EXODUS

What I learned from reading Exodus 1:1-22

When Jacob came into Egypt there were 70 of his descendants that were there with him. Eventually Jacob, Joseph and all his brothers died, but the Israelites continued to multiply and grow to a large number so that the land became filled with them.

By this time there was also a new Pharaoh, one who hadn't known Joseph, and he became afraid, for the people of Israel had become more numerous then the Egyptians.

So he appointed chiefs of forced labor over them and made the Israelites as slaves. Under these conditions they built the cities of Pithom and Raamses. But Pharaoh's tactics didn't work, for the more he tried to oppress them, forcing them to work with clay mortar and bricks, the more they multiplied.

Then he spoke to the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, and told them to put to death any male child who was born. But the midwives feared the true God more than they did Pharaoh, and they kept the male children alive.

Eventually Pharaoh noticed and asked them why they weren't killing the sons of the Hebrews. They told him the Hebrew women were more lively then the Egyptians and had already given birth by the time the midwife had got to them. For their remaining faithful to the true God, they were rewarded by being able to have families of their own.

Finally, Pharaoh commanded the Egyptians to throw every newborn son of the Hebrews into the Nile River, but to keep the females alive.

What I learned from reading Exodus 2:1-25

Not long after Pharaoh ordered that all Hebrew newborn boys were to be thrown into the Nile river, a woman of the tribe of Levi gave birth to a boy. She tried to keep him hidden, succeeding for three months, but then became afraid she couldn't hide him any longer. So she took a papyrus basket, coated it with bitumen and pitch and placed the infant within it. She then had her daughter place the basket among the reeds by the bank of the Nile River.

A little later, Pharaoh's daughter and her female attendants walked down the path to the river's edge. She noticed the basket and sent her slave girl after it. When she opened it, she saw the crying boy and felt compassion for him. But she also realized he was a Hebrew.

Just then, the boy's sister approached and asked if she would like to have her call a Hebrew woman to nurse the child for her. When the girl returned with her mother, Pharaoh's daughter told her she would pay her to nurse the child for her.

So the Levite woman nursed him and when the boy was weaned, she brought him to Pharaoh's daughter and he became her son. She named him Moses because she drew him from the water.

Eventually Moses grew up to be an adult, and he went out to observe how his Hebrew brothers were doing. When he saw an Egyptian beating one, he killed and then buried him in the sand. He returned the following day, saw two Hebrews fighting and tried to stop them. One of the men asked if he was going to kill him too. This frightened Moses, but he remained there until Pharaoh heard about it and attempted to kill him.

So Moses ran away to dwell in the land of Midian. When he stopped at a well for some water, he watched as some shepherds tried to prevent the seven daughters of Reuel, the priest of Midian, from watering their flock. When the others left, he helped the women to water them.

When the women returned early and told their father what had happened, he insisted that Moses come and stay with them. Later, he gave his daughter Zipporah to Moses for his wife and they had a son he called Gershom.

A few years later Pharaoh died, but the Israelites still remained as slaves to the Egyptians. Jehovah though, heard their groaning and remembered his covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

What I learned from reading Exodus 3:1-22

After his marriage, Moses became a shepherd to his father-in-law's flock. Upon leading the flock to the West, he came to Mount Horeb where he noticed a thornbush on fire and yet it wasn't being consumed. When he moved closer to it, a voice called out, saying his name. Answering, he was told not to go any nearer and to remove his sandals because where he was standing was holy ground.

He was then told that the one speaking to him was Jehovah, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and he'd seen what was happening to his people in Egypt. God was ready to go down and rescue them out of the hand of the Egyptians and bring them back to the land of Canaan, a land currently inhabited by the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites. He'd been chosen to go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt and into a good and spacious land flowing with milk and honey. 

Moses asked who he was to do this? Jehovah said he would be with him and the people he brought out would serve him on that very mountain. So Moses asked what he should say when they asked the name of the one who sent him. God told him he'd become whatever he chose to become. He was Jehovah, the God of their forefathers and he'd taken notice of the harsh treatment of the Egyptians and would take them back to the land promised to their forefathers.

God further said to Moses that the people would listen to him. He was to go to the king of Egypt and say that their God had communicated with them. They must go three days into the wilderness and make a sacrifice to Jehovah their God. But Pharaoh would refuse and God would have to stretch out his hand and compel him. They were also not go empty handed, for they were to have their women ask the Egyptians for their silver, their gold and their clothing and they would plunder them.

What I learned from reading Exodus 4:1-31

Moses then asked God what he should do if the Israelites didn't believe him. Jehovah asked him what he held in his hand, and when he said a rod, he was told to throw it on the ground. When it became a serpent, he fled, but Jehovah told him to reach out and seize it by the tail. Doing so, it became a rod again.

Again he was told to place his hand in the upper fold of his garment. When he drew it out, it was white as snow with leprosy. He was told to return it to his garment and when he withdrew it, it was restored. He was also told that if he took some water from the Nile River and poured it onto the ground, it would become blood. God then added that he would do this so they would believe that Jehovah, the God of their forefathers had appeared to him.

Once again Moses spoke to Jehovah and said he'd never been a fluent speaker and it would be better to send someone else. At this Jehovah's anger blazed, but then he told Moses that he would provide his brother Aaron to help him speak to the people.

Moses then agreed and went to his father-in-law, who told him to go and do as Jehovah had said. So he took his wife and sons, placed them upon a donkey and started back to Egypt.

On their way though, Moses got sick, nearly to death, so his wife took a flint and circumcised her sons and Moses got well again.
Jehovah told Aaron to go into the wilderness and find his brother. They met in the mountains of the true God and greeted one another with a kiss. After that, the two of them spoke to the elders of the Israelites and when the people saw the signs and heard that Jehovah had turned his attention back to them, they prostrated themselves on the ground.

What I learned from reading Exodus 5:1-23

Moses and his brother Aaron went to see Pharaoh and told him that Jehovah the God of Israel had said they must go into the wilderness so they may celebrate a festival to him. But Pharaoh refused, saying who is this Jehovah that he should obey him. When they then said they must do this or they may be struck with disease or the sword, he told them to go away and get back to their work.

Then Pharaoh sent for the taskmasters and foremen and told them to stop giving the Israelites straw to make their bricks. They were to make them gather the straw for themselves while still producing the same amount of bricks they were already making. The men told the people what Pharaoh said, and even though they tried to do as ordered, they were unable to continue to produce enough bricks to satisfy the taskmasters. Because of this, many were beaten.

So the foremen met with Moses and Aaron. They told them Jehovah would judge them, for they'd made Pharaoh despise them even more, plus they'd put a sword in his hands to kill them.

Moses then asked Jehovah why he was sent to only have the people become more afflicted. They had still not been rescued and they were being dealt with even more harshly than before.

What I learned from reading Exodus 6:1-30

Jehovah answered Moses, telling him that it would take a mighty hand to make Pharaoh drive the Israelites from his land. But he was Jehovah, the one who appeared to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and established a covenant with them to give them the land of Canaan.

Moses was to tell the Israelites that he, Jehovah, would rescue them from their slavery. He would take them as his people and he would be their God. He would give them the possession he'd promised their forefathers.

So Moses told the Israelites, but they didn't listen because of their discouragement over the harsh slavery.

