

10 And the Lord said to Moses, ‘Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow. Make them wash their clothes 11 and be ready by the third day, because on that day the Lord will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people. 12 Put limits for the people around the mountain and tell them, “Be careful that you do not approach the mountain or touch the foot of it. Whoever touches the mountain is to be put to death. 13 They are to be stoned or shot with arrows; not a hand is to be laid on them. No person or animal shall be permitted to live.” Only when the ram’s horn sounds a long blast may they approach the mountain.’

Worshipping God and being in God’s presence are not to be taken lightly. God is always with us and we can come to him at any time with anything. However, there is something about remembering the aspect of reverence and honouring God in our dealings with him. This is illustrated as the people are asked to consecrate themselves, before coming before God. Because of Jesus, we can approach God freely. Yet it is still good to stop, take stock and have some degree of preparation. As far as was possible at the time, the people were to make themselves as pure as possible, to be literally clean. God was then going to appear before them on the third day…. There were boundaries that the people were asked to observe, on pain of death, which to us probably sounds extreme. This is the difference that Jesus makes for us. Because of him we are clean, washed as white as snow, righteous. Know how amazing it is that we are able to have a relationship with God. We have been saved from the consequences of sin and death. We can approach God in a way that was not possible before. How wonderful! All because of Jesus.

Exodus 19: 1-9 At Mount Sinai

19 On the first day of the third month after the Israelites left Egypt – on that very day – they came to the Desert of Sinai. 2 After they set out from Rephidim, they entered the Desert of Sinai, and Israel camped there in the desert in front of the mountain. 3 Then Moses went up to God, and the Lord called to him from the mountain and said, ‘This is what you are to say to the descendants of Jacob and what you are to tell the people of Israel: 4 “You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. 5 Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, 6 you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.’ 7 So Moses went back and summoned the elders of the people and set before them all the words the Lord had commanded him to speak. 8 The people all responded together, ‘We will do everything the Lord has said.’ So Moses brought their answer back to the Lord. 9 The Lord said to Moses, ‘I am going to come to you in a dense cloud, so that the people will hear me speaking with you and will always put their trust in you.’ Then Moses told the Lord what the people had said.

Today is an example of God building a relationship with his people. Moses went up to God and God responded with a message for the people. He gave them a message of hope, and reminded them of what he had done for them up to this point – bringing them out of Egypt, protecting them and leading and guiding them. What God asked of the people then, as today, was obedience and for them to keep their side of the covenant. The nature of their relationship was changing. They were now described as God’s treasured possession – something very special indeed. They were also to become a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. Set apart from all others. The people’s response was to promise that they would do everything that God had said. This opened up the possibilities of a relationship between God and the people never experienced before. God then said that he would allow the people to hear him speaking with Moses, so they would trust him. There is a saying that faith comes by hearing. Listening to God and hearing what he is saying through his word. Note the two-way conversation. Today we have Jesus, with even more to celebrate.

Exodus 18: 19-27

19 Listen now to me and I will give you some advice, and may God be with you. You must be the people’s representative before God and bring their disputes to him. 20 Teach them his decrees and instructions, and show them the way they are to live and how they are to behave. 21 But select capable men from all the people – men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain – and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. 22 Let them serve as judges for the people at all times, but let them bring every difficult case to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves. That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you. 23 If you do this and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied.’24 Moses listened to his father-in-law and did everything he said. 25 He chose capable men from all Israel and made them leaders of the people, officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. 26 They served as judges for the people at all times. The difficult cases they brought to Moses, but the simple ones they decided themselves.27 Then Moses sent his father-in-law on his way, and Jethro returned to his own country.

Jethro gave Moses constructive advice. Many are the times when advice is given when not invited or even wanted. However, Jethro had Moses’ interests at heart and would have been moved by God in what he said. I wonder how often we give advice based on our own personal opinions rather than seeking God first. Jethro is clear about the basis on which Moses should operate – as a representative before God, bringing their disputes to him. Firstly, to teach God’s decrees and instructions, then to ensure that God-fearing selfless and capable men are given leadership responsibilities to deal with the day to day issues. This approach to prioritising and delegating is very relevant to many of us today. Some find it easier than others to put into practice. Note that Moses listened and then put everything into place. It is always good to have someone trusted and more mature and/or experienced in life to be an advisor or mentor along the way. Everyone can benefit from checking in with someone on a regular agreed basis for encouragement and guidance. What support do you have, and is this something for you to consider and act upon?

Exodus 18: 9-18

9 Jethro was delighted to hear about all the good things the Lord had done for Israel in rescuing them from the hand of the Egyptians. 10 He said, ‘Praise be to the Lord, who rescued you from the hand of the Egyptians and of Pharaoh, and who rescued the people from the hand of the Egyptians. 11 Now I know that the Lord is greater than all other gods, for he did this to those who had treated Israel arrogantly.’ 12 Then Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, brought a burnt offering and other sacrifices to God, and Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat a meal with Moses’ father-in-law in the presence of God.13 The next day Moses took his seat to serve as judge for the people, and they stood round him from morning till evening. 14 When his father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he said, ‘What is this you are doing for the people? Why do you alone sit as judge, while all these people stand round you from morning till evening?’15 Moses answered him, ‘Because the people come to me to seek God’s will. 16 Whenever they have a dispute, it is brought to me, and I decide between the parties and inform them of God’s decrees and instructions.’17 Moses’ father-in-law replied, ‘What you are doing is not good. 18 You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone.

This seems to be a moment of conversion and revelation for Jethro. This is evidenced first of all by his recognition of God as being greater than all other gods, and then by him bringing the burnt offering – symbols of repentance and faith. As God rescued the Israelites from the Egyptians, he also rescues individuals on their repentance and expression of faith. Jethro heard Moses’ story, he then responded with action. This was then followed with a gathering of God’s people to eat a meal together. Jethro then witnessed Moses in the role of judge, and saw the extent of the work involved. Now it was his turn to make a difference, and to offer advice to Moses as his father in law. Jethro offered Moses wisdom as an older and more experienced man. Although Moses was the leader of the people, he was still able to learn from his father in law. I wonder how many of us take on too much? Not necessarily due to thinking only we can do it, or because we want control, but perhaps out of habit or perceived necessity? God does equip each of us to do what is needed and we all have a part to play. Are we seeking out those around us who may be better placed to do some of the things we do? Do we need to let go of anything?

 Exodus 18: 1-8. Jethro visits Moses

18 Now Jethro, the priest of Midian and father-in-law of Moses, heard of everything God had done for Moses and for his people Israel, and how the Lord had brought Israel out of Egypt. 2 After Moses had sent away his wife Zipporah, his father-in-law Jethro received her 3 and her two sons. One son was named Gershom, for Moses said, ‘I have become a foreigner in a foreign land’; 4 and the other was named Eliezer, for he said, ‘My father’s God was my helper; he saved me from the sword of Pharaoh.’ 5 Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, together with Moses’ sons and wife, came to him in the wilderness, where he was camped near the mountain of God. 6 Jethro had sent word to him, ‘I, your father-in-law Jethro, am coming to you with your wife and her two sons.’ 7 So Moses went out to meet his father-in-law and bowed down and kissed him. They greeted each other and then went into the tent. 8 Moses told his father-in-law about everything the Lord had done to Pharaoh and the Egyptians for Israel’s sake and about all the hardships they had met along the way and how the Lord had saved them.

In chapter 2 of Exodus, Zipporah’s father was called Reuel and here Jethro. This is believed to be one and the same man, known by more than one name as was common (and still is). Jethro heard of Moses story. Moses had sent his wife and two sons away to Jethro, we assume for their own safety, and they came to see Moses. Jethro was a priest himself and respected in his community. As Moses’ father in law, he was someone who Moses would have respected and to whom he would listen. It was a good thing for Moses to have someone who would listen to him and advise him. Moses had quite a lot to tell him. It must have been quite a reunion, and although the emphasis here is on Moses’ encounter with his father in law, there must have been some joy in seeing his wife and sons too, particularly for the boys to see their father. His sons represented two key aspects of Moses’ life. Being a foreigner in a foreign land, and acknowledging God as helper. Moses had quite a testimony to share. What about us? If we were to be reunited with a good friend or family member, what would our story be of God’s leading in our lives?

 Exodus 17: 8-15. The Amalekites defeated

8 The Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. 9 Moses said to Joshua, ‘Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands.’ 10 So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. 11 As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. 12 When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up – one on one side, one on the other – so that his hands remained steady till sunset. 13 So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword. 14 Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Write this on a scroll as something to be remembered and make sure that Joshua hears it, because I will completely blot out the name of Amalek from under heaven.’ 15 Moses built an altar and called it The Lord is my Banner. 16 He said, ‘Because hands were lifted up against the throne of the Lord, the Lord will be at war against the Amalekites from generation to generation.’

This is our first mention of Joshua. At this point there is no further information about him, so for the time being he is someone that Moses trusted and to whom he delegated the key role of leading a response to the unprovoked attack of the Amalekites. The Amalekites did not reckon with their mistake in attacking God’s people. They are believed to be descended from Amalek, a descendant of Jacob’s twin brother Esau. Joshua did everything as commanded by Moses. We see that the Israelites were successful while Moses held up his hands. This enabled Joshua to win over the Amalekites. It seems the Amalekites were to be an enemy of the Israelites for some time to come. Throughout history there are wars across the world, for reasons of virtue or greed, oppression or selfish desire. God’s people always have enemies – mainly those who feel threatened by the things of God. As Moses lifted his hands, enabling victory, we too can literally raise our hands in worship as we celebrate what God has done. Moses enabled victory for Joshua. Jesus has gained the ultimate victory for us all. We are more than conquerors with him.

Exodus 17: 1-7

17 The whole Israelite community set out from the Desert of Sin, travelling from place to place as the Lord commanded. They camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink. 2 So they quarrelled with Moses and said, ‘Give us water to drink.’ Moses replied, ‘Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you put the Lord to the test?’ 3 But the people were thirsty for water there, and they grumbled against Moses. They said, ‘Why did you bring us up out of Egypt to make us and our children and livestock die of thirst?’ 4 Then Moses cried out to the Lord, ‘What am I to do with these people? They are almost ready to stone me.’ 5 The Lord answered Moses, ‘Go out in front of the people. Take with you some of the elders of Israel and take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. 6 I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink.’ So Moses did this in the sight of the elders of Israel. 7 And he called the place Massah and Meribah because the Israelites quarrelled and because they tested the Lord saying, ‘Is the Lord among us or not?’

Despite the provision of God for the people to date, they people still didn’t need much to start complaining again. Thinking of the number of people involved, it can’t have been at all easy for Moses and Aaron – there must have been a pretty angry mob! We are told that they travelled from place to place as the Lord commanded – so they must have at least been in the right place geographically. As before, the people looked back at their time in Egypt with rose-tinted spectacles, believing their current situation to be at least as bad from that from which they had escaped. No wonder Moses cried out to God! God intervened again God gave a simple command, For Moses to take his staff, strike a rock at Horeb and promised that water would come. Moses did as he was told and there was water. Despite the lack of trust on the part of the people, God was able again to show his care and compassion and his greatness, by providing for their basic needs of water from a rock. We know that both bread and water have a strong symbolic meaning biblically. Water refreshes the body. Spirtual water refreshes the soul. Are we drinking enough of both?

Exodus 16: 31-36

31 The people of Israel called the bread manna. It was white like coriander seed and tasted like wafers made with honey. 32 Moses said, ‘This is what the Lord has commanded: “Take an omer of manna and keep it for the generations to come, so they can see the bread I gave you to eat in the wilderness when I brought you out of Egypt.”’ 33 So Moses said to Aaron, ‘Take a jar and put an omer of manna in it. Then place it before the Lord to be kept for the generations to come.’34 As the Lord commanded Moses, Aaron put the manna with the tablets of the covenant law, that it might be preserved. 35 The Israelites ate manna for forty years, until they came to a land that was settled; they ate manna until they reached the border of Canaan. 36 (An omer is one tenth of an ephah.) Water from the rock.

I find it amazing that as we read through the story of the Israelites journeying towards the promised land that they were eating manna every day. They would have been getting the quails in the evening as well. God knew what the people needed then and he knows what we need today. There is something here too about legacy – Aaron taking a sample of the manna they were given to be an example and evidence for those who were to follow. God’s provision then, which was a forerunner of God’s provision right through until today. God commanded and Moses and Aaron did what he commanded them to do. This was one bit of manna that would not be destroyed and would last. The people were sustained by the manna that God provided every day. It was in many ways a spiritual food as well as physical. It came from God and nourished people from within. Today we are spiritually nourished by the Holy Spirit. God connects with us individually as well as corporately. He has a purpose for each of us. Let us each draw from God’s provision each day and be filled with and moved by the Holy Spirit in his service.

Exodus 16: 21-30

21 Each morning everyone gathered as much as they needed, and when the sun grew hot, it melted away. 22 On the sixth day, they gathered twice as much – two omers for each person – and the leaders of the community came and reported this to Moses. 23 He said to them, ‘This is what the Lord commanded: “Tomorrow is to be a day of sabbath rest, a holy sabbath to the Lord. So bake what you want to bake and boil what you want to boil. Save whatever is left and keep it until morning.”’24 So they saved it until morning, as Moses commanded, and it did not stink or get maggots in it. 25 ‘Eat it today,’ Moses said, ‘because today is a sabbath to the Lord. You will not find any of it on the ground today. 26 Six days you are to gather it, but on the seventh day, the Sabbath, there will not be any.’27 Nevertheless, some of the people went out on the seventh day to gather it, but they found none. 28 Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘How long will you refuse to keep my commands and my instructions? 29 Bear in mind that the Lord has given you the Sabbath; that is why on the sixth day he gives you bread for two days. Everyone is to stay where they are on the seventh day; no one is to go out.’ 30 So the people rested on the seventh day.

The two things that particularly strike me from today are those of the precision of God’s provision and his timing. The principles here are quite helpful for us today, even if the precise context is not the same. We are told that the people gathered as much as they needed, and what was left melted away. They were able to gather twice as much on the sixth day to provide for day seven which was to be a day of sabbath rest, a holy sabbath to the Lord. There was obedience and disobedience evidenced here. Despite the clear instructions, there were still those who had to do their own thing. From this it seems that God knows exactly what we need (rather than want) and provides accordingly. Everything also in his time. Daily provision, with enough on day six to allow rest on day seven. Something to be thinking about. Trusting for God’s provision and being aware of God’s timing. Then there is the whole question about the sabbath. Apart from churches opening on Sundays, it has all but disappeared. However, the concept of rest is vital. Should we still have a sabbath? Bear in mind it was included in the commandments. Something to think about.

Exodus 16: 13-20

13 That evening quail came and covered the camp, and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp. 14 When the dew was gone, thin flakes like frost on the ground appeared on the desert floor. 15 When the Israelites saw it, they said to each other, ‘What is it?’ For they did not know what it was. Moses said to them, ‘It is the bread the Lord has given you to eat. 16 This is what the Lord has commanded: “Everyone is to gather as much as they need. Take an omer for each person you have in your tent.”’ 17 The Israelites did as they were told; some gathered much, some little. 18 And when they measured it by the omer, the one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little. Everyone had gathered just as much as they needed.19 Then Moses said to them, ‘No one is to keep any of it until morning.’20 However, some of them paid no attention to Moses; they kept part of it until morning, but it was full of maggots and began to smell. So Moses was angry with them.

Just as God had promised, there was a plentiful supply of meat in the evening for the Israelites and a type of bread called manna in the morning. This was to take place every day. When the people didn’t know what it was, Moses was able to tell them, and they were all given as much as they needed. That is what God aims to do for us each day – to ensure that each of us has what we need, both spiritually and physically and mentally. I wonder if we fully appreciate that? So often we can live in defeat, when what we need is available to us if we would only reach out. God does not force anything on to us, he gives us choice. How good to see here that the Israelites did as they were told and took no more and no less than they needed. I’m sure some were tempted to take more. As it was, some tried to keep part of it until morning, to no avail. Think about God’s provision for you. How much has been wasted? How much hasn’t even been accessed? Do we have the right attitude towards what God gives to us? Remember to be thankful. Make good use of what you have. Don’t be afraid to ask if you need something. God loves to give.

Exodus 16: 6-12

6 So Moses and Aaron said to all the Israelites, ‘In the evening you will know that it was the Lord who brought you out of Egypt, 7 and in the morning you will see the glory of the Lord, because he has heard your grumbling against him. Who are we, that you should grumble against us?’ 8 Moses also said, ‘You will know that it was the Lord when he gives you meat to eat in the evening and all the bread you want in the morning, because he has heard your grumbling against him. Who are we? You are not grumbling against us, but against the Lord.’9 Then Moses told Aaron, ‘Say to the entire Israelite community, “Come before the Lord, for he has heard your grumbling.”’10 While Aaron was speaking to the whole Israelite community, they looked towards the desert, and there was the glory of the Lord appearing in the cloud.11 The Lord said to Moses, 12 ‘I have heard the grumbling of the Israelites. Tell them, “At twilight you will eat meat, and in the morning you will be filled with bread. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God.”’

How often are you aware of the presence of God in your life? For some, from the time they wake up in the morning, until the time they close their eyes at night, they have some awareness of God’s involvement in their day to day. For others, it may be never or just a Sunday thing, and the week is a time to just live life. Then, there is everything in between. The Israelites were told that they would be reminded every morning and every evening about what God had done and was doing for them. When you consider how long they were going to be on their journey, it brings home the enormity of what God was doing. God was going to feed them physically, but he would also be feeding them spiritually. This is an example of when God listens and acts. However, the co-operation of the people is often required as well. Note that Moses gets Aaron to tell the people, “Come before the Lord, for he has heard….” There is a message for us all. Come before the Lord. Make the approach. God is always available.

Exodus 16: 1-5 Manna and quail

16 The whole Israelite community set out from Elim and came to the Desert of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after they had come out of Egypt. 2 In the desert the whole community grumbled against Moses and Aaron. 3 The Israelites said to them, ‘If only we had died by the Lord’s hand in Egypt! There we sat round pots of meat and ate all the food we wanted, but you have brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death.’4 Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions. 5 On the sixth day they are to prepare what they bring in, and that is to be twice as much as they gather on the other days.’

The third month since leaving Egypt and the Israelites are again complaining and looking at their time in Egypt with rose tinted spectacles – in particular memories of good food and plenty of it. The description of their starvation in the desert is probably as much an exaggeration as their memories of their food supplies in Egypt. God again intervenes. We are introduced to the concept of bread from heaven. Again, there needs to be some engagement by the people themselves. However, God promised a daily regular supply of food for the people. There would be enough for everyone, and it was important that they gathered enough for each day for the number of people in each family. Twice as much on the sixth day so that they were able to rest on the seventh. Think of God’s provision for you. The concept here is of enough for today, not too much, not too little and an efficient use of what was provided. It is a good principle. It ties in with ‘don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.’ What you need today is provided. We are tasked with using what we have each day. Know that God provides enough for what you need.

 Exodus 15: 22-27 The waters of Marah and Elim

22 Then Moses led Israel from the Red Sea and they went into the Desert of Shur. For three days they travelled in the desert without finding water. 23 When they came to Marah, they could not drink its water because it was bitter. (That is why the place is called Marah.) 24 So the people grumbled against Moses, saying, ‘What are we to drink? 25 Then Moses cried out to the Lord, and the Lord showed him a piece of wood. He threw it into the water, and the water became fit to drink. There the Lord issued a ruling and instruction for them and put them to the test. 26 He said, ‘If you listen carefully to the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you.’27 Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve springs and seventy palm trees, and they camped there near the water.

From the Red Sea and exuberance to the desert. The inimitable mention of three days. Three days without finding water, water that sustains life. Then the water that they did find was unpalatable. Having crossed the Red Sea, the people of Israel now had something new to complain about. Moses committed their need to God and God provided. However, Moses had to do something himself before the water was of use. I’m sure God could have turned the water into pure water without any intervention from Moses, but Moses was part of the answer to his own prayer. I believe God often works like that. We pray. Sometimes we make the mistake of waiting for something to happen, when we need to DO something ourselves. Can you think of such examples? Does this apply to a situation you currently face? The people of Israel were instructed to listen and to do what is right, in return for protection from sickness that they had already witnessed. God then brought them to a place of beauty and plenty. God was with them, leading and guiding and protecting. He brought them to a place of safety. Our God is the same true God who leads, guides and protects. He is a good God!

 Exodus 15: 18-21

18 ‘The Lord reigns for ever and ever.’ 19 When Pharaoh’s horses, chariots and horsemen went into the sea, the Lord brought the waters of the sea back over them, but the Israelites walked through the sea on dry ground. 20 Then Miriam the prophet, Aaron’s sister, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women followed her, with tambourines and dancing. 21 Miriam sang to them: ‘Sing to the Lord, for he is highly exalted. Both horse and driver he has hurled into the sea.’

The conclusion of Moses’ song of praise and exultation to God. A message that rings through all time: 18 ‘The Lord reigns for ever and ever.’ This is the truth. A promise to hold on to every day for all of us. God distinguishes between those who are following him and those who are not. He certainly did that in the case of the Egyptians and the Israelites in what we have been reading. He still equips and empowers his people today, although we do not always realise it or avail ourselves of the spiritual resources that are available to us. God does everything in his own time. We need to remember that God sees what we do not see. He knows what is best and he knows our needs better than we know ourselves. Moses trusted God and led the people, who in their turn trusted him under God. The people saw God working first hand. God is still working today. Consider what God is doing in your life now. Commit yourself to his leading and guidance. Trust him in all circumstances. He is with you.

Exodus 15: 11-17

11 Who among the gods is like you, Lord? Who is like you – majestic in holiness,
awesome in glory, working wonders? 12 ‘You stretch out your right hand, and the earth swallows your enemies. 13 In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling. 14 The nations will hear and tremble; anguish will grip the people of Philistia. 15 The chiefs of Edom will be terrified, the leaders of Moab will be seized with trembling, the people of Canaan will melt away;16 terror and dread will fall on them. By the power of your arm they will be as still as a stone – until your people pass by, Lord, until the people you bought pass by. 17 You will bring them in and plant them on the mountain of your inheritance – the place, Lord, you made for your dwelling, the sanctuary, Lord, your hands established.

Moses’ song of praise continues. He extols God’s virtues as majestic and holy, awesome and glorious, wonder maker. It reminds me of some of our hymns – such as immortal, invisible. We do have a lot of wonderful hymns that enable us to worship God and endeavour to give him the glory that he deserves. Moses must have felt exhilarated after leading the people through the Red Sea on dry land. Think of times in your life where you have emerged from a difficult time and been able to see God with you through it – even if you hadn’t been able to see it at the time. When people react defensively to the Christian message, it is to be expected. As God leads his people, there is likely to be resistance from those who don’t understand or who are envious when they see God’s people flourishing. However, God’s intention is to bring people to himself and we need to pray for more to respond to demonstrations of Gods power and what can be seen of his intervention in this world.

 Exodus 15: 1-10 The song of Moses and Miriam

15 Then Moses and the Israelites sang this song to the Lord: ‘I will sing to the Lord, for he is highly exalted. Both horse and driver he has hurled into the sea. 2 ‘The Lord is my strength and my defence; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him. 3 The Lord is a warrior; the Lord is his name. 4 Pharaoh’s chariots and his army he has hurled into the sea. The best of Pharaoh’s officers are drowned in the Red Sea. 5 The deep waters have covered them; they sank to the depths like a stone. 6 Your right hand, Lord, was majestic in power. Your right hand, Lord, shattered the enemy.7 ‘In the greatness of your majesty you threw down those who opposed you. You unleashed your burning anger; it consumed them like stubble. 8 By the blast of your nostrils the waters piled up. The surging waters stood up like a wall; the deep waters congealed in the heart of the sea. 9 The enemy boasted, “I will pursue, I will overtake them. I will divide the spoils; I will gorge myself on them. I will draw my sword and my hand will destroy them.” 10 But you blew with your breath, and the sea covered them.
They sank like lead in the mighty waters.

Following the rescue of the Israelites from the Egyptians on crossing the Red Sea, we read this expression of praise to God. There are a number of themes here with which many of us will be familiar with regard to God’s character and what he has done, not just for the Israelites but also for his people throughout time. God was and is indeed to be praised and highly exalted. The Israelites had good reason to worship God following their rescue, yet we too should worship him at all times and all places, because God is our strength and defence and has made our salvation possible. As God was there for the Israelites in their time of need, so he is here for us today. He is our God too. He is no less powerful than he was then. He still enables and has the victory over all things, and we do not need to be afraid. However things may appear, God reigns. He is ever present, and the God who parted the waters of the Red Sea and rescued the Israelites is there for us today.

 Exodus 14: 23-31

23 The Egyptians pursued them, and all Pharaoh’s horses and chariots and horsemen followed them into the sea. 24 During the last watch of the night the Lord looked down from the pillar of fire and cloud at the Egyptian army and threw it into confusion. 25 He jammed the wheels of their chariots so that they had difficulty driving. And the Egyptians said, ‘Let’s get away from the Israelites! The Lord is fighting for them against Egypt.’ 26 Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Stretch out your hand over the sea so that the waters may flow back over the Egyptians and their chariots and horsemen.’ 27 Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and at daybreak the sea went back to its place. The Egyptians were fleeing towards[c] it, and the Lord swept them into the sea. 28 The water flowed back and covered the chariots and horsemen – the entire army of Pharaoh that had followed the Israelites into the sea. Not one of them survived. 29 But the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left. 30 That day the Lord saved Israel from the hands of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians lying dead on the shore. 31 And when the Israelites saw the mighty hand of the Lord displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the Lord and put their trust in him and in Moses his servant.

This is an example of God actively participating in events for the benefit of his people. The Egyptians were on their own, but in fact because of God’s intervention they were very much compromised. Despite all that had gone before, they still had not grasped the significance of God’s presence and protection for the Israelites. They still did not acknowledge his might and power. They had no idea what they were up against. Even the sight of the pillars of cloud and fire didn’t seem to make them question the situation they were facing. As they began to come up against obstacles, they realised God was with the Israelites. Then the moment of truth came as God instructed Moses to stretch his hand over the sea and Moses acted in faith as directed. We see that all the Egyptians in pursuit perished. The Israelites were kept safe throughout. They were saved as they went through the water. They experienced salvation in a very real way. Sin results in death. Faith results in salvation and ongoing hope. Each of us has a decision to make before it is too late.

 Exodus 14: 15-22

15 Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on. 16 Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea to divide the water so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground. 17 I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they will go in after them. And I will gain glory through Pharaoh and all his army, through his chariots and his horsemen. 18 The Egyptians will know that I am the Lord when I gain glory through Pharaoh, his chariots and his horsemen.’ 19 Then the angel of God, who had been travelling in front of Israel’s army, withdrew and went behind them. The pillar of cloud also moved from in front and stood behind them, 20 coming between the armies of Egypt and Israel. Throughout the night the cloud brought darkness to the one side and light to the other; so neither went near the other all night long.21 Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the Lord drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided, 22 and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left.

God listens. However, there are times when we are part of the solution to our own situations. In this instance, there was a perceived obstacle and a need to move forward. I know times when I have felt that there was no way out of a perceived impossible situation, yet here I am! It is common for us to forget that God sees the way forward and will equip us for whatever we have to face. In this case God provided a miracle to give the Israelites a way forward to escape from the Egyptians. It did still require obedient action on the part of Moses (and a huge amount of faith). God wanted the Egyptians to know who he is and what he can do, that he has ultimate authority. The angel of God and the pillar of cloud formed protection between the Israelites and the Egyptians. God can and does provide the same for us when needed – protection from danger. The dividing of the waters was an amazing demonstration of God’s omnipotence and his presence with them. The Israelites still had to choose to move forward and trust. In fear and wonder they progressed on their journey. Imagine walking through walls of the sea. Reflect on the scene and what it brings to you

Exodus 14: 10-14

10 As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up, and there were the Egyptians, marching after them. They were terrified and cried out to the Lord. 11 They said to Moses, ‘Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? 12 Didn’t we say to you in Egypt, “Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians”? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!’ 13 Moses answered the people, ‘Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. 14 The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.’

