moses – Because He First Loved Us

Deuteronomy (1-34)

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The name “Deuteronomy” comes from the Greek words “Deutero” meaning “second” and “Nomos” meaning “law.” So, “Deuteronomy” literally means “second law” or “repetition of the law.” Deuteronomy contains a second version of the law which was given at Mount Sinai and recorded in Exodus, Leviticus and Numbers. Moses delivered the repetition of the law in a series of addresses on the plains of Moab, which is to the east of the Jordan. This repetition of the law was a covenant renewal before the wars to be undertaken to occupy the Promised Land. In chapters 7 and 20 we find the instructions for fighting a holy war.

1) Israel in Deuteronomy

In Deuteronomy it is implied that Israel is in unity, by use of the word brother in referring to each other. The Hebrew word for “brother” is “אָח” (pronounced “ah”). It is used in various contexts throughout the book to refer to a literal brother, a fellow Israelite, or someone from the same tribe or nation. Israel therefore existed as one nation, people in covenant with their God Yahweh. This nation was set apart by it’s conformity with the covenant. This covenant is not just a contract, but a “living relationship that required the living commitment of both parties.”¹

‭Deuteronomy 6:5 NLT‬
“And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.” This verse iterates the people’s required commitment to the Lord and the following verse the Lord’s promise.

‭Deuteronomy 7:9 NLT‬
“Understand, therefore, that the Lord your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant for a thousand generations and lavishes his unfailing love on those who love him and obey his commands.” How wonderful!

Deuteronomy emphasizes the Lord’s sovereignty as he chose his people and made a covenant with them or his love for them. This covenant is the central theme of this book in the bible.

Overall, Deuteronomy portrays Israel as a people with a special relationship with God, called to live according to His will.

2) God’s name in Deuteronomy

God’s name is referred to 21 times in Deuteronomy. When the Lord’s name is used in this book it is not just a name but it is referring to the actual presence of the Lord in the “fullness of his character and covenantal commitment to those on whom he had set that name.”²

“To proclaim God’s name is to make an open declaration of his character as revealed in his actions towards his people.”³ ‭Deuteronomy 32:3 NLT‬ “I will proclaim the name of the Lord; how glorious is our God!”

3) God’s word in Deuteronomy

God’s word is a “collection of written materials by which the life of the nation would be administered.”⁴ Initially God spoke to the people but it frightened them too much and so thereafter he spoke only to Moses, who then conveyed the Lord’s messages and wrote them down.

4) Centralisation of Worship

Worshipping the Lord was always at a place of the Lord’s choosing.

‭Deuteronomy 12:5 NLT‬ “…you must seek the Lord your God at the place of worship he himself will choose from among all the tribes—the place where his name will be honored.” In Deuteronomy, the centralization of the place of worship refers to the command to have one central sanctuary for worship. This was intended to unify religious practices and prevent idolatry by ensuring that sacrifices and offerings were made only at the designated place chosen by God.

‭Deuteronomy 7:6 NLT‬ “For you are a holy people, who belong to the Lord your God. Of all the people on earth, the Lord your God has chosen you to be his own special treasure.”

5) Punishment and the Land in Deuteronomy.

The Lord graceously gave many gifts to his people, but this giving required a response from them. The Promised Land too was to be a gift but this meant the Israelites had to obey the Lord and keep his commands. It was a prerequisite to entering and keeping the Promised Land. The people obeyed and the Lord was generous with them. Disobedience, without repentance, on the other hand resulted in disease, disaster, death and a loss of the land. While Deuteronomy emphasizes the importance of obedience to the law, it also acknowledges the role of grace and mercy in God’s relationship with His people. Despite Israel’s repeated failures and disobedience, God’s grace and compassion are evident throughout the book. He offers forgiveness, restoration, and opportunities for repentance, demonstrating His enduring love and faithfulness to His covenant promises.