Once again Jehovah spoke to Moses telling him to go in to Pharaoh and tell him he should send the Israelites away. Moses asked how he could get Pharaoh to listen to him when the Israelites wouldn't. But Jehovah told Moses and Aaron what to say again to both the Israelites and to Pharaoh.

Moses then lists the names of the heads of families of Levi.

The sons of Levi were Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. Levi lived 137 years.

The sons of Gershon were Libni and Shimei.

The sons of Kohath were Amram, Izhar, Hebron and Uzziel. Kohath lived 133 years.

The sons of Merari were Mahli and Mushi.

Amram took Jochebed as his wife and she bore him Aaron and Moses. Amram lived 137 years.

The sons of Izhar were Korah, Nepheg, and Zichri.

The sons of Uzziel were Mishael, Elzaphan, and Sithri.

Aaron took Elisheba, Amminadab’s daughter as his wife. She bore him Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.

The sons of Korah were Assir, Elkanah, and Abiasaph.

Eleazar, took one of the daughters of Putiel as his wife. She bore him Phinehas.

What I learned from reading Exodus 7:1-25

Jehovah told Moses he'd make him like God when he talked to Pharaoh, and Aaron would be his prophet. However, Pharaoh would be obstinate, so he'd have to multiply his signs and miracles and lay his hand on all of Egypt.

Moses, now 80, and his brother Aaron, now 83, did exactly as Jehovah commanded them. They went in to see Pharaoh and when he demanded to see a miracle, Aaron threw down his rod and it became a big snake. When Pharaoh summoned his wise men, sorcerers and magic-practicing priests, they were able to do the same thing. But even though Aaron's rod swallowed up all of their rods, Pharaoh still wouldn't listen to them.

A few days later, Jehovah told Moses that Pharaoh was going out to see the Nile River the next day. He and Aaron were to go there and wait for him. So they did as they were told and when they saw Pharaoh, they told him that since he hadn't obeyed their God and allowed them to go worship him, the Nile River would be turned to blood and all the fish would die.

Then Aaron lifted up the rod and struck the river with it. Instantly, the water of the Nile was turned to blood, the fish died and it began to stink so that none of the Egyptians were able to drink from it. It also spread to all the other waters so there was blood throughout the land of Egypt.

When his magic-practicing priests were able to do the same, Pharaoh's heart remained obstinate, and he returned to his house, but the water continued to be blood for seven full days.

What I learned from reading Exodus 8:1-32

A week after Jehovah turned the Nile River to blood, he told Moses to go to Pharaoh and tell him that if he kept refusing to send his people away to serve him, he would plague the land with frogs.

When Pharaoh sent them away again, Aaron stretched out his hand with the rod over the water and frogs began to come up out of the Nile, its canals and marshes. Even though the magic-practicing priests were able to make frogs come out over the land too, Pharaoh called Moses and Aaron to him and told them to plead with Jehovah to remove the frogs. Then he'd send the people away. Moses asked him when he should plead to have the frogs removed.

Pharaoh said, “Tomorrow."

So the men left and Moses pleaded with Jehovah to remove the frogs. Jehovah did as asked and the frogs began to die. But then the people piled the dead frogs up in heaps and the land began to stink. Still, when Pharaoh saw the frogs were gone, he hardened is heart.

Then Jehovah told Moses to strike the earth. When he did so, the dust became gnats. They settled on both man and beast in all of Egypt. The magic-practicing priests also tried to produce gnats, but this time they failed. Even though they told Pharaoh it was the finger of God, his heart remained obstinate.

A few days later, Jehovah told Moses to go out again the next morning to the Nile River and station himself before Pharaoh. He was to tell him Jehovah had said, if he didn't send his people away, he'd send the gadfly. This time, however, he'd set his people apart from the Egyptians by not allowing any of the gadflies to go to the land of Goshen.

The next day, heavy swarms of gadflies invaded the land of Egypt, so that the land was ruined. Pharaoh called Moses and Aaron and told them to go ahead and take a day to sacrifice to their God, but they couldn't leave Goshen. Moses told him they must leave the land, for their sacrifices would be something detestable to the Egyptians.

Finally Pharaoh agreed, so Moses pleaded with Jehovah to get rid of the gadflies. But even though Jehovah did so, Pharaoh again hardened his heart.

What I learned from reading Exodus 9:1-35

Again, Jehovah told Moses to go in to see Pharaoh. This time he was to say that if Pharaoh refused to send his people away, the next day the Egyptian's livestock: their horses, donkeys, camels, herds and flocks, would die from a plague. But with Jehovah's people, the Israelites, none of their livestock would die. 

So the next day when the Egyptian livestock began to die, Pharaoh inquired after Israel's livestock, and even after learning none of their's died, he didn't send the people away.

Jehovah then told Moses and Aaron to fill their hands with soot from a kiln. They were to go before Pharaoh and throw it up into the air. When they did so, festering boils started breaking out on both man and beast. Even the magic-practicing priests were covered in boils, but still Pharaoh wouldn't listen to them.

Next Jehovah told Moses to get up early the next morning and go stand before Pharaoh. They were to tell him that the blows against his people would become even stronger, for God was going to send a great rain of hail to strike him and his people. He could have easily wiped them from existence, but he wanted to show his power and have his name declared in all the earth.

So all those among Pharaoh's servants who had started to fear Jehovah brought their servants and livestock under shelter. Then Moses stretched out his rod and Jehovah sent thunder, hail and fire onto the earth of the Egyptians. Everything left out in their fields were destroyed including the trees, their flax and barley fields.

Pharaoh then sent for Moses and Aaron and admitted he'd sinned against Jehovah. He asked them to plead to their God to end the thunder and hail. Moses agreed to do so, but as soon as the storm ended, Pharaoh hardened his heart again and he didn't send the Israelites away.

What I learned from reading Exodus 10:1-29

Jehovah told Moses he'd allowed Pharaoh's heart to be unresponsive so not only would these signs be displayed before the Egyptians, but so that the Israelites could tell their sons and grandsons how severely Egypt was treated. All would know that he was Jehovah.

So Moses and Aaron went back before Pharaoh. They told him that if he kept refusing to let them go then Jehovah would send locusts the next day to cover the ground. The locusts would eat up all the remaining vegetation and would fill the houses of all the Egyptians.

After they left, Pharaoh's servants told him he should send the Israelites away for already the land was ruined. So Pharaoh sent for them to come back and asked who would be going. Moses said it was all of them, including their children, plus their sheep and their cattle for they were going to hold a festival to Jehovah.

Pharaoh told them they were plotting something evil, so if they went, only their men could go. Then he had them driven out from before him.
Jehovah then told Moses to stretch out his hand over Egypt for the locusts to come. Immediately after he did so, an east wind started to blow and when the morning came it brought with it the locusts. The land grew dark with them and everything that was still green was devoured.

Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron and admitted he'd sinned against Jehovah and them and begged them to remove the plague of locusts.

Then Jehovah caused the wind to shift to the west and it drove the locusts into the Red Sea. Still Pharaoh didn't send the Israelites away.

Once again, Jehovah told Moses to stretch out his hand, and when he did, a dense darkness fell over the land. For three days the people of Egypt couldn't see one another or even leave their homes, but all the Israelites still had light in their dwellings.

When the darkness finally lifted, Pharaoh told Moses to go serve Jehovah. They could even take their children, but they had to leave their sheep and cattle behind. Moses told him they must take them too, for they were going to be using some of them in their worship to Jehovah. Hearing that, Pharaoh became so angry he told them not to try to see his face again or they would die.

