Exodus: A Group StudyUzorak

WEEK 8 INTRODUCTION: SINAI

After three months in the wilderness, Israel comes to Mount Sinai. Yahweh’s promise to Moses that the people would worship Him on the mountain (Exodus 3:12) had finally come to fulfillment. Moses’ reception of the law on Mount Sinai is a supreme demonstration of Yahweh’s desire for Israel to be his “treasured possession” and “a kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (Exodus 19:5-6).

What is this passage saying?

God desires a covenantal relationship with His people and as a result, He gives Moses instructions on how to prepare a meeting place for Himself on Mount Sinai.

What is this passage teaching?

The introduction of a new covenant at Mount Sinai had three intended purposes. First, Israel would be Yahweh’s treasured possession. Of all the peoples of the earth, Israel would enjoy a special relationship with Yahweh. Second, Israel would be a kingdom of priests. While a specific group of priests would be responsible for carrying out worship at the tabernacle and temple, all Israelites would have access to Yahweh’s presence and power. Finally, Israel would be a holy nation. This means they would be set apart and live in a unique way that glorifies Yahweh. As a holy nation, Israel would be a blessing to other nations (Genesis 12:2) and showcase Yahweh’s loyal love to all the earth.

How do I respond?

As you read parts of the law this week, keep Yahweh’s purposes in mind. He was not shackling His people to a list of rules they could not possibly fulfill. Yahweh was forming His people, drawing them into His purposes, and giving them instructions on how to flourish as a new covenant community. Yahweh’s purposes foreshadowed what would finally be made complete through Christ. Covered by the blood of Jesus, you are part of a kingdom of priests, boldly walking into the throne room of God (Hebrews 4:16), offering petitions and prayers to Him. You are God’s treasured possession, a glorious inheritance of all Christ accomplished in and through the saints (Ephesians 1:18). You are His holy nation, called to live as lights in a world bent on darkness (Matthew 5:14). Be encouraged, brother or sister, this is your identity in Christ. Praise God for who He has called you to be and ask for wisdom and power to live as a light in this broken world.