6) Connecting with the gospel message The book of Deuteronomy foreshadows several aspects of the gospel message found in the New Testament:

Law and Grace: While Deuteronomy emphasizes obedience to the Law, it also highlights God’s grace and mercy in providing forgiveness and redemption for those who repent and turn to Him. This theme parallels the New Testament message of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, which fulfills the Law while offering grace and forgiveness to those who believe.
Promised Land: In Deuteronomy, the Israelites are promised a land flowing with milk and honey as their inheritance. This can be seen as a foreshadowing of the heavenly inheritance promised to believers in the New Testament, where they will dwell in the presence of God for eternity.
Covenant Relationship: Deuteronomy emphasizes the covenant relationship between God and His people, calling for loyalty, obedience, and love. This mirrors the New Testament concept of believers being in a covenant relationship (the new covenant) with God through Jesus Christ, characterized by faith, obedience, and love.
Messianic Prophecies: Some passages in Deuteronomy contain messianic prophecies, pointing forward to the coming of a future prophet or king. These prophecies find fulfillment in Jesus Christ as the ultimate prophet, priest, and king in the New Testament. ‭Deuteronomy 18:15 NLT‬ “Moses continued, “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your fellow Israelites. You must listen to him.” And ‭Deuteronomy 18:17-18 NLT‬ “Then the Lord said to me, ‘What they have said is right. I will raise up a prophet like you from among their fellow Israelites. I will put my words in his mouth, and he will tell the people everything I command him.”

The themes and messages of Deuteronomy provide a foundation for understanding the gospel message of salvation, grace, and the fulfillment of God’s promises through Jesus Christ in the New Testament.

Lord Jesus thank you for lavishing your love on your people in Deuteronomy and thank you that you also lavish your love and grace on us today. You are a tender loving father who extravagantly pours his love on his children. Amen.

Footnotes:

¹An Introduction to the Old Testament:1995 by Raymond B. Dillard and Tremper Longman III, Apollos, Leicester, p102.

²An Introduction to the Old Testament:1995 by Raymond B. Dillard and Tremper Longman III, Apollos, Leicester, p103.

³An Introduction to the Old Testament:1995 by Raymond B. Dillard and Tremper Longman III, Apollos, Leicester, p103.

⁴An Introduction to the Old Testament:1995 by Raymond B. Dillard and Tremper Longman III, Apollos, Leicester, p103.

References:

1) An Introduction to the Old Testament:1995 by Raymond B. Dillard and Tremper Longman III, Apollos, Leicester, p91-106.

2) Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Numbers

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The book of numbers in Hebrew is called “בְּמִדְבַּר” (Bəmiḏbar), which means “in the wilderness” or “in the desert.” This title reflects the setting of much of the book’s narrative, as it primarily deals with the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness after leaving Egypt. The Israelites move from Sinai to the wilderness of Paran and finally the plains of Moab (on the edge of the Promised Land).

We can also compare this book to our own lives, where deliverance from Egypt is like our salvation and belief in Jesus and the Promised Land is heaven. We are living in a period of waiting for the Promised Land in the wilderness of our lives.

God’s presence with the Israelites and his holiness is still very important throughout the book of Numbers. The Levites were responsible as guardians of God’s holiness and worked in the Tabernacle. They also transported the Tabernacle and it’s furniture. The many laws given by the Lord were to ensure the purity of the camp.

Numbers narrates the transition of the old generation who left Egypt, who sinned due to their lack of faith to the new generation who was allowed to enter the Promised Land. Numbers revealing the new generation therefore gives us hope.

The generation of people who were saved from slavery in Egypt were forbidden to enter the Promised Land because they rebelled against the Lord. The Lord said that only those 20 years old and younger would be eligible. The Israelites spent 40 years in the wilderness and the older generation died before they entered the land God promised. They were constantly grumbling against the Lord’s provision for them. They were tired of eating the same food all the time and having no water at times.

Moses sent twelve men, (Numbers 13) one from each tribe of Israel, to spy out the land of Canaan, which God had promised to give to the Israelites. These spies spent forty days exploring the land, returning with a report about its inhabitants, its fertility, and the challenges it presented. Only two of the spies, Joshua and Caleb had faith, the other 10 spies were afraid of the inhabitants and demonstrated a lack of faith in spite of what the Lord had already done for them. The Lord was angry and this is when he said that only those 20 years old or less would enter the Promised Land.