What I learned from reading Exodus 11:1-10

Jehovah told Moses that there was only going to be one more plague upon Pharaoh and Egypt. The Israelites must be ready to be driven from the land. Before that happened, they were to ask their Egyptian neighbors for all their silver and gold, for Moses himself had become highly esteemed in the land.

Moses then told Pharaoh what Jehovah had said. About midnight, Jehovah would go into the midst of all of Egypt and every firstborn, from Pharaoh to slave and even to their remaining livestock would die. No dogs would bark a warning, but there would be a great outcry by the people such as never been heard before and all his servants would prostrate themselves before Jehovah and tell them to go.

Even though Pharaoh was angry, he still refused to listen.

What I learned from reading Exodus 12:1-51

Jehovah told Moses and Aaron to speak to all of Israel and tell them that from then on they would count that day as the beginning of their year. On the 10th day, each household should choose a sound, one year old male sheep or goat. They must take care of it until the 14th day of the month.

On that day the whole congregation must slaughter all of the animals at twilight. Then they were to take a hyssop branch, dip it in the blood of the animal and splash in on their doorposts and the upper part of the doorway of the house where they ate it. They must roast it whole along with it's head and inner parts over a fire and eat all of the meat with unleavened bread and bitter greens. Anything that wasn't eaten that night was to be burned in the fire.

Also, they should eat it in a hurry, with their belts fastened, sandals on their feet and their staff in their hand.

It was to be Jehovah's Passover, for he would pass through and execute judgement on every firstborn of the land. But the blood on their doorposts would serve as a sign for him to pass over their houses and the plague wouldn't destroy any of them.

It would then stand as a memorial for them that they would celebrate as a festival to Jehovah throughout all their generations. For seven days, from the evening of the 14th day to the 21st day, they must eat unleavened bread made of just flour and water. Anyone who ate their bread leavened would be cut off from their people. 

So everyone did exactly as they were told, and at midnight Jehovah struck down all the firstborns from Pharaoh's own, to the prisoners and to their animals.

When Pharaoh got up and saw what had happened, he called for Moses and Aaron. He told them to go and serve their God Jehovah, to take their children and their livestock, but to bless him before they left.

The rest of the Egyptians too, urged them to go quickly and they gave them their gold, silver and clothing, just as Jehovah had said they would.

So the Israelites left Rameses for Succoth about 600,000 men plus their families. Also a vast mixed company went with them, along with all their flocks and their herds. The day they left marked exactly 430 years from the time Jacob and his family arrived in Egypt.

Jehovah then told Moses and Aaron that from then on, only those who were circumcised were to celebrate the Passover and partake of the meal. Any foreigner in their midst must be circumcised first. So the Israelites did just as Jehovah commanded them.

What I learned from reading Exodus 13:1-22

On their way out of Egypt, Jehovah told Moses to tell the Israelites that they were to sanctify to him every firstborn, whether human or animal. They now belonged to God because he'd killed every firstborn in the land of Egypt.

Moses reminded the people that for seven days they must not have anything leavened in their possession. They were going to be brought into the land flowing with milk and honey that was promised to their ancestors, the land now occupied by the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. They must tell their sons about how Jehovah delivered them from the Egyptians and must keep this seven day festival as a remembrance on their hands and on their foreheads at that same time from year to year.

So the Israelites and the mixed group that accompanied them set out in battle formation, Jehovah's pillar of cloud leading them by day and his pillar of fire by night. They didn't go straight north however, for that would have taken them through the land of the Philistines, but Jehovah led them from Succoth to Etham and through the wilderness by the Red Sea. Moses also took Joseph's bones with him for he'd made them swear that they would when God again turned his attention toward them.

What I learned from reading Exodus 14:1-31

Jehovah told Moses to have the Israelites encamp before Pihahiroth, between Migdol and the Red Sea and within view of Baal-zephon. There Jehovah would glorify himself once more.

When the king of Egypt heard where the Israelites were encamped, he had a change of heart. He had 600 war chariots plus all the other chariots that were found in Egypt readied, with warriors on all of them.

When the Israelites saw the Egyptians coming toward them, they became terrified and started crying out to Jehovah. They asked Moses why he'd brought them there to die. Moses told them to stand firm and watch Jehovah save them, for now he alone would fight for them.

Jehovah then told Moses to have the Israelites break camp. Then the angel who was directing the pillar of cloud and pillar of fire moved to the rear of the camp. It became a dark cloud by day and a fire lighting up the night sky, separating them from Pharaoh's camp. Jehovah also threw the Egyptian camp into confusion by making the wheels fall off their chariots.

As soon as Moses stretched out his rod over the sea, a strong east wind came up, separating the waters and drying up the sea bed. The Israelites went through the sea, a wall of water on their right and on their left. Towards morning when they'd all passed through to the other side, Jehovah told Moses to lower his rod and the sea returned to normal. All of Pharaoh's army who had gone into the sea after them were covered by the waters.

That day Jehovah saved Israel from the Egyptians and the people saw the great power that he'd wielded against them. After that, they began to fear Jehovah and put faith in his servant Moses.

What I learned from reading Exodus 15:1-27

The Israelites composed a song and sang it to Jehovah, thanking him for hurling the Egyptians into the sea. They praised him for being their salvation. Jehovah is the name of a powerful warrior, one whose right hand can shatter any enemy. There is no one else like him. He's mighty in holiness. The Philistines will shudder in anguish, while the sheikhs of Edom will be terrified. The mighty rulers of Moab will tremble, and the inhabitants of Canaan will be disheartened. Jehovah will rule as king forever.

Miriam, Moses and Aaron's sister, then took out her tambourine and began to sing and dance. The other women joined her, singing in response to the men's. "The horse and it's rider he has hurled into the sea.”

A while later, Moses led them away from the Red Sea to the wilderness of Shur, but there they were unable to find water. Finally they came to Marah. The people though, refused to drink the water for it was bitter.

When Moses cried out to Jehovah, he was directed to a tree, and throwing it in, the water became sweet. 

While there, Jehovah told them that if they listened to Him and kept His regulations, they wouldn't have all the diseases that the Egyptians had, for He would heal them.

Next, they camped at Elim where there were 12 springs of water and 70 palm trees.

What I learned from reading Exodus 16:1-36

The Israelites left Elim and came to Sin on the 15th day of the second month after leaving Egypt. There they began to murmur against Moses and Aaron, saying if only they had died in Egypt where there was plenty of meat and bread.

Moses told them that they were actually murmuring against Jehovah. But Jehovah would show them his glory, for he would provide meat for them in the evening and bread in the morning. So that evening the whole assembly turned and faced the wilderness and a cloud of quail appeared, covering the camp. In the morning, when the dew evaporated, a fine, flaky substance appeared on the surface of everything.

Moses explained that the substance was the bread Jehovah had promised. Each was to gather what was needed for their family to eat for each day, according to the number that dwelt in their tents. An omer measure, about 2 quarts or 2.2 kg for each person was what they gathered. Then he told them they were to eat all of it that day and not save any for the next day. The exception would be that on the sixth day they were to gather twice as much, for the seventh day was a sabbath to Jehovah, and they were to have a complete rest from work or traveling.

