Old Testament Walk Through: Exodus 20–40

This section of the Bible focuses on four things:

1. The Ten Commandments (Ch. 20)
2. The Offerings and the Building of the Tabernacle (Ch. 25 to 31 and 35 to 40)
3. The Garments of the High Priest (Exodus 28)
4. Moses’ Intercession and Intimacy with God (Ch. 32—34)

I The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20)

The Ten Commandments (see 34:28b) were given by God. The first four commandments talk about man’s relationship with God while the last six talk about human relationships. It gives us a heavenward thought first and then balances it with right living with fellow human beings.

Jesus therefore condensed these Ten Commandments into two: “ `Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: `Love your neighour as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments” (Matthew 22:37—40 NIV).

● I God reminds the people, “I am the Lord your God” who brought them out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. The people were not to have any other gods. God gave this commandment to let the Israelites know that He alone is God and there is no other.

● II God commanded not to make any idols and bow down to it or worship it. He tells the people that He is a jealous God. He is jealous in the sense that He will not give His glory to man­made objects. God speaks of His nature here. He says that He will punish sins of the fathers to the third and fourth generations but will show love to a thousand generations of those who love and keep His commandments. It tells us that it is worth obeying God! Some examples of modern­day idols that you make and worship are Money, Power, Physical Beauty, Technology, Astrology, Health etc.

● III Misusing God’s name is forbidden. Thoughtlessly using Jesus’ name like Oh, Jesus! Or My God! Or God damn it! as often seen in Movies are typical examples of the violation of the third commandment. Another example is when people take oaths thoughtlessly (Read Matthew 5:33­37 also). God will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses His name.

● IV The Commandment to keep the Sabbath comes next. God rested on the seventh day. So He blessed it and made it holy. We should try our best to set apart one day (Sunday being the day of Jesus’ resurrection is New Testament pattern us) to worship God. And we should do our best to avoid routine works on that day (Jesus Himself made allowances in this regard. For example life­-saving acts are exempted). This will not only allow us to worship God but also give us adequate rest.

● V God commands us to honour our father and mother. Paul commented that this is the first commandment with a promise(Ephesians 6:2). In today’s world it has become a fashion to disregard one’s parents. And not to care for them in their old age. This is indeed a generation disobedient to their parents (2 Timothy 3:2). Ask God to show you in what ways you can honour your parents.

● VI Jesus commented that murder begins with anger in one’s heart. He said that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgement (Matthew 5:21, 22).

● VII Jesus commented that looking at a woman lustfully (that means with wrong intent) is evil equivalent to committing adultery with a woman in one’s heart (Matthew 5:28).

● VIII Stealing is sin because God said so in this commandment. Those who steal are in company with the thief who he comes to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10).

● IX Giving false testimony means to say untruthful things against someone so that he suffers loss of reputation, life or property. This is commanded against.

● X Finally, you’re commanded not to covet. Coveting means to want something that belongs to someone else. It includes people as well as things belonging to someone else. This is a commandment given exclusively to guard against mental attitude towards others. [Comment: Think about this. Why do many families fall into financial debts? Is not one major reason coveting? The desire to have what the neighbours have even if we don’t have the means to get it?]

II The Tabernacle

God asked Moses to tell the Israelites to build Him a tabernacle. This tabernacle was a tent which was beautiful and made to perfection according to the pattern that God showed Moses.

It is encouraging to note that John uses the word “tent” (in the Greek language) to describe Jesus making His dwelling among us in the prologue to his gospel: “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (John 1:14a NIV). It can also be read as Jesus “tabernacled” among us.

This tabernacle was to be made out of the offerings given by the Israelites. The things to be given as offerings was listed out by God (25:3—7). It was to be given by people whose heart prompted them to give. (Note that it was not by compulsion that they were to give. For God loves a cheerful giver—2 Corinthians 9:7).

Most of these materials the Israelites had plundered from the Egyptians when they left that land. For God had asked them to ask the Egyptians (Exodus 11:2). [Note: Once all the required materials were received the craftsmen went and told Moses that more than enough materials were collected (Exodus 36:5). So Moses ordered the people to stop giving for that project.]