Then there was Korah (Numbers 16) who led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron, challenging their authority. He, along with Dathan, Abiram, and 250 other prominent Israelites, confronted Moses and Aaron, questioning why they should have exclusive leadership roles. They accused Moses and Aaron of exalting themselves above the rest of the congregation. This rebellion ultimately resulted in a dramatic showdown where God intervened, affirming Moses and Aaron’s leadership by causing the ground to swallow Korah and his followers. In spite of this rebellion, the Lord continued to provide for his people.

Even Moses was excluded from entering the Promised Land in Numbers chapter 20. The reason is that he disobeyed God’s command when he struck the rock at Meribah instead of speaking to it, as God had instructed. This act of disobedience demonstrated a lack of faith and reverence for God’s authority, leading to the consequence of Moses being unable to enter the land he had led the Israelites toward for forty years.

In Numbers 21:4-9, the Israelites, frustrated with their journey in the wilderness, spoke against God and Moses. As a consequence, God sent fiery serpents among them, which bit the people, causing many to die. Upon realizing their sin and the consequence it brought, the people repented and asked Moses to intercede on their behalf. In response, God instructed Moses to make a bronze serpent and set it on a pole. Anyone who was bitten and looked at the bronze serpent would live. This event served as both a punishment for the Israelites’ disobedience and a lesson about the importance of repentance and faith in God’s provision for salvation.

We can see a link with Jesus in this plague of fiery serpents. To be saved from death, the people just had to look at the serpent. This required an act of faith, but it was just looking and nothing more. We need only have faith in Jesus, looking upon him to be saved. Saved by faith!

John 3:14-17 NLT
[14] And as Moses lifted up the bronze snake on a pole in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, [15] so that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life. [16] “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. [17] God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.

The Lord ultimately did not abandon his people, even though they rebelled against him, he honoured his covenant with them. Each generation of Christians is like the new generation of the book of Numbers. The Lord redeems his people and therefore brings hope and gives our lives meaning.

The book of Numbers ends with the Israelites encamped on the plains of Moab, across the Jordan River from the land of Canaan, which is the Promised Land. They are on the verge of entering and conquering it under the leadership of Joshua, who succeeded Moses.

Despite the shortcomings of the Israelites, God remains faithful to His promises, ensuring that they eventually reach the outskirts of the Promised Land.

The importance of leadership and obedience to God’s commands is emphasized through the examples of Moses, Aaron, Joshua, and Caleb. Obedience leads to blessings, while disobedience results in consequences.

Overall, the book of Numbers underscores the enduring relationship between the Lord and His people, highlighting His faithfulness, guidance, judgment, and the importance of obedience.

The Lord is relational and loves his people: ‭Numbers 6:22-27 NLT‬
Then the Lord said to Moses, “Tell Aaron and his sons to bless the people of Israel with this special blessing: ‘May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.’ Whenever Aaron and his sons bless the people of Israel in my name, I myself will bless them.”

Prayer: Lord Jesus help is to be like Joshua and Caleb whose faith did not waiver even though they saw that the Promised Land had many giants and walled cities. They still believed they would have the victory in battle against these people. Thank you for your faithfulness Lord Jesus and for the new covenant we have where we have access to speak with you at any time. Thank you that we have your Holy Spirit who dwells within us, making our bodies the Tabernacle. Because you are holy Lord, I pray that we would repent of our sins as soon as you bring them to our attention, so that we can well maintain our relationship with you. Amen.

References:

1) An Introduction to the Old Testament:1995 by Raymond B. Dillard and Tremper Longman III, Apollos, Leicester, p83-90.

Moses (Exodus 1-40)

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1) Chapters 1-11

The exodus is about the birth of Israel as a nation. It took place in about 1450 BC. Moses is central to the narrative and it was he who led the Israelites out of Egypt. God used Moses to give the law ‘the rule of life,’ to the people and made them his own through this covenant. We see that the Lord is in control, leading his people and we see a God who is known and one who rescues the oppressed. God is seen as holy, good and just.