Most listened, but there were some that disobeyed and soon learned that if they tried to keep some for the next day, it would contain maggots and stink. However the amount that was gathered on the sixth day and saved for the sabbath, didn't spoil. Others quickly learned that if they tried to go out and gather some on the sabbath, they'd be disappointed, for none would be found.

They named the substance "manna". It was small and white, similar to a coriander seed, but it tasted like cake with honey. Moses told Aaron to take a jar and put an omer measure of manna in it and put it before the Testimony so it would be preserved as a remembrance throughout their generations. For 40 years, the time from then on when they remained in the wilderness, they continued to eat the manna every day.

What I learned from reading Exodus 17:1-16

Jehovah had the Israelites depart from Sin in a specific order. When they arrived at Rephidim there wasn't any water, so the people began to quarrel with Moses and ask why he'd brought them into the wilderness to die of thirst. Moses asked Jehovah what he should do. He was told to take the elders with him and strike his rod against a certain rock in Horeb and water would come from it for the people to drink. 

A short time later, the Amalekites came to fight against them. Moses told Joshua to choose some men to fight them while he stood at the top of the hill with his rod. Aaron and Hur went with Moses and when his arms got tired from holding up the rod, they brought a stone for him to sit on. Then they stood on either side of him and helped him keep his hands steady until the sun set, thus winning the battle.

Jehovah then told Moses to write what happened as a memorial in a book, for he would completely wipe out even the memory of Amalek.

After that Moses built an alter there and named it Jehovah-nissi because the Amalekites fought against the throne of Jah.

What I learned from reading Exodus 18:1-27

Moses father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian, heard about what God had done for the Israelites and came to their camp. Since he'd also taken in his daughter and grandsons Gershom and Eliezer when Moses had sent them out of Egypt before the plagues, he brought them along as well.

When Moses learned of their arrival, he went out to meet them, bowing down, then kissing Jethro before going into his tent. After everything that had happened, Jethro said he now knew for sure Jehovah was greater then all other gods. Then he brought a burnt offering and sacrifices for God, and invited Moses, Aaron and all the other elders of Israel to eat a meal with him.

The next day, Jethro saw Moses sitting down as usual before the people to judge them. He told Moses he was going to burn himself out doing that. It was too big a load for one man. Since he was the one who represented the people before God, and God in turn before them, he should spend his time just doing that. All the people needed to become aware of God's laws and regulations and what they should and shouldn't do.

He needed to select capable men and appoint them over 1000, 100, 50 and 10 and they should judge the people, then bring only the most difficult cases to him. Moses listened to his Father-in-law and after doing what was suggested, Jethro left for home.

What I learned from reading Exodus 19:1-25

Exactly 3 months after they left Egypt, the Israelites came to the wilderness around Mt. Sinai. Jehovah called to Moses from the mountain and told him to tell the people that if they strictly obeyed His voice and kept His covenant, they would become His special property, a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.

So Moses summoned the people, and when they heard what Jehovah said, they answered that they were willing to do all that Jehovah commended.

When Moses reported to Jehovah what they'd answered, he was told to sanctify the people and tell them they must wash their clothing. On the third day Jehovah would come down upon Mt. Sinai so that all the people could see and hear his presence. The people must not go onto the mountain or even touch its border or they would die. Then at the sound of the rams horn they could come up to the mountain.

On the third day, a heavy dark cloud with thunder and lightning settled upon the mountain accompanied by the loud sound of a horn. Moses brought the people out of the camp to the base of the mountain and they trembled just as the mountain itself trembled. When Jehovah called to him, Moses went up the mountain. Again Jehovah told him to go down and tell the people to not touch the mountain or he'd strike them to death. Only Moses and Aaron could do so when they were called.

What I learned from reading Exodus 20:1-26

God spoke to Moses on Mt. Sinai saying He was Jehovah, the God who brought them out from Egyptian slavery. They must not have any other gods.

They must not make a carved image of anything in heaven, on earth or in the sea. They must not bow down to it or serve it. Jehovah requires exclusive devotion and will show loyal love to all the generations who love him and keep his commandments.

They must not treat his name, Jehovah, in a worthless way. 

They must remember the Sabbath by only working 6 days. The seventh day belongs to Jehovah, for He made the heavens, the earth and the sea and all that is in them in 6 days. The seventh He blessed and has made it sacred. 

To live a long time in the land they must honor their mother and father.

They must not murder.

They must not commit adultery.

They must not steal.

They must not say false things against others.

They must not desire another person's house, wife, slave, animal or anything else that belongs to them.

As the people saw the thunder and lightening, the sound of the horn and the smoking mountain, they trembled in fear and told Moses they were afraid to hear God speak to them. He tried to reassure them by going even closer to the dark cloud.

Jehovah further said to Moses, they must not make gods of silver or gold. Their alter was to be made with earth. On it they would sacrifice their burnt offerings and communion sacrifices of their flocks and herds, and He would bless them. Also, when they built an alter they must not use chiseled stones or steps to go up to it.

What I learned from reading Exodus 21:1-36

Jehovah gave Moses some general judicial guidelines for the Israelites to adhere to.

While Jehovah hated the slavery trade itself where people were captured unwillingly and sold as slaves, he did make provisions for the Israelites to sell themselves or their child as a slave or servant.

It could only be to another Hebrew and only for a specific length of time. This was usually to pay off a debt, or like Jacob did working for Laban for 7 years for his daughter Rachel. Another more modern term for this action would be similar to an indentured servant in Colonial times.

The time limit for being sold into slavery was 6 years for a male. If the man was already married, his wife would be freed at the same time he was. If the master gave the slave/servant man a wife from his own household and she bore him children, then she and the children were still servants to the master. The slave could leave, but if he wished to, he could also remain as a servant to the master for the remainder of his life. Then he would have his ear pierced to demonstrate his decision.

A daughter could also be sold to another person as a servant or concubine. If the man was displeased with her, he still couldn't resell her to foreigners. If she's purchased for his son, she becomes the same as his daughter. If she's purchased as another wife, all wives are entitled to the same sustenance, clothing and marriage due.

Anyone striking and killing another person must be put to death. If it happened by accident, then Jehovah would provide a place for them to flee to. Anyone striking their father or mother must be put to death.

This would also apply to slaves.

Being caught kidnapping a person and selling them meant death.

Cursing a father or mother lead to death.

If a man strikes another and he's severely injured but doesn't die, then the man must make compensation for the time the injured man lost from his work. It's the same if it's a slave that is struck by his master except there would be no need for compensation.

If it's a pregnant woman who is struck, and neither she nor the child dies, then her husband would have a say in the damages imposed through a judge. If either the mother or child should die or be severely injured, then it would depend on how serious the injury is.

If a master should strike a slave and they lose an eye or a tooth, they must be set free.

If a bull gores a person it must be killed and not eaten. If the bull had tried to gore a person before and its owner was warned but it wasn't put under guard, the owner would be killed as well.

If a person digs a pit, doesn't cover it and another person's animal falls in it, he must pay its price to the owner. If a person's bull kills another person's bull, then the owner of the living bull should sell it and they would divide the price. But if the owner had been warned before about his bull, then he must compensate with another bull.

What I learned from reading Exodus 22:1-31

Continued laws and judicial decisions from Jehovah:

A bull that is stolen then slaughtered or sold must be compensated for with 5 bulls. A sheep would be compensated with four sheep.

