Exodus 25

Exodus 25:1

Properties Given to Keep

If something is entrusted to us, we are responsible for ensuring that it is not stolen. To entrust something to someone is a matter of trust. If it is stolen, the thief, if found, will have to pay double the amount. There is not only restitution, but also compensation for the shock and inconvenience, while the thief must experience that theft is punished.

If the thief is not found, there is suspicion on him to whom the money or good has been entrusted. The judges shall take the oath against him. By taking the oath, the suspicion is removed.

Much has been entrusted to us, believers. Timothy was instructed to keep the premises entrusted to him (1 Timothy 6:20; 2 Timothy 1:14; cf. Ezra 8:24-34). If we have lost something that has been entrusted to us, for example our peace, we must look for the ‘thief’. We may have allowed something into our lives that has made us lose sight of the Lord.

It may also be that our worship has disappeared – of which the ox speaks. It may be that we are no longer serving – the donkey speaks of service. Or we have lost our behavior as Christians – the garment represents the outward behavior that people see of us. If it is found, it is replaced in double. Christians who have wandered astray and are back on the right path, will commit themselves with double zeal to the Lord.

Exodus 25:2

Properties Given to Keep

If something is entrusted to us, we are responsible for ensuring that it is not stolen. To entrust something to someone is a matter of trust. If it is stolen, the thief, if found, will have to pay double the amount. There is not only restitution, but also compensation for the shock and inconvenience, while the thief must experience that theft is punished.

If the thief is not found, there is suspicion on him to whom the money or good has been entrusted. The judges shall take the oath against him. By taking the oath, the suspicion is removed.

Much has been entrusted to us, believers. Timothy was instructed to keep the premises entrusted to him (1 Timothy 6:20; 2 Timothy 1:14; cf. Ezra 8:24-34). If we have lost something that has been entrusted to us, for example our peace, we must look for the ‘thief’. We may have allowed something into our lives that has made us lose sight of the Lord.

It may also be that our worship has disappeared – of which the ox speaks. It may be that we are no longer serving – the donkey speaks of service. Or we have lost our behavior as Christians – the garment represents the outward behavior that people see of us. If it is found, it is replaced in double. Christians who have wandered astray and are back on the right path, will commit themselves with double zeal to the Lord.

Exodus 25:3

Properties Given to Keep

If something is entrusted to us, we are responsible for ensuring that it is not stolen. To entrust something to someone is a matter of trust. If it is stolen, the thief, if found, will have to pay double the amount. There is not only restitution, but also compensation for the shock and inconvenience, while the thief must experience that theft is punished.

If the thief is not found, there is suspicion on him to whom the money or good has been entrusted. The judges shall take the oath against him. By taking the oath, the suspicion is removed.

Much has been entrusted to us, believers. Timothy was instructed to keep the premises entrusted to him (1 Timothy 6:20; 2 Timothy 1:14; cf. Ezra 8:24-34). If we have lost something that has been entrusted to us, for example our peace, we must look for the ‘thief’. We may have allowed something into our lives that has made us lose sight of the Lord.

It may also be that our worship has disappeared – of which the ox speaks. It may be that we are no longer serving – the donkey speaks of service. Or we have lost our behavior as Christians – the garment represents the outward behavior that people see of us. If it is found, it is replaced in double. Christians who have wandered astray and are back on the right path, will commit themselves with double zeal to the Lord.

Exodus 25:4

Properties Given to Keep

If something is entrusted to us, we are responsible for ensuring that it is not stolen. To entrust something to someone is a matter of trust. If it is stolen, the thief, if found, will have to pay double the amount. There is not only restitution, but also compensation for the shock and inconvenience, while the thief must experience that theft is punished.

If the thief is not found, there is suspicion on him to whom the money or good has been entrusted. The judges shall take the oath against him. By taking the oath, the suspicion is removed.

Much has been entrusted to us, believers. Timothy was instructed to keep the premises entrusted to him (1 Timothy 6:20; 2 Timothy 1:14; cf. Ezra 8:24-34). If we have lost something that has been entrusted to us, for example our peace, we must look for the ‘thief’. We may have allowed something into our lives that has made us lose sight of the Lord.

