Week of 4/3 Scripture to Memorize: Exodus 20:3 Day 1 Read: Exodus ...
Week of 4/3 Scripture to Memorize: Exodus 20:3 Day 1 Read: Exodus 20:1-2 Reflect: What is God speaking to the nation of Israel? Consider: Nothing in Exodus 20 is described as “commandment” or “law” or the like. 7 To be sure, the words presented here by God do indeed command his people most solemnly to act in ways that are basic to his covenant, but their significance goes beyond that of routine “laws.” What the chapter contains—in particular, the Ten “Words” (dĕbārı̂m)—is more like the content of a national constitution than merely the content of one section of codified law or another.1 Respond: How do you receive the Word of God? As a command? As a covenant? As loving instruction? Pray this week that as we look through these verses again in Exodus that you will receive the Word of God as He intended and act on it accordingly. Day 2 Read: Exodus 20:3 Reflect: What is the Word from God? Consider: This first commandment has the same form as all the negative commandments that follow. In the Hebrew, it is not a negative imperative that is used, but rather an even stronger prohibition that simply describes what is demanded and expected of every individual in Israel. Literally the Hebrew says, “Not shall there be for you gods before my face.”2 Respond: What gods do you repeatedly put in front of God’s face? Why are these so persistent? What kind of action do you need to take to remove these permanently?
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Douglas K. Stuart, Exodus, vol. 2, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2006), 440. 2 Noel D. Osborn and Howard A. Hatton, A Handbook on Exodus, UBS Handbook Series (New York: United Bible Societies, 1999), 472.
Day 3 Read: Exodus 20:4-6 Reflect: What is the Word from God? Consider: Idol is pesel, “carved wood or stone,” from pāsal, “to carve.” Later (34:17) “cast idols” made from molten metal were forbidden too. Since God is spiritual no material representation can possibly resemble Him.3 Respond: In what ways do we try to depict God physically? How do these attempts fall short and ultimately lead to sin? Day 4 Read: Exodus 20:4-6 (again) Reflect: What promise does God give to those who are faithful to obey His Word? Consider: No carved gods of any size, shape, or form of anything whatever, whether of things that fly or walk or swim. Don’t bow down to them and don’t serve them because I am God, your God, and I’m a most jealous God, punishing the children for any sins their parents pass on to them to the third, and yes, even to the fourth generation of those who hate me. But I’m unswervingly loyal to the thousands who love me and keep my commandments.4 Respond: This Commandment reveals that God is jealous for our worship and devotion. How do you feel about that truth, and how should it impact your relationship with Him? Day 5 Read: Exodus 20:7 Reflect: What is the Word from God? Consider: Yahweh’s name signified his essence. In any culture, modern or ancient, a name is a verbal symbol for a person or thing, and the ancients in particular obviously appreciated the way names connoted the very value, character, and influence of a person or thing. To speak Yahweh’s name was to recognize his awesome power and holiness and even to invite his response to one’s particular situation at the moment. 5 Respond: What does it mean to misuse the name of the Lord your God? How serious is God about this directive? 3
John D. Hannah, “Exodus,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord Eugene H. Peterson, The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language (Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 2005), Ex 20:4–6.and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 139. 4 Exodus 20:4-6 (The Message) 5 Douglas K. Stuart, Exodus, vol. 2, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2006), 456.
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Douglas K. Stuart, Exodus, vol. 2, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2006), 440. 2 Noel D. Osborn and Howard A. Hatton, A Handbook on Exodus, UBS Handbook Series (New York: United Bible Societies, 1999), 472.
Day 3 Read: Exodus 20:4-6 Reflect: What is the Word from God? Consider: Idol is pesel, “carved wood or stone,” from pāsal, “to carve.” Later (34:17) “cast idols” made from molten metal were forbidden too. Since God is spiritual no material representation can possibly resemble Him.3 Respond: In what ways do we try to depict God physically? How do these attempts fall short and ultimately lead to sin? Day 4 Read: Exodus 20:4-6 (again) Reflect: What promise does God give to those who are faithful to obey His Word? Consider: No carved gods of any size, shape, or form of anything whatever, whether of things that fly or walk or swim. Don’t bow down to them and don’t serve them because I am God, your God, and I’m a most jealous God, punishing the children for any sins their parents pass on to them to the third, and yes, even to the fourth generation of those who hate me. But I’m unswervingly loyal to the thousands who love me and keep my commandments.4 Respond: This Commandment reveals that God is jealous for our worship and devotion. How do you feel about that truth, and how should it impact your relationship with Him? Day 5 Read: Exodus 20:7 Reflect: What is the Word from God? Consider: Yahweh’s name signified his essence. In any culture, modern or ancient, a name is a verbal symbol for a person or thing, and the ancients in particular obviously appreciated the way names connoted the very value, character, and influence of a person or thing. To speak Yahweh’s name was to recognize his awesome power and holiness and even to invite his response to one’s particular situation at the moment. 5 Respond: What does it mean to misuse the name of the Lord your God? How serious is God about this directive? 3
John D. Hannah, “Exodus,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord Eugene H. Peterson, The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language (Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 2005), Ex 20:4–6.and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 139. 4 Exodus 20:4-6 (The Message) 5 Douglas K. Stuart, Exodus, vol. 2, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2006), 456.