If a thief breaks in at night, is struck and dies, there's no bloodguilt. If it happens during the day, then there is bloodguilt.

A thief must make compensation for what was stolen. If he no longer has the items he stole and can't make compensation, he must be sold as compensation. If it's an animal still in his possession, he's to make double compensation. 

If an animal is put out to graze and then is allowed to graze on someone else's field, the owner must compensate with the best of his own.

When a person starts a fire that causes another person's crops to burn, he must make compensation.

When a person is holding goods for another and they become stolen, he must be brought before the true God to determine if he'd put his hand on them. If the item is found in his possession, he must make double compensation.

Sometimes a person may be keeping an animal for another and something happens to it. The person should make an oath before Jehovah that he'd not been responsible for its death and the owner should accept it. If the animal was stolen then he would make compensation. If it was torn by a wild animal, he must show evidence, and then won't need to make compensation.

When an animal is borrowed and is maimed or dies, the person must make compensation. If the animal was hired, that money paid would be compensation.

Any man who seduces a virgin and lies down with her must pay the bride-price for her, even if the father refuses to give her to him.

Any sorceress must be put to death.

A person lying down with an animal must be put to death.

Anyone sacrificing to any God but Jehovah is devoted to destruction.

Don't mistreat or oppress any foreign resident.

Don't afflict a widow or orphan or Jehovah's anger will blaze.

If you land money to another one of Jehovah's people, don't charge interest.

Taking a person's garment as security is allowed, but it must be returned by sunset so he can cover his body when he sleeps, for Jehovah is compassionate.

Don't curse God or any Chieftain of the people.

Make many offerings to Jehovah. Everyone's firstborn son belongs to Jehovah. For a firstborn of the animals, they must remain with their mother for seven days, then on the eighth they are to be given to Jehovah.

Do not eat the flesh of any animal that has been torn by a wild animal. It must be thrown to the dogs.

What I learned from reading Exodus 23:1-33

Jehovah continued with more laws for the Israelites.

Don't spread untrue reports or become a malicious witness. Don't follow after the crowd and pervert justice. Show impartiality to the poor and don't pervert their judgement in a legal case.

Return a lost animal to its owner. Help an animal that has fallen.

Avoid a false accusation, for an innocent may be killed and God would never declare a wicked one righteous.

Never accept a bribe.

Don't oppress a foreign resident.

The land should be sowed and harvested for six years, but must be uncultivated and allowed to lie fallow the seventh. The poor may eat of its produce and what is left is for the wild animals.

Do all the work in six days. On the seventh day they, their animals, servants and even foreign residents would refresh themselves.

Do everything Jehovah commands and never mention other gods.

Celebrate a festival to Jehovah three times a year. The first is the Festival of Unleavened Bread. They must eat unleavened bread for seven days in the month of Abib, for that is when the Israelites came out of Egypt. Second is the Festival of Harvest of the first ripe fruits.

Third is the Festival of Ingathering at the end of the year after the harvest is complete. All men are required to appear before Jehovah for all three.

No sacrifice can be accompanied by anything leavened. Any fat offered as a sacrifice must be used up before morning.

Bring the very best for offerings to the House of Jehovah your God.

Don't boil a baby goat in its mother's milk.

Jehovah would send an angel ahead to guard the camp and bring them to where they were going. They were to listen to and obey him, and if they did, Jehovah himself would oppose and annihilate their enemies the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Canaanites, Hivites and Jebusites.

If they served only Jehovah and smashed and destroyed all the gods of those nations, then Jehovah would provide water and bread and remove their sicknesses. They would live a full lifespan and their women wouldn't suffer barrenness or miscarriages.

The fear of Jehovah would go ahead of them and their enemies would flee in defeat. Little by little they would be driven from the land. The Israelite's boundary would be from the Red Sea to the Sea of the Philistines and from the wilderness to the River. 

Don't make a covenant with any of the nations or with their gods.

What I learned from reading Exodus 24:1-18

Jehovah told Moses to go tell the laws to the people, and then return with Aaron, Nadab, Abihu and 70 other elders. Moses however, was the only one who should approach Jehovah.

After Moses told the people everything that Jehovah said, they answered unanimously that they'd be obedient and do everything Jehovah said. Then Moses wrote down all the words from Jehovah.

Early the next morning, Moses built an alter and 12 pillars at the foot of the mountain. Then they offered up burnt offerings and communion sacrifices to Jehovah. He took half the blood and sprinkled it on the alter, and the other half he sprinkled on the people, telling them it was the blood of the covenant between them and Jehovah.

When Moses, Aaron and the other elders went up the mountain, they saw a vision of the God of Israel standing on what seemed like a sapphire pavement that was a clear blue like the heavens.

For six days Jehovah's glory was like a consuming fire on the mountain. Then on the seventh day Jehovah called out to Moses from the midst of the cloud. Jehovah told Moses to come farther up the mountain and he'd give him stone tablets with the law and commandments written on them. So Moses told the others to wait for him and that Aaron and Hur would listen to their legal cases. Moses then entered into the cloud where he stayed for 40 days.

What I learned from reading Exodus 25:1-40

Jehovah told Moses that he wanted the Israelites to contribute to building a tabernacle, a sanctuary for him to reside among them. They were to contribute gold, silver, copper, blue thread, purple wool, scarlet material, fine linen, goat hair, ram skins dyed red, sealskins, acacia wood, oil for lamps, balsam oil and perfumed incense. Also onyx and other precious stones

First they were to make an ark of acacia wood and cover it inside and out with gold. There would be four rings of gold, two on each side, with poles of acacia wood overlaid with gold so it cold be carried. In it would be placed the Testimony.

Its cover would be of gold, with cherubs of gold on each end. They would face each other looking down at the top of the cover and their wings would be stretched out overshadowing them from above. Above them would be where Jehovah would present himself and speak and make known His commands.

They were to also make a table of acacia wood overlaid with gold. It too would have rings of gold at each corner so it could be carried with gold covered poles of acacia wood. They were to make dishes, cups, pitchers and bowls out of gold to hold drink offerings and the showbread that they'd place on the table each day.

They would also make an ornate lampstand of solid gold with three branches on each side and seven lamps for it. It's snuffers and fire holders were also to be made with pure gold.

What I learned from reading Exodus 26:1-37

Jehovah continued telling Moses how he wanted his Tabernacle built.

They were to make ten tent cloths of fine twisted linen, blue thread, purple wool and scarlet material with cherubs embroidered on them. They would be joined together with loops of blue thread and gold clasps to form one complete unit.

They were to make cloths of goat hair to cover over the tabernacle, with loops on the edges and copper clasps to join it together. It would overhang each of the sides by one cubit. Over that would be a tent of ram skins dyed red, and over that a covering of sealskins.

The panel frames would be made out of acacia wood overlaid with gold with tenons and socket pedestals of silver. The bars linking the panel frames on the sides would also be of acacia wood overlaid with gold.

The center bar would extend from one end to the other. The rings to hold them in place would all be of solid gold.

They were to make a curtain also of blue thread, purple wool, scarlet material and fine twisted linen with cherubs embroidered on it. It would hang with hooks of solid gold on four pillars of acacia wood overlaid with gold. Its pillars were to be set on four socket pedestals of silver.

The curtain would divide the Holy and the Most Holy and the ark of the Testimony would be placed behind it. The table and lamp stand would be in the Holy, outside the curtain.