The fear and cries of regret expressed in our reading today are the first of many in the story of the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt. Perhaps with good cause, yet it does show their lack of trust in God. Their fear was reasonable. The cause of their escape, the oppressor Pharaoh and all his retinue were real and present. The Israelites were in danger. Their escape was in peril. Who knows what would have awaited them if they had been caught? Death where they were, or an even more oppressed life back in Egypt? However, they had not reckoned with the leading and protection of God who had taken them this far. Moses and Aaron leading and guiding them in obedience to God’s instructions. There are times in our lives when we might ask why? When we have believed we were following God’s leading, yet our past catches up with us. If God is indeed leading, do not give up. Do not be afraid. Stand firm. As with the Israelites, God will fight for you, but you do need to be still and listen. God’s ways are not always as we expect, but he is with us. Trust. Stand firm. Keep going.

Exodus 14: 1-9

14 Then the Lord said to Moses, 2 ‘Tell the Israelites to turn back and camp near Pi Hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea. They are to camp by the sea, directly opposite Baal Zephon. 3 Pharaoh will think, “The Israelites are wandering around the land in confusion, hemmed in by the desert.” 4 And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and he will pursue them. But I will gain glory for myself through Pharaoh and all his army, and the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord.’ So the Israelites did this. 5 When the king of Egypt was told that the people had fled, Pharaoh and his officials changed their minds about them and said, ‘What have we done? We have let the Israelites go and have lost their services!’ 6 So he had his chariot made ready and took his army with him. 7 He took six hundred of the best chariots, along with all the other chariots of Egypt, with officers over all of them. 8 The Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, so that he pursued the Israelites, who were marching out boldly. 9 The Egyptians – all Pharaoh’s horses and chariots, horsemen and troops – pursued the Israelites and overtook them as they camped by the sea near Pi Hahiroth, opposite Baal Zephon.

We can see God clearly leading and instructing Moses in the way that he and the Israelites should go, and it wasn’t the way that might be expected. Moses and the people were in unfamiliar territory. They were having to take all their worldly goods with them and their families and children. They were having to provide for themselves as they went. It was no small undertaking. We can see God giving clear guidance while at the same time seeking to gain glory for himself through what was to take place. His intention was that all should know him. The reality of the impact of letting the Israelites go had finally hit the Egyptians. They set off in pursuit – taking the best of all they had. This was a vast gathering of troops, and it strikes me they would have been leaving Egypt in a very vulnerable situation. Two large groups of people – one fleeing and following God’s lead, one in pursuit to regain what they had lost. The motives of each group were very different. The driver of each group also very different. God was with his people as we will see. Know God with you too.

 Exodus 13: 17-22 Crossing the sea

17 When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, ‘If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.’ 18 So God led the people around by the desert road towards the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of Egypt ready for battle. 19 Moses took the bones of Joseph with him because Joseph had made the Israelites swear an oath. He had said, ‘God will surely come to your aid, and then you must carry my bones up with you from this place.’20 After leaving Sukkoth they camped at Etham on the edge of the desert. 21 By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. 22 Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people.

There are a number of things in this passage that are worth holding and bearing in mind, as they apply for the whole of the time that the Israelites were on their journey. If they had known how long their journey was going to be, I am sure that they would have turned back if they could! This is a fantastic example of faith, obedience, being led and following, trusting and doing things together. To begin with, the longer route option was God’s choice. Note that they have Joseph’s bones with them in fulfilment of an oath. More significant are the pillar of cloud to guide them by day and the pillar of fire to give them light at night. Their journey was not restricted by time of day. God went before them visibly. I find this quite awesome. Through the whole account of the journey, the cloud and the fire were present as appropriate, day in day out. Fire is often seen as a manifestation of the Holy Spirit. I am sure that is relevant here. Know that God will guide you too. Each of us over time should be able to discern God’s leading more and more. Expect God’s leading and follow it.

 Exodus 13: 11-16

11 ‘After the Lord brings you into the land of the Canaanites and gives it to you, as he promised on oath to you and your ancestors, 12 you are to give over to the Lord the first offspring of every womb. All the firstborn males of your livestock belong to the Lord. 13 Redeem with a lamb every firstborn donkey, but if you do not redeem it, break its neck. Redeem every firstborn among your sons.14 ‘In days to come when your son asks you, “What does this mean?” say to him, “With a mighty hand the Lord brought us out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. 15 When Pharaoh stubbornly refused to let us go, the Lord killed the firstborn of both people and animals in Egypt. This is why I sacrifice to the Lord the first male offspring of every womb and redeem each of my firstborn sons.” 16 And it will be like a sign on your hand and a symbol on your forehead that the Lord brought us out of Egypt with his mighty hand.’

From the beginning, God seeks our best. The first fruits. Whether of the land or the womb, nothing but the best and the most valued is good enough for God. That is why God accepted Abel’s offering over Cain’s and why any sacrifice had to be unblemished. We are to offer up what we value most, our most treasured possessions, what is most dear to us. That is true sacrifice. God is not concerned with reluctant offerings. God wants us to submit to him wholeheartedly and unreservedly. In the same way as the Israelites were taken out of slavery, we have been taken out of the trappings and consequences of sin. Anything that stands in God’s way will be dealt with by God. Throughout the plagues that impacted on Egypt, God demonstrated his power and might. It is the same power and might that led the people of Israel under the leadership of Moses and Aaron which enables us today. Each day is to be given to God. Each life. Our all. ‘I surrender all.’

 Exodus 13: 1- 10. Consecration of the firstborn

13 The Lord said to Moses, 2 ‘Consecrate to me every firstborn male. The first offspring of every womb among the Israelites belongs to me, whether human or animal.’ 3 Then Moses said to the people, ‘Commemorate this day, the day you came out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery, because the Lord brought you out of it with a mighty hand. Eat nothing containing yeast. 4 Today, in the month of Aviv, you are leaving. 5 When the Lord brings you into the land of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Hivites and Jebusites – the land he swore to your ancestors to give you, a land flowing with milk and honey – you are to observe this ceremony in this month: 6 for seven days eat bread made without yeast and on the seventh day hold a festival to the Lord. 7 Eat unleavened bread during those seven days; nothing with yeast in it is to be seen among you, nor shall any yeast be seen anywhere within your borders. 8 On that day tell your son, “I do this because of what the Lord did for me when I came out of Egypt.” 9 This observance will be for you like a sign on your hand and a reminder on your forehead that this law of the Lord is to be on your lips. For the Lord brought you out of Egypt with his mighty hand. 10 You must keep this ordinance at the appointed time year after year.

It was the firstborn males who died as the result of disobedience. Now it is the firstborn males who are being claimed by God. The instructions for the Festival of Unleavened Bread are given to take place every year. This brings a biblical principal around the importance of remembering the things that God has done among his people. We are never to forget. It is to be passed down the generations. Dealing with sin, moving on from it. Celebrating a new way of life and the forgiveness that is available to us. Passing on the Good News to others. Thanks to the faithfulness of those that have gone before us, we have the privilege of hearing about Jesus and faith, the opportunity to respond, and the joy of living as saved and redeemed people of God. The Israelites were to go through much together. They had already experienced oppression and intimidation while living in Egypt. Many had known nothing else. They were now free, but there was more to come. We too have been set free, for eternity. Our freedom is far reaching, because of Jesus. Live in that freedom.

Exodus 12: 43-51. Passover restrictions

43 The Lord said to Moses and Aaron, ‘These are the regulations for the Passover meal: ‘No foreigner may eat it. 44 Any slave you have bought may eat it after you have circumcised him, 45 but a temporary resident or a hired worker may not eat it.46 ‘It must be eaten inside the house; take none of the meat outside the house. Do not break any of the bones. 47 The whole community of Israel must celebrate it. 48 ‘A foreigner residing among you who wants to celebrate the Lord’s Passover must have all the males in his household circumcised; then he may take part like one born in the land. No uncircumcised male may eat it. 49 The same law applies both to the native-born and to the foreigner residing among you.’ 50 All the Israelites did just what the Lord had commanded Moses and Aaron. 51 And on that very day the Lord brought the Israelites out of Egypt by their divisions.

As time goes on, we are going to see a number of rules, regulations and commandments given to the Israelites via Moses and Aaron. God is quite clear about what he requires, and that is certainly the case here with the regulations for the Passover meal. Much of this does not seem relevant to Christians today. However, the principle remains. There is something around purity and obedience. Listening and acting on what is heard. Everyone being included, but with certain conditions in place. We don’t insist on circumcision any more, as we believe that Jesus has done away with much of the legalistic practices that applied to the Israelites (although it is still relevant for the Jewish people). God spoke and the people obeyed. Today, God still speaks and wants our obedience. We are under a new covenant through Jesus. We have much more freedom. However, when we take Communion (also known as the Eucharist and the Lord’s Supper), the minimum requirement to take part is faith in Jesus. Salvation is only through him.

Exodus 12: 31-42 The Exodus

31 During the night Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and said, ‘Up! Leave my people, you and the Israelites! Go, worship the Lord as you have requested. 32 Take your flocks and herds, as you have said, and go. And also bless me.’ 33 The Egyptians urged the people to hurry and leave the country. ‘For otherwise,’ they said, ‘we will all die!’ 34 So the people took their dough before the yeast was added, and carried it on their shoulders in kneading troughs wrapped in clothing. 35 The Israelites did as Moses instructed and asked the Egyptians for articles of silver and gold and for clothing. 36 The Lord had made the Egyptians favourably disposed towards the people, and they gave them what they asked for; so they plundered the Egyptians. 37 The Israelites journeyed from Rameses to Sukkoth. There were about six hundred thousand men on foot, besides women and children. 38 Many other people went up with them, and also large droves of livestock, both flocks and herds. 39 With the dough the Israelites had brought from Egypt, they baked loaves of unleavened bread. The dough was without yeast because they had been driven out of Egypt and did not have time to prepare food for themselves. 40 Now the length of time the Israelite people lived in Egypt was 430 years. 41 At the end of the 430 years, to the very day, all the Lord’s divisions left Egypt. 42 Because the Lord kept vigil that night to bring them out of Egypt, on this night all the Israelites are to keep vigil to honour the Lord for the generations to come.

Finally, after it has taken the deaths of all the firstborn throughout Egypt, Pharaoh relents and actually urges Moses and Aaron to take the people and all that they have and leave Egypt. Note his request, ‘And also bless me’. The Egyptians were now terrified about their own fate and also urged them to go. The Israelites were having a new start in more ways than one – leaving without yeast (sin), walking away from the past and going forward to a new way of life in a place yet unknown. There was a vast number of people travelling. It makes me wonder about the impact their leaving had in Egypt. The time they had lived in Egypt was for generations. Egypt was all most of them had ever known. They were all going into the unknown, in vast numbers and the whole event would have required a lot of faith and trust. They had all they needed, partly helped by the very people they were leaving. It must have been an incredible sight and Moses and Aaron would have needed to have complete dependence on God and his leading. It can sometimes be like this for us, when we can’t see the way ahead. God always goes before us. Our role is to trust and follow.

 Exodus 12: 24-30

24 ‘Obey these instructions as a lasting ordinance for you and your descendants. 25 When you enter the land that the Lord will give you as he promised, observe this ceremony. 26 And when your children ask you, “What does this ceremony mean to you?” 27 then tell them, “It is the Passover sacrifice to the Lord, who passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt and spared our homes when he struck down the Egyptians.”’ Then the people bowed down and worshipped. 28 The Israelites did just what the Lord commanded Moses and Aaron.29 At midnight the Lord struck down all the firstborn in Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh, who sat on the throne, to the firstborn of the prisoner, who was in the dungeon, and the firstborn of all the livestock as well. 30 Pharaoh and all his officials and all the Egyptians got up during the night, and there was loud wailing in Egypt, for there was not a house without someone dead.

There is the verse containing the words, ‘the wages of sin is death’. The full verse in the book of Romans says, ‘23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.’ What we see today is the outworking of the ultimate result of unresolved sin. Every time Moses had approached Pharaoh, Pharaoh had refused to let the Israelites leave Egypt to worship God. It could be said that this was an unforgiveable sin. Direct contravention to God’s will and complete unremorseful disobedience. This happened not just once, but ten times. Each time, with certain conditions and each time with a hardness of heart. The events in our reading today took place because of Pharaoh’s persistent refusal to listen to God and to obey him. In the end, death was the inevitable outcome. Firstborn sons all died. All because of sin. One day, God’s own first born son would pay that price, but not because of his own sin, but for all sin across all time. Only Jesus could pay that price. The deaths of the firstborn in Egypt caused much distress and ended many dreams. It also paved the way for the Israelites to finally find freedom to leave Egypt. The death of Jesus opened up the way to a new life and freedom for all who choose to follow him. We all have that choice.

Exodus 12: 17-23

17 ‘Celebrate the Festival of Unleavened Bread, because it was on this very day that I brought your divisions out of Egypt. Celebrate this day as a lasting ordinance for the generations to come. 18 In the first month you are to eat bread made without yeast, from the evening of the fourteenth day until the evening of the twenty-first day. 19 For seven days no yeast is to be found in your houses. And anyone, whether foreigner or native-born, who eats anything with yeast in it must be cut off from the community of Israel. 20 Eat nothing made with yeast. Wherever you live, you must eat unleavened bread.’ 21 Then Moses summoned all the elders of Israel and said to them, ‘Go at once and select the animals for your families and slaughter the Passover lamb. 22 Take a bunch of hyssop, dip it into the blood in the basin and put some of the blood on the top and on both sides of the door-frame. None of you shall go out of the door of your house until morning. 23 When the Lord goes through the land to strike down the Egyptians, he will see the blood on the top and sides of the door-frame and will pass over that doorway, and he will not permit the destroyer to enter your houses and strike you down.

The festivals celebrated by the Jewish people all have a firm origin, as is the case with the Festival of Unleavened Bread. Yeast has a strong correlation with the concept of sin, because of the analogy of yeast infiltrating a whole loaf as sin infiltrates an individual. Not having any yeast around symbolises getting rid of sin and having a clean sheet. The preparation described here is in readiness for that first Passover that is still remembered and celebrated today. God was going to protect those who put blood onto their doors and stayed inside. The people were all given clear instructions on what to do, what to eat and what would happen. All through the years what God did for the Israelites at that first Passover is remembered and the significance of what God did will never be forgotten. For today’s Christian believers, something far greater applies – the death of Jesus, the shedding of his blood, the breaking of his body, so that our sin can be completely wiped out forever. This is the good news for us to share. This truth holds for ever and is open to all.

Exodus 12: 12-16

12 ‘On that same night I will pass through Egypt and strike down every firstborn of both people and animals, and I will bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt. I am the Lord. 13 The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are, and when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt. 14 ‘This is a day you are to commemorate; for the generations to come you shall celebrate it as a festival to the Lord – a lasting ordinance. 15 For seven days you are to eat bread made without yeast. On the first day remove the yeast from your houses, for whoever eats anything with yeast in it from the first day until the seventh must be cut off from Israel. 16 On the first day hold a sacred assembly, and another one on the seventh day. Do no work at all on these days, except to prepare food for everyone to eat; that is all you may do.

This event is one of the most significant in the whole of the Jewish calendar. They do celebrate a number of Festivals in the year. God gave clear instructions of what the people were to do to protect themselves. This is an example of blood being a key element of salvation, in the same way as Christ shed his blood for our salvation at the time of his crucifixion. There are some things that we must never forget. For the Jewish people the Passover is an important part of their year and Christians too acknowledge its existence as part of their customs. Remembering and commemoration are important. A similar type of remembering is our Remembrance Sunday every year in November, when we remember those who gave their lives in the wars. There was a symbolism here for the Israelites of turning from the past and turning towards a new future. Letting go of the old and embracing the new. This is similar to the difference in life for a follower of Jesus. Letting go of and repenting of the past and looking to follow Christ’s ways in the future. A new resolve and a new beginning.

Exodus 12: 1-11 The Passover

12 The Lord said to Moses and Aaron in Egypt, 2 ‘This month is to be for you the first month, the first month of your year. 3 Tell the whole community of Israel that on the tenth day of this month each man is to take a lambfor his family, one for each household. 4 If any household is too small for a whole lamb, they must share one with their nearest neighbour, having taken into account the number of people there are. You are to determine the amount of lamb needed in accordance with what each person will eat. 5 The animals you choose must be year-old males without defect, and you may take them from the sheep or the goats. 6 Take care of them until the fourteenth day of the month, when all the members of the community of Israel must slaughter them at twilight. 7 Then they are to take some of the blood and put it on the sides and tops of the door-frames of the houses where they eat the lambs. 8 That same night they are to eat the meat roasted over the fire, along with bitter herbs, and bread made without yeast. 9 Do not eat the meat raw or boiled in water, but roast it over a fire – with the head, legs and internal organs. 10 Do not leave any of it till morning; if some is left till morning, you must burn it. 11 This is how you are to eat it: with your cloak tucked into your belt, your sandals on your feet and your staff in your hand. Eat it in haste; it is the Lord’s Passover.

God has given the warning via Moses that all firstborn males throughout Egypt would die. Even this was not enough to secure submission from Pharaoh. The next step before the outworking of this final disastrous act took place, was for the Israelites to obey God’s specific direction. They were to provide a lamb per family, and the criteria for the lambs used was given in detail. What they did not realise was that this custom would form the basis for a memorial that would form an annual part of their lives for all time. The meal is still eaten today as the Jewish people celebrate the Passover festival. This also became the time of year when Jesus was crucified. It is a significant occasion. All about salvation, being saved, being protected, God’s interaction with man and for mankind. There is also the theme of being prepared. For the Israelites, being ready to go. For those since Jesus, being ready for when he returns again. In both situations there is waiting, being ready and being obedient. Nothing has changed, yet we have hope. Hope for a future with God.

Exodus 11: 1- 10 The plague on the firstborn

11 Now the Lord said to Moses, ‘I will bring one more plague on Pharaoh and on Egypt. After that, he will let you go from here, and when he does, he will drive you out completely. 2 Tell the people that men and women alike are to ask their neighbours for articles of silver and gold.’ 3 (The Lord made the Egyptians favourably disposed towards the people, and Moses himself was highly regarded in Egypt by Pharaoh’s officials and by the people.) 4 So Moses said, ‘This is what the Lord says: “About midnight I will go throughout Egypt. 5 Every firstborn son in Egypt will die, from the firstborn son of Pharaoh, who sits on the throne, to the firstborn son of the female slave, who is at her hand mill, and all the firstborn of the cattle as well. 6 There will be loud wailing throughout Egypt – worse than there has ever been or ever will be again. 7 But among the Israelites not a dog will bark at any person or animal.” Then you will know that the Lord makes a distinction between Egypt and Israel. 8 All these officials of yours will come to me, bowing down before me and saying, “Go, you and all the people who follow you!” After that I will leave.’ Then Moses, hot with anger, left Pharaoh. 9 The Lord had said to Moses, ‘Pharaoh will refuse to listen to you – so that my wonders may be multiplied in Egypt.’ 10 Moses and Aaron performed all these wonders before Pharaoh, but the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he would not let the Israelites go out of his country.

In our reading today, Pharaoh received his final warning. The plagues were stepped up with each entreaty of Moses, and Pharaoh still refused to let the people go. This was to be the most devastating plague on Egypt, the death of all the firstborn. In preparation for their departure, the Israelites were to ask their neighbours for silver and gold so that they would be provided for. Yet again, the Israelites would be protected from the disaster that was to take place among the Egyptians. The warning was ignored by Pharaoh. The distinction between the Egyptians and the Israelites was again underlined. Pharaoh’s persistent refusal to listen facilitated the demonstration of God’s sovereignty, justice and faithfulness to his people while at the same time highlighting the consequences of Pharaoh’s persistent disobedience to God. The continual failure of Pharaoh to listen, despite each of the warnings Moses gave being fulfilled, has shown what can happen in such circumstances. God would get his way in the end. Is it really worth being unco-operative and going through so many unnecessary consequences if obeying God will result in the right outcome and blessing from the start? Food for thought.

. Exodus 10: 21- 29 The plague of darkness

21 Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Stretch out your hand towards the sky so that darkness spreads over Egypt – darkness that can be felt.’ 22 So Moses stretched out his hand towards the sky, and total darkness covered all Egypt for three days. 23 No one could see anyone else or move about for three days. Yet all the Israelites had light in the places where they lived.24 Then Pharaoh summoned Moses and said, ‘Go, worship the Lord. Even your women and children may go with you; only leave your flocks and herds behind.’ 25 But Moses said, ‘You must allow us to have sacrifices and burnt offerings to present to the Lord our God. 26 Our livestock too must go with us; not a hoof is to be left behind. We have to use some of them in worshipping the Lord our God, and until we get there we will not know what we are to use to worship the Lord.’27 But the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he was not willing to let them go. 28 Pharaoh said to Moses, ‘Get out of my sight! Make sure you do not appear before me again! The day you see my face you will die.’29 ‘Just as you say,’ Moses replied. ‘I will never appear before you again.’

Here we see a distinction between dark and light and those who are God’s people and those who are not. There is such imagery in various parts of the Bible, Jesus described as the light of the world, and that in him there is no darkness at all. To be in complete darkness is to be totally cut off from God and anything of God. We know there are those who have a fear of the dark. To be in complete darkness (which we rarely truly experience) for three days must have been so oppressive, alienating and scary. Ordinary darkness can be limiting enough, but the darkness described here is much more than that. Literally not being able to see anything. Tangible. Yet we are told the Israelites had light. Such is the contrast between the experience of those who are believers and followers of Christ and those who are not. Despite the three days of darkness, Pharaoh still persisted in laying down conditions. Moses continued to be respectful but firm. There are times when the best option is to give in. It doesn’t mean you are weak. It means you are prepared to let go. We can learn a lot about negotiation and choice from the interactions between Moses and Pharaoh. Think about what God might be saying to you.

 Exodus 10: 12-20

12 And the Lord said to Moses, ‘Stretch out your hand over Egypt so that locusts swarm over the land and devour everything growing in the fields, everything left by the hail.’ 13 So Moses stretched out his staff over Egypt, and the Lord made an east wind blow across the land all that day and all that night. By morning the wind had brought the locusts; 14 they invaded all Egypt and settled down in every area of the country in great numbers. Never before had there been such a plague of locusts, nor will there ever be again. 15 They covered all the ground until it was black. They devoured all that was left after the hail – everything growing in the fields and the fruit on the trees. Nothing green remained on tree or plant in all the land of Egypt. 16 Pharaoh quickly summoned Moses and Aaron and said, ‘I have sinned against the Lord your God and against you. 17 Now forgive my sin once more and pray to the Lord your God to take this deadly plague away from me.’ 18 Moses then left Pharaoh and prayed to the Lord. 19 And the Lord changed the wind to a very strong west wind, which caught up the locusts and carried them into the Red Sea. Not a locust was left anywhere in Egypt. 20 But the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he would not let the Israelites go.

Sadly, another act of God became necessary in the efforts to get Pharaoh to change his mind and let the people go. I know how much fuss we would make if we found one locust, never mind so many that the ground was covered! The locusts caused complete destruction of anything left that was worth having. There would be no food or crops for harvesting. Yet again, Pharaoh confessed to Moses and Aaron that he had sinned. It seems that he saw Moses and Aaron very much as his ‘get out clause’ with God. Note that in all things Moses rightly prayed to God before acting. God responded by removing the locusts from Egypt. However, Pharaoh still held his ground. What is going on here? I sense an element of fear on the part of Pharaoh at this point. There were huge implications for him if he relented – not just practically, but also from a personal point of view. It would impact on how his authority was perceived. He would have to admit defeat and face his own weaknesses. What are our motives for some of the decisions we make? Are they to protect ourselves or might they be more about doing what God wants? Sometimes we need to face our own weaknesses and trust God to lead us.

Exodus 10: 1-6. The plague of locusts

10 Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Go to Pharaoh, for I have hardened his heart and the hearts of his officials so that I may perform these signs of mine among them 2 that you may tell your children and grandchildren how I dealt harshly with the Egyptians and how I performed my signs among them, and that you may know that I am the Lord.’3 So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and said to him, ‘This is what the Lord, the God of the Hebrews, says: “How long will you refuse to humble yourself before me? Let my people go, so that they may worship me. 4 If you refuse to let them go, I will bring locusts into your country tomorrow. 5 They will cover the face of the ground so that it cannot be seen. They will devour what little you have left after the hail, including every tree that is growing in your fields. 6 They will fill your houses and those of all your officials and all the Egyptians – something neither your parents nor your ancestors have ever seen from the day they settled in this land till now.”’ Then Moses turned and left Pharaoh.

As we journey slowly through the plagues, I find myself in awe of Moses, and fascinated by the different responses from Pharaoh. I am struck by the obedience that Moses and Aaron demonstrated as they responded to God’s directive each time to go and see Pharaoh, and communicate what God had said and would do. It takes some faith to tell someone something is going to happen before it actually takes place, not to mention Pharaoh himself. At this point, everything that Moses and Aaron said took place as they said it would. They had to exercise patience as Pharaoh declined their request again and again. They must also have experienced much frustration as Pharaoh’s heart was repeatedly hardened. I wonder if any of us have been or are in a similar position of refusing to obey God? God achieved his aim of showing his power and authority for all time, as we are still able to read about these events today and learn from what happened. Moses and Aaron forewarned what would happen if Pharaoh refused again to let the people go. What would it take for Pharaoh to give in? Do we sometimes hold out like this? If so, what will it take for us to give in and let go? We do have a patient God. However, we need to play our part. Perhaps it’s time to let go and trust God.

 Exodus 9: 27-35

27 Then Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron. ‘This time I have sinned,’ he said to them. ‘The Lord is in the right, and I and my people are in the wrong. 28 Pray to the Lord, for we have had enough thunder and hail. I will let you go; you don’t have to stay any longer.’ 29 Moses replied, ‘When I have gone out of the city, I will spread out my hands in prayer to the Lord. The thunder will stop and there will be no more hail, so you may know that the earth is the Lord’s. 30 But I know that you and your officials still do not fear the Lord God.’ 31 (The flax and barley were destroyed, since the barley was in the ear and the flax was in bloom. 32 The wheat and spelt, however, were not destroyed, because they ripen later.) 33 Then Moses left Pharaoh and went out of the city. He spread out his hands towards the Lord; the thunder and hail stopped, and the rain no longer poured down on the land. 34 When Pharaoh saw that the rain and hail and thunder had stopped, he sinned again: he and his officials hardened their hearts. 35 So Pharaoh’s heart was hard and he would not let the Israelites go, just as the Lord had said through Moses.

Note the gradual change in Pharaoh’s approach throughout the process of the plagues. He started by being completely inflexible, he moved towards considering making some concessions and in our reading today he was finally beginning to recognise his own shortcomings. He still hadn’t reached that point of complete submission, or in practice any submission. However, he did seem to be cracking a little! This is what happens when dealing with long held beliefs and practices. It takes time. It takes persistence and it takes will and patience. One model is that of trying to batter down a wall. To start with, it appears that no impact at all is being made. Over time, cracks begin to appear. In the end, the whole wall comes down. Pharaoh was still at the stage where he was prepared to submit while under threat, but would pull back again when relief came. This process can be seen in all sorts of contexts. Perhaps it speaks to you in your own situation. Might you be the one not giving in, or perhaps the one trying to make isomething happen? What can we learn from this? Know that even when it appears nothing is happening, God is still working.

