"If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land"

Is 1

a special psalm.

an assumption i make is those who look to this psalm have gone somewhat beyond a basic level of understanding.
now it's me talking, so anyone who's been reading my texts is probably starting to shudder...
fear not, i'm going to do nothing but display the verses of the psalm itself.
but shudder, because i'm going to 're-arrange' the order of the verses.
because, to me anyway, this psalm, wonderful poetry that it is, seems to jump all over the place.

so, because it is one of those complete reflections of the hebrew alphabet, i make use of another complete reflection to do the re-arranging.
even here there could be dispute, oh, what don't we find to disagree on.
the menorah has 22 of those bud collections.
i took that order, and without thinking, but just following the order that i understand, you could say i overlayed the psalm onto the menorah.
and read it again, and was astounded at the change in coherence.
a development emerges.

consider this nothing, just a gift. some may find it 'wrong', some may find an additional value.
what i did was firstly place each 'stanza' of eight into menorah order.
and then secondly, just because i see something else in the Lord's Prayer, a double pattern of four, i merged them into a single pattern of four double lines. sometimes it seems not to make sense, but mostly it does.
and, having decided to do that second adjustment, i remained constant in my approach.
so, here it is.
(the descriptions before each letter are my own, and for info, i did this in 2019 - i've moved further since then, but i have no inclination to change this)

Stembud, opening way of babe entering egypt.
KOPH.
145 I call with all my heart; answer me, O LORD!
I will obey Your statutes.
149 Hear my voice, O LORD, according to Your loving devotion;
give me life according to Your justice.
146 I call to You; save me,
that I may keep Your testimonies.
150 Those who follow after wickedness draw near;
they are far from Your law.
147 I rise before dawn and cry for help;
in Your word I have put my hope.
151 You are near, O LORD,
and all Your commandments are true.
148 My eyes anticipate the watches of night,
that I may meditate on Your word.
152 Long ago I learned from Your testimonies
that You have established them forever.

1st bud on branch of knowledge.
ALEPH.
1 Blessed are those whose way is blameless,
who walk in the law of the LORD.
5 Oh, that my ways were committed
to keeping Your statutes!
2 Blessed are those who keep His testimonies,
and seek Him with all their heart.
6 Then I would not be ashamed
when I consider all Your commandments.
3 They do no iniquity;
they walk in His ways.
7 I will praise You with an upright heart
when I learn Your righteous judgments.
4 You have ordained Your precepts,
that we should keep them diligently.
8 I will keep Your statutes;
do not utterly forsake me.

1st bud on branch of fear of the Lord.
DALETH.
25 My soul cleaves to the dust;
revive me according to Your word.
29 Remove me from the path of deceit
and graciously grant me Your law.
26 I recounted my ways and You answered me;
teach me Your statutes.
30 I have chosen the way of truth;
I have set Your ordinances before me.
27 Make clear to me the way of Your precepts;
then I will meditate on Your wonders.
31 I cling to Your testimonies, O LORD;
let me not be put to shame.
28 My soul melts with sorrow;
strengthen me according to Your word.
32 I run in the path of Your commandments,
for You will enlarge my heart.

1st bud on branch of counsel.
ZAIN.
49 Remember Your word to Your servant,
upon which You have given me hope.
53 Rage has taken hold of me
because of the wicked who reject Your law.
50 This is my comfort in affliction,
that Your promise has given me life.
54 Your statutes are songs to me
in the house of my pilgrimage.
51 The arrogant utterly deride me,
but I do not turn from Your law.
55 In the night, O LORD, I remember Your name,
and I will keep Your law.
52 I remember Your judgments of old, O LORD,
and in them I find comfort.
56 This is my practice,
for I obey Your precepts.

1st bud on branch of might.
IOD.
73 Your hands have made me and fashioned me;
give me understanding to learn Your commandments.
77 May Your compassion come to me, that I may live,
for Your law is my delight.
74 May those who fear You see me and rejoice,
for I have hoped in Your word.
78 May the arrogant be put to shame for subverting me with a lie;
I will meditate on Your precepts.
75 I know, O LORD, that Your judgments are righteous,
and that in faithfulness You have afflicted me.
79 May those who fear You turn to me,
those who know Your testimonies.
76 May Your loving devotion comfort me, I pray,
according to Your promise to Your servant.
80 May my heart be blameless in Your statutes,
that I may not be put to shame.