The tabernacle occupied a central place in the Israelite camp. And the different tribes camped in all directions so that each tribe had nearness to the tabernacle. It was a place where God’s glory dwelt. We need to remember that God and worship should be central in our lives as well.

The tabernacle was made out of the best gifts that the people gave willingly. So give your best to God always—the best of your time, talent and treasure.

This tabernacle was a marvel in its beauty, skill of construction and the worth of the materials that went into the work. It was also a movable sanctuary. It could be dismantled and packed (strictly according to God’s instructions and with utmost care given to holy and sacred articles) and moved to the next place God would indicate where the Israelites had to camp.

There was the pillar of cloud by day and pillar of fire by night over the tabernacle. When the cloud moved it signalled the Israelites that they had to move. When it stopped they camped. So decisions in a Christian’s life should be under God’s direction.

The tabernacle had three distinct areas:

The outer court.
The Holy Place.
And the Holy of Holies (which was a perfect cube by dimensions).

It was separated from the Holy Place by a curtain. This curtain represented the body of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 10:19). Only the High Priest was permitted to enter the Most Holy Place that too once in a year and only by the blood of sacrificed animals.

The tent faced east. Its covering was made of ten curtains of finely twisted linen and blue, purple and scarlet yarn, with cherubim worked into them by a skilled craftsman. These colours are significant. Linen is white which talks about the righteousness of Jesus Christ. Blue speaks of eternity. Purple stands for royalty. And scarlet speaks of the blood of Jesus.

Before we look at the articles present in the tabernacle we need to keep in mind that all of the articles were, in some way or other, pointing to Jesus Christ. This is absolutely important to understand.

The Book of Hebrews explains much of its significance in relationship to Jesus Christ. [The Book of Hebrews is rich in God’s truth. Do not get discouraged if you find it difficult. It will take some time to understand the loveliness and depth of the truths written there which explains most of the symbolic nature of what the tabernacle and sacrifices stood for.]

III The Courtyard (Exdous 27:9—19)

The Tabernacle or the tent was place in an open courtyard. This court was enclosed with a fence made of heavy linen curtains. The linen was white, symbolising that without holiness no one will see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14).

The fence was 150 feet long and 75 feet wide. It had a height of 7 1⁄2 feet; a foot higher than a 6 feet tall man. The entrance had a curtain made of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen. This gate speaks of Christ (John 10:9). No one can enter except through the gate.

The Altar of Burnt Offering (Exodus 27:1—8)
This was a 7 1⁄2 feet square altar with 4 1⁄2 feet height. This altar was made of acacia wood and overlaid with brass. And it was hollow inside. It had a bronze grating. God lighted the fire in it the first time and the fire was never permitted to go out. While the Israelites travelled the fire as live coals ware carried by priests in a censer (a brass container). It was on this altar that the priests sacrificed animals for the sins of the people.

The fire speaks of God’s wrath against sin. The altar speaks of the cross and the sacrifice speaks of Christ’s death. Today no more animal sacrifices are need because Jesus offered Himself once for all to do away with sin by His sacrifice (Hebrews 7:27 and 9:26, 27).

Basin for Washing (Exodus 30:17—21)
This was a large bronze bowl filled with water. It was used by priests to wash themselves before they went into the tabernacle. It reminds us that we have to purify ourselves, not by outward washing, but by the cleansing power of God’s Word when we approach God.

For the basin was made from the mirrors of the women who served at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting (Exodus 38:8). This was perhaps what made James compare the Word of God to a mirror (James 1:22—25). Peter also comments on the role of water not in the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God (1 Peter 3:21).

IV The Holy Place

The priests entered the holy place daily through a beautiful curtain at the entrance which had five pillars overlaid with gold. It was in this holy place that the table with the bread of the Presence and the golden lampstand and the altar of incense was located.