Exodus 9: 20-26

20 Those officials of Pharaoh who feared the word of the Lord hurried to bring their slaves and their livestock inside. 21 But those who ignored the word of the Lord left their slaves and livestock in the field. 22 Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Stretch out your hand towards the sky so that hail will fall all over Egypt – on people and animals and on everything growing in the fields of Egypt.’ 23 When Moses stretched out his staff towards the sky, the Lord sent thunder and hail, and lightning flashed down to the ground. So the Lord rained hail on the land of Egypt; 24 hail fell and lightning flashed back and forth. It was the worst storm in all the land of Egypt since it had become a nation. 25 Throughout Egypt hail struck everything in the fields – both people and animals; it beat down everything growing in the fields and stripped every tree. 26 The only place it did not hail was the land of Goshen, where the Israelites were.

It seems that there were those in Egypt who did actually fear the Lord, and who duly took some action to evade the consequences of the next plague that was to take place. However, there were those who took no notice and did not listen. Does that sound familiar? Through the ages there have always been some who listen and believe and some who just do not see the importance of what they have heard about God. We know what hail is like – but I doubt any of us have experienced the levels of hail that were pouring down on Egypt. This is another plague where there was a distinction between those in Egypt and those in Goshen. It was obvious that this was no ordinary hailstorm. It is important to draw a distinction between the people of God and those who do not recognise God in their own lives. We are different. Not because we are better than others – we are all created in God’s image. However, we are children of God, loved, blessed, benefitting from all that God has to offer including his grace, mercy and forgiveness. This is the message others need to hear.

Exodus 9: 13-19. The plague of hail

13 Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Get up early in the morning, confront Pharaoh and say to him, “This is what the Lord, the God of the Hebrews, says: let my people go, so that they may worship me, 14 or this time I will send the full force of my plagues against you and against your officials and your people, so you may know that there is no one like me in all the earth. 15 For by now I could have stretched out my hand and struck you and your people with a plague that would have wiped you off the earth. 16 But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth. 17 You still set yourself against my people and will not let them go. 18 Therefore, at this time tomorrow I will send the worst hailstorm that has ever fallen on Egypt, from the day it was founded till now. 19 Give an order now to bring your livestock and everything you have in the field to a place of shelter, because the hail will fall on every person and animal that has not been brought in and is still out in the field, and they will die.”’

God has had a plan from the beginning. His overall plan is revealed in his timing bit by bit. At this point in the story, God’s main aim was to release his people from the control of Pharaoh and the Egyptian people, while at the same time showing them his power and authority. Without such omnipotence, God would not be God. It sounds obvious, yet it is true. Some of God’s actions through the Old Testament are to convey the importance of timing and place and the people involved as he shows himself and his character. We need to trust him, and we will only be able to do that as we get to know him better, and are able to grasp God without limits of space, time and action. Even Pharaoh had a function in God’s overall plan. With each plague, God showed people what he could do, how he could use mere man, and what was possible. There are things that we can do in our own strength ,as did the magicians. However, there is much that can only be done with God’s help. Those things are the things that matter most and are of eternal value.

 Exodus 9: 8-12. The plague of boils

8 Then the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, ‘Take handfuls of soot from a furnace and let Moses toss it into the air in the presence of Pharaoh. 9 It will become fine dust over the whole land of Egypt, and festering boils will break out on people and animals throughout the land.’ 10 So they took soot from a furnace and stood before Pharaoh. Moses tossed it into the air, and festering boils broke out on people and animals. 11 The magicians could not stand before Moses because of the boils that were on them and on all the Egyptians. 12 But the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart and he would not listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the Lord had said to Moses.

We have a saying – ‘the longer it goes on the harder it gets’. I think this was true for Pharaoh. Each time something happened, if he had relented he would have admitted he was wrong, and it would make the disasters that had happened almost a waste. For the next demonstration of God’s effort to persuade Pharaoh to change his mind, it appears that no warning was given. They had lost all their livestock, and now we read that they were to suffer festering boils. We are told it is God who hardened Pharaoh’s heart, so that he would not listen. By hardening Pharaoh’s heart, God created a situation where He could perform powerful miracles, thereby displaying His might and supremacy over all the gods of Egypt. Pharaoh was now facing the consequences of his own choices, not just through the suffering of his people but also through God demonstrating the power that he could have over Pharaoh’s will. God is supreme and omnipotent. He knew what was going to happen and he was revealing his power and authority over all things. There really is no point in resisting God!

Exodus 9: 1-7. The plague on livestock

9 Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Go to Pharaoh and say to him, “This is what the Lord, the God of the Hebrews, says: ‘Let my people go, so that they may worship me.’ 2 If you refuse to let them go and continue to hold them back, 3 the hand of the Lord will bring a terrible plague on your livestock in the field – on your horses, donkeys and camels and on your cattle, sheep and goats. 4 But the Lord will make a distinction between the livestock of Israel and that of Egypt, so that no animal belonging to the Israelites will die.”’ 5 The Lord set a time and said, ‘Tomorrow the Lord will do this in the land.’ 6 And the next day the Lord did it: all the livestock of the Egyptians died, but not one animal belonging to the Israelites died. 7 Pharaoh investigated and found that not even one of the animals of the Israelites had died. Yet his heart was unyielding and he would not let the people go.

Moses must have become a real nuisance to Pharaoh, yet he still seemed able to get to see him. Moses didn’t take any credit for anything he said to Pharaoh, everything was rightly attributed to God. How many chances was God giving him to do the right thing? Pharaoh was always given a warning and a specific deadline. You would have thought he would now see that what God said, would happen. I wonder if any of us know anyone so rigid and so unyielding? We are being shown an extreme example of stubborn behaviour and hardness of heart. God gives chance after chance to many of us and those we know. However, if we actively refuse to do what God requires, there are always consequences. In the case of Pharaoh, the consequences got worse each time, yet we see that he was still unyielding. Yes, it was going to make a huge difference to him to let the people go. He was going to lose a very useful and low cost workforce. He was also at risk of losing face. It seems that nothing was going to change his mind. Was it really worth it? Something for us to consider when we dig in our heels over something.

 Exodus 8: 25-30

25 Then Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and said, ‘Go, sacrifice to your God here in the land.’ 26 But Moses said, ‘That would not be right. The sacrifices we offer the Lord our God would be detestable to the Egyptians. And if we offer sacrifices that are detestable in their eyes, will they not stone us? 27 We must take a three-day journey into the wilderness to offer sacrifices to the Lord our God, as he commands us.’ 28 Pharaoh said, ‘I will let you go to offer sacrifices to the Lord your God in the wilderness, but you must not go very far. Now pray for me.’ 29 Moses answered, ‘As soon as I leave you, I will pray to the Lord, and tomorrow the flies will leave Pharaoh and his officials and his people. Only let Pharaoh be sure that he does not act deceitfully again by not letting the people go to offer sacrifices to the Lord.’ 30 Then Moses left Pharaoh and prayed to the Lord, 31 and the Lord did what Moses asked. The flies left Pharaoh and his officials and his people; not a fly remained. 32 But this time also Pharaoh hardened his heart and would not let the people go.

There were cultural differences between the Egyptian people and the Israelites. Moses was only too aware of this and had lived with those differences for some years. That must have been immensely difficult for him. We live in a multi-cultural society and it can see that there are some places where there is successful peaceable living between different cultures and other areas where tensions are more evident. Moses knew the best way forward in his context with God’s leading, and we see that he continued to reason with Pharaoh. It seems that Pharaoh’s resistance was shifting. Not only that, but he asked Moses to pray for him. Moses promised to bring an end to the plague of flies, but chastised Pharaoh for his deceit and asked him not to go back on his word again. It seems that Pharaoh was incapable of reaching a compromise. He was used to getting his own way and being the one in control. We all know people like that. We see them as difficult, yet perhaps we just need to gain their trust and build a relationship with them, in the hope of achieving some co-operation. As Moses persisted in being consistent and obedient, Pharaoh still had a way to go before he could be persuaded to surrender. Moses prayed, God responded. However, Pharaoh still held back. See the battle of wills. We know that God will succeed. God can succeed even when all seems hopeless. When we trust him, he will get us through and give us whatever wisdom and resource we need.

 Exodus 8: 20-24. The plague of flies

20 Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Get up early in the morning and confront Pharaoh as he goes to the river and say to him, “This is what the Lord says: let my people go, so that they may worship me. 21 If you do not let my people go, I will send swarms of flies on you and your officials, on your people and into your houses. The houses of the Egyptians will be full of flies; even the ground will be covered with them. 22 ‘“But on that day I will deal differently with the land of Goshen, where my people live; no swarms of flies will be there, so that you will know that I, the Lord, am in this land. 23 I will make a distinction between my people and your people. This sign will occur tomorrow.”’ 24 And the Lord did this. Dense swarms of flies poured into Pharaoh’s palace and into the houses of his officials; throughout Egypt the land was ruined by the flies.

Egypt has been subject to plagues with blood in their water, frogs followed by gnats everywhere and God then instructs Moses to submit his appeal again to Pharaoh. The next plague was to be an infestation of flies. I know how frustrated I get when one fly persistently hovers around me. Flies everywhere I cannot imagine! God said that this time only the houses of the Egyptians would be affected. God was to make a clear distinction between peoples, which humanly speaking would have been impossible. This should have made it clear to Pharaoh that God is indeed God. As each of the signs were forecast by Moses and enacted, the sheer stubbornness of Pharaoh was demonstrated. How far would they have to go to get their request granted? We see obedience on the part of Moses, clear guidance and leading from God and spiritual blindness and inflexibility on the part of Pharaoh. Sometimes even things that God intends can take time. We or others may put things off or hold back. However, God will never give up. His promises would be fulfilled. How persistent are we? How patient? When people stand in your way, don’t give up.

Exodus 8: 16-19 The plague of gnats

16 Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Tell Aaron, “Stretch out your staff and strike the dust of the ground,” and throughout the land of Egypt the dust will become gnats.’ 17 They did this, and when Aaron stretched out his hand with the staff and struck the dust of the ground, gnats came on people and animals. All the dust throughout the land of Egypt became gnats. 18 But when the magicians tried to produce gnats by their secret arts, they could not. Since the gnats were on people and animals everywhere, 19 the magicians said to Pharaoh, ‘This is the finger of God.’ But Pharaoh’s heart was hard and he would not listen, just as the Lord had said.

After the frogs came the gnats. Many of us are likely to know how irritating and frustrating just a few gnats can be. They generally appear at different times of year, and some areas are more prone to them than others – particularly where there is water such as by the coast and on small islands. This was not just about a few. There were swarms. I can’t imagine what it must have been like. Those of us who know when an infestation is most likely will have ways of minimising the impact and be prepared. This was not the case for the people in Egypt when the dust became gnats. We are told that they were on the people and the animals. This time the magicians in the land were not able to match what Aaron and Moses had done. The gnats were everywhere. Even though the magicians told Pharaoh that ‘This is the finger of God’, he would not listen. We are told it is just as God had said. What does it take for some people to listen and to believe? It was as if Moses and Aaron are banging their heads on a brick wall! Yet God knew exactly what would happen. God was in control. God is always in control, today as yesterday. Pray for people to be open to God. Pray for those you know and love to see the truth and listen.

Exodus 8: 8-15

8 Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and said, ‘Pray to the Lord to take the frogs away from me and my people, and I will let your people go to offer sacrifices to the Lord.’ 9 Moses said to Pharaoh, ‘I leave to you the honour of setting the time for me to pray for you and your officials and your people that you and your houses may be rid of the frogs, except for those that remain in the Nile.’ 10 ‘Tomorrow,’ Pharaoh said. Moses replied, ‘It will be as you say, so that you may know there is no one like the Lord our God. 11 The frogs will leave you and your houses, your officials and your people; they will remain only in the Nile.’ 12 After Moses and Aaron left Pharaoh, Moses cried out to the Lord about the frogs he had brought on Pharaoh. 13 And the Lord did what Moses asked. The frogs died in the houses, in the courtyards and in the fields. 14 They were piled into heaps, and the land reeked of them. 15 But when Pharaoh saw that there was relief, he hardened his heart and would not listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the Lord had said

As we work our way through what we now call the plagues, we see a pattern emerging. Moses and Aaron faithfully go to Pharaoh and ask for the people to be set free to go and worship God. Pharaoh declines their request. God sends a plague upon the land of Egypt. Pharaoh says he will relent, then when the plague is withdrawn, his heart is hardened and he turns back on his promise. Only God is consistent, reliable and keeps all of his promises. Moses was still respectful to Pharaoh. He gave Pharaoh choice about the timing of the withdrawal of the frogs, with the intention that he ‘may know that there is no one like the Lord our God’. Moses was faithful in keeping Pharaoh informed, putting his request forward and doing what he said. The frogs all died, but yet again, Pharaoh had hardness of heart and did not listen, ‘just as the Lord had said’. What experience do you have of asking for something and being let down again and again? Sometimes patience and persistence is needed. Also restraint from revenge or retaliation. This is what we see from the example of Moses and Aaron. They kept going back to Pharaoh. Reasoning. Negotiating. Waiting. This is how it can be sometimes. Perhaps you have had or are going through a similar experience. Keep it up. God will find a way.

Exodus 8: 1-7

8 1 Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Go to Pharaoh and say to him, “This is what the Lord says: let my people go, so that they may worship me. 2 If you refuse to let them go, I will send a plague of frogs on your whole country. 3 The Nile will teem with frogs. They will come up into your palace and your bedroom and onto your bed, into the houses of your officials and on your people, and into your ovens and kneading troughs. 4 The frogs will come up on you and your people and all your officials.”’ 5 Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Tell Aaron, “Stretch out your hand with your staff over the streams and canals and ponds, and make frogs come up on the land of Egypt.”’ 6 So Aaron stretched out his hand over the waters of Egypt, and the frogs came up and covered the land. 7 But the magicians did the same things by their secret arts; they also made frogs come up on the land of Egypt.

The methods to persuade Pharaoh to grant the request to let the people go to worship God were stepping up. Turning all the water into blood wasn’t enough, and was still within the abilities of the magicians of the land. For Moses and Aaron it was a miracle enabled by God, for the magicians it was achieved using dark arts. It is interesting to see what the magicians were able to do. While they were able to match the acts done via Moses and Aaron, it was unlikely that Pharoah would give in to their request or listen to them or indeed to God. Pharaoh was warned about what would happen if he refused to let the people go. Imagine having so many frogs everywhere! There would have been even more after the magicians had copied Moses and Aaron. What was it going to take for Pharaoh to relent, and let the people go? Moses and Aaron had to persist with their request and face any consequences while waiting. I wonder if sometimes it is the same for us? We sometimes ask, but we do not receive. Sometimes things get worse before they get better. How good are we at waiting? Do we give up, or keep going? Trust is so important at such times. Trust in the Lord with all your heart.

 Exodus 7: 20-25

20 Moses and Aaron did just as the Lord had commanded. He raised his staff in the presence of Pharaoh and his officials and struck the water of the Nile, and all the water was changed into blood. 21 The fish in the Nile died, and the river smelled so bad that the Egyptians could not drink its water. Blood was everywhere in Egypt.22 But the Egyptian magicians did the same things by their secret arts, and Pharaoh’s heart became hard; he would not listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the Lord had said. 23 Instead, he turned and went into his palace and did not take even this to heart. 24 And all the Egyptians dug along the Nile to get drinking water, because they could not drink the water of the river. The plague of frogs 25 Seven days passed after the Lord struck the Nile.

Today we read about the obedience of Moses and Aaron, doing just as the Lord had commanded. They had seen God honour their efforts with Aaron’s staff turning into a snake (I find this reminiscent of the snake tempting Adam in the Garden of Eden). The second sign to be demonstrated was that of turning the waters of the Nile into blood. For a second time, we see that the Egyptian magicians were able to do the same thing. However, it is the source of the act that is significant. Moses and Aaron acted in obedient response to the direction of God. The Egyptian magicians were using magic arts which were not of God and therefore in no way led by God. Their motives and actions were purely self-driven, for their own ends. Onlookers may have thought that there was no difference, that Moses and Aaron were not doing anything special. God was revealing something more of himself and it was not being recognised. Jesus did the same when he taught the people using parables. Blood and water lead to salvation and life. However, instead of acknowledging God and his provision, the Egyptians dug along the Nile. God provides, but not everyone can see that he is the provider or trust him. It takes faith to follow the example of Moses and Aaron. Both are examples to us of trust and obedience to God.

 Exodus 7:14-19 The plague of blood

14 Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Pharaoh’s heart is unyielding; he refuses to let the people go. 15 Go to Pharaoh in the morning as he goes out to the river. Confront him on the bank of the Nile, and take in your hand the staff that was changed into a snake. 16 Then say to him, “The Lord, the God of the Hebrews, has sent me to say to you: let my people go, so that they may worship me in the wilderness. But until now you have not listened. 17 This is what the Lord says: by this you will know that I am the Lord: with the staff that is in my hand I will strike the water of the Nile, and it will be changed into blood. 18 The fish in the Nile will die, and the river will stink; the Egyptians will not be able to drink its water.”’ 19 The Lord said to Moses, ‘Tell Aaron, “Take your staff and stretch out your hand over the waters of Egypt – over the streams and canals, over the ponds and all the reservoirs – and they will turn to blood.” Blood will be everywhere in Egypt, even in vessels[a] of wood and stone.’

God knew that Pharaoh would not listen to Moses and Aaron. He would also have known that there were things that Pharaoh’s magicians would be able to emulate. There is something for us to learn here regarding dealing with life’s challenges. Pharaoh was not listening. There were a number of hurdles that Moses and Aaron would have to face before they achieved their aim of getting the people of Israel out of Egypt. There would be a lot of frustration and patience needed in the meantime. Here is an example of the need to persist in asking. Just because the answer was not immediate does not mean that what was being requested was wrong. There was a need for Pharaoh to listen. Also everything would happen in God’s timing. It was a real learning curve for Moses and Aaron. Perhaps we can think of people like Pharaoh. People who have the power to make a positive difference, but refuse, particularly if it is at their own expense. People who deliberately choose to obstruct. God led Moses and Aaron to give a second sign – that of blood in water. Blood saves, water gives new life. Some like Pharaoh still refuse to see. We will all know such people and frustrating situations. We need to persist in prayer at such times.

7:8-13 Aaron’s staff becomes a snake

8 The Lord said to Moses and Aaron, 9 ‘When Pharaoh says to you, “Perform a miracle,” then say to Aaron, “Take your staff and throw it down before Pharaoh,” and it will become a snake.’ 10 So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and did just as the Lord commanded. Aaron threw his staff down in front of Pharaoh and his officials, and it became a snake. 11 Pharaoh then summoned the wise men and sorcerers, and the Egyptian magicians also did the same things by their secret arts: 12 each one threw down his staff and it became a snake. But Aaron’s staff swallowed up their staffs. 13 Yet Pharaoh’s heart became hard and he would not listen to them, just as the Lord had said.

We have already read that the efforts of Moses and Aaron would at first come to nothing, and today we read of the first time that came about. God had already shown Moses the sign of his staff becoming a snake and how to pick it up again so that it went back to its original form. Although others were able to produce the same effect, The important thing to note is that they did as God had commanded them. We know that Pharaoh was going to take some convincing before he would let the people go. One gift that Moses and Aaron were to learn was that of persistence! God gave them clear instructions and they did as they were asked. The difference between the miracle performed by Moses and Aaron and the act of the magicians and sorcerers was the source of the act. God was with Moses and Aaron and gave them abilities that they would not have had without his enabling and equipping. We are seeing the workings of a real spiritual battle between God and the dark forces of evil which prevailed in Pharaoh’s kingdom. God gave Aaron and Moses overall success, God is always victorious, and he always will be.

 Exodus 7: 1-7

7 Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘See, I have made you like God to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron will be your prophet. 2 You are to say everything I command you, and your brother Aaron is to tell Pharaoh to let the Israelites go out of his country. 3 But I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and though I multiply my signs and wonders in Egypt, 4 he will not listen to you. Then I will lay my hand on Egypt and with mighty acts of judgment I will bring out my divisions, my people the Israelites. 5 And the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord when I stretch out my hand against Egypt and bring the Israelites out of it.’ 6 Moses and Aaron did just as the Lord commanded them. 7 Moses was eighty years old and Aaron eighty-three when they spoke to Pharaoh.

A few things from today’s reading. It seems that there are times when God asks us to do something that is not going to appear to work, at least to start with,. God had already indicated this might happen. It does take some strength of character to respond in obedience when this happens. Moses was being directed by God as an intermediary between him and Pharaoh, Aaron was to do the speaking. The tough thing was that they would get nowhere, at least to start with. Moses and Aaron were not to know what signs and wonders God was going to perform. This is an example of being obedient to God in all situations and trusting that God knows what he is doing. It required faith and trust on the part of Moses and Aaron. Sometimes we need to exercise that faith and trust too. We can see the theme of judgement emerging. Much of that was to follow. We are told that, ‘The Egyptians will know that I am the Lord…’ following what was to come. God always has a reason for his actions. God was going to eventually enable a mass Exodus and rescue. Finally, we learn that Moses and Aaron were 80 and 83 years old. God often used people who were of more mature years, He can always use us at any stage of life. Are we willing?

 Exodus 6: 21-27

21 The sons of Izhar were Korah, Nepheg and Zikri. 22 The sons of Uzziel were Mishael, Elzaphan and Sithri. 23 Aaron married Elisheba, daughter of Amminadab and sister of Nahshon, and she bore him Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. 24 The sons of Korah were Assir, Elkanah and Abiasaph. These were the Korahite clans. 25 Eleazar son of Aaron married one of the daughters of Putiel, and she bore him Phinehas. These were the heads of the Levite families, clan by clan. 26 It was this Aaron and Moses to whom the Lord said, ‘Bring the Israelites out of Egypt by their divisions.’ 27 They were the ones who spoke to Pharaoh king of Egypt about bringing the Israelites out of Egypt – this same Moses and Aaron. Aaron to speak for Moses 28 Now when the Lord spoke to Moses in Egypt, 29 he said to him, ‘I am the Lord. Tell Pharaoh king of Egypt everything I tell you.’ 30 But Moses said to the Lord, ‘Since I speak with faltering lips, why would Pharaoh listen to me?’

We just get a taste of the descendants of Reuben and Simeon, but far more detail of those of Levi, from whom Moses and Aaron were descended. Just through these three sons of Jacob, there were thirteen sons – not to mention the descendants of their nine other brothers – and all of their descendants. Moses and Aaron are from the line of Levi’s son Kohath, specifically through Kohath’s first son Amam. Aaron himself is noted to have four sons with his wife Elisheba, there is no mention at this point of any further family for Moses. This gives us a glimpse of the scope of the Israelite people at this point in their history. Moses was called to lead them out of Egypt, but claimed not to be able to do what was required on his own. God then equipped Moses and his brother Aaron to do what was required, We don’t have to do everything asked of us on our own. In fact, it is good to pull together with others and combine our skills and gifting, with everyone playing their part. I’m wondering. Are there things to lay down? Things to take up? Seek God for the answer and act on it.

Exodus 6:13-20 Family record of Moses and Aaron

13 Now the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron about the Israelites and Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he commanded them to bring the Israelites out of Egypt. 14 These were the heads of their families: The sons of Reuben the firstborn son of Israel were Hanok and Pallu, Hezron and Karmi. These were the clans of Reuben. 15 The sons of Simeon were Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jakin, Zohar and Shaul the son of a Canaanite woman. These were the clans of Simeon. 16 These were the names of the sons of Levi according to their records: Gershon, Kohath and Merari. Levi lived 137 years. 17 The sons of Gershon, by clans, were Libni and Shimei. 18 The sons of Kohath were Amram, Izhar, Hebron and Uzziel. Kohath lived 133 years. 19 The sons of Merari were Mahli and Mushi. These were the clans of Levi according to their records. 20 Amram married his father’s sister Jochebed, who bore him Aaron and Moses. Amram lived 137 years.

We learn from the account here of the ancestry of Moses and Aaron, who were descendants of Levi. We also learn the names of their parents, Amram and Jochebed. So it would have been Jochebed who gave birth to their sister Miriam who is not mentioned here, but was mentioned when we read the first account about Moses when he was hidden in the bulrushes. Their father was Amran, son of Kohath, son of Levi, son of Jacob. So Jacob was Moses and Aaron’s great great grandfather! Isaac was their ggg grandfather and Abraham their gggg grandfather. Quite amazing when you work that one out! This is just one branch of Abraham’s descendants, and we also have the account of the descendants of Reuben and Simeon. The Isrealites did have quite a lot of intermarriage, so we see their father married his aunt, any resulting children being siblings as well as cousins. We see God commanded Moses and Aaron to bring the Israelites out of Egypt. From our readings today and tomorrow, we see that there were many people involved.

 Exodus 6: 6-12

6 ‘Therefore, say to the Israelites: “I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment. 7 I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God, who brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. 8 And I will bring you to the land I swore with uplifted hand to give to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob. I will give it to you as a possession. I am the Lord.”’ 9 Moses reported this to the Israelites, but they did not listen to him because of their discouragement and harsh labour. 10 Then the Lord said to Moses, 11 ‘Go, tell Pharaoh king of Egypt to let the Israelites go out of his country.’ 12 But Moses said to the Lord, ‘If the Israelites will not listen to me, why would Pharaoh listen to me, since I speak with faltering lips?’

We have a saying that sometimes things get worse before they get better, and I think that is true for Moses and God’s people as they face trials before being freed from Egypt and Pharaoh’s rule. God gave Moses a strong message to pass on, with hope for the people who were being oppressed. God said he would bring them out of Egypt and free them. He spoke of redemption and judgement. He promised them freedom and future hope and a land to call their own. Like many who demand proof and do not have faith, the people did not believe the message that Moses gave to them. When people are going through difficulty, it can be difficult to believe that there is a way out. The key words here are listen and believe. Moses was listening, but even he still needed some convincing of the truth of what God was saying. Far more so for the people. How much evidence do you or I need before we believe in something? The Christian faith requires that we believe in things that we cannot see. It is easy to believe in what we can see. Sadly even that may not be as it seems these days. Deal with any doubts. The Bible gives us the best guidance. God does help us to stand firm if we ask him to help us. Sometimes we do not have because we do not ask.

 Exodus 6: 1-5

6 Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Now you will see what I will do to Pharaoh: because of my mighty hand he will let them go; because of my mighty hand he will drive them out of his country.’ 2 God also said to Moses, ‘I am the Lord. 3 I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob as God Almighty, but by my name the Lord I did not make myself known to them. 4 I also established my covenant with them to give them the land of Canaan, where they resided as foreigners. 5 Moreover, I have heard the groaning of the Israelites, whom the Egyptians are enslaving, and I have remembered my covenant.

Despite the initial appearances of defeat, God tells Moses that the people will let the people go. Moses is reminded of the covenant he made with his forefathers. We also see some insight into how God reveals himself to different people in different ways at different times. This has been true from the beginning. It is still true today. God needed Moses and Aaron to be fully committed to him and to trust him implicitly. In these few verses, God refers to more than one name by which he can and has been known. One being El Shaddai (v2) and the other being Jehovah/Yahweh in v3. There are many more. God cannot be tied down to our labels and it is a good exercise to look at some of the other names of God. Each gives us more insight into his character and helps us to see that we will never fully appreciate who he is, or the vastness of his majesty and might. Today we can consider how much we trust God. Think about who God is. Can we grasp the identity we now have all because of his grace and his desire to have a relationship with us? Moses was at the start of his ministry. Much faith would be needed, as for us. Hold on to God’s promises for you, and have faith in his leading.