1st bud on branch of wisdom.
MEM.
97 Oh, how I love Your law!
All day long it is my meditation.
101 I have kept my feet from every evil path,
that I may keep Your word.
98 Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies,
for they are always with me.
102 I have not departed from Your ordinances,
for You Yourself have taught me.
99 I have more insight than all my teachers,
for Your testimonies are my meditation.
103 How sweet are Your words to my taste,
sweeter than honey in my mouth.
100 I discern more than the elders,
because I obey Your precepts.
104 I gain understanding from Your precepts;
therefore I hate every false way.

1st bud on branch of understanding.
AIN.
121 I have done what is just and right;
do not leave me to my oppressors.
125 I am Your servant; give me understanding
that I may know Your testimonies.
122 Ensure Your servant’s well-being;
do not let the arrogant oppress me.
126 It is time for the LORD to act,
for they have broken Your law.
123 My eyes fail, looking for Your salvation,
and for Your righteous promise.
127 Therefore I love Your commandments more than gold,
even the purest gold.
124 Deal with Your servant according to Your loving devotion,
and teach me Your statutes.
128 Therefore I admire all Your precepts
and hate every false way.

Stembud opening way of youth entering wilderness/assyria.
RESH.
153 Look upon my affliction and rescue me,
for I have not forgotten Your law.
157 Though my persecutors and foes are many,
I have not turned from Your testimonies.
154 Defend my cause and redeem me;
revive me according to Your word.
158 I look on the faithless with loathing
because they do not keep Your word.
155 Salvation is far from the wicked
because they do not seek Your statutes.
159 Consider how I love Your precepts, O LORD;
give me life according to Your loving devotion.
156 Great are Your mercies, O LORD;
revive me according to Your ordinances.
160 Your word is the essence of truth,
and all Your righteous judgments endure.

2nd bud on branch of knowledge.
BETH.
9 How can a young man keep his way pure?
By guarding it according to Your word.
13 With my lips I proclaim
all the judgments of Your mouth.
10 With all my heart I have sought You;
do not let me stray from Your commandments.
14 I rejoice in the way of Your testimonies
as much as in all riches.
11 I have hidden Your word in my heart
that I might not sin against You.
15 I will meditate on Your precepts
and regard Your ways.
12 Blessed are You, O LORD;
teach me Your statutes.
16 I will delight in Your statutes;
I will not forget Your word.

2nd bud on branch of fear of the Lord.
HE.
33 Teach me, O LORD, the way of Your statutes,
and I will keep them to the end.
37 Turn my eyes away from worthless things;
revive me with Your word.
34 Give me understanding that I may observe Your law,
and follow it with all my heart.
38 Establish Your word to Your servant,
to produce reverence for You.
35 Direct me in the path of Your commandments,
for there I find delight.
39 Turn away the disgrace I dread,
for Your judgments are good.
36 Turn my heart to Your testimonies
and not to covetous gain.
40 How I long for Your precepts!
Revive me in Your righteousness.

2nd bud on branch of counsel.
HETH.
57 The LORD is my portion;
I have promised to keep Your words.
61 Though the ropes of the wicked bind me,
I do not forget Your law.
58 I have sought Your face with all my heart;
be gracious to me according to Your promise.
62 At midnight I rise to give You thanks
for Your righteous judgments.
59 I considered my ways
and turned my steps to Your testimonies.
63 I am a friend to all who fear You,
and to those who keep Your precepts.
60 I hurried without hesitating
to keep Your commandments.
64 The earth is filled with Your loving devotion, O LORD;
teach me Your statutes.

2nd bud on branch of might.
KAPH.
81 My soul faints for Your salvation;
I wait for Your word.
85 The arrogant have dug pits for me
in violation of Your law.
82 My eyes fail, looking for Your promise;
I ask, “When will You comfort me?”
86 All Your commandments are faithful;
I am persecuted without cause—help me!
83 Though I am like a wineskin dried by smoke,
I do not forget Your statutes.
87 They almost wiped me from the earth,
but I have not forsaken Your precepts.
84 How many days must Your servant wait?
When will You execute judgment on my persecutors?
88 Revive me according to Your loving devotion,
and I will obey the testimony of Your mouth.

2nd bud on branch of wisdom.
NUN.
105 Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path.
109 I constantly take my life in my hands,
yet I do not forget Your law.
106 I have sworn and confirmed
that I will keep Your righteous judgments.
110 The wicked have set a snare for me,
but I have not strayed from Your precepts.
107 I am severely afflicted, O LORD;
revive me through Your word.
111 Your testimonies are my heritage forever,
for they are the joy of my heart.
108 Accept the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD,
and teach me Your judgments.
112 I have inclined my heart to perform Your statutes,
even to the very end.