The Table
It was made of acacia wood and overlaid with pure gold. All its utensils were of gold. God commanded, “Put the bread of the Presence on this table to be before me at all times” (Exodus 25:30 NIV). There were 12 loaves of bread, one for each tribe of Israel. Every Sabbath the priests would eat the bread. And then place 12 fresh loaves on the table.

This bread is a clear reference to Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “I am the bread of life!” (John 6:35 NIV). We are a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9) who are entitled to feed on him.

The Golden Lampstand
The branches, almond flower like cups with buds and blossoms all gave the feel of life. The lampstand was one piece. It can stand for the perfection of Jesus Christ. “In Him was life, and that life was the light of men” (John 1:4 NIV).

There were no windows in the tabernacle. So all light was from this lighted lampstand. It can stand for Jesus the light of the world (John 8:12), or the Word of God which is like a light shining in a dark place (2 Peter 1:19).

The lampstand can also stand for God’s Church (Revelation 1:20) and the seven lamps for the Spirit of God (Revelation 4:5). Olive oil was used in the lampstand and the lamps were to be kept burning from evening till morning. (Exodus 27:20, 21). We should also keep our lamps burning! (Luke 12:35).

● The Altar of Incense
Near to the curtain that led to the Most Holy Place was placed the altar of incense (Exodus 30:1—10). The priest burned incense there every morning and evening as he offered prayers for the people. Today, we do not need a priest to burn incense or pray for us. Because Jesus, our high priest is our only mediator (1 Timothy 2:5) and our high priest who always lives to intercede for us (Hebrews 7:25). And we are given the privilege to call God, “Abba, Father” (Romans 8:15, Galatians 4:6).

V The Most Holy Place (The Holy of Holies)

(Exodus 26:31—34)
This was at the end of the tabernacle. It was 15 feet long, 15 feet wide and 15 feet high. It was a perfect cube. Inside it was kept the Ark of the Testimony. This Most Holy Place was a representation of heaven where God’s Presence is!

Inside the Ark of the Testimony were the stone tablets with the ten commandments, a pot of manna and Aaron’s rod that budded (Hebrews 9:4). It symbolized God’s laws, God’s care and God’s power respectively.

The curtain that separated the Most Holy Place from the Holy Place was hung on four golden pillars. This curtain represented the body of Jesus Christ. When His body was broken on the cross, this curtain was torn (then it was the curtain inside the temple) from top to bottom (Luke 23:45). It signified that the way to God was now open for all who approached Him by the shed blood of Jesus on the cross.

Therefore you can approach God with confidence and boldness any time by the blood of Jesus. Remember that in the past, only the High Priest could enter the Most Holy Place and that too only once in a year.

“Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water” (Hebrews 10:19—22 NIV).

● The Ark of the Testimony (Exodus 25:10—22)
It was placed in the Most Holy Place and separated from the Holy Place by the curtain (symbolic of the body of Jesus). It was a chest made out of acacia wood and covered with pure gold. Inside it was kept the stone tablets on which were written the Ten Commandments.

The chest was covered by a cover of pure gold. And at its two ends were two cherubim (powerful angels) made out of hammered gold and of one piece with the cover. Their wings were spread upward and they faced each other, and looking toward the cover.

God said, “There, above the cover between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the Testimony, I will meet with you and give you all my commands for the Israelites” (Exodus 25:22 NIV).

This cover was traditionally known as “the mercy seat.” This was because, as described in Leviticus 16:15, 16, once in a year the high priest entered the Most Holy Place and sprinkled blood on it. And atonement was made for the sins of the Israelites. That meant that God showed mercy and did not bring punishment on them for their sins.

The Book of Hebrews tell us that the high priest entered only once in a year with the blood of animals. This was repeated every year. This day was known as the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). But Jesus our high priest entered the Most Holy Place in heaven once for all by His own blood. That obtained eternal redemption for us. That means the sacrifices need NOT be repeated again. (Read Hebrews 9:7, 12, 25, 26).

VI The Priestly Garments

The garments of the High Priest point directly to Jesus Christ who is our High Priest in heaven. The various items in the garments point to His functions. Let us first look at the superiority of Jesus and His ministry over the ministry of earthly high priests.