 Exodus 5: 15-21

15 Then the Israelite overseers went and appealed to Pharaoh: ‘Why have you treated your servants this way? 16 Your servants are given no straw, yet we are told, “Make bricks!” Your servants are being beaten, but the fault is with your own people. 17 Pharaoh said, ‘Lazy, that’s what you are – lazy! That is why you keep saying, “Let us go and sacrifice to the Lord.” 18 Now get to work. You will not be given any straw, yet you must produce your full quota of bricks.’ 19 The Israelite overseers realised they were in trouble when they were told, ‘You are not to reduce the number of bricks required of you for each day.’ 20 When they left Pharaoh, they found Moses and Aaron waiting to meet them, 21 and they said, ‘May the Lord look on you and judge you! You have made us obnoxious to Pharaoh and his officials and have put a sword in their hand to kill us.’ God promises deliverance 22 Moses returned to the Lord and said, ‘Why, Lord, why have you brought trouble on this people? Is this why you sent me? 23 Ever since I went to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has brought trouble on this people, and you have not rescued your people at all.’

There are times in life when doing what God wants us to do causes apparent division and dissention. This is very much because God’s ways and the ways of the world are not the same. Moses and Aaron had been called to lead God’s people, and this was a time where those who did not know God reacted to their own perception of what was happening, rather than being able to see the bigger picture and God working through it all. Those in charge of managing the Israelite’s were brave enough to confront Pharaoh when he withdrew the materials that the people needed to make bricks. The people were already worked hard enough, and now the task was being made impossible. Pharaoh was not a man who had any allegiance to God. Anything that is not of God is against him. Perhaps this is the first real account of what we would now call spiritual warfare. The spiritual battle was about to commence. At this point, no-one could understand why God appeared to have deserted them. It is at times like these when faith and trust are needed. God was very much in charge then as he always is.

. Exodus 5: 6-14

6 That same day Pharaoh gave this order to the slave drivers and overseers in charge of the people: 7 ‘You are no longer to supply the people with straw for making bricks; let them go and gather their own straw. 8 But require them to make the same number of bricks as before; don’t reduce the quota. They are lazy; that is why they are crying out, “Let us go and sacrifice to our God.” 9 Make the work harder for the people so that they keep working and pay no attention to lies.’ 10 Then the slave drivers and the overseers went out and said to the people, ‘This is what Pharaoh says: “I will not give you any more straw. 11 Go and get your own straw wherever you can find it, but your work will not be reduced at all.”’ 12 So the people scattered all over Egypt to gather stubble to use for straw. 13 The slave drivers kept pressing them, saying, ‘Complete the work required of you for each day, just as when you had straw.’ 14 And Pharaoh’s slave drivers beat the Israelite overseers they had appointed, demanding, ‘Why haven’t you met your quota of bricks yesterday or today, as before?’

Pharaoh did not acknowledge God. He did not listen to the warning from God given to him by Moses and Aaron, and he decided to go even further with his bad treatment of the Hebrew people. Not only did Pharaoh refuse to let them leave Egypt to worship God, but he set himself up to make their lives even more difficult that they already were. They were already oppressed and calling out to God for help. He had been providing them with the materials they needed to do their work, but now that was going to stop. This action was even more cruel and inhumane that the conditions they had lived with to this point. What they were now expected to do was impossible. It was unreasonable. This action of Pharaoh is an example of a tyrant and his way of gaining control over people in his care. This was a big mistake on the part of Pharaoh. Now God was about to intervene. Although the workers’ lot was worse to begin with, justice was coming, and God was going to make sure that his will would prevail in the end.

 Exodus 5:1-5 Bricks without straw

5 Afterwards Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and said, ‘This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: “Let my people go, so that they may hold a festival to me in the wilderness.”’ 2 Pharaoh said, ‘Who is the Lord, that I should obey him and let Israel go? I do not know the Lord and I will not let Israel go.’ 3 Then they said, ‘The God of the Hebrews has met with us. Now let us take a three-day journey into the wilderness to offer sacrifices to the Lord our God, or he may strike us with plagues or with the sword.’ 4 But the king of Egypt said, ‘Moses and Aaron, why are you taking the people away from their labour? Get back to your work!’ 5 Then Pharaoh said, ‘Look, the people of the land are now numerous, and you are stopping them from working.’

It must have taken some strength of character and help from God for Aaron and Moses to go and speak to Pharaoh and say what God had told them to say. I doubt they were surprised when Pharaoh denied their request for them to go away with their people. They had been obedient to God in going to Pharaoh and saying what God had asked them to say. However, there were two major reasons for why Pharaoh refused. Firstly,because he did not acknowledge or recognise the authority of God. Secondly, because of the impact this would have on his kingdom. The Hebrews did a lot of work for them, and he was not going to let that stop. Having not responded positively to their initial request, Aaron and Moses then told Pharaoh that there may be serious adverse consequences as a result of his refusal. All Pharaoh could think about were his own benefits. Aaron and Moses had followed God’s direction. Pharaoh had resisted. God was not going to sit back without acting as warned. Sometimes we make excuses to avoid doing something God wants us to do. There will always be consequences to such a decision. Following God’s lead is always the best way. He will see us through.

Exodus 4: 24-31

24 At a lodging place on the way, the Lord met Moses and was about to kill him. 25 But Zipporah took a flint knife, cut off her son’s foreskin and touched Moses’ feet with it. Surely you are a bridegroom of blood to me,’ she said. 26 So the Lord let him alone. (At that time she said ‘bridegroom of blood’, referring to circumcision.) 27 The Lord said to Aaron, ‘Go into the wilderness to meet Moses.’ So he met Moses at the mountain of God and kissed him. 28 Then Moses told Aaron everything the Lord had sent him to say, and also about all the signs he had commanded him to perform. 29 Moses and Aaron brought together all the elders of the Israelites, 30 and Aaron told them everything the Lord had said to Moses. He also performed the signs before the people, 31 and they believed. And when they heard that the Lord was concerned about them and had seen their misery, they bowed down and worshipped.

When I read the first verse of this passage, I was actually shocked, and also found myself asking questions – why would God be about to kill Moses? He has just given Moses this great responsibility to lead the people of Israel, which of course would be thwarted if Moses was not able to follow through. We have seen that Moses tried to get out of telling the people what God had said about leaving Egypt, but then we read of his wife circumcising his son and putting the foreskin at Moses’ feet (never let anyone say the Bible is strait-laced!). It seems that Zipporah somehow saved Moses through her action. Moses had omitted to have his son circumcised. Moses must have realised that he had been saved. Aaron was now called to take his part in God’s plan. Another who received clear direction from God, and he responded obediently. The two brothers now find themselves working in tandem. Moses performed the signs before the people (using his staff), and the people believed. How wonderful for the people, in their oppression under Egyptian rule, to know that God cared enough about them to rescue them. God is in the business of rescue. What do you need to be rescued from today?

Exodus 4: 10-17

10 Moses said to the Lord, ‘Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.’11 The Lord said to him, ‘Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord? 12 Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.’ 13 But Moses said, ‘Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.’ 14 Then the Lord’s anger burned against Moses and he said, ‘What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he can speak well. He is already on his way to meet you, and he will be glad to see you. 15 You shall speak to him and put words in his mouth; I will help both of you speak and will teach you what to do. 16 He will speak to the people for you, and it will be as if he were your mouth and as if you were God to him. 17 But take this staff in your hand so that you can perform the signs with it.’

I think Moses was beginning to realise that he was not going to get away with following God’s instructions. He had the proof as requested that God had spoken with him, so he tried another approach – that of not having the required skill set. Public speaking is recognised as the second most cause of fear, so Moses was not alone in perceiving lack of eloquence or desire to speak to the people. I admire Moses for making a stand, while at the same time wondering about his audacity in making excuses to God. I wonder how often I have done the same. Knowing that God wants me to do something, and making excuses, even directly as here, ‘Please send someone else’! God was really gracious towards Moses by giving him help in the form of his brother Aaron. God knew Aaron. He also knew that he was a good speaker. He knows us too. God doesn’t’ make us do anything we don’t want to do. He has put us in a place of community. We are meant to work together. Both Moses and Aaaron were equipped for a specific task. We will also be equipped for anything God asks of us. He will enable it to happen.

 Exodus 4: 1-9 Signs for Moses

4 Moses answered, ‘What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, “The Lord did not appear to you”?’ 2 Then the Lord said to him, ‘What is that in your hand?’ ‘A staff,’ he replied. 3 The Lord said, ‘Throw it on the ground.’ Moses threw it on the ground and it became a snake, and he ran from it. 4 Then the Lord said to him, ‘Reach out your hand and take it by the tail.’ So Moses reached out and took hold of the snake and it turned back into a staff in his hand. 5 ‘This,’ said the Lord, ‘is so that they may believe that the Lord, the God of their fathers – the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob – has appeared to you.’6 Then the Lord said, ‘Put your hand inside your cloak.’ So Moses put his hand into his cloak, and when he took it out, the skin was leprous – it had become as white as snow. 7 ‘Now put it back into your cloak,’ he said. So Moses put his hand back into his cloak, and when he took it out, it was restored, like the rest of his flesh. 8 Then the Lord said, ‘If they do not believe you or pay attention to the first sign, they may believe the second. 9 But if they do not believe these two signs or listen to you, take some water from the Nile and pour it on the dry ground. The water you take from the river will become blood on the ground.’

Poor Moses. He had been given this enormous task by God. The key point being that God had spoken to Moses directly – it was not a matter for dispute. Note the wonderful and at the same time rather daring way that Moses tried to get out of it! What if they don’t believe me?! God was amazingly gracious with Moses, and gave him some aids to use, rather than a way out. I wonder how Moses would have felt when his staff turned into a snake? Most people I know would have run away at such a sight! Not only did Moses stay put, but he also followed God’s instruction to pick the snake up. This was what God had given to Moses as proof of their encounter. God then gave him another sign to show the people if needed, turning his hand into a leprous hand, and then restoring it. Again, I wonder how Moses felt when his hand was covered with leprosy? This was a miracle and a healing. There are many more to follow. Sometimes even then, people needed to see for themselves before they would believe. God was very patient with Moses, as he is with us. There is still much evidence of God at work today. Think about examples from your own experience and

Exodus 3:16-22

16 “Go, assemble the elders of Israel and say to them, ‘The Lord, the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob—appeared to me and said: I have watched over you and have seen what has been done to you in Egypt. 17 And I have promised to bring you up out of your misery in Egypt into the land of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites—a land flowing with milk and honey.’ 18 “The elders of Israel will listen to you. Then you and the elders are to go to the king of Egypt and say to him, ‘The Lord, the God of the Hebrews, has met with us. Let us take a three-day journey into the wilderness to offer sacrifices to the Lord our God.’ 19 But I know that the king of Egypt will not let you go unless a mighty hand compels him. 20 So I will stretch out my hand and strike the Egyptians with all the wonders that I will perform among them. After that, he will let you go.21 “And I will make the Egyptians favourably disposed toward this people, so that when you leave you will not go empty-handed. 22 Every woman is to ask her neighbour and any woman living in her house for articles of silver and gold and for clothing, which you will put on your sons and daughters. And so you will plunder the Egyptians.”

What God asked of Moses would test the faith of Moses and require a high level of trust. We have no prior example of Moses speaking to the leaders of Israel before this point, so it is reasonable that Moses wasn’t feeling confident. However, this was God speaking. God was giving clear instructions and also gave Moses assurances that he would not be alone. God had seen the suffering of his people, and was promising to give them a solution. He even told Moses what outcome to expect. The people would listen to him, but the king of Egypt would not. Moses had no idea at that point what was to come. However, God gave him the reassurance that all would be well in the end. This was a huge undertaking for Moses, but equipped and led by God. In our own lives, we can be asked to do some things that seem insurmountable. However, if they are God led, they will be successful. We do not know what lies ahead, but God does go before us and he will be wit

Exodus 3: 13-15

13 Moses said to God, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?”14 God said to Moses, “I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I am has sent me to you.’” 15 God also said to Moses, “Say to the Israelites, ‘The Lord, the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob—has sent me to you.’ “This is my name for ever, the name you shall call me from generation to generation.

Names have significance today, but I believe they had even more significance at the time of Moses. Yes, Moses was trying to find an excuse to get out of doing what God was asking. However, a name does have significance in everyone’s life and with God. Throughout the Bible, God is referred to in different ways, often using words that are attributes of his character and actions. We would have to look at the original languages to see what they were. In our Bible, we almost always use the word God or Lord. The words used here for ‘I am who I am’ or ‘I am’ I have found explained as The name of God itself, YHWH (vocalized as Yahweh), is related to the consonants in the phrase’s verbs. In Jewish tradition the divine name is not uttered aloud, and so most English translations will substitute LORD in capital letters every time the name YHWH appears. Some say that only the name Jehovah (and adaptation of this) can be used. There are many people who have more than one name (myself included), God is no different. He is who he is. He doesn’t have to pin himself down. In fact he kept his answer to Moses gloriously vague. God does not have to justify himself, yet he is gracious and compassionate, as here with Moses. Think about the different ways in which you talk about and address God.

Exodus 3: 7-12

7 The Lord said, “I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. 8 So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey—the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites.9 And now the cry of the Israelites has reached me, and I have seen the way the Egyptians are oppressing them. 10 So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.” 11 But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” 12 And God said, “I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain.”

God knows what is happening in this world, and he does intervene when the time is right. He is aware, and in this account of the suffering of the Israelites in Egypt, God spoke. He revealed the next part of his plan – to rescue his people from the land of the Egyptians and to take them into a new good and spacious land. As with Jesus, God came down to rescue. God was talking directly to Moses. In verse 10, there is the commission: ‘10 So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.” This was some mission! I can’t blame Moses for responding initially in the way that he did. Yet we see that God promised a sign to Moses that when he had brought the people out several accounts like this of God giving ordinary people a task which they feel ill equipped to carry out. God still does this today. Just know that if God asks you to do something, however ill equipped you feel, he will enable you to do it. Here, God tells Moses that ‘I will be with you’. God is with us too. He is alongside us in everything we go through.

Exodus 3:1-6 Moses and the Burning Bush

3 Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. 2 There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. 3 So Moses thought, “I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.”4 When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!” And Moses said, “Here I am.” 5 “Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” 6 Then he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.” At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God.

There is a lot of ‘tending the flock’ imagery throughout Scripture, including literal tending of the flock, which then gives more understanding of Jesus, when he said, ‘I am the good shepherd.’ Moses understood what was required in looking after sheep, keeping them safe, providing for them. For Jesus, it was a human flock and the same principles applied. It was in this context of tending the flock that Moses had his first direct recorded encounter with God, in the form of a burning bush. Flames of fire – what does that make you think about? The Holy Spirit was very much part of this encounter between God and Moses. Moses could have ignored what he had seen, but he didn’t. He did something about it. He responded. He physically sought an answer. He was curious. What was it that made you respond to God? If you have not experienced what you would call an encounter with God, do seek such an encounter. Moses heard God speaking to him. He found himself in a holy place. A true God moment. This was an immense moment in God’s plan with Moses. Have you had any special moments of your own? Reflect on them. Seek them. Know God with you.

 Exodus 2:23-25

23 During that long period, the king of Egypt died. The Israelites groaned in their slavery and cried out, and their cry for help because of their slavery went up to God. 24 God heard their groaning and he remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac and with Jacob. 25 So God looked on the Israelites and was concerned about them.

When we listen to the Bible being read in church, we don’t often get the opportunity to fully appreciate the dimensions of space and time in what we are hearing. We forget that there is so much that we take for granted, that simply didn’t exist in Biblical times. No telephones, televisions, social media, cars, labour saving devices. So much more manual work. There was written communication, and there was a lot more reliance on word of mouth. Messages would have taken a lot longer to send and receive than what we now call snail mail! Through all this time, the Israelites were being exploited by Egyptian slave masters. Year in year out. All the time that Moses was growing up in the Pharaoh’s palace. We read that they cried out to God and God heard them. God had not forgotten the promises he had made to their ancestors. God was about to act. When we cry out to God, he hears us. We can cry out against injustice and oppression, and for others as well as ourselves. God does have a plan. There are answers (not always what or when we want). God is with us and will lead and guide us. All we have to do is come to him and follow his lead.

 Exodus 2: 16-22

16 Now a priest of Midian had seven daughters, and they came to draw water and fill the troughs to water their father’s flock. 17 Some shepherds came along and drove them away, but Moses got up and came to their rescue and watered their flock. 18 When the girls returned to Reuel their father, he asked them, “Why have you returned so early today?”19 They answered, “An Egyptian rescued us from the shepherds. He even drew water for us and watered the flock.”20 “And where is he?” Reuel asked his daughters. “Why did you leave him? Invite him to have something to eat.” 21 Moses agreed to stay with the man, who gave his daughter Zipporah to Moses in marriage. 22 Zipporah gave birth to a son, and Moses named him Gershom, saying, “I have become a foreigner in a foreign land.”

Today’s passage brings us to the story of Moses meeting the woman who was to become his wife, and the concept of becoming a stranger in a foreign land. He has fled to Midian from Egypt – apparently a distance of around 300 miles, nine to ten days journey by camel. There is a familiar theme around sheep and watering animals that recurs throughout Scripture. In this account, there are seven sisters, their father was called Reuel, and Moses helped them when they were confronted by some shepherds. Their father offered him hospitality, and after some time he was offered one of them, Zipporah, to be his wife. He then had his child Gershom. When he said ‘I have become a foreigner in a foreign land’, it is something that resonates with me. In a sense, all Christians are foreigners in a foreign land. I wonder how conscious we are of this? We are born into this world, yet in many ways we are not part of it. Very much used in this world, yet we are destined for eternity in the Kingdom of God, which is already present and evident. We are citizens of God’s Kingdom and it is important for us to know who we are in Christ. Heirs, brothers and sisters, children of God. Strangers in a strange land.

 Exodus 1:15-22

15 The king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, whose names were Shiphrah and Puah, 16 “When you are helping the Hebrew women during childbirth on the delivery stool, if you see that the baby is a boy, kill him; but if it is a girl, let her live.” 17 The midwives, however, feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt had told them to do; they let the boys live. 18 Then the king of Egypt summoned the midwives and asked them, “Why have you done this? Why have you let the boys live?”19 The midwives answered Pharaoh, “Hebrew women are not like Egyptian women; they are vigorous and give birth before the midwives arrive.”20 So God was kind to the midwives and the people increased and became even more numerous. 21 And because the midwives feared God, he gave them families of their own.22 Then Pharaoh gave this order to all his people: “Every Hebrew boy that is born you must throw into the Nile, but let every girl live.”

Having set out to make life as difficult as possible for the Israelites by putting slave masters over them, the next stage in the king’s strategy to dominate the Israelites is shocking and scandalous. Midwives exist to bring new life into the world, not to destroy it. That is still true today. Asking the midwives to become murderers was the total opposite of the objectives for their profession and purpose. It’s interesting that the midwives were both named, unusually for women in Scripture. We are told that the midwives feared God – so they put their faith in God’s ways before that of the king. They must have put themselves at risk for their lives. Their strength of character and obedience to God resulted in them being blessed. In his anger, Pharaoh extended his orders to all his people. This isn’t the only time such an order was to be given. Think of the time of Jesus’ coming, when an order was given for all boys under the age of two to be murdered in an effort to ensure Jesus was killed. Leaders ruling by fear. Fear is not of God. There are many examples in the Bible of us being told ‘Do not be afraid’ or ‘Fear not’. We see that domination by fear leads to destruction and damaging behaviour. The midwives showed that fearing God (as opposed to fear caused by negativity) results in prosperity and protection. ‘The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? ‘(Psalm 27:1)

 Exodus 1: 1-14. The Israelites Oppressed

1 These are the names of the sons of Israel who went to Egypt with Jacob, each with his family: 2 Reuben, Simeon, Levi and Judah;3 Issachar, Zebulun and Benjamin; 4 Dan and Naphtali; Gad and Asher.5 The descendants of Jacob numbered seventy in all; Joseph was already in Egypt.6 Now Joseph and all his brothers and all that generation died, 7 but the Israelites were exceedingly fruitful; they multiplied greatly, increased in numbers and became so numerous that the land was filled with them.8 Then a new king, to whom Joseph meant nothing, came to power in Egypt. 9 “Look,” he said to his people, “the Israelites have become far too numerous for us. 10 Come, we must deal shrewdly with them or they will become even more numerous and, if war breaks out, will join our enemies, fight against us and leave the country.” 11 So they put slave masters over them to oppress them with forced labour, and they built Pithom and Rameses as store cities for Pharaoh.12 But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and spread; so the Egyptians came to dread the Israelites 13 and worked them ruthlessly. 14 They made their lives bitter with harsh labour in brick and mortar and with all kinds of work in the fields; in all their harsh labour the Egyptians worked them ruthlessly.

Beginning with the background of Joseph’s family from our reading of Genesis, Exodus takes us further into the story about the people now known as the Israelites. All were descendants of Joseph and his brothers, and a distinct people from the Egyptians amongst whom they were living in the land of Egypt. We are introduced to a new king with new ways. It appears that somehow the legacy left by Joseph was forgotten. However, as God had promised, the Israelites continued being fruitful numerically. They lived side by side with the Egyptians, but the king saw them as a threat. This is the point at which God people began to be oppressed. Their lives were completely changed. It appears the Egyptian slave masters must have changed too, to be able to treat their fellow inhabitants so badly. The king’s word was something they did not see fit to challenge. They became fearful and fear was the force behind their actions. These slave masters may have taken over control humanly speaking, but they could never change what God was going to do. We live with injustice in the world today. We see oppression and persecution. Pray for those who are oppressed and persecuted. Make a difference in any way possible where you are. God wants to use you and me in his world for good.

Genesis 37: 19-28

19 “Here comes that dreamer!” they said to each other. 20 “Come now, let’s kill him and throw him into one of these cisterns and say that a ferocious animal devoured him. Then we’ll see what comes of his dreams.”21 When Reuben heard this, he tried to rescue him from their hands. “Let’s not take his life,” he said. 22 “Don’t shed any blood. Throw him into this cistern here in the wilderness, but don’t lay a hand on him.” Reuben said this to rescue him from them and take him back to his father.

23 So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe—the ornate robe he was wearing— 24 and they took him and threw him into the cistern. The cistern was empty; there was no water in it. 25 As they sat down to eat their meal, they looked up and saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead. Their camels were loaded with spices, balm and myrrh, and they were on their way to take them down to Egypt.26 Judah said to his brothers, “What will we gain if we kill our brother and cover up his blood? 27 Come, let’s sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay our hands on him; after all, he is our brother, our own flesh and blood.” His brothers agreed. 28 So when the Midianite merchants came by, his brothers pulled Joseph up out of the cistern and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt.

The fact that Joseph’s brothers would conspire to kill him contrasts with the culture of today, bearing in mind that they would otherwise be perceived as an ordinary family. If it hadn’t been for the oldest brother, Reuben, Joseph may well have come to a premature end! Thankfully, the other brothers listened to Reuben, but what they did was still what we would consider to be a terrible crime. The brothers’ action could have had dire consequences. Note that Reuben intended to rescue him when they put him in the cistern. So the brothers took his robe, left him to die, and sat and ate as if nothing was wrong! They had no conscience. The Ishmaelites would be distant relatives through their grandfather Isaac’s half-brother Ishmael. This time Judah thinks of a more humane (yet still cruel) way to deal with Joseph. Not only could they get rid of the brother they considered to be a troublemaker, but they could make some money too. Joseph was sold by his brothers. No-one knew what would take place as a result. Their actions were not justified, but we know that is not the end of the story.

 Genesis 37: 1-11. Joseph’s Dreams

37 Jacob lived in the land where his father had stayed, the land of Canaan. 2 This is the account of Jacob’s family line. Joseph, a young man of seventeen, was tending the flocks with his brothers, the sons of Bilhah and the sons of Zilpah, his father’s wives, and he brought their father a bad report about them. 3 Now Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons, because he had been born to him in his old age; and he made an ornate robe for him.4 When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him. 5 Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him all the more. 6 He said to them, “Listen to this dream I had: 7 We were binding sheaves of grain out in the field when suddenly my sheaf rose and stood upright, while your sheaves gathered around mine and bowed down to it.” 8 His brothers said to him, “Do you intend to reign over us? Will you actually rule us?” And they hated him all the more because of his dream and what he had said. 9 Then he had another dream, and he told it to his brothers. “Listen,” he said, “I had another dream, and this time the sun and moon and eleven stars were bowing down to me.” 10 When he told his father as well as his brothers, his father rebuked him and said, “What is this dream you had? Will your mother and I and your brothers actually come and bow down to the ground before you?” 11 His brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the matter in mind.

We come to a passage that many of us may remember from Sunday school days – Josephs dreams. There are a few red flags right from the start. Joseph told tales on his brothers (we are not told what). What did Jacob do? He rewarded Joseph and had Joseph as a favourite. I can’t help wondering about why Benjamin didn’t get the same favour, as Joseph’s younger full brother? There is the ornate robe, which we today describe as the ‘coat of many colours’. Jacob not only had Joseph as his favourite son, but he made it obvious. The brothers’ jealousy was understandable. Their relationships were very strained. Joseph then added to the already fraught situation by telling his family of two dreams. Both were prophetic, although they didn’t realise this. The first around the theme of sheaves of grain – harvest/food, the second about a broader theme of the sun, moon and stars. It must have come over as extremely arrogant to his older brothers. One interesting observation is the reactions of his brothers and his father. The brothers were jealous. However, we read that his father ‘kept the matter in mind.’ Jacob did not take the dreams at face value. He was right not to do so.

 Genesis 36: 9-30

9 This is the account of the family line of Esau the father of the Edomites in the hill country of Seir. 10 These are the names of Esau’s sons: Eliphaz, the son of Esau’s wife Adah, and Reuel, the son of Esau’s wife Basemath. 11 The sons of Eliphaz: Teman, Omar, Zepho, Gatam and Kenaz. 12 Esau’s son Eliphaz also had a concubine named Timna, who bore him Amalek. These were grandsons of Esau’s wife Adah. 13 The sons of Reuel: Nahath, Zerah, Shammah and Mizzah. These were grandsons of Esau’s wife Basemath. 14 The sons of Esau’s wife Oholibamah daughter of Anah and granddaughter of Zibeon, whom she bore to Esau: Jeush, Jalam and Korah. 15 These were the chiefs among Esau’s descendants: The sons of Eliphaz the firstborn of Esau: Chiefs Teman, Omar, Zepho, Kenaz, 16 Korah, Gatam and Amalek. These were the chiefs descended from Eliphaz in Edom; they were grandsons of Adah. 17 The sons of Esau’s son Reuel: Chiefs Nahath, Zerah, Shammah and Mizzah. These were the chiefs descended from Reuel in Edom; they were grandsons of Esau’s wife Basemath. 18 The sons of Esau’s wife Oholibamah: Chiefs Jeush, Jalam and Korah. These were the chiefs descended from Esau’s wife Oholibamah daughter of Anah. 19 These were the sons of Esau (that is, Edom), and these were their chiefs.20 These were the sons of Seir the Horite, who were living in the region: Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, Anah, 21 Dishon, Ezer and Dishan. These sons of Seir in Edom were Horite chiefs.22 The sons of Lotan: Hori and Homam. Timna was Lotan’s sister. 23 The sons of Shobal: Alvan, Manahath, Ebal, Shepho and Onam. 24 The sons of Zibeon: Aiah and Anah. This is the Anah who discovered the hot springs in the desert while he was grazing the donkeys of his father Zibeon. 25 The children of Anah: Dishon and Oholibamah daughter of Anah. 26 The sons of Dishon: Hemdan, Eshban, Ithran and Keran. 27 The sons of Ezer: Bilhan, Zaavan and Akan. 28 The sons of Dishan: Uz and Aran. 29 These were the Horite chiefs: Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, Anah, 30 Dishon, Ezer and Dishan. These were the Horite chiefs, according to their divisions, in the land of Seir.

