Exodus: A Group StudySample

What is this passage saying?

After Yahweh gives the law, the Israelites gather and agree to obey all Yahweh has commanded.

What is this passage teaching?

The word covenant in the Old Testament comes from the idea of binding something together. As Israel gathers to agree to the covenant Yahweh has initiated, the covenant is bound in the blood of sacrifice. The blood is sprinkled on the altar, symbolizing Yahweh’s initiation of the covenant, and on the people, signifying their agreement to follow Yahweh’s commands. When Yahweh made a covenant with Abraham and his descendants, Yahweh alone walked through the blood path, signifying He was the only party responsible to fulfill the covenant. The fulfillment of the Mosaic covenant, however, is contingent on both Yahweh’s faithfulness and Israel’s obedience.

How do I respond?

The “blood of the covenant” (Exodus 24:8) was only effective if Israel was obedient. Since Israelites would consistently be liable to disobey the terms of the covenant, Yahweh instituted the sacrificial system. Again and again, Israel would offer sacrifices in faith to atone for their sins. For almost two millennia, the blood of bulls and goats would pour out upon the altar, consistently pointing towards a better covenant and more powerful blood. Jesus declared at the last supper that the new covenant was bound in his blood (Luke 22:20; 1 Corinthians 10:25). Jesus would offer himself as the last sacrifice, atoning for all the sins of His people. Like Genesis 15, Jesus would walk through the blood path alone, securing all the promises of God for His people. This covenant is not dependent upon your obedience, but God’s faithfulness. This covenant cannot be earned – it is received by faith alone in Christ. Have you put faith in this new covenant – or, like Israel, are you still trying to offer up good works to earn God’s approval? You can trust in Christ today, believing his sacrifice was sufficient to atone for your sin and His blood strong enough to bind you to Him forever!