● The Superiority of Jesus

The Book of Hebrews tells us that Jesus is our great High Priest. It tells us that His ministry is superior to that of Aaron in more ways than one (Hebrews 8:6). In fact, the ministry of Aaron was at best “a copy and shadow of what is in heaven” (Hebrews 8:5).

The Oath: Jesus was made a priest by an oath by God; for God said, “You are a priest forever” (Hebrews 7:21). Earthly high priests ere appointed by the law (Hebrews 7:28), not by oath.

Permanent: Jesus lives forever. So He has a permanent priesthood. He saves completely those who come to Him because He intercedes for them. But earthly high priests could not have a permanent ministry because death prevented them from continuing in office (Hebrews 7:23—25).

One Sacrifice:Jesus sacrificed Himself once and for all. But earthly high priests had to offer sacrifices daily for their own sins and for the sins of others (Hebrews 7:27).

Made Perfect: Jesus is our high priest made perfect forever. He was appointed by the oath. But earthly high priests were weak. Serves in Heaven: Jesus serves in heaven in the tabernacle set up by the Lord. But earthly high priests served in the tabernacle made by man (Hebrews 8:1, 2).

Indestructible Life: Jesus became a high priest in the order of Melchizedek (This man is a unique character in the Old Testament who met Abraham and blessed him and to whom Abraham paid tithe. He was both king and priest of God Most High. See Hebrews 7:1) on the basis of an indestructible life (Hebrews 7:16).

Jesus too is King and High Priest at the same time. But earthly high priests became so because of their being born in the Levite tribe. To this tribe belonged the priesthood; but the kingship belonged to Judah. In Jesus, both priest and king meets!

The conclusion is that through Jesus’s superior ministry as high priest “a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God” (Hebrews 7:19b). “Such a high priest meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens” (Hebrews 7:26).

Think on the loveliness of Jesus as your high priest. He is interceding for you right now at the right hand of God the Father (Hebrews 7:25, Romans 8:34). That is why John wrote: “My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defence—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One” (1 John 2:1).

KJV translation says, “we have an advocate with the Father.” “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31b NIV). So dear children, think much about Jesus your high priest. A study on the garments of Aaron the high priest will help you to do so much better. In Exodus 28 the garments are not given in the order in which they were worn. But that is given in Leviticus 8:7—9.

The Linen Tunic (Exodus 28:39) Talks about the sinless perfection of Jesus Christ. This was the first garment that was put on Aaron. So God first puts around us the righteousness of Jesus Christ. That is why we are commanded to “clothe yourselves with Jesus Christ” (Romans 13:14). Without this tunic around us it is impossible to approach God.

The Robe of the Ephod (Exodus 28:31—35) It was made entirely of blue cloth with an opening for the head at its centre with woven edge like a collar around this opening so that it would not tear. The colour blue emphasizes and highlights the fact that Jesus our great High Priest is a heavenly high priest. He is a high priest “exalted above the heavens” (Hebrews 7:26).

Then around the hem of the robe were pomegranates of blue, purple and scarlet yarn with gold bells between them. Some scholars think that they represent fruitful ministry and the sound of the gospel heard by people. But from the context, it seems that the sound of the bells were proof to the people that the high priest was alive after he went into the Holy Place before the Lord (see verse 35).

The fact that the high priest was alive meant that God had accepted his ministry. Jesus’ ministry is always fruitful and is accepted by God the Father. This was especially true when Jesus, “through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead” (Romans 1:4 NIV).

The ephod (Exodus 28:6—14) It was an upper garment worn over the robe. It was made of gold, blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and of finely twisted linen (Exodus 28:6). Gold here stands for the divinity of Jesus Christ because our great high priest is the Son of God (Hebrews 4:14). Exodus 39:3 shows us that the gold used here was hammered out into thin sheets and then strands were cut from it to be worked into the fabric.

Thus nobody could separate the gold thus being interwoven with the other colours without destroying the beautiful fabric. Thus in Jesus, the divine and the human element combines perfectly. It cannot be separated.