Today is full of names of the descendants of Esau. Looking through a list of names is not the most inspiring exercise. However, these were all real people. Blood connection was very important to people at the time – pure blood. Even today, this is really important to the Jewish people. As we look through the list of names, think about the family sizes, the fact that there would have been even more as only sons are mentioned, and the implications of that going forward. There was also a lot of intermarriage, and as we have seen, what is called endogamy – where people are related to each other in more than one way – quite legitimately. Think about the generations represented. That these are just descendants of Esau, and many would have lived at the same time as Jacob’s descendants, including Joseph and the descendants of him and all of his brothers. We have much smaller families now ordinarily. Only a couple of generations back, our own ancestors would have families of more than six children and it would be considered normal. Think of any of the names that you find familiar – for me Amalek and Uz. I’m not aware of any of the names in common use today, unlike Jacob and Joseph! Families are important. Names are important.

Genesis 36: 1-8 Esau’s Descendants

36 This is the account of the family line of Esau (that is, Edom). 2 Esau took his wives from the women of Canaan: Adah daughter of Elon the Hittite, and Oholibamah daughter of Anah and granddaughter of Zibeon the Hivite— 3 also Basemath daughter of Ishmael and sister of Nebaioth. 4 Adah bore Eliphaz to Esau, Basemath bore Reuel, 5 and Oholibamah bore Jeush, Jalam and Korah. These were the sons of Esau, who were born to him in Canaan. 6 Esau took his wives and sons and daughters and all the members of his household, as well as his livestock and all his other animals and all the goods he had acquired in Canaan, and moved to a land some distance from his brother Jacob. 7 Their possessions were too great for them to remain together; the land where they were staying could not support them both because of their livestock. 8 So Esau (that is, Edom) settled in the hill country of Seir.

Esau was going his own way, much as was the case with Ishmael before him. He married two women against his parents’ wishes and also the daughter of his half uncle Ishmael. Five sons are named, but there is then a mention of sons and daughters – typically the daughters are not named. In a similar way to the time when Abraham and Lot separated, we read that Esau moved away from Jacob. Twin brothers, but now very much like two separate groups of people. Again, they had too many possessions to stay together, so each of the brother’s settled in their own lands. All of these being descendants of Abraham. The people are indeed being fruitful and spreading. This seems to be a turning point in Jacob’s story. It’s probably worth looking up maps of Jacob’s travels from when he left Laban. It gives an idea of the distances involved and the path he took. Travelling is quite a theme in the Bible. Something we can relate to in our own journey of life.

Genesis 35: 16-22. The Deaths of Rachel and Isaac

16 Then they moved on from Bethel. While they were still some distance from Ephrath, Rachel began to give birth and had great difficulty. 17 And as she was having great difficulty in childbirth, the midwife said to her, “Don’t despair, for you have another son.” 18 As she breathed her last—for she was dying—she named her son Ben-Oni. But his father named him Benjamin. 19 So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem). 20 Over her tomb Jacob set up a pillar, and to this day that pillar marks Rachel’s tomb.21 Israel moved on again and pitched his tent beyond Migdal Eder. 22 While Israel was living in that region, Reuben went in and slept with his father’s concubine Bilhah, and Israel heard of it. Jacob had twelve sons: 23 The sons of Leah: Reuben the firstborn of Jacob, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar and Zebulun. 24 The sons of Rachel: Joseph and Benjamin. 25 The sons of Rachel’s servant Bilhah: Dan and Naphtali. 26 The sons of Leah’s servant Zilpah: Gad and Asher. These were the sons of Jacob, who were born to him in Paddan Aram. 27 Jacob came home to his father Isaac in Mamre, near Kiriath Arba (that is, Hebron), where Abraham and Isaac had stayed. 28 Isaac lived a hundred and eighty years. 29 Then he breathed his last and died and was gathered to his people, old and full of years. And his sons Esau and Jacob buried him.

Today we read of two significant losses. Something that is real for each and every one of us at different times in our lives. Sadly, Rachel died in childbirth – no doubt a lot more common than is the case today, but no less tragic. The baby Benjamin survived and was a full brother to Joseph. The family were still on the move, but not before Jacob ensured that he marked Rachel’s grave. We then have the seemingly incidental mention of Reuben sleeping with Bilhah, mother of two of his half -brothers and his father’s concubine. All we know is that Jacob/Israel heard of it, but no more comment or detail is given. Then we have for the first time the full list of Jacob’s sons – six to Leah, and two each to Rachel, Bilhah and Zilpah. Finally we read that the family were all together. Isaac had some time with his son Jacob and his grandsons before his life drew to a close. This account ends on a positive note. When Isaac died, both of his sons Jacob and Esau buried him. A sign of some level of reconciliation.

. Genesis 35: 8-15

8 Now Deborah, Rebekah’s nurse, died and was buried under the oak outside Bethel. So it was named Allon Bakuth. 9 After Jacob returned from Paddan Aram, God appeared to him again and blessed him. 10 God said to him, “Your name is Jacob, but you will no longer be called Jacob; your name will be Israel.” So he named him Israel. 11 And God said to him, “I am God Almighty ; be fruitful and increase in number. A nation and a community of nations will come from you, and kings will be among your descendants. 12 The land I gave to Abraham and Isaac I also give to you, and I will give this land to your descendants after you.”13 Then God went up from him at the place where he had talked with him.14 Jacob set up a stone pillar at the place where God had talked with him, and he poured out a drink offering on it; he also poured oil on it. 15 Jacob called the place where God had talked with him Bethel.

I find it interesting that Rebekah’s nurse is named here, yet Abraham’s servant about whom quite a lot was written was not named. This is the first mention of a Deborah in the Bible. Until this point, we have not been made aware that Rebekah even had a nurse. She must have had some significance for her death and burial to be included here. In this passage we are seeing the close relationship between Jacob and God being restored. Another blessing is given to him. For a second time, Jacob is told that his name will be Israel. Despite the children he already had, as a people God tells him that they should be fruitful and increase in number. We already know that much of what God says here has already been fulfilled. Jacob did indeed go on to have many descendants. God also reinforces his promise here regarding the land being given to the Israelites. This meeting with God was also marked by Jacob and the place named. Think of your own special points of meeting with God. Where did they take place? Hold on to these special memories. Expect God to meet with you as you continue in your life of faith.

Genesis 35: 1- 7 Jacob Returns to Bethel

35 Then God said to Jacob, “Go up to Bethel and settle there, and build an altar there to God, who appeared to you when you were fleeing from your brother Esau.”2 So Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, “Get rid of the foreign gods you have with you, and purify yourselves and change your clothes. 3 Then come, let us go up to Bethel, where I will build an altar to God, who answered me in the day of my distress and who has been with me wherever I have gone.” 4 So they gave Jacob all the foreign gods they had and the rings in their ears, and Jacob buried them under the oak at Shechem. 5 Then they set out, and the terror of God fell on the towns all around them so that no one pursued them.6 Jacob and all the people with him came to Luz (that is, Bethel) in the land of Canaan. 7 There he built an altar, and he called the place El Bethel, because it was there that God revealed himself to him when he was fleeing from his brother.

God speaks to Jacob, reminding him that he is still there with him, directing him, and Jacob responds. Jacob is an example to all of us as someone living a life with God. Despite the ups and downs of his own relationship with God, we see that God was and is faithful and ever present. This account shows the story of a people coming back to God, getting rid of all the things they had which were not of God, and being reconciled and cleansed to move forward again with him. Sound familiar? For us, it may not be foreign Gods in our homes, but anything that we allow to take the place of God in our lives. Examples being items that we should not possess (perhaps some books, music, ornaments, wearable items…), routines, practices (any unhelpful habits or interests). It is good to periodically have a good review and ‘clear out’. Acknowledge and confess any things that we have or haven’t done that are wrong or unhelpful, and hand them over to God. Letting go. This, the Israelites did. They then moved forward and entered Bethel in Canaan. This was a God moment in their life journey. We need such markers in our lives too.

 Genesis 34: 25-31

25 Three days later, while all of them were still in pain, two of Jacob’s sons, Simeon and Levi, Dinah’s brothers, took their swords and attacked the unsuspecting city, killing every male. 26 They put Hamor and his son Shechem to the sword and took Dinah from Shechem’s house and left.27 The sons of Jacob came upon the dead bodies and looted the city where their sister had been defiled. 28 They seized their flocks and herds and donkeys and everything else of theirs in the city and out in the fields.29 They carried off all their wealth and all their women and children, taking as plunder everything in the houses. 30 Then Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, “You have brought trouble on me by making me obnoxious to the Canaanites and Perizzites, the people living in this land. We are few in number, and if they join forces against me and attack me, I and my household will be destroyed.” 31 But they replied, “Should he have treated our sister like a prostitute?”

This is another of those ‘three days’ phrases which occur throughout the Bible. On this occasion, it seems that Hamor’s menfolk had gone through with the circumcisions – but in the end to no avail for them. Firstly, their motive for doing so was flawed. They paid for what Shechem had done to Dinah with their lives. As for Dina’s brothers, their revenge knew no bounds. Instead of Hamor and Shechem gaining everything that belonged to Jacob, the opposite occurred. Every male was killed and everyone else along with their animals were captured. Quite a macabre scene. Was Jacob pleased about what his sons had done in revenge for their sister’s honour? Not at all. He was now worried about the impact of what they had done. Perhaps the brothers had acted too much in haste. Perhaps this was a step too far. They certainly had not sought guidance from God. Even Jacob was allowing himself to worry about the consequences of their actions. This story is shocking to modern ears. Revenge is never sweet. It is rarely justified. God alone knows the right way to act – no-one had consulted him.

Genesis 34:18-24

18 Their proposal seemed good to Hamor and his son Shechem. 19 The young man, who was the most honoured of all his father’s family, lost no time in doing what they said, because he was delighted with Jacob’s daughter.20 So Hamor and his son Shechem went to the gate of their city to speak to the men of their city. 21 “These men are friendly toward us,” they said. “Let them live in our land and trade in it; the land has plenty of room for them. We can marry their daughters and they can marry ours. 22 But the men will agree to live with us as one people only on the condition that our males be circumcised, as they themselves are. 23 Won’t their livestock, their property and all their other animals become ours? So let us agree to their terms, and they will settle among us.” 24 All the men who went out of the city gate agreed with Hamor and his son Shechem, and every male in the city was circumcised.

On the surface, the condition laid down by Dinah’s brothers to be circumcised seemed reasonable. Hamor and Shechem were the influencers in their community, so it wasn’t too difficult for them to get their menfolk to agree to the condition. I expect they all thought this would make it possible for them to find new wives more easily! Contrary to other examples of negotiation between peoples, perhaps this isn’t the best example to follow! The motives on both sides are not in any way laudable or anything to do with God or his plan for his people. The motive for Hamor and Shechem was purely selfish, and the motive for Dinah’s brothers was an expression of revenge. Wise men, particularly Godly men, would pray and seek God for wisdom. This was something Jacob would ordinarily do, like his father Isaac and grandfather Abraham before him. Hamor and his people did not reckon with the purposes of Dinah’s family. They were never going to gain anything. The takeaway for today is to always think of our motives. Why we do the things we do. Knowing who we can trust.

Genesis 34: 8-17

8 But Hamor said to them, “My son Shechem has his heart set on your daughter. Please give her to him as his wife. 9 Intermarry with us; give us your daughters and take our daughters for yourselves. 10 You can settle among us; the land is open to you. Live in it, trade in it, and acquire property in it.”11 Then Shechem said to Dinah’s father and brothers, “Let me find favour in your eyes, and I will give you whatever you ask. 12 Make the price for the bride and the gift I am to bring as great as you like, and I’ll pay whatever you ask me. Only give me the young woman as my wife.” 13 Because their sister Dinah had been defiled, Jacob’s sons replied deceitfully as they spoke to Shechem and his father Hamor. 14 They said to them, “We can’t do such a thing; we can’t give our sister to a man who is not circumcised. That would be a disgrace to us. 15 We will enter into an agreement with you on one condition only: that you become like us by circumcising all your males. 16 Then we will give you our daughters and take your daughters for ourselves. We’ll settle among you and become one people with you. 17 But if you will not agree to be circumcised, we’ll take our sister and go.”

Hamor clearly thought it was acceptable to ask Jacob for Dinah’s hand in marriage for his son Shechem, despite the fact Shechem had raped her. He didn’t ask this in order to do the right thing, or as an attempt to guard her honour. He asked because it was what his son Shechem wanted. Pure selfishness. If Jacob had agreed, it would have been seen as an expected response, rather than a generous one. Hamor and Shechem would not have seen it as a gracious response from Jacob in any way. Moreso, when they suggested that both of their peoples should intermarry, Hamor unwittingly further demonstrated his ignorance about who had the upper hand. In their eyes, it was expected that they would get what they wanted and they would see themselves as being the generous party in what they were suggesting. Dinah’s brothers then set a condition, while knowing that they had no intention of allowing Dinah to be married to Shechem. Hamor and Shechem did not know that what they were asking would never happen. God’s people were never going to intermarry with Hamor’s people.

 Genesis 34:1-7 Dinah and the Shechemites

34 Now Dinah, the daughter Leah had borne to Jacob, went out to visit the women of the land. 2 When Shechem son of Hamor the Hivite, the ruler of that area, saw her, he took her and raped her. 3 His heart was drawn to Dinah daughter of Jacob; he loved the young woman and spoke tenderly to her. 4 And Shechem said to his father Hamor, “Get me this girl as my wife.” 5 When Jacob heard that his daughter Dinah had been defiled, his sons were in the fields with his livestock; so he did nothing about it until they came home. 6 Then Shechem’s father Hamor went out to talk with Jacob. 7 Meanwhile, Jacob’s sons had come in from the fields as soon as they heard what had happened. They were shocked and furious, because Shechem had done an outrageous thing in Israel by sleeping with Jacob’s daughter—a thing that should not be done.

Today’s account is shocking. Dinah, the only daughter of Jacob of whom we are aware, is subjected to rape. In the culture of the time, as in our culture today, rape is regarded as a heinous crime against another human being. This is where cultural difference becomes more obvious. It seems that Shechem was of the mind that he could do and have what he wanted. It’s a pity he didn’t think before he acted. Despite his action, it is even more abhorrent that his father decided to try and act on Shechem’s behalf and get Dinah as a wife. This, not because he felt in any way that it was the right thing to do, but because it is what he wanted, pure and simple. Here we witness a clash of culture that had not been anticipated by Hamor. Hamor had not realised what he would be facing when dealing with God’s people under Jacob. To ask Jacob for Dinah’s hand in marriage after his son had raped her was deplorable. Jacob was wise in not reacting immediately. Waiting, and getting support was the right thing to do. The family were rightly outraged. There are principles here for us to consider. How to respond in the face of such injustice and abuse.

 Genesis 33: 8-20

8 Esau asked, “What’s the meaning of all these flocks and herds I met?” “To find favour in your eyes, my lord,” he said. 9 But Esau said, “I already have plenty, my brother. Keep what you have for yourself.” 10 “No, please!” said Jacob. “If I have found favour in your eyes, accept this gift from me. For to see your face is like seeing the face of God, now that you have received me favourably. 11 Please accept the present that was brought to you, for God has been gracious to me and I have all I need.” And because Jacob insisted, Esau accepted it.12 Then Esau said, “Let us be on our way; I’ll accompany you.” 13 But Jacob said to him, “My lord knows that the children are tender and that I must care for the ewes and cows that are nursing their young. If they are driven hard just one day, all the animals will die. 14 So let my lord go on ahead of his servant, while I move along slowly at the pace of the flocks and herds before me and the pace of the children, until I come to my lord in Seir.”15 Esau said, “Then let me leave some of my men with you.” “But why do that?” Jacob asked. “Just let me find favour in the eyes of my lord.”16 So that day Esau started on his way back to Seir. 17 Jacob, however, went to Sukkoth, where he built a place for himself and made shelters for his livestock. That is why the place is called Sukkoth. 18 After Jacob came from Paddan Aram, he arrived safely at the city of Shechem in Canaan and camped within sight of the city. 19 For a hundred pieces of silver, he bought from the sons of Hamor, the father of Shechem, the plot of ground where he pitched his tent. 20 There he set up an altar and called it El Elohe Israel.

The context of this passage and the events described are shortly after Jacob’s dream where he encountered God in a unique way and came away with a new name and a limp, which could not be denied. These served as a sign of the significance of that dream and encounter. Jacob and Esau have now been reunited with each other amicably, which in some ways was in itself miraculous. Esau asked about all of the gifts that had been offered by Jacob, and after persuasion accepted them. At this point, they again parted company. Esau wanted them to go onwards together. Jacob used the excuse of the need for a slower journey with the children and animals to go his own way. This marked the beginning of more travels for Jacob and his family. Wherever he went, Jacob marked the places visited, and there is a sense of claiming these places for God. When it comes to God’s people, the Bible records a lot of journeys and travelling. Going from place to place – not always in the best way. This seems to be reflected in the journeys made by all of God’s people, whether geographically or on the journey of life. What may or may not be present is a sense of purpose in those journeys and making the right choices along the way.

1-7 Jacob Meets Esau

33 Jacob looked up and there was Esau, coming with his four hundred men; so he divided the children among Leah, Rachel and the two female servants. 2 He put the female servants and their children in front, Leah and her children next, and Rachel and Joseph in the rear. 3 He himself went on ahead and bowed down to the ground seven times as he approached his brother.4 But Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. And they wept. 5 Then Esau looked up and saw the women and children. “Who are these with you?” he asked. Jacob answered, “They are the children God has graciously given your servant.”6 Then the female servants and their children approached and bowed down. 7 Next, Leah and her children came and bowed down. Last of all came Joseph and Rachel, and they too bowed down.

The time had come for the twin brothers to meet again after over twenty years apart. It must have been an imposing sight for Jacob, seeing four hundred men advancing with Esau. Jacob put a strategy in place by putting those with him in order according to whoever he valued most. Rachel and Joseph in the safest place at the back. The greeting Jacob received when he and Esau were reunited must have been very welcome, but also very unexpected. It seems that Esau may have had a change of heart after all. There must have been so much to catch up on. Some of Jacob’s children would have been young men. Esau had never met any of Jacob’s family. I can only assume that Esau perhaps had some family of his own who may have been with him, or were more likely waiting for him at home – we know he had married two women before Jacob left to be with Laban. The account of their meeting shows a much more positive picture than was expected. A real family reunion. Time for exchange of much information and a chance for reconciliation. Perhaps something that may make us think too. Reconciliation and reunion.

 Genesis 32: 22-32 Jacob Wrestles With God

22 That night Jacob got up and took his two wives, his two female servants and his eleven sons and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. 23 After he had sent them across the stream, he sent over all his possessions. 24 So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. 25 When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob’s hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man. 26 Then the man said, “Let me go, for it is daybreak. ”But Jacob replied, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” 27 The man asked him, “What is your name?” “Jacob,” he answered. 28 Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome.” 29 Jacob said, “Please tell me your name.” But he replied, “Why do you ask my name?” Then he blessed him there. 30 So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, “It is because I saw God face to face, and yet my life was spared.” 31 The sun rose above him as he passed Peniel, and he was limping because of his hip. 32 Therefore to this day the Israelites do not eat the tendon attached to the socket of the hip, because the socket of Jacob’s hip was touched near the tendon.

Note Jacob’s poor daughter Dinah doesn’t get a mention here – even his servants seem to take precedence! First, Jacob ensures his womenfolk, children and servants are safe, then he has some precious time on his own. Except he doesn’t! We are told a man wrestled with him. There is no introduction to this man. The man remains nameless, but his identity becomes clear when we see that he blessed Jacob and renamed him – something only possible for God to do. This is one of those rare pre-incarnational appearances where here Jacob met with Christ. An experience that he would never forget. It seems that Jacob recognised that this was a man of God. However, this was no ordinary man. He would have known Jacob’s name, but from now on Jacob was to be called Israel. This was a turning point in his life. The nation of Israel would follow him. His past life was gone and the new was yet to come – a life truly lived with and for God and his people. Knowing the man’s name was not yet to be – it’s all about God’s timing. However, he received his blessing. He was also left with a limp, a sign of what had happened. This was no ordinary encounter. Think of your own connections with God – any special ‘God’ moments. Hold on to them.

 Genesis 32: 17-21

17 He instructed the one in the lead: “When my brother Esau meets you and asks, ‘Who do you belong to, and where are you going, and who owns all these animals in front of you?’ 18 then you are to say, ‘They belong to your servant Jacob. They are a gift sent to my lord Esau, and he is coming behind us.’”19 He also instructed the second, the third and all the others who followed the herds: “You are to say the same thing to Esau when you meet him.20 And be sure to say, ‘Your servant Jacob is coming behind us.’” For he thought, “I will pacify him with these gifts I am sending on ahead; later, when I see him, perhaps he will receive me.” 21 So Jacob’s gifts went on ahead of him, but he himself spent the night in the camp.

Jacob was a good leader. He was a leader in his family with his wives and children. He was also a good leader of those who cared for his livestock and the livestock of his uncle Laban. He had already been successful in sending out messengers ahead to his brother Esau, who had brought him an alert of Esau being on his way to meet him with 400 men. Jacob is shown here to be demonstrating great wisdom with his staged approach to appease Esau. When Esau received the first cohort of animals, it seems that he still showed signs of revenge towards Jacob. The strong likelihood would be that as he was met with more and more gifts, by the time he reached Jacob, he would be more prepared to be amicable. Even then, Jacob didn’t take it for granted that Esau would receive him well, but at least he would have done his best. I wonder how we approach efforts to be reconciled with family members or others where there is a rift or a broken relationship? Do we try, or do we just accept the rift? It isn’t about who is at fault. It is about the importance of reconciliation. Mending relationships. Seeking God in it all and being led by him.

Genesis 32: 9-16

9 Then Jacob prayed, “O God of my father Abraham, God of my father Isaac, Lord, you who said to me, ‘Go back to your country and your relatives, and I will make you prosper,’ 10 I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness you have shown your servant. I had only my staff when I crossed this Jordan, but now I have become two camps. 11 Save me, I pray, from the hand of my brother Esau, for I am afraid he will come and attack me, and also the mothers with their children. 12 But you have said, ‘I will surely make you prosper and will make your descendants like the sand of the sea, which cannot be counted.’”13 He spent the night there, and from what he had with him he selected a gift for his brother Esau: 14 two hundred female goats and twenty male goats, two hundred ewes and twenty rams, 15 thirty female camels with their young, forty cows and ten bulls, and twenty female donkeys and ten male donkeys. 16 He put them in the care of his servants, each herd by itself, and said to his servants, “Go ahead of me, and keep some space between the herds.”

In advance of his pending encounter after a good number of years with his brother Esau, Jacob prayed to God. Despite some deceptive actions in the past on his part, Jacob did continue to seek God and he did still seek to follow God’s lead. God had made Jacob prosper. He now had wives and a large family. We discover that Jacob acknowledged his own unworthiness of God’s help and faithfulness. This was a key element of his relationship with God. It is also important for us to recognise the same. In the face of threat from his brother, Jacob handed over his situation to God and asked God for help. Jacob was trusting in God’s promises and lamenting his situation. He prepared for his meeting with Esau and made a staged plan. Jacob is a great example of someone who despite his human failings, still came to God and sought his help then responded. He seemed to recognise his own weakness and trusted that God would see him through. This example is one to follow. We too have our own human failings, yet God will always be with us and gives us open access to his help and guidance.

 Genesis 32: 1- 8 Jacob Prepares to Meet Esau

32 Jacob also went on his way, and the angels of God met him. 2 When Jacob saw them, he said, “This is the camp of God!” So he named that place Mahanaim. 3 Jacob sent messengers ahead of him to his brother Esau in the land of Seir, the country of Edom. 4 He instructed them: “This is what you are to say to my lord Esau: ‘Your servant Jacob says, I have been staying with Laban and have remained there till now. 5 I have cattle and donkeys, sheep and goats, male and female servants. Now I am sending this message to my lord, that I may find favour in your eyes.’” 6 When the messengers returned to Jacob, they said, “We went to your brother Esau, and now he is coming to meet you, and four hundred men are with him.” 7 In great fear and distress Jacob divided the people who were with him into two groups,[ and the flocks and herds and camels as well. 8 He thought, “If Esau comes and attacks one group, the group that is left may escape.”

God is shown to be very much with Jacob. Despite everything, God has never left or forsaken him. When the angels met with him, Jacob recognised that he was in a holy place. He always responded to God and was very much in awe of God. Having parted peacefully from Laban, the next action was for Jacob to be reconciled to his brother Esau. He made sure that he was well prepared. They had not parted on good terms, and a good number of years had passed. Knowing that he was unlikely to be well received, Jacob sent people on ahead. This can be a good strategy when bridges need to be built between people with broken relationships. As Jacob would have expected, Esau was still aggrieved from their previous falling out. There were 400 men with Esau on their way to meet Jacob. However, God was very much with Jacob and Jacob put things in place to ensure the best chance of a positive outcome. It is not a bad thing to plan ahead. Including God in the planning can make all the difference.

. Genesis 31: 51-56

51 Laban also said to Jacob, “Here is this heap, and here is this pillar I have set up between you and me. 52 This heap is a witness, and this pillar is a witness, that I will not go past this heap to your side to harm you and that you will not go past this heap and pillar to my side to harm me. 53 May the God of Abraham and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge between us.” So Jacob took an oath in the name of the Fear of his father Isaac. 54 He offered a sacrifice there in the hill country and invited his relatives to a meal. After they had eaten, they spent the night there.55 Early the next morning Laban kissed his grandchildren and his daughters and blessed them. Then he left and returned home.

There are many different examples of agreements and demonstrations of trust that exist between people, both throughout Biblical times and up to the current day. One is that of marriage, where two people commit to each other, with the intention of staying together and looking out for each other for life. This covenant between two people is something that should never be entered lightly. Sadly, in reality, we know that many are unable to stick to this covenant for all manner of reasons. There are covenants and agreements and treaties between peoples, between families and between leaders. There are often witnesses to the agreement and/or a visible sign of some sort. In this instance the evidence is a heap of stones, for many situations it may be in writing. Laban and Jacob were able to part on good terms. They agreed to keep to their own territories and not to harm one another. God was very much part of it all, so it was a good thing. The occasion also involved food! Then there was a period of rest. Everyone left in peace. Can we aim to do the same with our own challenges with others?

 Genesis 31: 36-42

36 Jacob was angry and took Laban to task. “What is my crime?” he asked Laban. “How have I wronged you that you hunt me down? 37 Now that you have searched through all my goods, what have you found that belongs to your household? Put it here in front of your relatives and mine and let them judge between the two of us.38 “I have been with you for twenty years now. Your sheep and goats have not miscarried, nor have I eaten rams from your flocks. 39 I did not bring you animals torn by wild beasts; I bore the loss myself. And you demanded payment from me for whatever was stolen by day or night. 40 This was my situation: The heat consumed me in the daytime and the cold at night, and sleep fled from my eyes. 41 It was like this for the twenty years I was in your household. I worked for you fourteen years for your two daughters and six years for your flocks, and you changed my wages ten times. 42 If the God of my father, the God of Abraham and the Fear of Isaac, had not been with me, you would surely have sent me away empty-handed. But God has seen my hardship and the toil of my hands, and last night he rebuked you.”