It may also be that our worship has disappeared – of which the ox speaks. It may be that we are no longer serving – the donkey speaks of service. Or we have lost our behavior as Christians – the garment represents the outward behavior that people see of us. If it is found, it is replaced in double. Christians who have wandered astray and are back on the right path, will commit themselves with double zeal to the Lord.

Exodus 25:5

Properties Given to Keep

If something is entrusted to us, we are responsible for ensuring that it is not stolen. To entrust something to someone is a matter of trust. If it is stolen, the thief, if found, will have to pay double the amount. There is not only restitution, but also compensation for the shock and inconvenience, while the thief must experience that theft is punished.

If the thief is not found, there is suspicion on him to whom the money or good has been entrusted. The judges shall take the oath against him. By taking the oath, the suspicion is removed.

Much has been entrusted to us, believers. Timothy was instructed to keep the premises entrusted to him (1 Timothy 6:20; 2 Timothy 1:14; cf. Ezra 8:24-34). If we have lost something that has been entrusted to us, for example our peace, we must look for the ‘thief’. We may have allowed something into our lives that has made us lose sight of the Lord.

It may also be that our worship has disappeared – of which the ox speaks. It may be that we are no longer serving – the donkey speaks of service. Or we have lost our behavior as Christians – the garment represents the outward behavior that people see of us. If it is found, it is replaced in double. Christians who have wandered astray and are back on the right path, will commit themselves with double zeal to the Lord.

Exodus 25:6

Properties Given to Keep

If something is entrusted to us, we are responsible for ensuring that it is not stolen. To entrust something to someone is a matter of trust. If it is stolen, the thief, if found, will have to pay double the amount. There is not only restitution, but also compensation for the shock and inconvenience, while the thief must experience that theft is punished.

If the thief is not found, there is suspicion on him to whom the money or good has been entrusted. The judges shall take the oath against him. By taking the oath, the suspicion is removed.

Much has been entrusted to us, believers. Timothy was instructed to keep the premises entrusted to him (1 Timothy 6:20; 2 Timothy 1:14; cf. Ezra 8:24-34). If we have lost something that has been entrusted to us, for example our peace, we must look for the ‘thief’. We may have allowed something into our lives that has made us lose sight of the Lord.

It may also be that our worship has disappeared – of which the ox speaks. It may be that we are no longer serving – the donkey speaks of service. Or we have lost our behavior as Christians – the garment represents the outward behavior that people see of us. If it is found, it is replaced in double. Christians who have wandered astray and are back on the right path, will commit themselves with double zeal to the Lord.

Exodus 25:7

Properties Given to Keep

If something is entrusted to us, we are responsible for ensuring that it is not stolen. To entrust something to someone is a matter of trust. If it is stolen, the thief, if found, will have to pay double the amount. There is not only restitution, but also compensation for the shock and inconvenience, while the thief must experience that theft is punished.

If the thief is not found, there is suspicion on him to whom the money or good has been entrusted. The judges shall take the oath against him. By taking the oath, the suspicion is removed.

Much has been entrusted to us, believers. Timothy was instructed to keep the premises entrusted to him (1 Timothy 6:20; 2 Timothy 1:14; cf. Ezra 8:24-34). If we have lost something that has been entrusted to us, for example our peace, we must look for the ‘thief’. We may have allowed something into our lives that has made us lose sight of the Lord.

It may also be that our worship has disappeared – of which the ox speaks. It may be that we are no longer serving – the donkey speaks of service. Or we have lost our behavior as Christians – the garment represents the outward behavior that people see of us. If it is found, it is replaced in double. Christians who have wandered astray and are back on the right path, will commit themselves with double zeal to the Lord.

Exodus 25:8

Borrowed Things

What is lent has to do with the confidence of the owner in him to whom he lends it. The issue is: how does he deal with this confidence. Something you borrow is about using something you miss yourself, but need.

We may use what has been entrusted to another, but not misuse it. This applies both materially and spiritually. We must always be aware that we have received everything we have on loan: “What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?” (1 Corinthians 4:7).

Exodus 25:9

Borrowed Things

What is lent has to do with the confidence of the owner in him to whom he lends it. The issue is: how does he deal with this confidence. Something you borrow is about using something you miss yourself, but need.