Blue is the colour of the skies which makes us think of heaven. Jesus is the indeed the One who came down from heaven (John 6:33. Read also 1 Corinthians 15:47).

Purple is the royal colour. Jesus will inherit the throne of His father David (Luke 1:32, 33).

Scarlet talks about the intense sufferings of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 5:7—10).

The finely twisted linen stands for the spotlessness of Jesus. He was without sin (John 8:46, Luke 23:47).

The skillfully woven waistband was also made of the same materials. It talks about service. Jesus humbled Himself to become a servant of men (Philippians 2:7, John 13:4).

The shoulder pieces were two onyx stones on whom were engraved the names of the sons of Israel in the order of their birth. Even though these sons had their sins, shortcomings and failures, God was willing to remember them in the order of their birth. The shoulder was a place of power as well as of God’s grace, for the shepherd carries the lost sheep on his shoulders (Luke 15:5).

Dear child of God, Jesus Christ is carrying you on His shoulders not based on anything you’ve done; but because of His grace (grace means favour of God which you and I do not deserve). The names were engraved and they were fixed tightly on the shoulders. That means your names cannot be wiped out from God’s mind. And that you’ll be constantly upheld by His power.

“The ephod resembled the veil of the sanctuary, but with important differences. There were cherubim in the veil but not in the ephod. The veil speaks of Christ’s holy humanity (Heb. 10:20); the cherubim of government and judgement; we thus learn that these high functions are destined for the hands of the man Christ Jesus. But the cherubim would have been out of place in the ephod, every detail of which speaks of priestly grace. But gold ­ typical of what is divine, while unsuitable for the veil, necessarily comes into the ephod, for our great High Priest is “Jesus the Son of God” (Heb. 4: 14).” ­­ W. W. Fereday [Note: Most of the notes on the Priestly Garments have been paraphrased from an excellent article by W. W. Fereday on The High Priest’s Garments of Glory and Beauty found in the internet. The above quote is from that article.]

The Breastpiece (Exodus 28:15—30). This was made of the same materials as the ephod. It was to be square and folded double. Four rows of precious stones were on it. Twelve stones in all, once for each of the names of the sons of Israel, with each name engraved on it like a seal. The names were to be over Aaron’s heart every time he entered the holy place. It was also closely linked with decision­making. Because the Urim and Thummim were there in the breastpiece. The words are translated as “lights” and “perfections” respectively. We do not know what exactly they were; but they enabled the high priest to make decisions according to God’s will with respect to the twelve tribes.

Each stone had one name on it. Think about it. The stones on the shoulder pieces had six names each on them. But here instead each stone has one name in it. And each stone is different from the other. God has created you unique and has blessed you in a unique way. There is rich variety in God’s blessings on His people. Are you conscious of the unique way in which God has blessed you? Do you realize that Jesus Christ, your great High Priest carries you on His heart? Do you often remember that Jesus knows you personally? (Luke 12:6, 7).

The breastpiece was connected to the shoulder pieces by gold chains (Exodus 28:25) showing that your being remembered by God is closely connected to His upholding you by His power (Read Isaiah 40:27—31 in this context).

The Plate of Pure Gold (Exodus 28:36—38) Aaron had a turban to wear on his head. And on it this plate of pure gold was to be fastened with the words HOLY TO THE LORD engraved on it. It is called “sacred diadem” or “holy crown” (Exodus 39:30 and Leviticus 8:9). This crown on Aaron’s head made the gifts of the Israelites acceptable to the Lord. It encourages us to note that our gifts and sacrifices, though mingled with our sins, failures, shortcomings, blemishes and weaknesses are made acceptable to God because it is borne by Jesus Christ our great High Priest. Thus it truly becomes HOLY TO THE LORD.

VII The Work (Exodus 31:1—10)

God chose Bezalel son of Uri to do the work for the tabernacle. Not only did God choose him, but God also filled him with the Spirit of God. Also God gave him skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts. Moreover God gave him a helper, Oholiab. To both Bezalel and Oholiab God gave the ability to teach others (Exodus 35:34). God also gave skill to all the craftsmen to make everything that was commanded.