1.1 Israel in Egypt

Joseph’s death was some 400 years prior to the exodus. Their once privileged status was gone. The Israelites had become numerous and this worried Pharoah, so he made them slaves. Even under this oppression they continued to increase in number. Pharoah took a more direct action and gave orders to kill all male Hebrew babies.

1.2 Moses

Moses parents kept him hidden until he was 3 months old then set him in a basket along the Nile in an attempt to save his life. He was discovered by Pharoah’s daughter who raised him. So Moses grew up like a prince in Pharoah’s royal household.

“As so often happens in the Old Testament, God preserved the future deliverer’s life through great danger in his infancy. Not only did God preserve Moses’ life, but he did so in such a way that Moses was raised under the nose of Pharoah himself”¹

40 years passed before Moses was ready to be used by the Lord. He was living in Midian. The Lord had seen the oppression of his people and decided that it was time to act. One day while Moses wondered in the desert, he saw a burning bush. He was amazed that the bush was not being consumed by the fire. ‭

Exodus 3:4-6 NLT‬ “When the Lord saw Moses coming to take a closer look, God called to him from the middle of the bush, “Moses! Moses!” “Here I am!” Moses replied. “Do not come any closer,” the Lord warned. “Take off your sandals, for you are standing on holy ground. I am the God of your father—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” When Moses heard this, he covered his face because he was afraid to look at God.”

The Lord spoke to Moses: ‭Exodus 3:9-10 NLT‬ “Look! The cry of the people of Israel has reached me, and I have seen how harshly the Egyptians abuse them. Now go, for I am sending you to Pharaoh. You must lead my people Israel out of Egypt.”

Moses was reluctant to do what the Lord had asked of him, because he felt inadequate because he was slow in speech. However, the Lord equipped Moses, with the ability to carry out miraculous signs for the people and said he would be with him. He also agreed for his brother Aaron to go with him to be the spokesperson. After this Moses agreed to do it. He was 80 years old and Aaron, 83.

God’s way is not always easy – it is extraordinarily challenging but, at the end of the day, wonderfully fulfilling.²

When Moses told the Israelite people about his plan, showing them the miraculous signs the Lord had given Moses, they believed. Moses and Aaron confronted Pharoah and asked him to let God’s people go, so that they might worship the Lord. Pharoah said he would not comply as he did not know the Lord. The Lord then sent the following plagues on Egypt, which took place over a period of 6 months to one year. The Lord turned their drinking water into blood, sent a plague of frogs, gnats or lice, flies, a deadly disease on their livestock, festering boils on humans and animals, hail, locusts and darkness. Not a single Israelite or their livestock suffered from the plagues. After each plague Pharoah would agree to let God’s people go but as soon as the Lord made the plague go away, he would harden his heart again.

2) Chapters 12-18

2.1 The Passover

The final plague sent was the death of every firstborn Egyptian child, which included Pharaoh’s firstborn. For this final plague, the Israelites had to put lamb’s blood over their doorposts so that the angel of death would pass over their homes. The Israelites continued to celebrate the Passover each year and sacrificed a lamb without defect. This lamb sacrifice pointed to the future sacrifice of Jesus in the New Testament. It was only after this final plague of death that Pharoah actually did let the Israelites go. ‭

Exodus 12:31-32 NLT‬ “Pharaoh sent for Moses and Aaron during the night. “Get out!” he ordered. “Leave my people—and take the rest of the Israelites with you! Go and worship the Lord as you have requested. Take your flocks and herds, as you said, and be gone. Go, but bless me as you leave.”

The plagues or judgements taught Pharoah and his people who the Lord is and showed them the extent of the Lord’s power over creation. Pharoah even asked for the Lord’s blessing before they left. That’s quite a change of heart! Pharoah had learnt who the Lord is. The Israelites had lived in Egypt for 430 years.