A screen made out of blue thread, purple wool, scarlet material and fine twisted linen woven together would cover the entrance of the tent. Its pillars would be of acacia overlaid with gold, their hooks of gold and their socket pedestals of copper.

What I learned from reading Exodus 27:1-21

More instructions on building the tabernacle.

The alter was to be square and made of acacia wood. It was to have horns at each corner and be overlaid with copper. Its buckets for clearing away ashes, shovels, bowls, forks and fire holders would also be made with copper. It would have a grating of copper with copper rings at each corner that would sit below its rim. Its poles to carry it would be made of acacia wood overlaid with copper.

The Tabernacle would have a courtyard facing south and its curtains would be made with fine twisted linen. Its pillars would have copper socket pedestals and its hooks and connectors would be of silver. It would be 100 cubits on its north and south sides and 50 cubits on its east and west sides.

Its entrance would have a screen made of blue thread, purple wool, scarlet material and fine twisted linen woven together. The pillars surrounding the courtyard would have silver fasteners and silver hooks, with the socket pedestals being of copper. All the utensils used in the tabernacle would be made of copper.

The Israelites would also have to provide pure, beaten olive oil to keep the lamps burning constantly from evening to morning as a lasting statute for all their generations.

What I learned from reading Exodus 28:1-43

Jehovah told Moses that his brother Aaron and his sons would serve as His priests. Moses was to have skilled workmen make their garments from gold, blue thread, purple wool, scarlet material and fine linen.

Aaron's ephod was embroidered and had shoulder pieces attached at Its edges. A woven belt tied it in position. Two onyx stones engraved with the names of the sons of Israel, six names on each stone, were mounted in gold settings and put on the shoulder pieces. Chains of pure gold twisted like a cord were attached to each of the settings.

The embroidered breastpiece of judgment had 12 gold-mounted stones set into four rows of three. The first row was ruby, topaz, and emerald. The second turquoise, sapphire and jasper. The third leshem stone (possibly referring to amber, hyacinth, opal, or tourmaline), agate and amethyst. The fourth chrysolite, onyx and jade.

It also had rings of gold where gold chains would be run through to attach it to the settings on the ephod. Two other gold rings were attached to the bottom of the ephod so that the breastpiece could be tied with blue thread to keep it in place above the belt.

Aaron must wear all of this whenever he came into the Holy. The Urim and the Thummim (used for casting lots as the means for making judgments) were to be placed into the breastpiece of judgment and over Aaron’s heart.

His sleeveless coat had an opening at the top with a woven border all around it. Pomegranates were embroidered around its hem with bells of gold between them. The sound of the bells would announce his presence before Jehovah and would keep him alive when he entered the sanctuary.

A plate of pure gold engraved with the words, ‘Holiness belongs to Jehovah.’ was fastened to his turban with a blue cord It was to be worn on Aaron’s forehead for he would bear responsibility when someone committed an error against the holy things so that they may gain approval before Jehovah.

His turban, sash and checkered robe were woven of fine linen. Aaron and his sons were to also wear woven linen shorts extending from the hips to the thighs to cover their nakedness.

When the making of their clothing was completed, Moses was to anoint Aaron and his sons, install them and sanctify them to serve as priests to Jehovah.

What I learned from reading Exodus 29:1-46

Moses was told to sanctify Aaron and his sons by taking a young bull, two unblemished rams, unleavened bread, unleavened ring-shaped loaves mixed with oil and unleavened wafers spread with oil. He was to make the breads and wafers with fine wheat flour, place them in a basket and present them with the bull and rams.

Aaron and his sons were to be presented at the entrance of the tent of meeting where Moses was to wash and then clothe them in the special garments that had been made.

The men would lay their hands on the bulls head and it would be slaughtered. Some of the bulls blood would be placed on the horns of the alter, while the rest would be poured out at it's base. The fat that covered the intestines, the appendage on the liver and the two kidneys was to be burned on the alter. Then the flesh, skin and dung would be taken outside the camp and burned for a sin offering.

Next Moses was to take one of the rams, have Aaron and his sons lay their hands on it's head and then slaughter it. It's blood would be sprinkled on all sides of the alter. The ram would be cut into pieces, it's intestines and shanks washed, and all it's pieces including it's head would be made to smoke on the alter as a burnt offering to Jehovah.

For the second ram, after they laid their hands on it's head and it was slaughtered, Moses was to place some of it's blood on Aaron and his son's right earlobe, right thumb and right big toe. the remaining blood would be sprinkled around the sides of the alter. Then Moses was to take some of the blood from the alter and some of the anointing oil and splatter it on Aaron, his sons and their garments so that they may be made holy.

The fat from the ram, it's tail, intestines and kidneys and their fat and it's right leg were to be used in the installation. Aaron and his sons would take the breads and wafers from the basket and wave them back and forth as a wave offering. After that they would be placed on the alter and burned.

The breast of the ram would be waved back and forth as a wave offering, and then it along with the other leg were to belong to Aaron and his sons as a sacred portion. The meat was to be boiled and Aaron and his sons were to eat it with the remaining bread from the basket.

This ritual would continue throughout their generations whenever a new priest of their sons succeeded them. No one else was allowed to eat any of the flesh or the bread and any of it left over the next morning must be burned in the fire. This installation ceremony would be repeated every day for 7 days as an atonement and to purify the alter from sin.

Two rams would then be offered up daily, one in the morning and one in the evening. Along with it they would take a tenth part of an epahah measure of fine flour (2 quarts) mixed with a fourth of a hin (2 Pints) of beaten oil and a drink offering of a fourth of a hin (2 pints) of wine at each meal. It was to be a regular burnt offering throughout their generations.

Jehovah would then sanctify the tent of meeting and Aaron and his sons would serve as priests indefinitely. He would reside with them and they would know that He was their God.

What I learned from reading Exodus 30:1-38

Jehovah told Moses to make an alter for burning incense. It was to be square and made of acacia wood overlaid with gold. It would also have horns at each corner and two rings on each side to carry it. It's poles would be of acacia wood overlaid with gold. It was to sit before the curtain near the ark of the Testimony.

Aaron was to burn perfumed incense on it each morning and evening. It must be done daily throughout their generations. Once a year the priest must also place some blood of the sin offering of the atonement on it's horns.

Moses was to take a census count of the sons of Israel. Each person must pay half a shekel to Jehovah so that no plague would be brought upon them. The silver money would be an atonement in behalf of the service of the tent of meeting.

Moses was to make a copper basin with a stand for washing. It would be placed between the tent of meeting and the alter and the priests must wash their hands and feet there when they go into the tent of meeting or approach the alter.

Holy anointing oil would be made with myrrh, cinnamon, sweet calamus and cassia mixed with olive oil. With it they would anoint the tent of meeting, the ark of the Testimony, the table and its utensils, the lamp stand and its utensils, the incense alter, the alter of burnt offering and all its utensils and the basin and its stand. Only the priests could touch any of these items. This would continue throughout their generations. No one else could make any other oil like it and use it or they would be cut off.

Then Moses was to take equal portions of Stacte drops, onycha, perfumed galbanum and frankincense and make them into an incense. It would be pounded into a fine powder with salt and presented to Jehovah on the incense alter. No one else was to use it or make anything like it or they would be cut off.