We may use what has been entrusted to another, but not misuse it. This applies both materially and spiritually. We must always be aware that we have received everything we have on loan: “What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?” (1 Corinthians 4:7).

Exodus 25:10

Lie with a Virgin

This is an elaboration of the seventh commandment (Exodus 20:14). An unmarried girl falls under the care of her father. If someone sleeps with her, that is, if he seduces her to sexual intercourse, he is obliged to marry her, unless the father refuses to give her to him. In any case, a dowry has to be paid. A general lesson is that parents may not be passed over while arranging a marriage.

We also see here that sexual intercourse is not without consequences. The girl has lost her honor and will therefore be more difficult to marry. The man who seduced her has to pay a full dowry. He too must realize that he has committed a sin by doing something that only belongs within marriage.

Exodus 25:11

Lie with a Virgin

This is an elaboration of the seventh commandment (Exodus 20:14). An unmarried girl falls under the care of her father. If someone sleeps with her, that is, if he seduces her to sexual intercourse, he is obliged to marry her, unless the father refuses to give her to him. In any case, a dowry has to be paid. A general lesson is that parents may not be passed over while arranging a marriage.

We also see here that sexual intercourse is not without consequences. The girl has lost her honor and will therefore be more difficult to marry. The man who seduced her has to pay a full dowry. He too must realize that he has committed a sin by doing something that only belongs within marriage.

Exodus 25:12

Sins of Apostacy

Sorcery (Exodus 22:18) and idolatry (Exodus 22:20) originate from the world of occultism, the world of the devil. Anyone guilty of this must pay for it with the loss of his life. These horrible sins are direct rebellion against God. It is an open defying of His absolute rights to the worship of man and certainly of His people. In several places in the Scriptures God’s people are warned to stay away from them (Leviticus 20:6; Deuteronomy 18:10). Saul has not taken any notice of this commandment (1 Samuel 28:7-10).

Between these two forms of occultism is a warning against communion with an animal (Exodus 22:19). The fact that God’s people must be warned against this disgusting expression of sexual intercourse indicates that they are capable of it.

In a spiritual sense we see this sin in Revelation 13, which speaks of a beast coming up out of the sea, a political power (Revelation 13:1), and a beast coming up out of the earth, a religious power (Revelation 13:11). Both beasts are inspired by satan. Occultism will reach its height in these beasts. Many of those who count themselves among the people of God will bow before them and testify of their intercourse with them (Revelation 17:3; 11-13).

Exodus 25:13

Sins of Apostacy

Sorcery (Exodus 22:18) and idolatry (Exodus 22:20) originate from the world of occultism, the world of the devil. Anyone guilty of this must pay for it with the loss of his life. These horrible sins are direct rebellion against God. It is an open defying of His absolute rights to the worship of man and certainly of His people. In several places in the Scriptures God’s people are warned to stay away from them (Leviticus 20:6; Deuteronomy 18:10). Saul has not taken any notice of this commandment (1 Samuel 28:7-10).

Between these two forms of occultism is a warning against communion with an animal (Exodus 22:19). The fact that God’s people must be warned against this disgusting expression of sexual intercourse indicates that they are capable of it.

In a spiritual sense we see this sin in Revelation 13, which speaks of a beast coming up out of the sea, a political power (Revelation 13:1), and a beast coming up out of the earth, a religious power (Revelation 13:11). Both beasts are inspired by satan. Occultism will reach its height in these beasts. Many of those who count themselves among the people of God will bow before them and testify of their intercourse with them (Revelation 17:3; 11-13).

Exodus 25:14

Sins of Apostacy

Sorcery (Exodus 22:18) and idolatry (Exodus 22:20) originate from the world of occultism, the world of the devil. Anyone guilty of this must pay for it with the loss of his life. These horrible sins are direct rebellion against God. It is an open defying of His absolute rights to the worship of man and certainly of His people. In several places in the Scriptures God’s people are warned to stay away from them (Leviticus 20:6; Deuteronomy 18:10). Saul has not taken any notice of this commandment (1 Samuel 28:7-10).

Between these two forms of occultism is a warning against communion with an animal (Exodus 22:19). The fact that God’s people must be warned against this disgusting expression of sexual intercourse indicates that they are capable of it.