2.2 The exodus

The Lord did not take a direct route to Canaan because he was concerned the people were not ready to face a battle with the inhabitants of the promised land. He led them to the Red sea. After the Israelites left, Pharoah changed his mind again and decided to chase after them. He left with horses and chariots and caught up with the large group of people. They were terrified because they were trapped between the sea and Pharoah’s army. They cried out to the Lord and accused Moses of betrayal. This was a test of faith for them. The Lord parted the water so the Israelites could cross on dry land. Once they were safely across, the waters rushed back and Pharoah’s army drowned.

“Israel learns the truth of Moses words ‘The Lord will fight for you; there is no need for you to do anything.’³

The Lord was faithful and gracious. He sent the plagues and parted the Red sea so that his children could be free, just as he promised. He rescued the Israelites before he gave the law, which means by grace he saved them before teaching them to be his people by means of the law, which he gave later.

2.3 Egypt to Sinai

The Israelites soon became mutinous in the desert because the conditions were harsh. They had no food or water. Some Israelites even longed for Egypt again where they had what they needed. The Lord heard the cries of his people and provided for them in the following ways: Manna: God provided manna, a miraculous bread-like substance, for the Israelites to eat every morning (Exodus 16:4-36). Manna sustained them throughout their journey in the desert. They ate manna for 40 years as they crossed the desert until they arrived at the border of Canaan. Quail: In addition to manna, God provided quail for meat in the evening (Exodus 16:11-13). He sent a large flock of quail to the camp of the Israelites. Water: God miraculously provided water for the Israelites in the desert. He instructed Moses to strike a rock at Horeb, and water gushed out for the people to drink (Exodus 17:1-7). Guidance: The Lord provided guidance and protection for the Israelites as they journeyed through the desert. He led them with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night (Exodus 13:21-22). This divine guidance ensured they stayed on the right path and were protected from their enemies. Clothing and shoes: Despite their wandering in the desert for forty years, the Israelites’ clothing and shoes did not wear out. (Deuteronomy 29:5).

Overall, God’s provision for the Israelites in the desert demonstrated His faithfulness, compassion, and care for His people, even in the most challenging circumstances.

3) Chapters 19-40 Two months after the Israelites left Egypt they arrived in the wilderness of Sinai.

3.1 The people of God. The people camped at the base of mount Sinai. Moses went up the mountain to speak with the Lord and he asked Moses to give the following message to the Israelites.

‭Exodus 19:4-5 NLT‬ “‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians. You know how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the peoples on earth; for all the earth belongs to me. And you will be my kingdom of priests, my holy nation.’ This is the message you must give to the people of Israel.”

3.2 The Ten Commandments God revealed himself in a cloud, fire and smoke. The mountain (Mt. Sinai) had become a sacred place because of the Lord’s presence. Nobody, except Moses and Aaron were allowed to go near the boundary at the base of the mountain or they faced death. This is when the Lord verbally gave his 10 Commandments. They were given out of the Lord’s love for his people and they explain how to live life. These commandments were the pinnacle of God’s covenant-agreement with his people. The 10 commandments can be found in Exodus 20:3-17. The first four commandments are about how we respond to God’s love and love him back: ‘We love because he first loved us’ (1 John 4:19)

The first and most important commandment is ‘“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” The second is: “Love your neighbour as yourself.” All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments’ (Matthew 22:37–40).

The last six are about how we should treat other people, for example: No murder. No adultery. No stealing. No lies about your neighbour. No coveting your neighbour’s house or wife.

3.3 God’s Tent and worship The Lord gave Moses special instructions for a tent to be made where He would reside and be near to his people. God would guide and be with them wherever they went. The tent or Tabernacle, as it was called, was a sacred tent for worship. The Tabernacle was significant as it was the physical dwelling place of God’s presence among the Israelites, a central location for worship and animal sacrifice to atone for the sins of each person. Overall, animal sacrifices played a central role in Israelite worship and religious life, serving as a means of seeking forgiveness, expressing devotion, maintaining covenant relationship, and achieving purification according to the religious beliefs and practices prescribed in the Mosaic Law. Sacrificial offerings symbolically represented the Israelites’ commitment to God and their desire to maintain a covenant relationship with Him. The act of sacrificing emphasized the seriousness of their relationship with God and their willingness to submit to His authority.