What I learned from reading Exodus 31:1-18

Jehovah told Moses he'd chosen Bezalel the son of Uri the son of Hur of the tribe of Judah to be the head of the artistic craftsmen who would make everything required for his Tabernacle. God would fill him with His spirit and give him wisdom and understanding for making the things of gold, silver, copper, precious stones and wood.

To assist Bezalel, God appointed Oholibab the son of Ahisamach of the tribe of Dan. All those who were in any way artistically skilled would be given the wisdom to make everything He'd commanded.

Jehovah then told Moses to remind the Israelites that they must keep His Sabbath. It was a sign between Jehovah and the Israelites throughout their generations that He'd sanctified them. They could work for six days, but the seventh was a day of complete rest. It was a lasting covenant throughout their generations for Jehovah made the heavens and the earth in six of His days, and on the seventh he rested and refreshed himself

When Jehovah finished speaking, he gave Moses the two stone tablets of the Testimony written on by His own finger.

What I learned from reading Exodus 32:1-35

About a month after Moses left the camp at Mt. Sinai to go up and speak with Jehovah, some of the Israelites approached Aaron. They told him since they didn't know what had happened to Moses, he needed to make another God to lead them. So Aaron told them to take all the gold from their ears and give it to him. Then he took the gold and with it formed a statue of a calf. When he finished, the people said that the calf was now there god.

Then Aaron built an alter in front of it and told them the following day would be a festival to Jehovah. So the people got up early and began offering up burnt offerings and presenting communion sacrifices and sat down to eat and have a good time.

Jehovah told Moses he needed to return to the people for they'd already corrupted themselves. Because of his burning anger, He would exterminate them and would make a great nation just from Moses instead.

Moses appealed to Jehovah for the Israelite's lives, saying the Egyptians would say He'd brought them out just to exterminate them. He begged that He'd reconsider and remember Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

When Jehovah listened to his plea, Moses took the two tablets that were inscribed on both sides by the workmanship of God and went down the mountain. As he reached where Joshua was waiting for him, Joshua said he thought the camp was being attacked. Moses explained it was another type of sound.

As soon as Moses saw the calf and the people dancing around it, he threw the tablets to the ground, shattering them.. Then he took the calf they'd made, burned it with fire, then crushed what was left and made the Israelites drink it.

Moses asked Aaron what the people had done to him to bring such a sin upon them. Aaron said the people were inclined to do evil and he'd only done what they'd asked.

So Moses called out for the people who were on Jehovah's side to come to him. Then he told the Levites to take their swords and pass through the camp and to kill all those who had remained on the other side. Altogether about 3,000 men were killed that day.

The following day, Moses told the people they'd committed a very great sin and he would return to Jehovah and see if he could make amends for them. He then asked Jehovah to pardon the sin of the Israelites. Jehovah told him he would only wipe out those who had sinned against him. Moses should return to the people and He'd continue to have his angel go ahead to the place he'd promised. On the day of accounting, he'd bring punishment on the people for their sin.

What I learned from reading Exodus 33:1-23

Jehovah told Moses to go ahead and lead the people to the land He'd swore to give to the offspring of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He'd send an angel ahead of them to drive out the Canaanites, Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites. But Jehovah wouldn't go with the people, for if he did, he might exterminate them on the way.

When the people heard of these harsh words, they began to mourn and decided not to put on their ornaments. When they did that, Jehovah said for them to keep them off while he considered what to do to them. So from Mount Horeb onward they refrained from wearing their ornaments.

Moses took his tent and pitched it some distance from the camp and called it a tent of meeting. Anyone wanting to inquire of Jehovah could go there. When Moses would go to the tent, the pillar of cloud would come down and stand at the entrance of the tent while God spoke to Moses. When the people saw it, they would bow down at the entrance of their tents. Whenever Moses left the tent, Joshua the son of Nun would remain there to watch over it.

Moses spoke to Jehovah and asked if he could get to know Him better. He wanted to know His ways so he could find favor in His eyes.

Jehovah told him he would be with him.

Then Moses requested that Jehovah continue to lead the people so that they would be distinguished from every other people on the earth. Jehovah told Moses He would do this because Moses had found favor in his eyes.

Moses then asked Jehovah to show him His glory. But Jehovah told him that while he could make his goodness pass before his face and declare his name to be Jehovah, favor the one He favored, show mercy to the one He showed mercy, no one could see His face and live.

Then Jehovah told Moses to station himself by a certain rock. He'd place him in a crevice there and shield him with His hand until He'd passed by. When He'd take his hand away, then Moses could see his back.

What I learned from reading Exodus 34:1-35

Jehovah told Moses to carve out two more tablets of stone like the one's he'd shattered and bring them with him up Mt. Sinai. He wasn't to bring anyone with him and no one was allowed to let their flocks or herds graze near it.

Moses did as he was told and went up the mountain with the stones in his hand. Then Jehovah came down in a cloud and passed before him, declaring Jehovah was a merciful God, compassionate, slow to anger, abundant in loyal love and truth. He showed his loyal love to thousands, pardoning error, transgression and sin, but doesn't leave the guilty unpunished.

Moses bowed low and again asked Jehovah to go along with the Israelites. Yes, they were a stubborn and obstinate people, but he begged that Jehovah would forgive their errors and sins and take them as His possession.

Jehovah said he'd make a covenant with the people and he'd do wonderful things for them that had never been done before. He'd also drive out the Amorites, Canaanites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites from the land he'd promised them.

The Israelites were to not make covenants with any inhabitants of the land to which they were going. Instead they were to pull down their alters, shatter their sacred pillars and cut down their sacred poles.

They must not bow down to any of their gods, for Jehovah is a God requiring exclusive devotion,. Neither could they make any gods of cast metal

They must observe the Festival of Unleavened Bread at the appointed time in the month of Abib, for that was when they came out of Egypt.

They were to celebrate the Festival of Weeks with the first ripe fruits of the wheat harvest and the Festival of Ingathering at the turn of the year. Three times a year, all the men must appear before Jehovah the God of Israel.

Every firstborn, human and animal, belonged to Jehovah. No one would appear before Jehovah empty-handed. Six days they were to work. On the seventh day they were to rest.

Moses remained there with Jehovah for 40 days and nights and neither ate or drank anything. After God wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant, the Ten Commandments, Moses came down from the mountain. He didn't realize that the skin of his face emitted rays, but when Aaron and the Israelites saw him they were afraid to go near him.

He called them all together and gave them the commands Jehovah had given him. Then when he finished speaking, he'd put a veil over his face. When he went into the tent to speak with Jehovah, he'd take off the veil, then come out and speak to the people and put the veil back over his face.

What I learned from reading Exodus 35:1-35

Moses gathered all the Israelites before him and told them Jehovah said they could work for six days, but on the seventh they must have a complete rest, not even lighting a fire. 

He then told the people what Jehovah wanted them to make for him and what he'd like to have them contribute for it with a willing heart.

Everyone skilled could come forward and help make the Tent of the Tabernacle, it's contents and the garments for it's priests.

Everyone whose spirit impelled him then brought their contribution of what was needed. Some brought their jewelry and other articles of gold, silver and copper. Others brought purple wool, blue thread, fine linen, goat hair, ram skins dyed red, sealskins and acacia wood.

Chieftains brought precious stones, balsam, oil for lighting and anointing and perfumed incense. Everything needed was brought as a voluntary offering to Jehovah.