In a spiritual sense we see this sin in Revelation 13, which speaks of a beast coming up out of the sea, a political power (Revelation 13:1), and a beast coming up out of the earth, a religious power (Revelation 13:11). Both beasts are inspired by satan. Occultism will reach its height in these beasts. Many of those who count themselves among the people of God will bow before them and testify of their intercourse with them (Revelation 17:3; 11-13).

Exodus 25:15

Stranger – Widow – Orphan – Poor

Here the mercy of God radiates toward the weak in society. God stands up for them (Psalms 146:9). It is not a social program for global improvement or a call to work for asylum seekers. It is about reflecting God’s grace, something that can only happen through His people.

Because the Israelites have been strangers in Egypt, they must be able to imagine what it is like to be a stranger living in their midst. That should make them gracious toward them. In the same way believers must have compassion with people in the world because they used to belong to it. A haughty attitude toward the lowest sunken person does not befit a believer.

God is particularly concerned about the fate of the widow or orphan. To oppress them is pure exploitation and abuse of power. God hears their call of help and will avenge them according to the law of retribution.

Loaning money to a compatriot is allowed, but without charging him interest. It must be an act of mercy. Earning from the poverty of the compatriot betrays heartlessness.

If someone is so poor that he even has to pledge his cloak, the cloak must be returned to him in the evening. His poverty and then nudity evoke feelings of grace in God. God wants us to learn to share in His feelings.

Exodus 25:16

Stranger – Widow – Orphan – Poor

Here the mercy of God radiates toward the weak in society. God stands up for them (Psalms 146:9). It is not a social program for global improvement or a call to work for asylum seekers. It is about reflecting God’s grace, something that can only happen through His people.

Because the Israelites have been strangers in Egypt, they must be able to imagine what it is like to be a stranger living in their midst. That should make them gracious toward them. In the same way believers must have compassion with people in the world because they used to belong to it. A haughty attitude toward the lowest sunken person does not befit a believer.

God is particularly concerned about the fate of the widow or orphan. To oppress them is pure exploitation and abuse of power. God hears their call of help and will avenge them according to the law of retribution.

Loaning money to a compatriot is allowed, but without charging him interest. It must be an act of mercy. Earning from the poverty of the compatriot betrays heartlessness.

If someone is so poor that he even has to pledge his cloak, the cloak must be returned to him in the evening. His poverty and then nudity evoke feelings of grace in God. God wants us to learn to share in His feelings.

Exodus 25:17

Stranger – Widow – Orphan – Poor

Here the mercy of God radiates toward the weak in society. God stands up for them (Psalms 146:9). It is not a social program for global improvement or a call to work for asylum seekers. It is about reflecting God’s grace, something that can only happen through His people.

Because the Israelites have been strangers in Egypt, they must be able to imagine what it is like to be a stranger living in their midst. That should make them gracious toward them. In the same way believers must have compassion with people in the world because they used to belong to it. A haughty attitude toward the lowest sunken person does not befit a believer.

God is particularly concerned about the fate of the widow or orphan. To oppress them is pure exploitation and abuse of power. God hears their call of help and will avenge them according to the law of retribution.

Loaning money to a compatriot is allowed, but without charging him interest. It must be an act of mercy. Earning from the poverty of the compatriot betrays heartlessness.

If someone is so poor that he even has to pledge his cloak, the cloak must be returned to him in the evening. His poverty and then nudity evoke feelings of grace in God. God wants us to learn to share in His feelings.

Exodus 25:18

Stranger – Widow – Orphan – Poor

Here the mercy of God radiates toward the weak in society. God stands up for them (Psalms 146:9). It is not a social program for global improvement or a call to work for asylum seekers. It is about reflecting God’s grace, something that can only happen through His people.

Because the Israelites have been strangers in Egypt, they must be able to imagine what it is like to be a stranger living in their midst. That should make them gracious toward them. In the same way believers must have compassion with people in the world because they used to belong to it. A haughty attitude toward the lowest sunken person does not befit a believer.

God is particularly concerned about the fate of the widow or orphan. To oppress them is pure exploitation and abuse of power. God hears their call of help and will avenge them according to the law of retribution.

Loaning money to a compatriot is allowed, but without charging him interest. It must be an act of mercy. Earning from the poverty of the compatriot betrays heartlessness.