Jacob’s crime – leaving Laban without telling him. Also, the unknown crime – Rachel having taken Laban’s gods. Jacob was also justifiably angry after the many years he has stayed with Laban and worked for him in often difficult circumstances, bringing Laban a measure of prosperity at the same time. Jacob certainly paints a sorry picture of his time with Laban! From Jacob’s perspective, he had not only earned his keep, but also made a significant contribution to Laban’s current affluence. Bear in mind that Jacob had made a long journey with his family and now felt hunted down by his uncle. Laban of course will have seen things differently. Something else that is common down the ages in human relationships – we do see things differently, and it is important to recognise this. Seeing the different views and approaches to each situation gives a fuller picture. Tolerance and understanding and forgiveness when relevant enable reconciliation, which is always God’s way and will.

Genesis 31: 30-35

30 Now you have gone off because you longed to return to your father’s household. But why did you steal my gods?”31 Jacob answered Laban, “I was afraid, because I thought you would take your daughters away from me by force. 32 But if you find anyone who has your gods, that person shall not live. In the presence of our relatives, see for yourself whether there is anything of yours here with me; and if so, take it.” Now Jacob did not know that Rachel had stolen the gods.33 So Laban went into Jacob’s tent and into Leah’s tent and into the tent of the two female servants, but he found nothing. After he came out of Leah’s tent, he entered Rachel’s tent. 34 Now Rachel had taken the household gods and put them inside her camel’s saddle and was sitting on them. Laban searched through everything in the tent but found nothing.35 Rachel said to her father, “Don’t be angry, my lord, that I cannot stand up in your presence; I’m having my period.” So he searched but could not find the household gods.

The more we read of the story of Jacob and Laban and their family, the clearer it becomes that inevitably their culture was very different to ours. We need to remember this when reading of the issues that they faced. I found myself questioning why Laban would have gods – they would be tangible items, similar to our ornaments but with a spiritual purpose. My immediate thought is that this indicates open idolatry – which it is. However, it was a normal part of Laban’s culture. Something that was widely accepted. Something of which they had clearly not felt convicted. Jacob was unaware that Rachel had Laban’s gods in her possession and was happy to co-operate with Laban’s search of his possessions. When Laban found Rachel, it would have been culturally inappropriate for him to ask her to move. I wonder what would have happened if Laban had discovered that his daughter had taken his gods. Also, why she had done it? This passage includes a lot about the less likeable aspects in human relationships. Fear, theft, deception, conflict. As we react to the issues covered, we can challenge ourselves about our own situations. Know God is there to lead and to guide.

Genesis 31: 22-29. Laban Pursues Jacob

22 On the third day Laban was told that Jacob had fled. 23 Taking his relatives with him, he pursued Jacob for seven days and caught up with him in the hill country of Gilead. 24 Then God came to Laban the Aramean in a dream at night and said to him, “Be careful not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad.”25 Jacob had pitched his tent in the hill country of Gilead when Laban overtook him, and Laban and his relatives camped there too. 26 Then Laban said to Jacob, “What have you done? You’ve deceived me, and you’ve carried off my daughters like captives in war. 27 Why did you run off secretly and deceive me? Why didn’t you tell me, so I could send you away with joy and singing to the music of timbrels and harps? 28 You didn’t even let me kiss my grandchildren and my daughters goodbye. You have done a foolish thing. 29 I have the power to harm you; but last night the God of your father said to me, ‘Be careful not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad.’

The first thing I note here is one of many instances of ‘On the third day’. I’m surprised Laban hadn’t noticed that Jacob was missing earlier – it certainly gave him a head start in those days of travelling by foot and animal power! Laban must have been very determined to stop him, by travelling at no notice for seven days before catching him up. The next thing to notice is God communicating directly with Laban. I wonder how he would have approached the situation if that had not taken place? Jacob and Laban were in dispute with each other. This situation was something we have all experienced – being in disagreement, feeling aggrieved. Such a situation is best resolved, rather than being allowed to continue and causing division. Most people do not like confrontation or to deal with conflicts directly, but it is usually the best option. Facing things head on, but in a measured way. Laban chose well. Not only did he approach Jacob, but he also paid heed to God’s guidance. He even shared it with Jacob. Neither was completely innocent, here is a chance for reconciliation.

Genesis 31:10-21

10 “In breeding season I once had a dream in which I looked up and saw that the male goats mating with the flock were streaked, speckled or spotted. 11 The angel of God said to me in the dream, ‘Jacob.’ I answered, ‘Here I am.’ 12 And he said, ‘Look up and see that all the male goats mating with the flock are streaked, speckled or spotted, for I have seen all that Laban has been doing to you. 13 I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed a pillar and where you made a vow to me. Now leave this land at once and go back to your native land.’”14 Then Rachel and Leah replied, “Do we still have any share in the inheritance of our father’s estate? 15 Does he not regard us as foreigners? Not only has he sold us, but he has used up what was paid for us. 16 Surely all the wealth that God took away from our father belongs to us and our children. So do whatever God has told you.”17 Then Jacob put his children and his wives on camels, 18 and he drove all his livestock ahead of him, along with all the goods he had accumulated in Paddan Aram, to go to his father Isaac in the land of Canaan.19 When Laban had gone to shear his sheep, Rachel stole her father’s household gods. 20 Moreover, Jacob deceived Laban the Aramean by not telling him he was running away. 21 So he fled with all he had, crossed the Euphrates River, and headed for the hill country of Gilead.

Jacob shares a dream with his wives. His wives are convinced by what has happened and agree to go with him. It must have been a large group who set out to travel back to Jacob’s homeland in Canaan. Wives, children, servants, animals. This was to be a journey of several weeks. Jacob didn’t tell anyone they were leaving, but it would not have been long before they were missed. This would be an important turning point in the life of Jacob and all his family. They were all leaving their own life as they had known it, to be in unfamiliar territory. Jacob’s dream was the trigger for their departure and gave assurance that God would be with them. Jacob had been treated unfairly by Laban and God had intervened in this context of unjust treatment. Jacob gained the co-operation of his wives, and they set out with him on this new adventure and new era in their lives. As Rachel stole Laban’s gods, this is another example of God’s intervention despite human flaws. This principle happens again and again throughout human history. As Jacob was led by God, we too can be similarly led. Trusting God in all circumstances despite everything. God takes what we have and uses it. We in turn are encouraged to obey and trust.

 Genesis 31: 1-9 Jacob Flees From Laban

31 Jacob heard that Laban’s sons were saying, “Jacob has taken everything our father owned and has gained all this wealth from what belonged to our father.” 2 And Jacob noticed that Laban’s attitude toward him was not what it had been. 3 Then the Lord said to Jacob, “Go back to the land of your fathers and to your relatives, and I will be with you.” 4 So Jacob sent word to Rachel and Leah to come out to the fields where his flocks were. 5 He said to them, “I see that your father’s attitude toward me is not what it was before, but the God of my father has been with me.6 You know that I’ve worked for your father with all my strength, 7 yet your father has cheated me by changing my wages ten times. However, God has not allowed him to harm me. 8 If he said, ‘The speckled ones will be your wages,’ then all the flocks gave birth to speckled young; and if he said, ‘The streaked ones will be your wages,’ then all the flocks bore streaked young.9 So God has taken away your father’s livestock and has given them to me.

Despite all that has gone before, and despite the unrest that Jacob’s actions have caused to Laban’s family, God is still with Jacob. This shows to me that God’s involvement with people is not dependent on how we behave. We can see behaviour that is not what we would see as honouring to God (and there is plenty of it in the book of Genesis and throughout the Bible!), yet God is often still seen as intervening and interacting. This is certainly the case in the story of Jacob’s life. God here tells Jacob that he will be with him, despite everything. I think this is a principle that we all need to grasp. God does not appear and disappear indiscriminately. God does promise to be with his people and to never fail or forsake them. We have the choice as to how we interact or respond. Jacob certainly did work for Laban faithfully. God has been with him throughout and richly blessed him. Jacob attributed everything to God. The time has come for him to go to his homeland with his family. We might argue that Laban’s family have been treated unfairly. The story continues to unfold.

Genesis 30: 35-43

35 That same day he removed all the male goats that were streaked or spotted, and all the speckled or spotted female goats (all that had white on them) and all the dark-colored lambs, and he placed them in the care of his sons. 36 Then he put a three-day journey between himself and Jacob, while Jacob continued to tend the rest of Laban’s flocks. 37 Jacob, however, took fresh-cut branches from poplar, almond and plane trees and made white stripes on them by peeling the bark and exposing the white inner wood of the branches. 38 Then he placed the peeled branches in all the watering troughs, so that they would be directly in front of the flocks when they came to drink. When the flocks were in heat and came to drink, 39 they mated in front of the branches. And they bore young that were streaked or speckled or spotted. 40 Jacob set apart the young of the flock by themselves, but made the rest face the streaked and dark-coloured animals that belonged to Laban. Thus he made separate flocks for himself and did not put them with Laban’s animals. 41 Whenever the stronger females were in heat, Jacob would place the branches in the troughs in front of the animals so they would mate near the branches, 42 but if the animals were weak, he would not place them there. So the weak animals went to Laban and the strong ones to Jacob. 43 In this way the man grew exceedingly prosperous and came to own large flocks, and female and male servants, and camels and donkeys.

This passage demonstrates more of Jacob’s resourcefulness. He had served Laban for 14 years to win the hand of Leah (not intended) and Rachel, who he truly loved. He managed Laban’s flocks. When Laban tried to delay his desired wish to return to his homeland, Laban tried to delay him. Jacob then came up with a proposal that on the face of it seemed reasonable. This was to take the speckled, spotted and dark coloured animals as his wages. Somehow he managed to influence the mating outcome of the animals, so that they produced speckled and spotted offspring, which of course would then become his. This vastly improved his share. As before, Jacob did not stop at anything to get a desired outcome. Laban had exploited Jacob and now Jacob had resourcefully done the same. This does raise some questions.e However, one thing is sure – God was with Jacob. Laban benefitted while Jacob was with him. Jacob was now ensuring the future of himself and his family. We see again and again how God uses human actions even when they are not the best. However, it is good to get a balance when decision making. We need to use our talents while seeking God’s leading and trusting him for the outcome.

Genesis 30: 25-34. Jacob’s Flocks Increase

25 After Rachel gave birth to Joseph, Jacob said to Laban, “Send me on my way so I can go back to my own homeland. 26 Give me my wives and children, for whom I have served you, and I will be on my way. You know how much work I’ve done for you.” 27 But Laban said to him, “If I have found favour in your eyes, please stay. I have learned by divination that the Lord has blessed me because of you.”28 He added, “Name your wages, and I will pay them.” 29 Jacob said to him, “You know how I have worked for you and how your livestock has fared under my care. 30 The little you had before I came has increased greatly, and the Lord has blessed you wherever I have been. But now, when may I do something for my own household?” 31 “What shall I give you?” he asked. “Don’t give me anything,” Jacob replied. “But if you will do this one thing for me, I will go on tending your flocks and watching over them: 32 Let me go through all your flocks today and remove from them every speckled or spotted sheep, every dark-coloured lamb and every spotted or speckled goat. They will be my wages. 33 And my honesty will testify for me in the future, whenever you check on the wages you have paid me. Any goat in my possession that is not speckled or spotted, or any lamb that is not dark-coloured, will be considered stolen.” 34 “Agreed,” said Laban. “Let it be as you have said.”

Most of Jacob’s children were grandchildren to Laban. Now Jacob asked him to let them return to his homeland, which was some distance away. This would mean that Laban wouldn’t see his daughters or grandchildren, although perhaps relationships then were not quite the same as they are today. Understandably, Laban does not want them to go. I note that Laban says he had learned that God had blessed him because of Jacob ‘through divination’. Such practices were far more accepted then. We then get presented with a challenge. It demonstrates how shrewd Jacob can be – this conflicting notion of Jacob on the one hand claiming honesty, while at the same time things were about to take a new turn. Jacob had been a faithful and reliable worker over the years, but he certainly knew how to turn things to his own advantage. He had gone through 14 years of labour for his wives and now his plan was to return to his homeland, but not without his own gain. He certainly demonstrated good negotiation skills. His next steps are a step towards that goal.

Genesis 30: 14-24

14 During wheat harvest, Reuben went out into the fields and found some mandrake plants, which he brought to his mother Leah. Rachel said to Leah, “Please give me some of your son’s mandrakes.” 15 But she said to her, “Wasn’t it enough that you took away my husband? Will you take my son’s mandrakes too?” “Very well,” Rachel said, “he can sleep with you tonight in return for your son’s mandrakes.” 16 So when Jacob came in from the fields that evening, Leah went out to meet him. “You must sleep with me,” she said. “I have hired you with my son’s mandrakes.” So he slept with her that night. 17 God listened to Leah, and she became pregnant and bore Jacob a fifth son. 18 Then Leah said, “God has rewarded me for giving my servant to my husband.” So she named him Issachar. 19 Leah conceived again and bore Jacob a sixth son. 20 Then Leah said, “God has presented me with a precious gift. This time my husband will treat me with honour, because I have borne him six sons.” So she named him Zebulun. 21 Some time later she gave birth to a daughter and named her Dinah. 22 Then God remembered Rachel; he listened to her and enabled her to conceive. 23 She became pregnant and gave birth to a son and said, “God has taken away my disgrace.” 24 She named him Joseph, and said, “May the Lord add to me another son.”

A few years have passed Reuben was old enough to go out on his own. Despite knowing that Jacob had wanted to marry Rachel before her, Leah accused Rachel of taking Jacob off her – she had stopped producing children. They bargained with each other and the result is two more sons for Leah – Issachar and Zebulun. Note that this is because we are told that God listened to Leah. Leah also gave credit to God. In my mind this is definitely one of many instances of God’s ways not being our ways. There are times when God seems to use our own weaknesses and failings towards his own purpose. Of course, that shouldn’t encourage us to do what we want! Leah did seem to miss the point as well, seeing it as God rewarding her for giving her servant to her husband. The birth of Dinah as a girl went almost unnoticed. Finally, Rachel is blessed with a child herself, and gives birth to Joseph. This takes Jacob’s total of children up to twelve. Seven to Leah, two each to Bilhah and Zillah, one to Rachel. His family is almost complete.

Genesis 30: 1-13

30 When Rachel saw that she was not bearing Jacob any children, she became jealous of her sister. So she said to Jacob, “Give me children, or I’ll die!” 2 Jacob became angry with her and said, “Am I in the place of God, who has kept you from having children?” 3 Then she said, “Here is Bilhah, my servant. Sleep with her so that she can bear children for me and I too can build a family through her.” 4 So she gave him her servant Bilhah as a wife. Jacob slept with her, 5 and she became pregnant and bore him a son. 6 Then Rachel said, “God has vindicated me; he has listened to my plea and given me a son.” Because of this she named him Dan. 7 Rachel’s servant Bilhah conceived again and bore Jacob a second son.8 Then Rachel said, “I have had a great struggle with my sister, and I have won.” So she named him Naphtali. 9 When Leah saw that she had stopped having children, she took her servant Zilpah and gave her to Jacob as a wife. 10 Leah’s servant Zilpah bore Jacob a son. 11 Then Leah said, “What good fortune!” So she named him Gad. 12 Leah’s servant Zilpah bore Jacob a second son. 13 Then Leah said, “How happy I am! The women will call me happy.” So she named him Asher.

It’s difficult to imagine what it must have been like for Rachel, watching Leah produce one child after another, and not just having children, but all sons. It’s fully understandable that she would feel jealous. As we have seen before, it was accepted practice for a woman to have children indirectly, through a servant. We don’t know why God would give Rachel children through a third party and not to enable her to give birth herself – perhaps this is an example of God’s timing (knowing what is to follow). As with Abraham and Sarah before them, in this context, two sons were born via Bilhah called Dan and Naphtali. Half-brothers to Leah’s children. There then followed what was a bit like a competition – Leah used her servant Zilpah to produce more children, Gad and Asher– half-brothers to all the others. Jacob now has eight sons born to three women. Just his favourite wife Rachel still hasn’t given birth herself. Through all this, we have an example of a tendency we can have to justify anything just because we want it. Of course, that doesn’t make it right.

 Genesis 29: 31-35. Jacob’s Children

31 When the Lord saw that Leah was not loved, he enabled her to conceive, but Rachel remained childless. 32 Leah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Reuben, for she said, “It is because the Lord has seen my misery. Surely my husband will love me now.” 33 She conceived again, and when she gave birth to a son she said, “Because the Lord heard that I am not loved, he gave me this one too.” So she named him Simeon. 34 Again she conceived, and when she gave birth to a son she said, “Now at last my husband will become attached to me, because I have borne him three sons.” So he was named Levi.35 She conceived again, and when she gave birth to a son she said, “This time I will praise the Lord.” So she named him Judah. Then she stopped having children.

This passage shows us how God can be involved in all aspects of our lives. Having children had a lot to do with status for women. Despite lacking in love from her husband, Leah was blessed in her role as mother. The opposite was true for Rachel. We are told how Leah gave birth to four sons, and the names will be familiar to many of us. Reuben being the eldest – imagine the joy when she gave birth to her first son. God was certainly with her and she also in turn gave credit to God. She must have gone through a lot of emotional pain if she felt unloved by Jacob. We know that she had help from Zilpah. Rachel and Bilhah were also living in the household, so there would have been plenty of help available for the growing family. Another phase of God’s promise to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob was being lived out as more of the promised descendants were born. These would then go on to father descendants in their turn, and be remembered to this day. Rachel like many women before her experienced childlessness, and all that went with being barren. However, she would come to leave a legacy behind.

Genesis 29: 25-30

25 When morning came, there was Leah! So Jacob said to Laban, “What is this you have done to me? I served you for Rachel, didn’t I? Why have you deceived me?”

26 Laban replied, “It is not our custom here to give the younger daughter in marriage before the older one. 27 Finish this daughter’s bridal week; then we will give you the younger one also, in return for another seven years of work.”

28 And Jacob did so. He finished the week with Leah, and then Laban gave him his daughter Rachel to be his wife. 29 Laban gave his servant Bilhah to his daughter Rachel as her attendant. 30 Jacob made love to Rachel also, and his love for Rachel was greater than his love for Leah. And he worked for Laban another seven years.

I wonder what Jacob felt like when he woke up to find Leah, and what Leah herself thought about the whole affair! Deception and corruption seem to have been commonplace in the story of Jacob so far. The worst of human nature is being enacted – people who will do anything to get what they want at the expense of someone else. It wasn’t good that this happened to Jacob, and I wonder if he found himself reflecting on what he had done to his father and his brother? Jacob went through with the requirements laid down by Laban to win Rachel as his bride. We find ourselves embroiled in a web of complex relationships. Two wives who are sisters and already closely related to him. The inbreeding and the dual relationships that would arise for any children (both brothers/sisters/half-brothers and sisters and cousins). To his credit, Jacob stayed and worked for another seven years. Now he had two wives, each with an attendant. Add in the factor that he loved Rachel more than Leah – a breeding ground for jealousy and contempt. Yet God had his own plans….

 Genesis 29: 14b-24 Jacob Marries Leah and Rachel

After Jacob had stayed with him for a whole month, 15 Laban said to him, “Just because you are a relative of mine, should you work for me for nothing? Tell me what your wages should be.” 16 Now Laban had two daughters; the name of the older was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. 17 Leah had weak eyes, but Rachel had a lovely figure and was beautiful. 18 Jacob was in love with Rachel and said, “I’ll work for you seven years in return for your younger daughter Rachel.”

19 Laban said, “It’s better that I give her to you than to some other man. Stay here with me.” 20 So Jacob served seven years to get Rachel, but they seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her.21 Then Jacob said to Laban, “Give me my wife. My time is completed, and I want to make love to her.” 22 So Laban brought together all the people of the place and gave a feast.23 But when evening came, he took his daughter Leah and brought her to Jacob, and Jacob made love to her. 24 And Laban gave his servant Zilpah to his daughter as her attendant.

At the beginning of this reading, Laban comes over as very fair and reasonable. It seems that Jacob had been earning his keep and helping out, and Laban acknowledges this and speaks to him about financial recompense. It appears that Jacob was more interested in Laban’s daughter Rachel than money! I found myself feeling a little uncomfortable about the contrast in the description of Leah and Rachel. All the writer could record about Leah was about her weak eyes, while Rachel was given a very flattering description. The narrative moves forward and we discover that Laban was not quite as reasonable man as we first thought. Seven years is a long time for Jacob to work to gain the woman of his dreams. Laban had led Jacob to believe that he was to marry Rachel. Now Jacob was to become the victim of deception himself. Laban gave him the wrong daughter! I will always wonder how Jacob didn’t know it was Rachel. Now now the tables are turned and Jacob still has to wait to gain Rachel.

 Genesis 29: 9-14

9 While he was still talking with them, Rachel came with her father’s sheep, for she was a shepherd. 10 When Jacob saw Rachel daughter of his uncle Laban, and Laban’s sheep, he went over and rolled the stone away from the mouth of the well and watered his uncle’s sheep. 11 Then Jacob kissed Rachel and began to weep aloud. 12 He had told Rachel that he was a relative of her father and a son of Rebekah. So she ran and told her father. 13 As soon as Laban heard the news about Jacob, his sister’s son, he hurried to meet him. He embraced him and kissed him and brought him to his home, and there Jacob told him all these things. 14 Then Laban said to him, “You are my own flesh and blood.”

It’s interesting to see that women were shepherds as well as men. It shows that women were equally capable of being there for the sheep as their male counterparts. Rachel would not have known that on that day, her future would take a completely different turn. First Jacob brings himself to her attention by rolling the stone away for her. Then he took it upon himself to water her sheep (unlike when his grandfather’s servant first met his mother Rebekah, when Rebekah did this for his camels). Then Jacob greeted Rachel with a kiss and revealed who his family were and who he was. Then Laban came to meet his nephew. There is such a positive and strong sense of family connection demonstrated here. They didn’t need to know each other well. As Laban said, ‘You are my own flesh and blood’. Family is and was so important to the Jewish people. God had been with the whole family throughout, leading and guiding and those involved all acknowledged God’s role in what took place. We have here a great example to follow.

 Genesis 29: 1- 8 Jacob Arrives in Paddan Aram

29 Then Jacob continued on his journey and came to the land of the eastern peoples. 2 There he saw a well in the open country, with three flocks of sheep lying near it because the flocks were watered from that well. The stone over the mouth of the well was large. 3 When all the flocks were gathered there, the shepherds would roll the stone away from the well’s mouth and water the sheep. Then they would return the stone to its place over the mouth of the well. 4 Jacob asked the shepherds, “My brothers, where are you from?” “We’re from Harran,” they replied. 5 He said to them, “Do you know Laban, Nahor’s grandson?” “Yes, we know him,” they answered. 6 Then Jacob asked them, “Is he well?” “Yes, he is,” they said, “and here comes his daughter Rachel with the sheep.” 7 “Look,” he said, “the sun is still high; it is not time for the flocks to be gathered. Water the sheep and take them back to pasture.” 8 “We can’t,” they replied, “until all the flocks are gathered and the stone has been rolled away from the mouth of the well. Then we will water the sheep.”

Journeying is something that we all do, whether literally when travelling geographically, or more virtually as we travel through life. Some journeys are long, as was that of Jacob, and some much shorter, lasting only a few minutes. Some we repeat regularly and some we only do once in a lifetime. All journeys have a destination, or result in an arrival, and Jacob is recorded as arriving in a place called here, ‘the land of the eastern peoples’. He comes to a well. Wells seem to feature quite a lot in the Bible, and they have been mentioned a few times in our accounts of the lives of Jacob, Isaac and Abraham. They seemed to be places of meeting, as well as places of refreshing – being where water could be obtained. As with Abraham’s servant when he met Rebekah at a well, now Jacob meets Laban’s daughter Rachel. God was still very much with him, leading and guiding. The conversation he had with the shepherds was a good beginning in building relationship and trust with the shepherds. When everyone at the well was finally together, then they would join up to remove the stone from the well and water the sheep together. As they needed each other, so do we.

 Genesis 28: 16-22

16 When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it.” 17 He was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven.”

18 Early the next morning Jacob took the stone he had placed under his head and set it up as a pillar and poured oil on top of it. 19 He called that place Bethel, though the city used to be called Luz. 20 Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and will watch over me on this journey I am taking and will give me food to eat and clothes to wear 21 so that I return safely to my father’s household, then the Lord[f]will be my God 22 and this stone that I have set up as a pillar will be God’s house, and of all that you give me I will give you a tenth.”

Jacob has been given an amazing vision and has been given a firm promise – building on God’s promise to his father and grandfather before him. God is very much with him, and he come to realise this in a new and real way, much as we do at our point of coming to faith. Jacob responded by marking the place and anointing the spot where he had slept. He also responded with a vow of his own, promising faithfulness to his Father God, and introducing the concept of giving a tenth of all that he is given. Are you aware of God’s presence with you today? God is with us wherever we are and wherever we go. Seek his presence now. God watches over us, and he provides for us. We need to trust him and depend on him in all things. Do you need to respond to this and thank him and trust him for his provision? Finally, Jacob vowed to give God a tenth of all he had. When did you last review your giving? Giving of your income, your possessions/hospitality, your time and gifting? God will bless us as we respond to his message today.

. Genesis 28: 10-15 Jacob’s Dream at Bethel

10 Jacob left Beersheba and set out for Harran. 11 When he reached a certain place, he stopped for the night because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones there, he put it under his head and lay down to sleep. 12 He had a dream in which he saw a stairway resting on the earth, with its top reaching to heaven, and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. 13 There above it stood the Lord, and he said: “I am the Lord, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you are lying. 14 Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and to the east, to the north and to the south. All peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring. 15 I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”

Jacob took the advice of his father and went to find his uncle Laban with a view to marrying within the family. This was not a minor undertaking. Quite a journey – apparently several weeks. We now read of a dream that he had. It must have been quite vivid. I wonder how many dreams you remember? I only remember a few, and most of them only briefly. We have this dream of Jacob’s recorded for posterity. A stairway linking earth with heaven, and angels going up and down, with God at the top. Then we read familiar words – words that have been spoken already in some form to both Abraham his grandfather and Isaac his father. The theme continues – that of being Abraham and his descendants being given the land in which they currently still live as foreigners, and being blessed with what seems to be an vast number of descendants. As we look around today, the Jewish people are certainly spread out across the world and have survived against the odds. We read of God continuing to interact with his people through Abraham, Isaac and now Jacob. There is still the continuing theme of promise, and hope, and God with them and us.

Genesis 28:1-9

28 So Isaac called for Jacob and blessed him. Then he commanded him: “Do not marry a Canaanite woman. 2 Go at once to Paddan Aram, to the house of your mother’s father Bethuel. Take a wife for yourself there, from among the daughters of Laban, your mother’s brother. 3 May God Almighty bless you and make you fruitful and increase your numbers until you become a community of peoples. 4 May he give you and your descendants the blessing given to Abraham, so that you may take possession of the land where you now reside as a foreigner, the land God gave to Abraham.” 5 Then Isaac sent Jacob on his way, and he went to Paddan Aram, to Laban son of Bethuel the Aramean, the brother of Rebekah, who was the mother of Jacob and Esau. 6 Now Esau learned that Isaac had blessed Jacob and had sent him to Paddan Aram to take a wife from there, and that when he blessed him he commanded him, “Do not marry a Canaanite woman,” 7 and that Jacob had obeyed his father and mother and had gone to Paddan Aram. 8 Esau then realized how displeasing the Canaanite women were to his father Isaac; 9 so he went to Ishmael and married Mahalath, the sister of Nebaioth and daughter of Ishmael son of Abraham, in addition to the wives he already had.

