Exodus 20:1-17, Thoughts from Exodus (11)

2002   The God of the Ten Commandments, not the golden calf (Ex. 32:4), brought them out from Egypt and has a right to be worshiped and obeyed.

2005   20:5-6: This sounds like the name of God that God gave in Exodus 34:5-6 and is followed by the command not to take His name in vain (20:7).

2010   20:10; 23:12: Everything rested on the Sabbath, including the animals.

2023   After giving the Ten Commandments the LORD repeats this emphasis.  It could not be any clearer: no images of gold or silver.  Yet, Ex. 32, the golden calf.  The heart of man is evil and desperately wicked.

2024   This earthen altar was temporary until the altar was built in connection with the Tabernacle.

2110   The basic rights to the wife: food, clothing and marital rights.  If there was a separation or divorce these were basic.  Notice there is no provision of a house.  That’s the purpose of the dowry.  If she was divorced, she would go back to her father’s house if she did not remarry.  Especially compared to other cultures, women were cared for under the Law of Moses.

2132   Thirty pieces of silver the price for a slave.  Perhaps this price set for those who had no rights in the commonwealth of Israel.  Interesting that Christ was sold for the same price.  That’s what they thought of their King.

2209 Here’s what I consider to be a good idea for those who are seeking “prison reform” in our own country.  Also good “tort reform.”  If you bring a lawsuit and lose you pay the adversary.  That would bring an end to the massive backlog in our courts of frivolous lawsuits.  And here’s a couple more that might be helpful in our country:

·       22:28: You shall not curse a ruler of your people.

·       23:9: Do not oppress a stranger.

2229   Giving to the Creator is the first priority; there can be no delay.  As Proverbs 3:9 says, Honor the LORD with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase.  In addition, notice that the firstfruit offering included not only the fruit but the juices made from the fruit that was damaged and only to be used for squeezing.  Why not?  It’s all from the LORD!