If someone is so poor that he even has to pledge his cloak, the cloak must be returned to him in the evening. His poverty and then nudity evoke feelings of grace in God. God wants us to learn to share in His feelings.

Exodus 25:19

Stranger – Widow – Orphan – Poor

Here the mercy of God radiates toward the weak in society. God stands up for them (Psalms 146:9). It is not a social program for global improvement or a call to work for asylum seekers. It is about reflecting God’s grace, something that can only happen through His people.

Because the Israelites have been strangers in Egypt, they must be able to imagine what it is like to be a stranger living in their midst. That should make them gracious toward them. In the same way believers must have compassion with people in the world because they used to belong to it. A haughty attitude toward the lowest sunken person does not befit a believer.

God is particularly concerned about the fate of the widow or orphan. To oppress them is pure exploitation and abuse of power. God hears their call of help and will avenge them according to the law of retribution.

Loaning money to a compatriot is allowed, but without charging him interest. It must be an act of mercy. Earning from the poverty of the compatriot betrays heartlessness.

If someone is so poor that he even has to pledge his cloak, the cloak must be returned to him in the evening. His poverty and then nudity evoke feelings of grace in God. God wants us to learn to share in His feelings.

Exodus 25:20

Stranger – Widow – Orphan – Poor

Here the mercy of God radiates toward the weak in society. God stands up for them (Psalms 146:9). It is not a social program for global improvement or a call to work for asylum seekers. It is about reflecting God’s grace, something that can only happen through His people.

Because the Israelites have been strangers in Egypt, they must be able to imagine what it is like to be a stranger living in their midst. That should make them gracious toward them. In the same way believers must have compassion with people in the world because they used to belong to it. A haughty attitude toward the lowest sunken person does not befit a believer.

God is particularly concerned about the fate of the widow or orphan. To oppress them is pure exploitation and abuse of power. God hears their call of help and will avenge them according to the law of retribution.

Loaning money to a compatriot is allowed, but without charging him interest. It must be an act of mercy. Earning from the poverty of the compatriot betrays heartlessness.

If someone is so poor that he even has to pledge his cloak, the cloak must be returned to him in the evening. His poverty and then nudity evoke feelings of grace in God. God wants us to learn to share in His feelings.

Exodus 25:21

Stranger – Widow – Orphan – Poor

Here the mercy of God radiates toward the weak in society. God stands up for them (Psalms 146:9). It is not a social program for global improvement or a call to work for asylum seekers. It is about reflecting God’s grace, something that can only happen through His people.

Because the Israelites have been strangers in Egypt, they must be able to imagine what it is like to be a stranger living in their midst. That should make them gracious toward them. In the same way believers must have compassion with people in the world because they used to belong to it. A haughty attitude toward the lowest sunken person does not befit a believer.

God is particularly concerned about the fate of the widow or orphan. To oppress them is pure exploitation and abuse of power. God hears their call of help and will avenge them according to the law of retribution.

Loaning money to a compatriot is allowed, but without charging him interest. It must be an act of mercy. Earning from the poverty of the compatriot betrays heartlessness.

If someone is so poor that he even has to pledge his cloak, the cloak must be returned to him in the evening. His poverty and then nudity evoke feelings of grace in God. God wants us to learn to share in His feelings.

Exodus 25:22

Attitude Toward Government

The government – the judges or the judiciary – may not be cursed (cf. Ecclesiastes 10:20). If that happens, it is rebellion against the competent God-given authority (Romans 13:1-2). Such an attitude is a characteristic of the apostasy of the Christian faith (Jude 1:8). God wants the citizen to acknowledge and be in subjection to the competent authority. Paul is mistaken in this and must apologize, which he does by quoting of this verse (Acts 23:4-5).

Exodus 25:23

The First Fruits

In giving the first fruits of the land, God’s right to the land is acknowledged. The people are warned not to withhold anything from it. The temptation to keep what is due to God to oneself has been ingrained in man by sin.

The firstborn belong to the LORD, and in them all the people. The same applies to the livestock.

Exodus 25:24

The First Fruits

In giving the first fruits of the land, God’s right to the land is acknowledged. The people are warned not to withhold anything from it. The temptation to keep what is due to God to oneself has been ingrained in man by sin.