2nd bud on branch of understanding.
PE.
129 Wonderful are Your testimonies;
therefore I obey them.
133 Establish my steps through Your promise;
let no sin rule over me.
130 The unfolding of Your words gives light;
it informs the simple.
134 Redeem me from the oppression of man,
that I may keep Your precepts.
131 I open my mouth and pant,
as I long for Your commandments.
135 Make Your face shine upon Your servant,
and teach me Your statutes.
132 Turn to me and show me mercy,
as You do to those who love Your name.
136 My eyes shed streams of tears
because Your law is not obeyed.

Stembud opening way of man entering israel.
SHIN.
161 Rulers persecute me without cause,
but my heart fears only Your word.
165 Abundant peace belongs to those who love Your instruction;
nothing can make them stumble.
162 I rejoice in Your promise
like one who finds great spoil.
166 I wait for Your salvation, O LORD,
and I carry out Your commandments.
163 I hate and abhor falsehood,
but Your law I love.
167 I obey Your testimonies
and love them greatly.
164 Seven times a day I praise You
for Your righteous judgments.
168 I obey Your precepts and Your testimonies,
for all my ways are before You.

3rd bud on branch of knowledge.
GIMEL.
17 Deal bountifully with Your servant,
that I may live and keep Your word.
21 You rebuke the arrogant—
the cursed who stray from Your commandments.
18 Open my eyes that I may see
wondrous things from Your law.
22 Remove my scorn and contempt,
for I have kept Your testimonies.
19 I am a stranger on the earth;
do not hide Your commandments from me.
23 Though rulers sit and slander me,
Your servant meditates on Your statutes;
20 My soul is consumed with longing
for Your judgments at all times.
24 Your testimonies are indeed my delight;
they are my counselors.

3rd bud on branch of fear of the Lord.
VAU.
41 May Your loving devotion come to me, O LORD,
Your salvation, according to Your promise.
45 And I will walk in freedom,
for I have sought Your precepts.
42 Then I can answer him who taunts,
for I trust in Your word.
46 I will speak of Your testimonies before kings,
and I will not be ashamed.
43 Never snatch the word of truth from my mouth,
for I hope in Your judgments.
47 I delight in Your commandments
because I love them.
44 I will always obey Your law,
forever and ever.
48 I lift up my hands to Your commandments, which I love,
and I meditate on Your statutes.

3rd bud on branch of counsel.
TETH.
65 You are good to Your servant, O LORD,
according to Your word.
69 Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies,
I will keep Your precepts with all my heart.
66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge,
for I believe in Your commandments.
70 Their hearts are hard and callous,
but I delight in Your law.
67 Before I was afflicted, I went astray;
but now I keep Your word.
71 It was good for me to be afflicted,
that I might learn Your statutes.
68 You are good, and You do what is good;
teach me Your statutes.
72 The law from Your mouth is more precious to me
than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.

3rd bud on branch of might.
LAMED.
89 Your word, O LORD, is everlasting;
it is firmly fixed in the heavens.
93 I will never forget Your precepts,
for by them You have revived me.
90 Your faithfulness continues through all generations;
You established the earth, and it endures.
94 I am Yours; save me,
for I have sought Your precepts.
91 They stand this day according to Your ordinances,
for all things are servants to You.
95 The wicked wait to destroy me,
but I will ponder Your testimonies.
92 If Your law had not been my delight,
then I would have perished in my affliction.
96 I have seen an end to all perfection,
but Your commandment is without limit.

3rd bud on branch of wisdom.
SAMEKH.
113 The double-minded I despise,
but Your law I love.
117 Uphold me, and I will be delivered,
that I may always regard Your statutes.
114 You are my hiding place and my shield;
I put my hope in Your word.
118 You reject all who stray from Your statutes,
for their deceitfulness is in vain.
115 Depart from me, you evildoers,
that I may obey the commandments of my God.
119 All the wicked on earth You discard like dross;
therefore I love Your testimonies.
116 Sustain me as You promised, that I may live;
let me not be ashamed of my hope.
120 My flesh trembles in awe of You;
I stand in fear of Your judgments.