● When God gives you a task he also equips you with His Spirit, and with skill and ability and knowledge. He is also the one who gives you the ability to teach others. The most important command was to make everything just as God commanded them. At the end of the Book of Exodus we read that Moses inspected the work done. From Exodus 39:32 onwards it is written many times, “the Israelites did everything just as the Lord had commanded him.” And when Moses saw that all was done according to what God had commanded he blessed them.

● When God commands something to be done we should make sure that everything is done according to what He has commanded. The blessing of God will rest only on the work done according to His will. The final thought is that Moses finished the work (Exodus 40:33b). And, “Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle” (Exodus 40:34 NIV).

● We have to take care to finish the work that God has given us. Jesus was able to say, “It is finished!” Paul also said, “I have finished the race” (2 Timothy 4:7). So make sure that you finish strong in your work and life!

VIII Moses the Intercessor, the Man Intimate with God (Exodus 32—34)

The great sin of making a golden calf and worshipping it started with impatience. Aaron, instead of guiding the people aright, participates in this great sin of idol worship. God becomes angry with this “stiff-­necked people” and is willing to destroy them. He asks Moses to leave Him alone so that He might do so. He promises to make Moses into a great nation instead (32:10b).

But Moses intercedes with God and sought God’s favour. And God heard his prayer and relented (32:14). Isn’t it amazing to note that God heard the prayer of Moses? Remember that Moses was unselfish in his prayer. He could have grabbed the opportunity to make a name for himself.

But the second time when he went back to God, he even prayed, “But now, please forgive their sin —but if not, then blot me out of the book you have written.” (32:32). So be unselfish in your praying and pray for others.

It is written, “The Lord would speak with Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend” (Exodus 33:11). What a great privilege! Then Moses requests God to teach him His ways. To this request God replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest” (33:14). And Moses holds on to that promise.

He tells God that unless His Presence goes with them, there is nothing else to distinguish them as God’s people. There is no greater privilege than to be distinguished as one with whom God’s Presence goes with. Is this true of you? Now God had said that He will do the very thing that Moses had asked, “because I am pleased with you and know you by name” (33:17b). Now Moses becomes very bold and asks, “Now show me your glory” (33;18).

And then the Lord said that He will cause all His goodness to pass in front of Moses and that He will proclaim His name, the LORD (Yahweh) in his presence. He said He will have mercy on whom He will have mercy and compassion on whom He will have compassion. He added, “But you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live” (33:20). But God said that He will put Moses in a cleft in the rock and cover him with His hand as He passed by so that Moses may see God’s back as He passed by. This rock symbolically is Christ. In Him we are hidden (see Colossians 3:3, 4).

Moses went up again with two stone tablets chiselled out (to replace the ones he had broken in anger/Ex. 32:19) and was with God again forty days and forty nights (Exodus 34:28). He interceded passionately for his people once again (34:8, 9). The Lord responded positively to his petitions once again. And when he came down the mountain his face was radiant. But Moses was not aware about it (34:29). Today, the cosmetic industry in the world is multi­-billion dollar business because people are busy keeping up appearances. Would you care enough to spent time with God so that your face will be radiant?

IX God’s Angel (Exodus 23:20—33)

God told Moses that He was sending an angel to guard them along the way and bring them to the place He had prepared. This angel might have been Jesus Christ because it God’s Name was in him (v. 21). Note two things: One, God sends His angel ahead of us. Two, He has already prepared what we need.
More importantly God says, IF the people listened to the angel carefully and did all that he commanded, and worshipped the Lord, then His blessing will be on their food and water (vv. 22, 25). Without obedience there is no blessing!

X The Glory of the Lord (Exodus 40:34—38)

The Book of Exodus ends with the glory of the Lord filling the tabernacle. Then we read that whenever the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle, the Israelites would set out. “But if the cloud did not lift, they did not set out—until the day it lifted” (v. 37). What a blessed privilege if we wait for God! If we do so He will intimate us the exact time to act in all our activities.

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