📅 February 20: Exodus 31, 32 - A Culpable Apostasy

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February 20: Exodus 31, 32 - A Culpable Apostasy

Image Engraving Pendulum: From Creation to Idolatry

Introduction:
Exodus 31 and 32 witness a spectral swing, from divine artistry to human fallibility. They narrate the sanctifying of talented craftsmen to construct God’s tabernacle and the Israelites’ fall into idol worship during Moses’ absence.

Exodus 31: God Empowers Workers:
God reveals His power to imbue humans with wisdom and skills. Bezalel and Oholiab are phenomenally endowed to take on the intricate task of crafting the sacred tabernacle. Sacred skill flows from divine source.
Key Verse: Exodus 31:3

Exodus 32: The Golden Calf:
In Moses’ absence, anxious Israelites, succumbing to their fears, impel Aaron to create a golden calf as an idol. Their collective lapse into pagan worship starkly contrasts their recently received commandments.
Key Verse: Exodus 32:4

Key Themes and Reflections:
God’s creativity & capability - In Exodus 31, we see God equipping individuals with abilities for specific purposes, emphasizing God’s intricate involvement in our abilities and talents.
Human Fallibility & Need for Patience - Exodus 32 showcases the impatience and fickleness of the Israelites, a reminder for us to wait on God’s timing and not succumb to fear.

Today’s Application:
Embrace your skills as divine gifts entrusted to fulfill God’s plan. Patience in testing times is critical; remember God’s promises and lean on them in moments when God seems absent.

Hidden Gem:
The artisans use the same phrase to describe their craftsmanship – “graven tool” (Exodus 32:4) – as God does when He inscribes the commandments (31:18). They mistake their human talent for divine authority.

Reflective Q&A:
Why does God equip individuals with skills?
A: God entrusts us with unique strengths to effectively serve and glorify Him by edifying others and building His kingdom.
Why do we often tend to stray like the Israelites?
A: Our human nature inclines towards quick solutions and tangible security. Depending on the silent, unseen God requires active faith and patience.
How can we develop patience and trust?
A: Spending time in prayer, studying God’s word, and reflecting on His past faithfulness can deepen our trust in Him.

Join the Discussion:
How have you unwittingly created ‘golden calves’ in your life – things you lean on for security instead of trusting God? Share your reflections.

See You Tomorrow in Exodus 33, 34:
We explore Moses’ exceptional intimacy with the Lord, worth more than the Promised Land, and an essential lesson in seeking God’s presence over His promises.

A reminder to remember how God has depicted His supremacy in Exodus 31,32 - He empowers us with unique skills and pursuits, and we must be patient with His timing to see them put into use.

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Exodus 31,32
In ch. 31 we are introduced by name to the two men chosen by Yahweh for the beautiful and cunning work of the tabernacle and these two were to organise others in this work. By putting together vv. 2 and 6 with the meaning of their names we have the following ellipsis (v. 2): “In the shadow of God, as a builder of light and righteousness, from among those who praise,” (v. 6): “I have given him the tent of my Father, to build brethren who support and are discerning.” Their overall work was awesome, for it was a work for the Glory and Beauty of Yahweh, a work through which He would dwell in the midst of His chosen people (vv. 1-11). The reiteration of the importance of keeping the Sabbath is stressed (vv. 12-17) in order to be [a] “a sign through all generations,” [b] “Sanctification,” [c] “It is holy,” and finally [d] “a perpetual covenant.” These principles are related to those of Gen. 2:2 and Gen. 9:9-17, when “on the seventh day He rested,” and are a foreshadowing of the Kingdom age. They were written “with the finger of God” (v. 18), that is, by His will and power immediately, without the use of any instrument through the medium of the Angel. It is God only that can write His law in the heart; He gives a heart of flesh, and then, by His Spirit-Word, which is the finger of God, He writes His will in the fleshy tables of the heart (2Cor. 3:3). So chapter 31 reveals: [1] Workmen of wisdom: vv. 1-11. [2] The Sabbath sign: vv. 12-17. [3] Tables of stone: v. 18. • In Exodus chapter 32 after seven chapters of instruction, we are taken into the camp and see the vast gap between the Heavenly and the Earthly. [1] Israel’s lapse into idolatry: vv. 1-6. [2] Moses sent back to discipline the people successfully intercedes: vv. 7-14. [3] Moses and Joshua return: vv. 15-18. [4] Moses angry and tables of stone broken: vv. 19-24. [5] Levi slays the disobedient: vv. 25-29. [6] Moses returns to intercede: vv. 30-35. Whilst Moses was in the mount receiving this instruction, the people were working themselves into a fervour as they forgot that he would return. The same attitude applies today, in accordance with the prophecy of Peter: ‘where is the promise of his coming’ (2Pet. 3). There is clear evidence of a convivial attitude developing in the organisation of ecclesias, in which the issue of a social need is insidiously replacing the spiritual need of developing the “praying faith” for which the Master seeks (Luke 18:1-8). With Moses taken out of their sight for a short time, it was a trial of their faith, but they failed, and the warning remains for us in this day of opportunity. They wanted a practical religion; some activity in which to boast; the visual appearance of worship. “Make us a god,” they told Aaron (cp. Jn. 20:29, “Blessed are they who have not seen and have believed,” and see also Heb. 11:1). The people “turned quickly out of the way” (v. 8): a relevant term which means as much today as then. In v. 10 Moses had the opportunity to promote himself, but rather he appealed on behalf of the people, and in so doing showed that the nation’s round about would know of these things and question the motives of Yahweh. Aaron had a ready excuse! He only did what the people desired: a danger in ecclesial leadership, in which popularity seems to be promoted. The question is: “Who is on Yahweh’s side?” Moses went before Yahweh accepting his personal responsibility for them, and Yahweh’s mercy was once more evident: “Whosoever hath sinned against Me, him will I blot OUT of My Book of Life,” so that the nation might be preserved. Let us read, consider and remember. — Logos