3rd bud on branch of understanding.
TZADE.
137 Righteous are You, O LORD,
and upright are Your judgments.
141 I am lowly and despised,
but I do not forget Your precepts.
138 The testimonies You have laid down are righteous
and altogether faithful.
142 Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness,
and Your law is true.
139 My zeal has consumed me
because my foes forget Your words.
143 Trouble and distress have found me,
but Your commandments are my delight.
140 Your promise is completely pure;
therefore Your servant loves it.
144 Your testimonies are righteous forever.
Give me understanding, that I may live.

Stembud opening way of son of man entering Jerusalem.
TAU.
169 May my cry come before You, O LORD;
give me understanding according to Your word.
173 May Your hand be ready to help me,
for I have chosen Your precepts.
170 May my plea come before You;
rescue me according to Your promise.
174 I long for Your salvation, O LORD,
and Your law is my delight.
171 My lips pour forth praise,
for You teach me Your statutes.
175 Let me live to praise You;
may Your judgments sustain me.
172 My tongue sings of Your word,
for all Your commandments are righteous.
176 I have strayed like a lost sheep;
seek Your servant, for I have not forgotten Your commandments.

it was not my intention to offend anyone.
if so, i do apologise.

Thought for Today: Wednesday November 12

I remember hearing a colleague on Uni, also a professor, say that during His earthly ministry, Yeshua probably repeated Himself more than five hundred times. He also deliberately repeated himself three times. He said that the people in the first two rows will get the message the first time. The second repeat, people in the middle of the lecture hall will get it and with the third repeat, people at the back will get it. By the third repeat, people in the front will never forget it. We need to keep that fact of human nature in mind as we share YHVH’s Love with the people He puts in our path.

"One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth"

De 19

Now then, if you are going to show steadfast love and faithfulness to my master, tell me; and if not, tell me, that I may turn to the right hand or to the left.
Genesis 24:49 ESV

"Kindly and truly" - Kindness because God does not force us to obey His will. Truth because He has told us His will, so we have no excuse.

Despite Eliezer's superior position in truth, he made only strong hints, no demands until agreement had been reached.

111125 / 19th day of the 8th month 5786
WORD FOR TODAY “do you know what loyalty is”: Hos 6:6 For I delight in loyalty rather than sacrifice, And in the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.

WISDOM FOR TODAY: Pro 20:15 There is gold, and an abundance of jewels; But the lips of knowledge are a more precious thing

Ask the LORD how you can serve HIM better

www.BGMCTV.org

The first war to end all wars ended on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918. Armistice Day or Remembrance Day around the world and later Veterans’ Day in the United States, is a time to pause and remember every service member who has served. We should also remember the sacrifice the families of those who served as well. The people who knew them personally will mention their names and keep their memories alive. Exodus 3:15, “God also told Moses, “Say to the Israelites, ‘יהוה , the God of your fathers— the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob— has sent me to you.’ This is My name forever, and this is how I am to be remembered in every generation.” Just as our Creator told Moses that His name is how we remember Him, we mention the names of those who served to remember them.

BIBLE STUDY --- BOOKS OF THE TORAH

THE BOOK OF EXODUS – PART 2

CONTENT

The book of Exodus can be divided into four sections, each describing one aspect of YHVH’s dealings with the Israelites during the 15th century BC.