Now Isaac follows through from the idea given to him by his wife Rebekah and blesses Jacob (despite what he’s done), sending him away to find a wife from their people on Rebekah’s side of the family. Isaac advised Jacob to marry one of his maternal cousins. We will go on to see that God did indeed make Jacob fruitful – building on the promised blessing to Abraham his grandfather. Their people still lived as foreigners in the land promised to them – and it would be some time yet before it would become theirs. God’s plan was moving forward through Jacob and through his father Isaac’s intervention. Jacob had a long journey ahead of him. I question whether Rebekah ever saw her family. They didn’t have the communication methods that we have today, and they lived a long way away. It was a totally different culture. Add to this Esau’s reponse to the situation. He was understandably aggrieved. However, he doesn’t do anything to try and endear himself to his parents. He already had two wives didn’t please them, and now he does the same again, marrying someone from his paternal half-uncle Ishmael’s family. As we say – two wrongs don’t make a right. Esau doesn’t seem to learn. Obedience was being demonstrated by Jacob along with revenge from Esau. Jacob left his family as advised. A new era dawns.

Genesis 27: 37-46

37 Isaac answered Esau, “I have made him lord over you and have made all his relatives his servants, and I have sustained him with grain and new wine. So what can I possibly do for you, my son?” 38 Esau said to his father, “Do you have only one blessing, my father? Bless me too, my father!” Then Esau wept aloud. 39 His father Isaac answered him, “Your dwelling will be away from the earth’s richness, away from the dew of heaven above. 40 You will live by the sword and you will serve your brother. But when you grow restless, you will throw his yoke from off your neck.”

41 Esau held a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing his father had given him. He said to himself, “The days of mourning for my father are near; then I will kill my brother Jacob.” 42 When Rebekah was told what her older son Esau had said, she sent for her younger son Jacob and said to him, “Your brother Esau is planning to avenge himself by killing you. 43 Now then, my son, do what I say: Flee at once to my brother Laban in Harran. 44 Stay with him for a while until your brother’s fury subsides. 45 When your brother is no longer angry with you and forgets what you did to him, I’ll send word for you to come back from there. Why should I lose both of you in one day? 46 Then Rebekah said to Isaac, “I’m disgusted with living because of these Hittite women. If Jacob takes a wife from among the women of this land, from Hittite women like these, my life will not be worth living.”

Following Jacob’s deception of his father and brother, Isaac responds to Esau in the only way that he can. It is in fact very similar to what happened between himself and his older half brother Ishmael. As Isaac was the chosen younger brother, Jacob will be the chosen younger brother. Isaac because he was the son of his parents’ marriage and Jacob through means of deception. The path before them is cast and Isaac tells Esau how it will be. He nevertheless speaks with compassion. Esau’s reaction with plans of revenge is understandable. However, it would not be the way God would have chosen for him. Murder is never an acceptable option. Rebekah’s solution is to send Jacob away. The ‘time will heal’ approach (and of course, it usually does). Even then, she uses some other pretext about prospective marriage partners to persuade Isaac to get Jacob to go. Life is not always fair. Sometimes it is because of the deliberate choices made by us, and sometimes it is because of events beyond our control. When things don’t go as they should, or are taken out of our hands, the important thing is what we do about it. Sometimes creating distance is the right answer, sometimes seeking reconciliation and forgiving. Are there any such challenges for you at this time? What is God’s solution?

Genesis 27:30-36

30 After Isaac finished blessing him, and Jacob had scarcely left his father’s presence, his brother Esau came in from hunting. 31 He too prepared some tasty food and brought it to his father. Then he said to him, “My father, please sit up and eat some of my game, so that you may give me your blessing.” 32 His father Isaac asked him, “Who are you?” “I am your son,” he answered, “your firstborn, Esau.”

33 Isaac trembled violently and said, “Who was it, then, that hunted game and brought it to me? I ate it just before you came and I blessed him—and indeed he will be blessed!” 34 When Esau heard his father’s words, he burst out with a loud and bitter cry and said to his father, “Bless me—me too, my father!” 35 But he said, “Your brother came deceitfully and took your blessing.” 36 Esau said, “Isn’t he rightly named Jacob? This is the second time he has taken advantage of me: He took my birthright, and now he’s taken my blessing!” Then he asked, “Haven’t you reserved any blessing for me?”

Now what has happened comes to light for Esau and I can’t help feeling sorry for him. Perhaps it’s just as well that his path didn’t cross with Jacob at this point. He must have felt incredibly betrayed – although likely unaware of the role of his mother at this point. It is difficult to imagine how Isaac must have felt when Esau arrived and he discovered the deception. Now he heard Esau’s voice and it must have begun to dawn on him that all was not as it should be. How terrible for them both as realisation hit! Isaac deceived by his son and Esau by his brother. There was no turning back. Isaac had to face the fact that he had blessed the wrong son, and Esau had to come to terms with the fact that he had a brother that had been prepared to deceive him more than once. Both were justifiably aggrieved. Injustice and unfairness are always difficult to deal with, yet they are sadly very much part of life. What can we do to ensure that we stand against injustice and do what we can to ensure that all are treated fairly?

Genesis 27: 25-29

25 Then he said, “My son, bring me some of your game to eat, so that I may give you my blessing.” Jacob brought it to him and he ate; and he brought some wine and he drank. 26 Then his father Isaac said to him, “Come here, my son, and kiss me.”

27 So he went to him and kissed him. When Isaac caught the smell of his clothes, he blessed him and said, “Ah, the smell of my son is like the smell of a field that the Lord has blessed. 28 May God give you heaven’s dew and earth’s richness— an abundance of grain and new wine. 29 May nations serve you and peoples bow down to you. Be lord over your brothers and may the sons of your mother bow down to you. May those who curse you be cursed and those who bless you be blessed.”

I do find these passages difficult, but it does remind us that no human being is perfect, all human beings are flawed, and it is not a bad idea to remind ourselves that however good or well-meaning we think we are, that very much applies to us too. Jacob is a great example of someone who did deliberate wrong yet was still very much used by God. He had the blessing of his earthly father and was later very much blessed by his heavenly father as well. What Isaac said to Jacob by way of blessing was also very prophetic. When he spoke of nations serving him and peoples bowing down to him and being lord over his brothers and sons bowing down, it makes me think of what was to come, particularly with Joseph but also ultimately with Jesus himself. We need to be reminded that God’s ways are not our ways and that often they don’t make sense to our human minds. We can therefore be open to seeking God in unexpected places and to be part of whatever he is doing.

Genesis 27: 15-24

15 Then Rebekah took the best clothes of Esau her older son, which she had in the house, and put them on her younger son Jacob. 16 She also covered his hands and the smooth part of his neck with the goatskins. 17 Then she handed to her son Jacob the tasty food and the bread she had made.18 He went to his father and said, “My father.” “Yes, my son,” he answered. “Who is it?” 19 Jacob said to his father, “I am Esau your firstborn. I have done as you told me. Please sit up and eat some of my game, so that you may give me your blessing.” 20 Isaac asked his son, “How did you find it so quickly, my son?” “The Lord your God gave me success,” he replied.21 Then Isaac said to Jacob, “Come near so I can touch you, my son, to know whether you really are my son Esau or not.” 22 Jacob went close to his father Isaac, who touched him and said, “The voice is the voice of Jacob, but the hands are the hands of Esau.” 23 He did not recognize him, for his hands were hairy like those of his brother Esau;so he proceeded to bless him. 24 “Are you really my son Esau?” he asked. “I am,” he replied.

Can you think of any times in your life when you have done something wrong and then denied it? I can think of one or two – particularly from childhood. Even pre-schoolers are capable of such action ‘Mummy said….’, when she didn’t! Pitting parents against each other. This certainly seems to be going on here – but at the instigation of Rebekah, the mother. Why? Both Esau and Jacob were her sons. Even if she did prefer Jacob, did she dislike Esau that much that she would take everything from him in favour of Jacob? Even worse, she takes Esau’s clothes without him knowing. The depth of the deception was unjustifiable. However, there is much evidence of similar behaviour throughout the ages. We all have choices. We may get an idea to do something wrong, but we don’t have to go through with it. In this account of what Rebekah and Jacob did, we see the whole process of the idea and then how to make it happen. At any stage, they could have held back, but neither of them did. Isaac had his suspicions, but Jacob blatantly lied to him. Perhaps any distaste we feel about this will make us think twice next time we are tempted to do something wrong againist another

 Genesis 26:34 – 27:14 Jacob Takes Esau’s Blessing

34 When Esau was forty years old, he married Judith daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and also Basemath daughter of Elon the Hittite. 35 They were a source of grief to Isaac and Rebekah.

27 When Isaac was old and his eyes were so weak that he could no longer see, he called for Esau his older son and said to him, “My son.” “Here I am,” he answered.

2 Isaac said, “I am now an old man and don’t know the day of my death.3 Now then, get your equipment—your quiver and bow—and go out to the open country to hunt some wild game for me. 4 Prepare me the kind of tasty food I like and bring it to me to eat, so that I may give you my blessing before I die.” 5 Now Rebekah was listening as Isaac spoke to his son Esau. When Esau left for the open country to hunt game and bring it back, 6 Rebekah said to her son Jacob, “Look, I overheard your father say to your brother Esau,7 ‘Bring me some game and prepare me some tasty food to eat, so that I may give you my blessing in the presence of the Lord before I die.’ 8 Now, my son, listen carefully and do what I tell you: 9 Go out to the flock and bring me two choice young goats, so I can prepare some tasty food for your father, just the way he likes it. 10 Then take it to your father to eat, so that he may give you his blessing before he dies.” 11 Jacob said to Rebekah his mother, “But my brother Esau is a hairy man while I have smooth skin. 12 What if my father touches me? I would appear to be tricking him and would bring down a curse on myself rather than a blessing.” 13 His mother said to him, “My son, let the curse fall on me. Just do what I say; go and get them for me.”14 So he went and got them and brought them to his mother, and she prepared some tasty food, just the way his father liked it.

Despite Esau marrying women who were not approved of by his parents and we are told caused them much grief, Isaac still intended to honour the tradition of passing on his blessing to Esau as the first born of his two sons (even though only by a short time as the elder twin). However, in the same way as Jacob stole Esau’s birthright, he now goes on to steal Esau’s blessing. Admittedly, Esau didn’t seem to be making much effort to honour his parents, but what Rebekah and Jacob did was not in any way behaviour that was honouring to God or to Isaac. When Rebekah suggested Jacob go and get the food that Isaac wanted, Jacob’s main concern was not to challenge the suggestion as wrong. Far from it – he colluded with his mother in the deception and his concern was how to convince his father that he was in fact his brother! While Isaac was out doing what his father had asked him to do, his mother and brother were scheming against him. I can’t make sense of it, except to say it is another example of injustice and deception. It seems it is an ingrained part of the human condition. We are seeing this more and more. Can we learn from it?

 Genesis 26: 26-33

26 Meanwhile, Abimelek had come to him from Gerar, with Ahuzzath his personal adviser and Phicol the commander of his forces. 27 Isaac asked them, “Why have you come to me, since you were hostile to me and sent me away?”

28 They answered, “We saw clearly that the Lord was with you; so we said, ‘There ought to be a sworn agreement between us’—between us and you. Let us make a treaty with you 29 that you will do us no harm, just as we did not harm you but always treated you well and sent you away peacefully. And now you are blessed by the Lord.” 30 Isaac then made a feast for them, and they ate and drank. 31 Early the next morning the men swore an oath to each other. Then Isaac sent them on their way, and they went away peacefully.32 That day Isaac’s servants came and told him about the well they had dug. They said, “We’ve found water!” 33 He called it Shibah, and to this day the name of the town has been Beersheba.

Abimelek saw something in Isaac and the way he conducted himself that made him want to keep the peace. It was a significant move for Abimelek to go to Isaac and seek to have a formal agreement with him. This is such a good example for anyone involved in a disagreement or a dispute today. People may live their lives differently. They may not agree on everything. However, it is always good to seek a peaceful resolution and to be reconciled whenever division or unrest exists. It is the mature thing to do. It is a godly way to behave. Two different peoples, represented by Abimelek and Isaac, came together and were able to eat and drink together (that’s never a bad thing!). People sometimes have different agendas and different motives, but if they can talk and come to a place of understanding, it makes life better for all concerned. We then read about the building of a new well – speaking of sustenance and something that was life giving. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. Let us live life to the full and in peace with each other.

 Genesis 26: 16-25

16 Then Abimelek said to Isaac, “Move away from us; you have become too powerful for us.”17 So Isaac moved away from there and encamped in the Valley of Gerar,where he settled. 18 Isaac reopened the wells that had been dug in the time of his father Abraham, which the Philistines had stopped up after Abraham died, and he gave them the same names his father had given them. 19 Isaac’s servants dug in the valley and discovered a well of fresh water there. 20 But the herders of Gerar quarrelled with those of Isaac and said, “The water is ours!” So he named the well Esek, because they disputed with him. 21 Then they dug another well, but they quarrelled over that one also; so he named it Sitnah. 22 He moved on from there and dug another well, and no one quarrelled over it. He named it Rehoboth, saying, “Now the Lord has given us room and we will flourish in the land.” 23 From there he went up to Beersheba. 24 That night the Lord appeared to him and said, “I am the God of your father Abraham. Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bless you and will increase the number of your descendants for the sake of my servant Abraham.”

25 Isaac built an altar there and called on the name of the Lord. There he pitched his tent, and there his servants dug a well.

This story will be repeated again in future biblical accounts – a people becoming too powerful and feeling like a threat to an indigenous culture (sound familiar?). Abimelek took action and did something about it. He asks Isaac to leave, and I suspect because they had a good relationship, Isaac did as he was asked. Isaac knew God was with him and he was well equipped to move and settle elsewhere. The Philistines had shut up the wells which had been dug out by his father, now Isaac opened them up again. The next development was quarrelling over the wells! Again, does it sound familiar? Maybe not about wells, but certainly about resources. It seems that human beings from different groups often find it difficult to live together peaceably and have to quarrel with each other – often about material things. Isaac appeared to be relatively unphased by all of the disputes that he came across. He just took stock and moved on. Perhaps there is something for us to learn from that. Let go and move on (even if not geographically). Finally, Isaac and his people reached a place where they could settle in peace. We are then told about God giving him the same assurance that he gave to his father Abraham. ‘…Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bless you and will increase the number of your descendants for the sake of my servant Abraham.’ God is also with us, and does not want us to fear.

 Genesis 26: 8-15

8 When Isaac had been there a long time, Abimelek king of the Philistines looked down from a window and saw Isaac caressing his wife Rebekah. 9 So Abimelek summoned Isaac and said, “She is really your wife! Why did you say, ‘She is my sister’?” Isaac answered him, “Because I thought I might lose my life on account of her.” 10 Then Abimelek said, “What is this you have done to us? One of the men might well have slept with your wife, and you would have brought guilt upon us.”

11 So Abimelek gave orders to all the people: “Anyone who harms this man or his wife shall surely be put to death.” 12 Isaac planted crops in that land and the same year reaped a hundredfold, because the Lord blessed him. 13 The man became rich, and his wealth continued to grow until he became very wealthy. 14 He had so many flocks and herds and servants that the Philistines envied him. 15 So all the wells that his father’s servants had dug in the time of his father Abraham, the Philistines stopped up, filling them with earth.

The truth about the relationship between Isaac and Rebekah comes to light and Abimelek puts out an order that no harm should come to them at risk of punishment of death. God is very much with them. He was lucky not to have been killed. Isaac then went on to become very rich materially as his father had done. Abimelek seems to have been influenced by Isaac’s lifestyle and behaviour under God. When God’s people are obedient and live by example, those around them notice. Only the intervention of God could have resulted in Abilmelek’s choices and response. Another outcome of people observing God blessing Isaac was the envy of the Philistines. Not only were they envious of him, but they acted against him by filling in all of his wells, which would make it very difficult for them to care for their people and animals. People may be against him, but God was with him and would look out for him.

Genesis 26: 1-7 Isaac and Abimelek

26 Now there was a famine in the land—besides the previous famine in Abraham’s time—and Isaac went to Abimelek king of the Philistines in Gerar. 2 The Lord appeared to Isaac and said, “Do not go down to Egypt; live in the land where I tell you to live. 3 Stay in this land for a while, and I will be with you and will bless you. For to you and your descendants I will give all these lands and will confirm the oath I swore to your father Abraham. 4 I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and will give them all these lands, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, 5 because Abraham obeyed me and did everything I required of him, keeping my commands, my decrees and my instructions.” 6 So Isaac stayed in Gerar. 7 When the men of that place asked him about his wife, he said, “She is my sister,” because he was afraid to say, “She is my wife.” He thought, “The men of this place might kill me on account of Rebekah, because she is beautiful.”

As we read through the Bible, we see some recurring themes. One example here is that of people moving on because of famine, as we read here. We read of God interacting directly with Isaac as he did with his father Abraham. God gives him clear direction about where he should go and where he should not go. The reward for Isaac’s obedience was God’s blessing. God passed on the promises he made to Abraham with regard to descendants and land and blessing. This was the reward of obedience. Isaac obeyed. We are then introduced to another recurring situation – that of passing off a wife as a sister. In the broadest sense of the word, it was true. Isaac was related to his wife (but not as closely as his father and mother were to each other). However, it seems that in the culture of the day, men did take beautiful women for themselves, unless it was known that they were married, in which case their was a risk to the life of the husband! This happened twice with Abraham and now with Isaac. This practice may seem alien to us, but Isaac saw it as necessary. We too need protection. God is always there for us and with us in all circumstances.

 Genesis 25: 12-18 Ishmael’s Sons

12 This is the account of the family line of Abraham’s son Ishmael, whom Sarah’s slave, Hagar the Egyptian, bore to Abraham. 13 These are the names of the sons of Ishmael, listed in the order of their birth: Nebaioth the firstborn of Ishmael, Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, 14 Mishma, Dumah, Massa, 15 Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish and Kedemah. 16 These were the sons of Ishmael, and these are the names of the twelve tribal rulers according to their settlements and camps. 17 Ishmael lived a hundred and thirty-seven years. He breathed his last and died, and he was gathered to his people. 18 His descendants settled in the area from Havilah to Shur, near the eastern border of Egypt, as you go toward Ashur. And they lived in hostility towards all the tribes related to them.

Ishmael hasn’t been mentioned for some time as we have covered the story of Abraham and Lot and Isaac. Now the writer of Genesis comes back to the family line of Ishmael, which very much mirrors what will follow through Isaac. As there are the twelve tribes of Israel (as yet to be born at this point in the story), we see that there are also twelve tribes descended from Ishmael. Another point of interest for me is that many of the names of the tribes of Israel, as we will see, have names that are still in common use. However, I am yet to meet someone with the names of any of Ishmael’s sons. It is sad to me that Ishmael’s descendants lived in hostility towards the tribes related to them through Ishmael’s half-brother Isaac. Yet this was prophesied before Ishmael was born. Such hostility is certainly not characteristic of the approach of God’s people, their (albeit inconsistent) faith and their involvement with God’s leading (again not always as it should have been). Yet all these people were descendants of Abraham. In a spiritual sense, so are we. Remember the song, ‘Father Abraham had many sons….’ More importantly, we are sons and daughters of God, through his grace and through the death and resurrection of Jesus. Know, you are part of God’s family through faith.

 Genesis 25: 1-11 The Death of Abraham

25 Abraham had taken another wife, whose name was Keturah. 2 She bore him Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak and Shuah. 3 Jokshan was the father of Sheba and Dedan; the descendants of Dedan were the Ashurites, the Letushites and the Leummites. 4 The sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanok, Abida and Eldaah. All these were descendants of Keturah. 5 Abraham left everything he owned to Isaac. 6 But while he was still living, he gave gifts to the sons of his concubines and sent them away from his son Isaac to the land of the east. 7 Abraham lived a hundred and seventy-five years. 8 Then Abraham breathed his last and died at a good old age, an old man and full of years; and he was gathered to his people. 9 His sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah near Mamre, in the field of Ephron son of Zohar the Hittite, 10 the field Abraham had bought from the Hittites. There Abraham was buried with his wife Sarah. 11 After Abraham’s death, God blessed his son Isaac, who then lived near Beer Lahai Roi.

We know that Abraham and Sarah were very old before the birth of Ishmael, who was a teenager when Isaac was born and now Isaac old enough to be married and soon to start his own family. Hence, how incredible that we read about this often overlooked part of Abraham’s life, where he remarries following the death of Sarah. Not only does he marry again at a great age, but he fathers another six sons (and probably more daughters as well, as they are rarely mentioned). A whole new family, who would grow up without their father. More descendants and peoples are to follow in addition to those of Ishmael and Isaac. Despite being the second son, Isaac was the eldest child of Abraham’s first marriage and the one specifically chosen as part of God’s plan for his people. Today we come to the end of the story of Abraham’s life, but what follows would not have happened without him and his faithfulness to God. Finally, Abraham was buried with his beloved wife Sarah. The story now turns to Abraham’s descendants. As we reflect on all we have read of Abraham’s life, we have the greatest example of a man of faith, commitment and love, apart from Jesus.

 Genesis 24: 59-67

59 So they sent their sister Rebekah on her way, along with her nurse and Abraham’s servant and his men. 60 And they blessed Rebekah and said to her,

“Our sister, may you increase to thousands upon thousands; may your offspring possess the cities of their enemies.” 61 Then Rebekah and her attendants got ready and mounted the camels and went back with the man. So the servant took Rebekah and left. 62 Now Isaac had come from Beer Lahai Roi, for he was living in the Negev.63 He went out to the field one evening to meditate, and as he looked up, he saw camels approaching. 64 Rebekah also looked up and saw Isaac. She got down from her camel 65 and asked the servant, “Who is that man in the field coming to meet us?” “He is my master,” the servant answered. So she took her veil and covered herself. 66 Then the servant told Isaac all he had done. 67 Isaac brought her into the tent of his mother Sarah, and he married Rebekah. So she became his wife, and he loved her; and Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death.

Arranged marriages were very common in Abraham and Isaac’s culture. Rebekah was chosen without Isaac’s input. Rebekah chose to leave her family and all that she knew, to travel with the servant and her nurse to marry a man she had never met. Two positives, one is that she was marrying within her family. Another, that God had led the servant to her and that this alone should mean good tidings. It seems Isaac was unaware of the plans taking place for his future. Abraham’s servant made sure on their arrival that he was fully informed of the course of events, and we end up with our happy ending. Isaac took Rebekah to be his wife and they loved each other. They were richly blessed. Sarah, Isaac’s mother had recently died and Rebekah offered some comfort at Isaac’s time of mourning. It is a lovely story, which perhaps should be told more often. A story of God being involved throughout. A story of bonding and love. A story of faithfulness. How might this story inform our own relationships and lives?

 Genesis 24: 50-58

50 Laban and Bethuel answered, “This is from the Lord; we can say nothing to you one way or the other. 51 Here is Rebekah; take her and go and let her become the wife of your master’s son, as the Lord has directed.” 52 When Abraham’s servant heard what they said, he bowed down to the ground before the Lord. 53 Then the servant brought out gold and silver jewellery and articles of clothing and gave them to Rebekah; he also gave costly gifts to her brother and to her mother. 54 Then he and the men who were with him ate and drank and spent the night there. When they got up the next morning, he said, “Send me on my way to my master.” 55 But her brother and her mother replied, “Let the young woman remain with us ten days or so; then you may go.” 56 But he said to them, “Do not detain me, now that the Lord has granted success to my journey. Send me on my way so I may go to my master.” 57 Then they said, “Let’s call the young woman and ask her about it.” 58 So they called Rebekah and asked her, “Will you go with this man?”

“I will go,” she said.

It seems that everyone was on board with the course of events for Abraham’s servant. The family had been given a full account of what had happened and the reason for the servant’s visit. Both Rebekah’s brother Laban and father Bethuel acknowledged that God was very much involved with his cause. What a relief for Abraham’s servant! (I can’t help wondering why we have never been given his name?). More gifts were given to them and his hospitality was extended. We have to remember that it would take some time for the servant to travel to and from the family. Abraham would no doubt be wondering and waiting to find out if the mission had been successful. To this point everything had gone as well as it possibly could. Perhaps it is understandable that the family tried to delay the servant’s return with Rebekah. It is also very understandable that he should wish to return without delay. I found it really good that Rebekah was asked if she was happy to go with him. This would have been a situation that was not in any way untoward. It was really good that Rebekah was happy to go with the servant, despite never having met Isaac or known much about him. What a change for her, and a new opportunity. God at work.

 Genesis 24: 42-49

42 “When I came to the spring today, I said, ‘Lord, God of my master Abraham, if you will, please grant success to the journey on which I have come. 43 See, I am standing beside this spring. If a young woman comes out to draw water and I say to her, “Please let me drink a little water from your jar,” 44 and if she says to me, “Drink, and I’ll draw water for your camels too,” let her be the one the Lord has chosen for my master’s son.’45 “Before I finished praying in my heart, Rebekah came out, with her jar on her shoulder. She went down to the spring and drew water, and I said to her, ‘Please give me a drink.’46 “She quickly lowered her jar from her shoulder and said, ‘Drink, and I’ll water your camels too.’ So I drank, and she watered the camels also.

47 “I asked her, ‘Whose daughter are you?’“She said, ‘The daughter of Bethuel son of Nahor, whom Milkah bore to him.’“Then I put the ring in her nose and the bracelets on her arms, 48 and I bowed down and worshiped the Lord. I praised the Lord, the God of my master Abraham, who had led me on the right road to get the granddaughter of my master’s brother for his son. 49 Now if you will show kindness and faithfulness to my master, tell me; and if not, tell me, so I may know which way to turn.”

Abraham’s servant continued with his story. He told Rebekah’s brother Laban and her father Bethuel and the extended family of how he had arrived at the spring and he had asked God for guidance. He related how Rebekah had arrived, and things had taken place just as he had hoped. He asked for water, and her response was to draw water not only for him, but also for his camels. The next thing was when he discovered that Rebekah was the granddaughter of his master’s brother Nahor. I can imagine the scene. The potential of family reunion. Different branches of the family being brought together. The potential of a match which would link the different branches for the future. What an amazing answer to prayer! Despite the course of events, Abraham’s servant sought the family’s response – what would happen next? Imagine how the servant must have been feeling – yet the outworking was not in his hands. God was definitely with the servant. Would the family see things the same way? The servant also attributed everything to God. It is important that we learn from the principles demonstrated here. God first.

34 So he said, “I am Abraham’s servant. 35 The Lord has blessed my master abundantly, and he has become wealthy. He has given him sheep and cattle, silver and gold, male and female servants, and camels and donkeys.36 My master’s wife Sarah has borne him a son in her old age, and he has given him everything he owns. 37 And my master made me swear an oath, and said, ‘You must not get a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, in whose land I live, 38 but go to my father’s family and to my own clan and get a wife for my son.’

39 “Then I asked my master, ‘What if the woman will not come back with me?’

40 “He replied, ‘The Lord, before whom I have walked faithfully, will send his angel with you and make your journey a success, so that you can get a wife for my son from my own clan and from my father’s family. 41 You will be released from my oath if, when you go to my clan, they refuse to give her to you—then you will be released from my oath.’