The priests had to atone for their sins too before they could minister to the people. The Tabernacle was a symbol of the covenant between God and his people. It had to be a tent, a temporary dwelling, because the Israelites had not yet taken possession of the promised land and they moved from place to place, as the Lord directed. The Tabernacle was made to specific measurements with specific materials, including precious metals and stones. The instructions were given to Moses by the Lord. The Ark of the Covenant containing the stone tablets with the inscription of the 10 Commandments and the Book of the Covenant were kept inside. The Ark was kept in the middle of the Most Holy Place in the centre of the Tabernacle. The nearer to the Lord’s dwelling place in the Most Holy Place (in the centre) the more ornate and precious the decorations were. All of the materials used in building and decorating the Tabernacle came from offerings given by the people and they helped build it. The materials like gold, bronze, silver, etc. were given to the people by the Egyptians just before they left Egypt, per the Lord’s request. The acacia wood was found in the desert and their own herds provided the skins. The people of the ancient Near East were skilled at spinning, weaving and using natural dyes. The craftsman’s skills were spiritual gifts for serving God.

“It was entirely voluntary: ‘All who are skilled among you are to come and make everything the Lord has commanded’ (35:10). For example, ‘everyone who had acacia wood… brought it’ (v.24); ‘Every skilled woman spun with her hands’ (v.25)”⁴

Later on, once the Israelites took possession of the land the Lord promised them, they would build a permanent structure, the Temple, during the time of King Solomon. (1 Kings 8-8) The temple would be similar to the Tabernacle, made with special instructions and materials.

Hebrews 8:5 NLT‬ “They serve in a system of worship that is only a copy, a shadow of the real one in heaven. ”

In other words the Tabernacle is a shadow or copy of what we will find in heaven. The Tabernacle priests could enter the Holy Place but not the Most Holy Place. After Jesus death and resurrection we can all be in the Lord’s holy presence, (enter the Most Holy Place or approach the throne of God) under the new covenant. The blood of Jesus, the sacrificial Lamb, was offered once for all. Thereafter, there was no need to sacrifice animals. With the new covenant, Jesus is the new temple, in fact God dwells inside all who accept Jesus as their saviour, by his Holy Spirit. Our bodies then become the temple of the Holy Spirit (the spirit of Jesus).

3.4 Law and Covenant The law refers to the 10 commandments given to the Israelites, but the Lord also gave them other instructions called the Book of the Covenant. It was given to God’s people at Mount Sinai and refers to a portion of the Old Testament containing laws and regulations, to be found in Exodus 20:22–23:33. It includes various laws and ordinances given by God to the Israelites through Moses, covering issues such as social justice, worship, and ethical conduct.

The covenant made with the Israelites at Mount Sinai is often referred to as the Mosaic Covenant. It’s a central theme in the Old Testament, particularly in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. In this covenant, God promised to be the God of the Israelites and they promised to be His people, with obligations on both sides. God gave the Ten Commandments and various laws and regulations, and the Israelites agreed to obey them. Now that the people had the law, not abiding by it was called sinning. The law was given to help people live a good or righteous life.

Moses was called up to the mountain to receive the commandments on stone tablets, written by God. He was there for 40 days. During this time the people disobeyed the Lord by worshipping a golden calf, which they made. They all too quickly forgot what the Lord had done for them and reverted to worshipping idols as they did in Egypt. The Lord was angry and punished them. Moses was also angry and he broke the tablets on which the 10 Commandments were written. This symbolises that the covenant had been broken by the people’s sin of idolatry. However, we see in chapter 34, the covenant is renewed (the tablets are engraved anew) and the Lord gives additional laws to protect His people.

The reason the Israelites stayed in the desert for such a long time (40 years) before going into the promised land was because the Lord had to teach them how to be his people. They had to learn about the holiness of God and his power. But later we see that the Lord keeps them in the desert because of their lack of faith to enter the promised land. (Numbers 14:28-30) They were afraid of the people they had to do battle against in the land of Canaan. Later, in the New Testament we see that Jesus became flesh and tabernacled (was present) among the people for some time. (The Lord implemented a new covenant through Jesus).