YHVH’S UNVEILING {EXODUS 1–6}

The book of Exodus begins with the 70 descendants of Jacob who joined Joseph in Egypt for the duration of a famine that was afflicting their land {cf. Genesis 46–50}. After more than a century of prosperity for the Israelites in the land of Goshen, a new dynasty is established in Egypt whose leaders are not friendly toward Israel. In order to stem the rapid growth of the Hebrew people, the Egyptians force them to do hard labour, building storage cities for the pharaoh. A further command requires all Israelite male children to be killed at birth. The superintendents of the midwives do not comply however, and YHVH rewards them -- not to show his approval of their lie but because they fear and obey YHVH rather than the pharaoh. A new command calls for all male Israelite babies to be drowned in the Nile River. One special child, who escapes when Pharaoh’s daughter has his basket fished out of the Nile, is Moses. Ironically, Moses’ mother is paid by the princess to raise her own child, who grows up in the palace as the princess’s adopted son. As an adult, Moses chooses to identify with his Hebrew kin, a tribute to the early instruction given him by his godly parents {see Hebrews 11:24-26}. He sets out to liberate Israel from the Egyptians, one man at a time. But he has to flee to Midian, at the eastern edge of the Sinai Peninsula or in Arabia beyond the northern top of the Gulf of Aqaba. Moses marries into the household of Jethro, also named Reuel. Reuel {“friend of YHVH”} is probably the man’s personal name, and Jethro {“excellence”} his title. Because he is called a “priest of Midian” {Exodus 2:16}, some scholars have maintained a “Kenite hypothesis,” suggesting that Moses adopted the religion of his father-in-Law and taught it to the Israelites. But the Bible states that Moses received his religion by a direct revelation from YHVH. Jethro seems to believe only after he sees that YHVH has rescued Israel from the Egyptians {18:10-11}. While their future deliverer is in Midian, the Israelites continue to be oppressed and cry out to YHVH in their misery {2:23-25}. YHVH responds by descending to his people. He came down to rescue Israel {3:8}. He appears to Moses in a burning bush and identifies himself as the same YHVH who promised the patriarchs a land “flowing with milk and honey” {3:17}. Moses will lead the Israelites there, assisted by his brother, Aaron. Assured that YHVH’s presence and miraculous signs will accompany him, Moses takes his wife Zipporah and his two sons and departs for Egypt. On the way, Adonai meets him and seeks to put him to death {4:24}. That is probably the Hebrew way of saying that YHVH strikes him with a mortal illness. Moses, who is going to deliver YHVH’s people, has neglected the sign of the Covenant in failing to circumcise one of his sons {Genesis 17:14}. Moses recovers after the rite is performed and continues on to Egypt, meeting Aaron at Mount Sinai. Their reception by the Israelites is more cordial than that of Pharaoh, who refuses to honour the YHVH who sent Moses. Instead of releasing the Israelites to offer sacrifices to their YHVH in the wilderness, he increases their burdens. The people complain to Moses, and Moses complains to YHVH. YHVH appears again to Moses {Exodus 6}, reassuring him that Israel will be delivered by divine power. YHVH’s plan is not a failure -- he is just beginning to put it into action.

YHVH’S DELIVERANCE {EXODUS 7–19}

Chapters 7–12 record ten plagues with which YHVH afflicts the Egyptians. Even before the first of them, the pharaoh has hardened his heart to defy YHVH {7:13}. There are three cycles of three plagues each: The first three plagues affect both the Egyptians and the Israelites; the Israelites are protected from the final six. The Egyptian magicians are able to duplicate the first two plagues, but when the third strikes, they admit, “This is the finger of YHVH” {8:19}. After the plague of flies covers the land, the pharaoh offers Moses the first of four compromises, but Moses refuses all of them {8:25-29; 10:8-11, 24-29}. The first plagues are merely unpleasant, but the final ones are destructive and inflict much suffering. Since all of the plagues are common to that area, they themselves are not miraculous. The miracle is how the phenomena are multiplied and limited to the land of Egypt. The nine plagues serve to harden the pharaoh’s heart even more, so YHVH prepares one final stroke. The death of every firstborn male, among both animals and humans, will be the fatal blow. YHVH warns the Israelites to get ready to leave. To avert the death angel, they must put blood from an unblemished yearling male sheep or goat on their doorways. While they are eating the Passover meal, the death Angel begins moving through the land of Egypt. In anguish the pharaoh drives the Israelites from the land; the slaves are free at last. Just as he has promised, Adonai goes before the children of Israel in a pillar of cloud by day and of fire by night. But once again the pharaoh’s heart is hardened and he gives pursuit. YHVH parts the waters of the sea with a great wind. The literal meaning of the name given that body of water is “sea of reeds.” It could refer to any shoreline where the water is sufficiently shallow for such plants to grow {see 1 Kings 9:26, where the same term refers to the Gulf of Aqaba near Eloth}. Whatever the location, there YHVH hands the Egyptians their final defeat. The rescue is complete. Moses and the Israelites respond with renewed faith in Adonai and with a song of victory and praise {Exodus 14:31–15:21}. Soon however, thanksgiving turns into grumbling because of bitter water {15:22-26}, lack of meat and bread {16:1-15}, and lack of water {17:1-7}. In each situation YHVH provides for their need. He also gives them victory over the Amalekites {verses 8-16}. As the Israelites approach Mount Sinai, Moses’ family re-joins him, accompanied by Jethro. Jethro now confesses his faith in the YHVH of the Israelites and shares in a fellowship meal with the leaders. He also assists Moses in reorganizing the judicial system, then returns to Midian {chapter 18}. The Israelites arrive at Mount Sinai, also called Horeb {3:1}, and prepare to meet Adonai who has rescued them in fulfilment of his promise to Moses {verse 12}. Adonai establishes his Covenant with Israel, taking them as his own possession, “a kingdom of priests, my holy nation.” They quickly respond, “We will certainly do everything Adonai asks of us” {19:5-8}.

