Tuesday May 11
The Sinai Covenant
The book of Exodus draws the reader’s attention to three major events. Like three mountains, the Exodus itself, the establishment of the covenant, and the building of the tabernacle-sanctuary rise above the foothills of lesser happenings. The establishment of the covenant, recorded in Exodus 19 through 24, was the Mount Everest of the three. A brief outline of Exodus 19 through 24 shows the sequence and the relationship of events.
I would place the Sanctuary and its services as the highest of all. Why is that so important? Because if what was there was understood, there would be no need of the "old covenant," nor of the 40 year exodus. The "establishment of the covenant" was very soon to be seen as impossible to keep. How long did it take before the people recognized they could not obey the law? Not long. And this is just the reason why God made the covenant with such an impossible requirement. "Obey and live" was destined to failure. The law both ceremonial and moral cannot bring salvation. It brings condemnation.
But, in the tabernacle would be found a revelation of the character of God which would when allowed into the heart bring forth obedience to all which is written in the law.In other words, the "new covenant" a fulfillment of the "everlasting covenant" revealed in the Garden, was based upon better promises than those which were given in the covenant made at Sinai. (See Hebrews).
Even if you do not have the time to look up all the verses listed below, focus on the sequence of events:
1. Israel’s arrival and encampment at Sinai after being delivered by the Lord (Exod. 19:1-2).
2. God’s proposal of a covenant with Israel (Exod. 19:3-6).
3. Israel’s response in acceptance of the covenant (Exod. 19:7-8).
4. Preparations for formally receiving the covenant (Exod. 19:9-25).
5. Proclamation of the Ten Commandments (Exod. 20:1-17).
6. Moses as covenant mediator (Exod. 20:18-21).
7. Covenant principles spelled out (Exod. 20:22 to Exod. 23:22).
8. Ratification of the covenant (Exod. 24:1-18).
This covenant plays a vital role in the plan of salvation. It is the fourth covenant listed in the Bible (preceded by the ones with Adam, Noah, and Abraham), and in it God reveals Himself more fully than before, particularly as the entire sanctuary ritual is established. Thus, the sanctuary becomes the means by which He shows the people the plan of salvation that they were to reveal to the world.
Though the Lord had redeemed Israel from the bondage of Egypt, He wanted them to understand that redemption had a greater, more significant meaning than merely freedom from physical bondage. He wanted to redeem them from sin, the ultimate slavery, and this could happen only through the sacrifice of the Messiah, as taught in the types and symbols of the sanctuary service. It is no wonder, then, that not long after they were redeemed from bondage, and given the law, the Israelites were instructed to build the sanctuary and establish its services, for in these things God revealed to them the plan of redemption — which is the true meaning and purpose of the covenant. For the covenant is nothing if not a covenant of salvation, that the Lord offers to fallen humanity. That is what it was in Eden, and that is what it was at Sinai.
Amen as to what was taught in the Sanctuary, bit this covenant at Sinai was not a covenant of salvation. It was given that humanity might understand it is impossible to obey in and of ourselves. When the covenant was entered into "All that the LORD hath spoken we will do," there was no understanding that they needed a Savior. Thus, the failed almost immediately being evil by nature and having corrupt hearts. When reading in Hebrews, we find that God had a better covenant based on better promises. "But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises..... For this [is] the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people." 8:6,10.
Why was a covenant between God and the people of Israel a necessity? (See Deut. 29:10-13, notice, again, the relational aspect of the covenant.)
The covenant was already made, but was lost sight of. It was passed down from father to son beginning with Adam. But, in the 400 years in Egypt it was lost. God was starting over with a people of which many were little better than brute beasts having been in slavery for many years.
This nation of slaves was to be taught of God. Jesus Christ, enshrouded in the pillar of cloud and fire, was to be their invisible leader, the ruler over all their tribes. Moses was to be the mouthpiece of God. For forty years God ruled over them as they journeyed through the wilderness. But the Hebrew nation is not the only nation that has been in cruel bondage, and whose groanings have come to the ears of the Lord of hosts. The Lord God of Israel has looked upon the vast number of human beings who were held in slavery in the United States of America. The United States has been a refuge for the oppressed. It has been spoken of as the bulwark of religious liberty. God has done more for this country than for any other country upon which the sun shines. It has been marvelously preserved from war and bloodshed. God saw the foul blot of slavery upon this land, he marked the sufferings that were endured by the colored people. He moved upon the hearts of men to work in behalf of those who were so cruelly oppressed. The Southern States became one terrible battle-field. The graves of American sons who had enlisted to deliver the oppressed race are thick in its soil. Many fell in death, giving their lives to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that were bound. God spoke concerning the captivity of the colored people as verily as he did concerning the Hebrew captives, and said: “I have surely seen the affliction of my people, ... and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows; and I am come down to deliver them.” The Lord wrought in freeing the Southern slaves; but he designed to work still further for them as he did for the children of Israel, whom he took forth to educate, to refine, and ennoble. Christ himself wrought with his appointed leaders, and directed them as to what they should do for his people that had become so terribly degraded. They were to be kept separate from all nations, to be directed and counseled until, through a correct representation of the divine character, they should come to know God, to reverence and obey his commandments. RH December 17, 1895
Before they could "obey" they must learn of Him who gave all that they might live.