The next several chapters list laws concerning various crimes and situations.

Exodus 21

I. RE: Servants (Exodus 21:1-11)

7-year maximum service for Hebrews as slaves

Pierced ears and voluntary servitude

The owner’s responsibility to provide for his slaves

II. RE: Murder and Manslaughter (Exodus 21:12-27)

Murder is a capital crime. Without controversy the 6th commandment forbids murder; and here in the very next chapter is instruction regarding the death penalty for murderers. Yes, execution is taking a life; but doing so at the command of God.

The distinction between manslaughter and murder; and the varying punishments thereof.

Kidnapping is a capital crime.

Extreme dishonor of parents is a capital crime.

Liability for bodily injury to another is covered.

Killing a slave is a crime.

Accidental injury to an unborn child is a crime.

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The effectiveness of new leadership, whether political or business, is often evaluated after the first 3 months. Moses has been at the forefront of Israel’s departure from Egypt; and in today’s reading we see him again as the Israelite closest to God.

Exodus 19

I. Up on the mountain (Ex 19:1-8)

(2) Mount Sinai and the desert of Sinai

(4) Undeniable deliverance by God’s almighty hand

(5-6) Israel in the flesh was told: If you obey, you shall be a peculiar (special) people, a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation.

Israel in the spirit was told (I Peter 2:9):

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

Call it what you will, God (s)elected Israel and passed over all other people groups.

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Exodus 17

I.  Water from a rock (1-7)

• murmuring again
• tempting the Lord
• ready to kill God’s ambassador
• strike the rock

II. Holding up heavy hands (8-16)

• observing the battle
• influencing the battle with uplifted hands
• helping someone else to be an influence for good

Exodus 18

I.  Jethro visits Moses (1-6)

• Zipporah and the boys had been sent home by Moses

II.  Jethro rejoices with Moses (7-12)

• fellowship between in-laws
• recognizing God’s greatness

III.  Jethro advises Moses (13-27)

• the burdens of daily administration
• sharing responsibility
• a judicial system

Meditation Points:

1. Murmuring is not praying
2. The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. Help others to pray.
3. Recognizing the hand of God for good on others.
4. Wearing out for God versus sharing our burdens with others

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I.  Murmuring (1-3)

• Less than one month after the great deliverance from Egypt and crossing the Red Sea, and the people are complaining again.
• As usual, their complaint goes to God’s representatives (Moses and Aaron) rather than to God Himself.
• At first, one might agree with them that it’s better to die with a full stomach than to starve to death; but that would be to neglect God’s ability and will to both provide for them this day and to care for them forever.

II.  Moses (4-12)

• What are we that you complain to us? Who do you think we are (7-8)?
• Your complaint is not against us; but you are complaining against God (8).
• God’s reply? You will know that I am the Lord (6, 12).

III. Manna (13-21)

• Quails, for the taking, arrived in the evening (13).
• Manna, for the gathering, appeared in the morning (14).
• Enough for everyone (18).
• No food preservation (20).

IV.  Sabbath (22-31)

• A double portion was gathered on the 6th day (22).
• The seventh day was a sabbath-even before the 10 commandments were given (25, 29).
• No manna would be available on the sabbath (26-28).

Meditation Points:

Moses did not give them the manna; God did (John 6:32).

Do not murmur (I Cor 10:10 , Philippians 2:14).

Yes, God provided manna for every day; but He did so on His terms!

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