Painful Reading
At the beginning of this year, I decided it was time to read through the entire bible again. It’s been a few years. I have to admit, I’ve managed each week to get off track from the bible reading plan. I started to stumble halfway through Exodus. That’s only the second book of the bible. Way to go Ty! Anyhow, since I’m into blogging, I figured it would be a good idea to go back to the basics of bible study for me – taking notes. I’m going to share the notes from each book as I complete them.
The first five books of the bible are known as the Pentateuch. Some scholars say Moses wrote them. It’s possible he may have recorded his thoughts and later someone else organized them. Whoever the author, the reading can be painful. Though the reading is not the most exciting at times, these books are the foundational in so many ways.
Exodus
I’ve always been puzzled by the part where Pharaoh’s heart is hardened. I do sense from repeated reading, the way people react to situations, God is well aware of the outcome long before we see the results. The Egyptians and the Israelites needed to see God, the Alpha and the Omega, in action.
Despite the awesome miracles with the ten plagues and the Red Sea, Moses troubles only worsened as he led an estimated 2 million people, the Israelites (Hebrews) farther into the wilderness. With the people now out of Egypt, God goes to work setting them apart by providing very detailed instructions for assembling a place of worship. In Hebrews, it states the tabernacle set-up was a representation of the worship experience in heaven.
They serve at a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: "See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.” Hebrews 8:5
I’ve found it was very helpful to have visuals of the tent or tabernacle. View photos here at BiblePlaces.com.
Leviticus
By the time I reached Leviticus, I chose to read The Message to tackle these chapters. In some cases, The Message was almost too blunt, but with all the instructions for the sacrifices, several patterns emerged. The God who loves and wants his children to be in relationship with him. God wanted to restore the relationship that was broken in the garden by setting a group of people apart. Where it came so easy for Adam and Eve, this new system involved some requirements for the Israelites.
1. Sacrifice had to be without defect. God expected you to take full responsibility for your sin and bring the best sacrifice.
2. I wouldn’t compare these chapters to a slasher horror movie, but there’s a lot of blood. Life is in the blood and God wanted the one doing the sacrifice to understand the extent of his sin. Imagine if we had to do this today!
3. No matter your economic status, blood was required to make atonement for sin with sacrifices consisting of bulls, next up sheep, birds and grain. God provided a way for ALL to be forgiven.
Leviticus reminds us how truly world changing, Jesus’ death was for mankind. He was the ultimate sacrifice.
11When Christ came as high priest of the good things that are already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not man-made, that is to say, not a part of this creation. 12He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption. 13The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. 14How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! Hebrews 9:11-14
It’s hard to comprehend the graphic details, but both of these books all point back to worship – giving honor to a Holy God.
Keep that in mind the next time you are struggling to read. If you have any thoughts, feel free to comment.
Next up, I will talk a bit about Numbers and Deuteronomy.
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I’m with you. The OT can be tough to get through. Going through all that genealogy is pretty rough, too.
But God is amazing how He can speak through all of that. Every word is such a treasure. I’m becoming intimate with the book of Ruth this month. I’ll be reading it through about 7 times.
I can’t wait to see your thoughts on the other books.
Thanks for stopping by, Rhonda. I love reading the OT, just certain parts of it like you said are rough to wrap my head around or even read. There can be a lot of detail and repetition, but there’s a reason.
The book of Ruth and Esther are both favorites of mine. I also enjoy reading about David in 1 and 2 Samuel. So, I’m looking forward to reading those books.
I haven’t read the Bible through in several years, and I should do it again too. You’re right about the blood and bluntness, but it really opened my eyes to God in a different way. Great post!
Thanks for stopping by Georgiana. I just wrapped up reading Deuteronomy, so I hope to post some thoughts this coming weekend. Started Joshua. More blood and wars!
Joshua reminds me of David. There are both genuine men determined to be obedient to God. Really awesome reading.