Moses told the people that Jehovah had chosen Bezalel the son of Uri the son of Hur of the tribe of Judah to be filled with the spirit of God.

He would give him wisdom, understanding and knowledge of every sort of craftsmanship in working with gold, silver, copper, setting of stones and working with wood. Also Oholiab the son of Ahisamach of the tribe of Dan would be filled with spirit and the two men would help to teach others the skills of a craftsmen, an embroiderer, a weaver and a loom worker.

What I learned from reading Exodus 36:1-38

Bezalel and Oholiab and every skilled Israelite that Jehovah had given the wisdom and understanding, plus those whose heart impelled them to volunteer to help, got to work on building Jehovah's Tabernacle.

Daily the people would bring their contributions for the holy service. Finally Moses had to tell the people to stop bringing their voluntary offerings as they had more then enough to finish the work.

They made the 10 tent cloths with cherubs embroidered on them. They were joined together with loops of blue thread and gold clasps. Then the tent cloths of goat hair were made for the tent that covered the roof. Over it were ram skins dyed red and then a covering of sealskins over that.

Next the panel frames were made from acacia wood overlaid with gold. Under them were the socket pedestals of silver. Then the bars of acacia wood were made for the sides and they were overlaid with gold. The rings to hold the bars were also made of gold.

The inner curtain was made of blue thread, purple wool, scarlet material and fine twisted linen with cherubs embroidered on it. Four acacia pillars overlaid with gold, hooks of gold and socket pedestals of silver held it in position. The outer screen was also made the same way except their five socket pedestals were made of copper.

What I learned from reading Exodus 37:1-29

Bezalel made the Ark out of acacia wood. He overlaid it with gold inside and out and made a border around it of pure gold. He placed four gold rings on it, two on each side, for the poles to fit through that allowed it to be carried. The poles were also of Acacia wood overlaid with gold.

The cover of the ark was made of pure gold, with cherubs of hammered gold at each end. The cherubs had their wings outstretched over their heads and their faces looked down at the top of the Ark.

The table was made of acacia wood overlaid with gold and with a border of pure gold all around it. A rim the width of his hand went around all four sides, with gold rings attached at the corners so it could be carried with it's own gold overlaid poles. Then he made all the gold utensils that would go on the table.

Next he made the lampstand of hammered gold. It was all in one piece and had three branches on each side. It's seven cups were shaped to look like almond flowers, and it had knobs and blossoms alternating on each side. Four more almond flowers were on it's stem with alternating knobs and blossoms. Then he made it's seven lamps and the rest of it's utensils out of gold, using altogether a talent of pure gold for all of it. (A talent was about 34.2 kg or 1,101 oz)

Then he made the alter of incense with acacia wood overlaid with gold, it's gold rings and it's gold overlaid poles to carry it. He also made the holy anointing oil and the perfumed incense.

What I learned from reading Exodus 38:1-31

The alter of burnt offerings was made of acacia wood overlaid with copper. All the utensils for the alter were also made of copper, as well as it's rings and poles for carrying it.

The water basin and it's stand were made with copper, using the polished metal mirrors of the women who served at the entrance of the tent of meeting.

The courtyard on the south side of the Tabernacle was made next. It's curtains were of linen and it pillars and socket pedestal;s were of copper, while it's hooks and connectors were of silver. The screen for the entrance was woven of blue thread, purple wool, scarlet material and fine twisted linen. It's pillars and socket pedestals were also of copper.

Moses then ordered that an inventory of the tabernacle and it's contents should be made. It was the responsibility of the Levites under the direction of Ithamar, Aaron's son. Bezalel the son uf Uri the son of Hur of the tribe of Judah did everything just as Jehovah had commanded. Helping him was Oholiab the son of Ahiamach of the tribe of Dan who was a craftsman, embroiderer and weaver.

The gold used equaled 29 talents (1 talent equaled 34.2 kg or 1,101 oz t) and 730 shekels (1 shekel equaled 11.4 g or 0.367 oz t). The silver equaled 100 talents and 1,775 shekels. Because every man over 20 years of age was required to provide a 1/2 shekel for the upkeep of the Tabernacle, that amount equaled 603,550, the number of men registered.

The socket pedestals amounted to 100 talents; one talent for each socket pedestal. The hooks for the pillars equaled 1,775 shekels. The copper amounted to 70 talents and 2,400 shekels.

What I learned from reading Exodus 39:1-43

Using more of the blue thread, purple wool, scarlet material and fine linen, the Israelites made finely woven holy garments for Aaron and his sons. Aaron's ephod was made by hammering gold into thin sheets, cutting it into threads and working it in with the combined fabrics.

Then it was embroidered. They did the same with the shoulder pieces and the belt which held it in place.

The onyx stones were engraved with the names of Israel's sons, set in gold settings and placed on the shoulder pieces. The breastpiece was made with the same materials as the ephod. Four rows of engraved precious stones mounted in settings of gold were set in it. The first row was ruby, topaz, and emerald. The second was turquoise, sapphire, and jasper. The third was leshem stone, agate, and amethyst. The fourth was chrysolite, onyx, and jade.

Two wreathed chains like cords of pure gold were attached to the breastpiece then put through rings of gold before being attached to gold settings on the shoulder pieces. More rings of gold were placed on the breastpiece so it could be attached to the ephod with blue thread.

The sleeveless coat was made all of blue thread. All around it's hem they used blue thread, purple wool and scarlet material twisted together to embroider pomegranates. In between each of the pomegranates, gold bells were placed. The robes, turbans and undershorts were made of fine woven linen, and the sash was made of fine twisted linen, blue thread, purple wool, and scarlet material woven together.

Last they made the holy sign of dedication, a shining plate of pure gold inscribed with the words, “Holiness belongs to Jehovah.” A cord made from blue thread was attached to it so it could be attached to Aaron's turban.

Then the Israelites brought everything they'd made to Moses. When he saw how they'd done everything just as Jehovah had commanded, he blessed them.

What I learned from reading Exodus 40:1-38

Jehovah told Moses he was to set up the tabernacle and it's contents on the first day of the first month. He was also to wash and clothe Aaron and his sons. They would then be anointed and sanctified as priests to Jehovah.

So on the first day of the first month of their second year, the tabernacle was set up. Moses put the socket pedestals down, set up it's panel frames, placed it's bars and set up its pillars. Then he spread out the tent of linen over it, the goat haired cloth, the ram skins and finally the sealskins. He put the Testimony into the ark, placed its cover on it, then placed it inside the tabernacle. The curtain to screen it from view was placed before it to separate the Holy and Most Holy.

The table with its bread was next, then the lampstand, which he lit, and the golden alter with its perfumed incense. The entrance screen was put in place next.

The alter for the burning of the grain offering and the burnt offering were placed outside the entrance, with the basin between it and the tent of meeting. After he filled the basin with water, Moses, Aaron and his sons washed their hands and feet at it.

When he finished setting up the courtyard and the screen for its entrance, a cloud began to cover over it and Jehovah's glory filled it.

The cloud remained over it during the day, while a fire burned over it at night. As long as the cloud remained over it, the Israelites remained where they were, but when it lifted they broke camp during all the stages of their journey.

Note: To see a detailed drawing of the tabernacle and Aaron's Priestly garments, see the Appendix of the 2013 version of the "New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures", Page B5