3.5 A Relational God Throughout the book of Exodus, The Lord developed His relationship with His people, the Israelites, in several ways:

3.5.1) Calling and Commissioning Moses: God chose Moses to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, demonstrating His initiative in reaching out to His people and His desire to deliver them from oppression.

3.5.2) Revelation and Guidance: God reveals Himself to Moses through the burning bush and provides guidance and instructions for the liberation of the Israelites, demonstrating His presence and concern for their welfare.

3.5.3) Provision and Protection: God provides for the needs of the Israelites in the wilderness by supplying manna, quail, and water, and protecting them from enemies like the Amalekites, demonstrating His faithfulness and care for His people.

3.5.4) Establishing Covenant: At Mount Sinai, God establishes a covenant with the Israelites, giving them the Ten Commandments and other laws, and inviting them into a special relationship based on obedience and mutual faithfulness. Moses had a close relationship with the Lord and spoke with him as friends would. ‭

Exodus 33:11 NLT “Inside the Tent of Meeting (Tabernacle), the Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend…”

Through these actions, 3.5.1 – 3.5.4, God actively engages with His people, forming a relationship characterized by His love, faithfulness, provision, guidance, and desire for obedience and fellowship.

‘‘Ultimately, the tabernacle and temple, which represented heaven on earth, looked forward to the merging of heaven and earth in the New Jerusalem. (Rev. 21-22)”⁵

We look forward to heaven or the New Jerusalem because of Christ’s redemptive sacrifice on the cross and our steadfast relationship with him.

4) Conclusion The epic story of Moses shows the Lord using a man who was afraid of doing God’s bidding because he felt inadequate. The Lord used him anyway because the power of God is made perfect in weakness.

2 Corinthians 12:9: “‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’…”

The New Testament reveals the new covenant with the Lord’s people, in which all people are included. The new covenant, through Jesus sets us free from the curse of the law because Jesus became the final redemptive sacrifice for our sins. Jesus sets us free from sin and death. The prophets foretold that one day there would be a new covenant written not on tablets of stone but on our hearts. We are made righteous through faith by believing in Jesus Christ as our Savior and accepting His sacrifice on the cross for our sins. This faith in Jesus and His redemptive work justifies us before God, meaning that we are declared righteous in His sight and do not require animal sacrifices anymore. It’s not based on our own efforts or merits but on the grace of God and our trust in Him. A personal relationship with Jesus is characterized by a deep, intimate connection between an individual and Jesus Christ. Overall, a personal relationship with Jesus is dynamic and life-changing, shaping every aspect of one’s life and providing hope, purpose, and fulfillment.

Prayer: Lord Jesus please come into my life that I may get to know you. You are a loving and kind God and I would like to have a relationship with you. Thank you Lord for people like Moses who chose to obey you and follow you, even when circumstances seemed impossible. Thank you for revealing yourself to the Israelites, please reveal yourself to me today. Lord I believe in you and your power to transform my life. Please forgive me for my sins, I now choose to follow you Lord. Amen.

Footnotes:

¹An Introduction to the Old Testament:1995 by Raymond B. Dillard and Tremper Longman III, Apollos, Leicester, p65.

² The bible with Nicky and Pippa Gumble, Classic version, 2024, Day 40, Publisher: Alpha

³’Exodus’ in The 5 Books by John Taylor in The Lion Handbook to the Bible, third edition, Pat and David Alexander, eds., Lion Publishing: Oxford, 2002, p165

⁴The bible with Nicky and Pippa Gumble, Classic version, 2024, Day 55, Publisher: Alpha.

⁵An Introduction to the Old Testament:1995 by Raymond B. Dillard and Tremper Longman III, Apollos, Leicester, p71.

References:

1) ‘Exodus’ in The 5 Books by John Taylor in The Lion Handbook to the Bible, third edition, Pat and David Alexander, eds., Lion Publishing: Oxford, 2002, p159-179.

2) An Introduction to the Old Testament:1995, Dillard, Longman p64-68