Read Excodus 30 and 31 at Bible Gateway.
Hebrew paragraph divisions:
Exo 30:1-10 {p} The making + atonement of the altar of incense
Exo 30:11-16 {p} The atonement money for the children of Israel
Exo 30:17-21 {p} The making + atoning function of the bronze laver
Exo 30:22-33 {s} The making + consecrating function of the anointing oil
Exo 30:34-38 {s} The making of the consecrated incense
Exo 31:1-11 {p} Bezalel called, equipped, filled with the Spirit in all wisdom to make the tabernacle
Exo 31:12-17 {s} The Sabbath commandment
Exo 31:18-32:6 {p} Aaron and the people make the golden calf
Exo 31 opens with a strong paragraph, which completes a theme begun in yesterday’s reading:
Exo 30:22-33 {s} The pattern for the holy anointing oil
Exo 30:34-38 {s} The pattern for the holy incense + continual incense in the Holy Place
Exo 31:1-11 {p} Bezalel called + equipped filled with the Spirit in all wisdom and understanding to make the tabernacle
The picture being painted is of Spirit-filled service in doing the work of the ministry. The anointing oil of the Spirit is first. Without it we are working in our own strength (1 Sam 6:13, Luk 4:18, Act 10:38)! But then the heart is the continual incense, which is our prayer rising before God. How can one work if he is praying continually? While the continual incense probably is painting a picture of formal prayer in one’s closet, morning and night, it also might be painting a picture, since once incense is lit, it burns for some time, of non-stop communication between us and God, back and forth, from His presence within us; arising from our hearts and minds, and with the ears of our hearts tuned in to His still small voice throughout the day. When we minister, we are not out there on our own, but the Lord’s Spirit is actively engaged with us, enlightening us, teaching us, guiding us, leading us, and inspiring us in our work and in our service toward others. In this way we truly become His hands and feet in the world.
Exo 30:22-31:11 {s+s+p} Anointing + continual prayer = work of the ministry, filled with the Spirit in all wisdom
The next strong theme is no less astounding:
Exo 31:12-17 {s} The Sabbath commandment
Exo 31:18-32:6 {p} Aaron and the people make the golden calf
Sometimes people tell me our day of rest can be any day we choose, as long as we take a day to rest. But choosing their own day to set aside to the Lord, and not His day, is what Israel did. In Israel’s mind they were not abandoning YHVH for some other god – in their mind, they were still worshiping YHVH, only they put a form of their own choosing on Him in a pattern they were familiar with from Egypt, on a day of their own choosing, not on the feast day of the Lord’s choosing.
So when Aaron saw it, he built an altar before it. And Aaron made a proclamation and said, “Tomorrow is a feast to YHVH.” Then they rose early on the next day, offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. Exo 32:5-6
But YHVH called it idolatry! (Exo 32:7-8). So the strong theme is:
Exo 31:12-32:6 {s+p} Sabbath reminded, however Israel chose a feast day of their own making to worship Him in a form of their own making
This is no light matter. YHVH has set His times (appointed times or feast days) and His Law (commandments defining what is good and evil, clean and unclean, just and corrupt) from the foundation of the earth, and the work of the antichrist is always to change His Times and His Law to something other, often accompanying it with the rationale, Well, we are still resting, so what does it matter?
He shall speak pompous words against the Most High,
Shall persecute the saints of the Most High,
And shall intend to change times and law.
Then the saints shall be given into his hand
For a time and times and half a time. Dan 7:25
Ida (Simonida) says
Thank you. It’s because of our weekly portion. I wrote a translation into Dutch on my Facebook page and I’m intending to place it in Google+.
https://plus.google.com/u/0/116903422101513424864
christine says
This is so encouraging Ida, thank you for letting me know! Will you do one thing for me, any time you translate anything found here to post somewhere else (Facebook, Google+, or some place else) will you please include a link back to the original page here on this website at the bottom? Thank you so very much! <3
kathy says
Really good …. not that law to be obeyed but intent of heart to follow God’s commandments which are NOT GREVIOUS even one generation away from wisdom and understanding can loose sight of there is only glory and goodness in serving our God
thanks for your kindness ..Shalom
christine says
You have it absolutely right, His commandments are not grievous. God bless you Kathy <3