YHVH’S INSTRUCTION {EXODUS 20–24}

The YHVH who redeems a people, who literally “buys them back from slavery,” has a right to make certain demands of them. The Commandments YHVH gives to Israel at Sinai are not burdensome requirements but protective guidelines for living as YHVH’s people {20:2-3}. The Law {or Torah, meaning “instruction”} revealed at Sinai consists of three parts:

1 -- The Ten Commandments {chapter 20}, addressing a person’s relationship to YHVH and other people. Based on YHVH’s nature {and therefore permanent}, the Ten Commandments are unique in the history of the nations.

2 -- The judgments {chapters 21–23}, social regulations for governing the people as a theocracy, similar in many ways to the Law codes of Israel’s neighbours.

3 -- Ordinances {chapters 24–31} regulating religious ceremonies.

All of the Laws are given to Moses during the weeks he spends with YHVH on the mountain. The Ten Commandments form the basis of all other Laws in Israel {20:1-17}. The first five deal with honouring Adonai, the second five with respecting one’s neighbour. The last commandment deals with one’s thoughts and intentions rather than with specific actions. It thus forms a safeguard against all sins not included in the first nine. The judgments recorded in chapters 21–23 deal with master -- slave relationships {21:1-11}, offenses punishable by death {verses 12-17}, compensation for injury to persons or damage to property {21:18–22:15}, various interpersonal relationships {22:16–23:9}, and Shabbats, feasts, and the offering of first fruits {23:10-19}. Many of the judgments would not take effect until Israel settled in the Promised Land. Accordingly, that section of the Law closes with a solemn warning against being rebellious and adopting pagan ways. It also contains a bright promise that YHVH will drive out Israel’s enemies, protect his people from sickness, and grant them prosperity, if they obey Adonai’s commands {23:22}. Exodus 24 records a reaffirmation of the Covenant between YHVH and Israel, as Moses seals it with the blood of a sacrifice. In response, YHVH appears to the leaders of the people, giving them a glimpse of his splendour. Then Moses ascends the mountain one more time to receive the stone tablets containing the commandments, as well as further instructions regarding the meeting tent {tabernacle}, the priesthood, and worship.

YHVH’S PRESENCE WITH HIS PEOPLE {EXODUS 25–40}

After Adonai redeemed the Israelites, he told Moses, “I will make you my own special people, and I will be your YHVH. And you will know that I am Adonai your YHVH who has rescued you from your slavery in Egypt” {6:7}. Moses had seen that wonderful promise fulfilled, yet one further step remained: “I want the people of Israel to build me a sacred residence where I can live among them” {25:8}. YHVH’s dwelling among his people is possible because YHVH had descended to deliver the people and because they had pledged to meet his demands. YHVH calls for a contribution from all whose hearts were willing to give, and he shows Moses a detailed pattern of the tabernacle and its furniture. Aaron and his sons are set apart to serve in the tent. Stipulations for the various offerings, including the Day of Atonement, are given. YHVH tells Moses that he has chosen Bezalel and Oholiab to build the tabernacle and to craft its furnishings, having filled them with his Spirit. In the meantime, the Israelites, who so recently promised total obedience, grow impatient as Moses lingers for 40 days on the mountain. They demand that Aaron make an idol for them. Under pressure, Aaron complies and forms a molten calf, a representation of a pagan deity {32:4}. Adonai informs Moses of the people’s idolatry, revelry, and immorality and says that he is angry enough to destroy all of them and start again with Moses’ offspring. Moses pleads for Israel until Adonai relents, then descends from the mountain to punish the people. Moses pleads again for forgiveness for Israel, and YHVH in mercy pardons their terrible sin {34:8-10}. Once more YHVH offers to make a Covenant with the people {34:10}. Moses spends another 40 days with Adonai, writing the Commandments on tablets to replace those smashed when he saw the golden calf. When he returns to the people, his face shines from being in YHVH’s presence, and he must keep it veiled. Now that Israel has been restored to YHVH’s favour, the construction of the tabernacle can begin. The contributions are so generous that Moses must restrain the people from bringing any more. Finally, all is ready. Moses examines the tabernacle, and it is erected on the first day of the first month, nearly a year after the first Passover. The priests are consecrated, the lamps are lit, and the first burnt sacrifice is offered. A cloud descends, filling the tabernacle with the glory of Adonai. YHVH dwells among his people, the goal of redemption has been attained, and the drama of the book of Exodus has come to an end.