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God’s Presence and the Call to Obedience

Exodus 31-33

Exodus 31 highlights the appointment of Bezalel and Oholiab, skilled artisans chosen by God to oversee the construction of the tabernacle and its furnishings. God specifically fills them with His Spirit, empowering them with wisdom and craftsmanship to accomplish His will. This chapter emphasizes that God equips His people for His purposes, giving them the skills and wisdom needed to fulfill His commands. It is a reminder that God calls and enables His servants to do His work, and His Spirit empowers believers today to carry out His mission. The chapter also reinforces the importance of the Sabbath as a sign of the covenant between God and His people.

Exodus 32 tells the tragic story of Israel’s sin in making the golden calf while Moses is delayed on Mount Sinai. In their impatience and lack of trust in God, the people turn to idolatry, seeking a physical representation of God. Aaron, under pressure, makes the idol, and the people worship it. God’s anger is kindled against them, but Moses intercedes on their behalf, pleading for God’s mercy. This chapter reveals the danger of idolatry, impatience, and turning away from God’s commands. It also demonstrates God’s incredible grace, as He listens to Moses’ intercession and offers mercy, showing His willingness to forgive when His people repent.

Exodus 33 focuses on the aftermath of Israel’s sin with the golden calf. God tells Moses to lead the people to the Promised Land, but He will not go with them because of their stiff-necked nature. Moses boldly intercedes again, pleading for God’s presence to remain with them. God responds with a promise that His presence will go with them, granting them rest. Moses also requests to see God’s glory, and God reveals a portion of His glory to Moses, though He shields him from the full splendor of His presence. This chapter underscores the importance of God’s presence with His people and highlights the intercessory role of a leader who pleads for God’s mercy and favor.

Exodus 31-33 teaches us about God’s equipping of His people, His mercy in the face of disobedience, and the necessity of His presence. While the Israelites falter into sin and idolatry in Exodus 32, God’s response to Moses’ intercession shows His readiness to forgive and extend grace. Exodus 33 underscores the importance of God’s presence with His people, reminding us that without it, we cannot fulfill His purpose. These chapters reflect God’s character of justice, mercy, and grace and point to the redemptive plan of salvation, where God, through Christ, offers forgiveness and the promise of His presence through the Holy Spirit.

Reflection Questions:

  • How do Bezalel and Oholiab’s gifts, given by God, encourage you to trust in God’s equipping for His work?
  • What can we learn from Israel’s sin with the golden calf about the dangers of impatience and idolatry in our own lives?
  • How does Moses’ bold intercession on behalf of the people challenge you to intercede for others in prayer?
  • In what ways does God’s promise of His presence in Exodus 33 speak to your need for Him in your daily life?
  • How does the forgiveness God offers in these chapters point to the ultimate forgiveness found in Christ?