Abrahams’ servant now had the opportunity to tell Rachel and Laban and the family the reason for his mission. He began with an account of Abraham’s material wealth and the arrival of his son Isaac late in his life. Then he told them about the oath he had made to Abraham to go to his people to find a wife for Isaac. He included the admission of his own questioning about whether this mission may or not result in success. Abraham’s servant was a stranger in this house, but it is interesting to note that when there is a connection between people who otherwise don’t know each other, the fact that they have never met before somehow doesn’t matter. The servant held nothing back, which illustrates a level of trust with the people who had welcomed him into their home, despite their meeting for the first time. They heard what Rebekah had to say and a lot of the usual social barriers were wiped away. The servant brought good tidings and the hope of kindred ties with another branch of the family. Trust is important. Knowing who to trust and when honesty is there. In our own families and our church families under God, let us pray that we may be true to each other and be there for each other.

28 The young woman ran and told her mother’s household about these things. 29 Now Rebekah had a brother named Laban, and he hurried out to the man at the spring. 30 As soon as he had seen the nose ring, and the bracelets on his sister’s arms, and had heard Rebekah tell what the man said to her, he went out to the man and found him standing by the camels near the spring. 31 “Come, you who are blessed by the Lord,” he said. “Why are you standing out here? I have prepared the house and a place for the camels.”32 So the man went to the house, and the camels were unloaded. Straw and fodder were brought for the camels, and water for him and his men to wash their feet. 33 Then food was set before him, but he said, “I will not eat until I have told you what I have to say.” “Then tell us,” Laban said.

For some reason, Abraham’s servant here is just referred to as ‘the man’. We have been told that Rebekah is the daughter of Bethuel, Nahor’s son (Nahor being Abraham’s brother). She returns to her mother’s household and it is her brother who comes out to greet him. He would have an idea of the purpose of the visit on seeing the gifts. He also acknowledges his standing as being ‘blessed by the Lord’. The servant received a warm welcome from Laban. Full hospitality and care was offered to both him and the animals. The gifts for Rebekah had come from someone of means. It is quite possible that Laban had some idea of what was to come and the purpose of the servant’s visit. I find myself wondering why Bethuel is not mentioned at this point. However, everything was available that was needed. The servant and his animals were welcomed and cared for. The customary feet washing took place. Now was the time for the servant to recount his story and purpose for being there.

22 When the camels had finished drinking, the man took out a gold nose ring weighing a beka and two gold bracelets weighing ten shekels. 23 Then he asked, “Whose daughter are you? Please tell me, is there room in your father’s house for us to spend the night?” 24 She answered him, “I am the daughter of Bethuel, the son that Milkah bore to Nahor.” 25 And she added, “We have plenty of straw and fodder, as well as room for you to spend the night.” 26 Then the man bowed down and worshipped the Lord, 27 saying, “Praise be to the Lord, the God of my master Abraham, who has not abandoned his kindness and faithfulness to my master. As for me, the Lord has led me on the journey to the house of my master’s relatives.”

Giving gifts was very much a part of agreements and negotiations in Abrahams’ day. Rebekah had helped her relative Abraham’s servant (although they did not yet know the connection or the servant’s mission), and when the servant took out the gifts, he discovered the relationship between Rebekah and his master Abraham. Rebekah had already gone far beyond the course of duty in giving enough water for the camels as well as the servant. This, despite not knowing who he was. Everything that took place would have been acceptable to their time and culture. Hospitality was much valued and well regarded. It was a sign of good character. We saw this with Abraham and Sarah when they received their visitors, and the Bible has a number of other examples. This was an opportunity for the servant to build a relationship with Rebekah and her people. What an answer to prayer! Think about any instances in your own life where you have had prayer answered. Everything comes together when God is involved.

Genesis 24:10-21

10 Then the servant left, taking with him ten of his master’s camels loaded with all kinds of good things from his master. He set out for Aram Naharaim and made his way to the town of Nahor. 11 He had the camels kneel down near the well outside the town; it was toward evening, the time the women go out to draw water.

12 Then he prayed, “Lord, God of my master Abraham, make me successful today, and show kindness to my master Abraham. 13 See, I am standing beside this spring, and the daughters of the townspeople are coming out to draw water. 14 May it be that when I say to a young woman, ‘Please let down your jar that I may have a drink,’ and she says, ‘Drink, and I’ll water your camels too’—let her be the one you have chosen for your servant Isaac. By this I will know that you have shown kindness to my master.” 15 Before he had finished praying, Rebekah came out with her jar on her shoulder. She was the daughter of Bethuel son of Milkah, who was the wife of Abraham’s brother Nahor. 16 The woman was very beautiful, a virgin; no man had ever slept with her. She went down to the spring, filled her jar and came up again.

17 The servant hurried to meet her and said, “Please give me a little water from your jar.” 18 “Drink, my lord,” she said, and quickly lowered the jar to her hands and gave him a drink. 19 After she had given him a drink, she said, “I’ll draw water for your camels too, until they have had enough to drink.” 20 So she quickly emptied her jar into the trough, ran back to the well to draw more water, and drew enough for all his camels. 21 Without saying a word, the man watched her closely to learn whether or not the Lord had made his journey successful.

What does this passage make you think about? As I reached the part about going to the well at the time the women went to draw water, it made me think about the story we call ‘the woman at the well’, when Jesus did the same thing. What a true servant this man must have been. A key point is that before speaking to anyone, he prayed. Not only that, but his prayer was very specific. It is a bit counter-cultural for us – the women taking heavy jars to draw water and doing this for a man. The servant clearly expected God to respond to his prayer. Although he prayed to God as the God of his master Abraham, he prayed in his own right. It was one of those prayers that God answered immediately. I wonder how often you have had that happen for you? I find it usually happens to what I call ‘arrow’ prayers – those shot up when a response really needs to be there and then (often when in conversation). Rebekah then came to the well. We are told of her close family relationship to Abraham, and thereby to Isaac too. Remember, this would be normal for Jewish people. The interaction went as the servant had hoped. When Rebekah responded and gave the water as requested, he had great hope and expectation. So God had led the servant to this place, to this young woman, and following a simple request and response, the future of God’s people took another step forward……

Genesis 23:10-20

10 Ephron the Hittite was sitting among his people and he replied to Abraham in the hearing of all the Hittites who had come to the gate of his city. 11 “No, my lord,” he said. “Listen to me; I give you the field, and I give you the cave that is in it. I give it to you in the presence of my people. Bury your dead.” 12 Again Abraham bowed down before the people of the land 13 and he said to Ephron in their hearing, “Listen to me, if you will. I will pay the price of the field. Accept it from me so I can bury my dead there.”14 Ephron answered Abraham, 15 “Listen to me, my lord; the land is worth four hundred shekels of silver, but what is that between you and me? Bury your dead.”

16 Abraham agreed to Ephron’s terms and weighed out for him the price he had named in the hearing of the Hittites: four hundred shekels of silver, according to the weight current among the merchants. 17 So Ephron’s field in Machpelah near Mamre—both the field and the cave in it, and all the trees within the borders of the field—was deeded 18 to Abraham as his property in the presence of all the Hittites who had come to the gate of the city. 19 Afterward Abraham buried his wife Sarah in the cave in the field of Machpelah near Mamre (which is at Hebron) in the land of Canaan. 20 So the field and the cave in it were deeded to Abraham by the Hittites as a burial site.

Today we read of Abraham as a man of utter integrity. A great negotiator. A man who was fair and who did not take advantage of others. We also see Ephron as someone who was prepared to be generous to Abraham. He did his best to give land and the cave on the land to Abraham without cost. However, in the end, Abraham paid for the land and an agreement was reached. There are a number of principles demonstrated in the actions of these two men. Abraham had already made a positive impression on Ephron. When we respect people, our interactions with them are generally positive and it is so much easier to agree on any matters that arise. Ephron was prepared to be very generous to Abraham. He wanted to give Abraham the field and everything in it as a gift. Abraham would not accept. There are times when it would be easy to accept something for nothing, but that is not always the best answer. That seems to be the case here, and we probably have examples of our own. Sometimes we can accept the offer of a gift with grace. Sometimes it would be taking advantage of the person concerned and it would not be appropriate to accept. In all our dealings with others, we should be mindful of the context, the person and the need. Abraham could afford to pay. He would also want to keep good relations with Eprhon and to live peaceably among his people. May we aim to do likewise.

 Genesis 22: 20- 23:9. Nahor’s Sons

20 Some time later Abraham was told, “Milkah is also a mother; she has borne sons to your brother Nahor: 21 Uz the firstborn, Buz his brother, Kemuel (the father of Aram), 22 Kesed, Hazo, Pildash, Jidlaph and Bethuel.”23 Bethuel became the father of Rebekah. Milkah bore these eight sons to Abraham’s brother Nahor. 24 His concubine, whose name was Reumah, also had sons: Tebah, Gaham, Tahash and Maakah.

The Death of Sarah

23 Sarah lived to be a hundred and twenty-seven years old. 2 She died at Kiriath Arba (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan, and Abraham went to mourn for Sarah and to weep over her. 3 Then Abraham rose from beside his dead wife and spoke to the Hittites. He said, 4 “I am a foreigner and stranger among you. Sell me some property for a burial site here so I can bury my dead.”5 The Hittites replied to Abraham, 6 “Sir, listen to us. You are a mighty prince among us. Bury your dead in the choicest of our tombs. None of us will refuse you his tomb for burying your dead.”

7 Then Abraham rose and bowed down before the people of the land, the Hittites. 8 He said to them, “If you are willing to let me bury my dead, then listen to me and intercede with Ephron son of Zohar on my behalf 9 so he will sell me the cave of Machpelah, which belongs to him and is at the end of his field. Ask him to sell it to me for the full price as a burial site among you.”

The first part of this reading will give the genealogical background for what is to follow shortly. The Jewish people often married family members, and we know that this was already the case with Abraham and Sarah being half siblings. Now, such a close relationship would not be allowed to marry. This is all to do with the purity of the Jewish race. Marriage of those who are related still happens today – uncles marrying nieces, brothers and sisters marrying another set of brother and sister. Note for today the name Rebekah. You should be able to work out that Abraham is her great uncle and therefore Isaac would be her first cousin once removed. We then read of the death of Abraham’s wife Sarah, Isaac’s mother. For the time, she had lived to a full age. They would have been married for many years. Only those today who have been gifted with a long marriage can really understand what such a loss must have been like for Abraham. Even in his time of grief, he acted with grace and humility, refusing the gift of somewhere to bury Sarah. He is shown to have had a good reputation, despite being a foreigner. He is an example to all of us. There are many priniciples that we can draw from his life. Always honouring to God in all he did.

9 When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. 10 Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. 11 But the angel of the Lord called out to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied. 12 “Do not lay a hand on the boy,” he said. “Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.” 13 Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. 14 So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.”

15 The angel of the Lord called to Abraham from heaven a second time16 and said, “I swear by myself, declares the Lord, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, 17 I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, 18 and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.” 19Then Abraham returned to his servants, and they set off together for Beersheba. And Abraham stayed in Beersheba.

I think today’s passage must have involved a lot of emotion and soul searching on the part of Abraham. Isaac finally discovered the truth of the matter – his father was prepared to go as far as to sacrifice him. I can’t imagine the emotions going through Abraham’s mind as he prepared to use the knife to kill his son. Even less, the thoughts that must have been going through Isaac’s mind as he is bound and at the point of being killed by his father. At the critical moment, the angel of the Lord intervened. Even then, Abraham responded with, ‘Here I am’. Imagine the relief! Apart from Christ, this has to be the most exemplary example of faith and obedience to all who hear this account. A substitute sacrifice was provided. Abraham has proved that he will always put God first, in a way many of us may never understand or appreciate. The consequence was and is God’s promise of blessing and numerous descendants and future success in life for Abraham. Because of Abraham, all nations are blessed by Abraham’s offspring. Abraham was faithful. Abraham went before Christ in seeing through what God wanted from him. What is God asking of you? Are you prepared to follow this example?

Genesis 22: 1- 8 Abraham Tested

22 Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied. 2 Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.” 3 Early the next morning Abraham got up and loaded his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about. 4 On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. 5 He said to his servants, “Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you.” 6 Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them went on together, 7 Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, “Father?”

“Yes, my son?” Abraham replied. “The fire and wood are here,” Isaac said, “but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” 8 Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” And the two of them went on together.

Today gives us an extreme example of faith – no wonder Abraham is remembered to this day. God spoke and Abraham responded. I wonder if we are as ready to respond to God when he speaks to us – or how good we are at even recognising his voice? How must Abraham have felt when God asked him to take his son Isaac to be sacrificed? Did he have faith that Isaac would be spared from the start, or did he just trust God so much that he was prepared to do anything for him? Remember – the culture was different then. Nevertheless, not only was Abraham asked to sacrifice his son, but to travel some distance to do so. How did the conversation go as they went? Abraham knowing what was to come, Isaac being oblivious to his fate. They had company. He made the necessary preparations and set out. The destination was still in the distance on the third day! Abraham was still going to worship. Note that he told the servants, ‘we’ will come back. We see that Abraham told his son, ‘God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering’. This is faith. Determination. Obedience. Compare this with the situation for Jesus as he went to the cross. Nothing got in the way for either, despite the demand being made. May we too be prepared to obey God, whatever he asks of us.

 Genesis 21: 22-34. The Treaty at Beersheba

22 At that time Abimelek and Phicol the commander of his forces said to Abraham, “God is with you in everything you do. 23 Now swear to me here before God that you will not deal falsely with me or my children or my descendants. Show to me and the country where you now reside as a foreigner the same kindness I have shown to you.” 24 Abraham said, “I swear it.” 25 Then Abraham complained to Abimelek about a well of water that Abimelek’s servants had seized. 26 But Abimelek said, “I don’t know who has done this. You did not tell me, and I heard about it only today.” 27 So Abraham brought sheep and cattle and gave them to Abimelek, and the two men made a treaty. 28 Abraham set apart seven ewe lambs from the flock, 29 and Abimelek asked Abraham, “What is the meaning of these seven ewe lambs you have set apart by themselves?” 30 He replied, “Accept these seven lambs from my hand as a witness that I dug this well.”31 So that place was called Beersheba, because the two men swore an oath there. 32 After the treaty had been made at Beersheba, Abimelek and Phicol the commander of his forces returned to the land of the Philistines. 33 Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there he called on the name of the Lord, the Eternal God. 34 And Abraham stayed in the land of the Philistines for a long time.

As we read through Genesis, we have already seen the significance of God’s covenant and here we have the setting up of a treaty between Abimelek and Abraham. Both are a form of agreement between two people or nations. The expectation is that they will stand and not be broken. They were taken seriously. They would be legally binding. It involved a lot of trust, and such agreements are still entered into today. Abimelek recognised that God was always with Abraham. This shows that Abraham was a good witness to God, and faithful in the way that he lived. It made Abimelek want to be in good standing with him and to ensure that they and their people could live amicably. As in this case, there are sometimes conditions that need to be addressed before an agreement or treaty can be implemented. In this case, regarding the situation with a well. Wells were important. They gave access to water, which of course is an essential need in life. The interaction between Abraham and Abimelek in this passage raises priniciples which are still relevant for us today. To live a life worthy of God, as Abraham did. To promote harmony in relationship with others and seek reconciliation and agreement together. To be prepared to resolve any conflicts and to live together in peace. Abraham achieved all of these things. He was generous, the occasion was marked with the naming of the treaty and the planting of a tree which would be a reminder. Think of modern day equivalents. How might Abraham’s example help us in our own relationships?

Saturday 17th May 2025. Genesis 21: 1- 13 The Birth of Isaac

21 Now the Lord was gracious to Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did for Sarah what he had promised. 2 Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him.3 Abraham gave the name Isaac to the son Sarah bore him. 4 When his son Isaac was eight days old, Abraham circumcised him, as God commanded him. 5 Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him. 6 Sarah said, “God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me.” 7 And she added, “Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age.”

Hagar and Ishmael Sent Away

8 The child grew and was weaned, and on the day Isaac was weaned Abraham held a great feast. 9 But Sarah saw that the son whom Hagar the Egyptian had borne to Abraham was mocking, 10 and she said to Abraham, “Get rid of that slave woman and her son, for that woman’s son will never share in the inheritance with my son Isaac.” 11 The matter distressed Abraham greatly because it concerned his son.12 But God said to him, “Do not be so distressed about the boy and your slave woman. Listen to whatever Sarah tells you, because it is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned. 13 I will make the son of the slave into a nation also, because he is your offspring.”

Here is what is essentially a miracle – the birth of a son to Sarah and Abraham. Despite their longevity compared to our own life span, we have been told that Sarah was past the age of childbearing, yet here she is giving birth to her own child. They had waited a very long time. We are told that God’s timing is always right. Despite the absence in those days of predictive tests, they knew ahead of time that Sarah would get pregnant, they also knew that she would give birth to a boy. They called him Isaac and he was circumcised at eight days old as is the custom still today for all Jewish born boys. The laughter of disbelief when they were first told that Sarah would bear a son becomes the laughter of joy, joy in a longed-for son. Joy at the fulfilment of God’s promise to them. Abraham and Sarah had waited, trusted and hoped for years. We can learn much from them. The story turns into something less positive. Sarah’s treatment of Hagar. Abraham was in a difficult position. Ishmael was his first son and Isaac was the long-awaited son by his wife. Jealousy and resentment are not good. Even with the joy of a new baby, it seems that all could not be straightforward. However, God was still with them. Abraham was given direct guidance. We too can get whatever guidance we need from God – even in those times of anguish and uncertainty. What is God saying today?

Friday 16th May 2025. Genesis 20: 8-18

8 Early the next morning Abimelek summoned all his officials, and when he told them all that had happened, they were very much afraid. 9 Then Abimelek called Abraham in and said, “What have you done to us? How have I wronged you that you have brought such great guilt upon me and my kingdom? You have done things to me that should never be done.” 10 And Abimelek asked Abraham, “What was your reason for doing this?”11 Abraham replied, “I said to myself, ‘There is surely no fear of God in this place, and they will kill me because of my wife.’ 12 Besides, she really is my sister, the daughter of my father though not of my mother; and she became my wife. 13 And when God had me wander from my father’s household, I said to her, ‘This is how you can show your love to me: Everywhere we go, say of me, “He is my brother.”’” 14 Then Abimelek brought sheep and cattle and male and female slaves and gave them to Abraham, and he returned Sarah his wife to him. 15 And Abimelek said, “My land is before you; live wherever you like.”16 To Sarah he said, “I am giving your brother a thousand shekels of silver. This is to cover the offense against you before all who are with you; you are completely vindicated.”17 Then Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelek, his wife and his female slaves so they could have children again, 18 for the Lord had kept all the women in Abimelek’s household from conceiving because of Abraham’s wife Sarah.

As the story about Abraham, Sarah and Abimelek continues, the scene is one of a positive outcome to an otherwise difficult situation. It’s not easy to fully appreciate the issues here as the culture was so different to ours and we would be interpreting events from a 21st century perspective, rather than from the context of the time. However, there are still principles that can be drawn, as there were yesterday. Abraham was worried that he may come to harm by being in Abimelek’s kingdom with his wife, so they presented as siblings. Abimelek was worried about coming to harm when he was faced with what he had done without knowing the possible consequences, so both were really in a similar situation. When all was explained, the outcome was very harmonious and both Abraham and Abimelek were able to go their separate ways amicably. In both cases, the presence of fear was a key factor. Abraham made a wrong decision because of his own fear of harm, without seeking God. Abilmelek acted out of fear when threatened with coming to harm himself. Both were reconciled due to God’s intervention. Reconciliation is what God wants for all of us. What can we do to promote that in our everyday?

Thursday 16th May 2025. Genesis 20: 1- 7 Abraham and Abimelek

20 Now Abraham moved on from there into the region of the Negev and lived between Kadesh and Shur. For a while he stayed in Gerar, 2 and there Abraham said of his wife Sarah, “She is my sister.” Then Abimelek king of Gerar sent for Sarah and took her.3 But God came to Abimelek in a dream one night and said to him, “You are as good as dead because of the woman you have taken; she is a married woman.”

4 Now Abimelek had not gone near her, so he said, “Lord, will you destroy an innocent nation? 5 Did he not say to me, ‘She is my sister,’ and didn’t she also say, ‘He is my brother’? I have done this with a clear conscience and clean hands.”

6 Then God said to him in the dream, “Yes, I know you did this with a clear conscience, and so I have kept you from sinning against me. That is why I did not let you touch her. 7 Now return the man’s wife, for he is a prophet, and he will pray for you and you will live. But if you do not return her, you may be sure that you and all who belong to you will die.”

As we read today, we are brought back to Abraham moving on again. For a second time, Abraham passes his wife Sarah off as his sister rather than his wife. This account of what happened with Abimelek raises some questions around justice and fairness. It would have been perfectly reasonable culturally for Abimelek to call for a woman he desired to join him. Ordinarily she would have become part of his household and may even become his wife. However, God was with Sarah and Abraham and Abilmelek, ensuring that nothing untoward should take place. Abimelek had acted reasonably, but had also been misled. He was given a choice – to return Sarah to Abraham, or to keep her. The right response was an obvious one. We all have situations in life where we can be misled, and/or when things are not as they seem at first. We can also be faced at times with difficult choices, where the right decision to make is clear, yet we still have to make the right decision for ourselves. One question we can ask is whether what we decide ties in with biblical teaching and with God’s will. We can also be guided by others we trust. God is just. We can learn from the account today to make the right choices in our own lives.

Wednesday 14th May 2025. Lot and His Daughters

30 Lot and his two daughters left Zoar and settled in the mountains, for he was afraid to stay in Zoar. He and his two daughters lived in a cave. 31 One day the older daughter said to the younger, “Our father is old, and there is no man around here to give us children—as is the custom all over the earth.32 Let’s get our father to drink wine and then sleep with him and preserve our family line through our father.”

33 That night they got their father to drink wine, and the older daughter went in and slept with him. He was not aware of it when she lay down or when she got up.

34 The next day the older daughter said to the younger, “Last night I slept with my father. Let’s get him to drink wine again tonight, and you go in and sleep with him so we can preserve our family line through our father.” 35 So they got their father to drink wine that night also, and the younger daughter went in and slept with him. Again he was not aware of it when she lay down or when she got up. 36 So both of Lot’s daughters became pregnant by their father. 37 The older daughter had a son, and she named him Moab; he is the father of the Moabites of today. 38 The younger daughter also had a son, and she named him Ben-Ammi; he is the father of the Ammonites of today.

We discover that Lot was living in fear. This led to him settling in the mountains as originally directed, rather than in Zoar. Here, in conflict with our own culture, we have another fairly shocking story. It is also another example of people taking things into their own hands. A story involving incest between Lot and his daughters – but the daughters were the instigators and the account seems to suggest that Lot had no say in it all. Amazingly, both of them got pregnant. Both of them had sons. The sons would be both Lot’s children and grandchildren. Nothing is said about whether Lot became aware of this. They would also be half-brothers and cousins to each other, but more than that, as their mothers were sisters. What do we draw from this? It seems that people can have a tendency to make important decisions with each other before coming to God for his leading. Also, some will stop at nothing to get what they want – yet there may be another better solution even if it isn’t as obvious or as easy to achieve. This is not an example for anyone to follow, but it is an example of how not to behave. Our ways are not God’s ways and they are often not the best. God always has our best in mind. That is what we should seek.

Tuesday 13th May 2025. Genesis 19:18-26

18 But Lot said to them, “No, my lords, please! 19 Your servant has found favour in your eyes, and you have shown great kindness to me in sparing my life. But I can’t flee to the mountains; this disaster will overtake me, and I’ll die. 20 Look, here is a town near enough to run to, and it is small. Let me flee to it—it is very small, isn’t it? Then my life will be spared.” 21 He said to him, “Very well, I will grant this request too; I will not overthrow the town you speak of. 22 But flee there quickly, because I cannot do anything until you reach it.” (That is why the town was called Zoar. 23 By the time Lot reached Zoar, the sun had risen over the land. 24 Then the Lord rained down burning sulfur on Sodom and Gomorrah—from the Lord out of the heavens. 25 Thus he overthrew those cities and the entire plain, destroying all those living in the cities—and also the vegetation in the land. 26 But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.27 Early the next morning Abraham got up and returned to the place where he had stood before the Lord. 28 He looked down toward Sodom and Gomorrah, toward all the land of the plain, and he saw dense smoke rising from the land, like smoke from a furnace. 29 So when God destroyed the cities of the plain, he remembered Abraham, and he brought Lot out of the catastrophe that overthrew the cities where Lot had lived.

Lot went through a process here, one which I think is relevant for us today. He was presented with a situation – the place where he lives is going to be destroyed. He had a choice of whether to believe what he was told or to ignore it. He had already witnessed the depravity of those around him and been protected by the visitors. He was given a way out – to flee to the mountains so he and his family could be saved. He responded. We all have the opportunity to be saved. The situation for us is that eventually everything that is not godly will come to an end. We too are given a way out. We too have to make a response and to choose whether or not to believe. Even Lot had some doubts and pleaded for some clemency. He still had to flee. He still had to leave all that was familiar and to enter something new. What Lot was told would happen then took place. We are told of the consequence of Lot’s wife looking back. However, God had a plan to continue using Abraham and rescue Lot. God has a plan for us too. We need to be single-minded and seek God and follow his lead. We may question, but a response from us is required.

Monday 12th May 2025. Genesis 19:9-17

9 “Get out of our way,” they replied. “This fellow came here as a foreigner and now he wants to play the judge! We’ll treat you worse than them.” They kept bringing pressure on Lot and moved forward to break down the door. 10 But the men inside reached out and pulled Lot back into the house and shut the door. 11 Then they struck the men who were at the door of the house, young and old, with blindness so that they could not find the door. 12 The two men said to Lot, “Do you have anyone else here—sons-in-law, sons or daughters, or anyone else in the city who belongs to you? Get them out of here, 13 because we are going to destroy this place. The outcry to the Lord against its people is so great that he has sent us to destroy it.”

14 So Lot went out and spoke to his sons-in-law, who were pledged to marry his daughters. He said, “Hurry and get out of this place, because the Lord is about to destroy the city!” But his sons-in-law thought he was joking. 15 With the coming of dawn, the angels urged Lot, saying, “Hurry! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or you will be swept away when the city is punished.” 16 When he hesitated, the men grasped his hand and the hands of his wife and of his two daughters and led them safely out of the city, for the Lord was merciful to them. 17 As soon as they had brought them out, one of them said, “Flee for your lives! Don’t look back, and don’t stop anywhere in the plain! Flee to the mountains or you will be swept away!”

The depraved behaviour of the men in Sodom continued as they wouldn’t give up with their demands, despite Lot’s reasoning. The whole scene is scandalous and illustrates the level of iniquity which had been reached in that place. Lot was thankfully protected by the visitors and the men outside blinded. Up to that point the men of Sodom were able to do whatever they wanted, but now they were unable to carry out their intent. For the second time in the account of Genesis, God was about to wipe out those who were bent on evil, but in a specific locality. As with Noah, Lot was warned and given an opportunity to be saved, along with his immediate family. It doesn’t appear that the sons in law went with them. They didn’t believe what they were told. Lot, his wife and his two daughters (who were thankfully unharmed) all fled. Even then, Lot hesitated. The men of God took charge and led them safely out of the city. This is an example of the mercy of God. Lot and his family were given clear instructions – flee (so don’t hang around). They were not to look back or to stop. Lot was set free from inevitable destruction. He did need some encouragement to respond. No doubt he was settled in this town. However, God wanted to save him. Despite Lot’s misgivings, God still acted out of mercy. God does not give up on his plans. We too need to be able to trust, and to be obedient. Know that God will lead and guide each one of us.