The firstborn belong to the LORD, and in them all the people. The same applies to the livestock.

Exodus 25:25

Flesh Torn to Pieces

Here God makes the great distinction between His people and the peoples around them. He has set His people apart for Himself. That they are His people is manifested above all in what they eat or don’t eat. Here the emphasis is on what they shall not eat. Holy people do not eat food that is linked to violence. Such food is for the unclean dogs, who have no sense of holiness.

Believers should not feed on things to which clearly adheres the corruption of the world. The world has programs to watch and to be spiritually “nourished” by, from which the believers – “holy men”, these are for God separated people – must keep a great distance.

Exodus 25:27

Do Not Bear a False Report

In these verses we have an elaboration of the ninth commandment (Exodus 20:16). Speaking words is not an innocent activity: “But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:36-37).

Speaking nonsense is already bad, bearing a false report is even worse. Lie is used to conceal the truth. This allows evil to continue to exist and to do its depraved work. For the believer now it is true: “Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth each one [of you] with his neighbor, for we are members of one another” (Ephesians 4:25).

The majority of the people around us are motivated by evil and are looking for evil, they want evil and exclude God. What the majority wants is made the norm. That is the essence of democracy. God does not want the members of His people to participate in it. Justice should not be perverted, as is often the case now. The law is adjusted in accordance with what the majority thinks is correct. Because the majority does not take God into account, justice is twisted. We can think of things like abortion, euthanasia, unmarried cohabitation and same-sex marriage.

Justice must have its course. Lowering the level of punishment out of compassion for an insignificant person is just as wrong as giving preferential treatment to someone who is in esteem.

Exodus 25:28

Do Not Bear a False Report

In these verses we have an elaboration of the ninth commandment (Exodus 20:16). Speaking words is not an innocent activity: “But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:36-37).

Speaking nonsense is already bad, bearing a false report is even worse. Lie is used to conceal the truth. This allows evil to continue to exist and to do its depraved work. For the believer now it is true: “Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth each one [of you] with his neighbor, for we are members of one another” (Ephesians 4:25).

The majority of the people around us are motivated by evil and are looking for evil, they want evil and exclude God. What the majority wants is made the norm. That is the essence of democracy. God does not want the members of His people to participate in it. Justice should not be perverted, as is often the case now. The law is adjusted in accordance with what the majority thinks is correct. Because the majority does not take God into account, justice is twisted. We can think of things like abortion, euthanasia, unmarried cohabitation and same-sex marriage.

Justice must have its course. Lowering the level of punishment out of compassion for an insignificant person is just as wrong as giving preferential treatment to someone who is in esteem.

Exodus 25:29

Do Not Bear a False Report

In these verses we have an elaboration of the ninth commandment (Exodus 20:16). Speaking words is not an innocent activity: “But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:36-37).

Speaking nonsense is already bad, bearing a false report is even worse. Lie is used to conceal the truth. This allows evil to continue to exist and to do its depraved work. For the believer now it is true: “Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth each one [of you] with his neighbor, for we are members of one another” (Ephesians 4:25).

The majority of the people around us are motivated by evil and are looking for evil, they want evil and exclude God. What the majority wants is made the norm. That is the essence of democracy. God does not want the members of His people to participate in it. Justice should not be perverted, as is often the case now. The law is adjusted in accordance with what the majority thinks is correct. Because the majority does not take God into account, justice is twisted. We can think of things like abortion, euthanasia, unmarried cohabitation and same-sex marriage.

Justice must have its course. Lowering the level of punishment out of compassion for an insignificant person is just as wrong as giving preferential treatment to someone who is in esteem.

Exodus 25:30

Objects Found from an Enemy

It needs a good mindset to give something back to your enemy that he has lost and that you have found. But with this action you can “heap burning coals on his head” (Romans 12:20).

Exodus 25:31

Help to an Enemy

Helping your enemy is also proof of a good mindset. Indifference is not appropriate for one of God’s people who is called to show Who God is. God has not been indifferent to our problems either. He has helped us to unload (spiritual) burdens. In spiritual terms, God also expects us to help people to “unload” their burdens (cf. Galatians 6:2; Philippians 2:4).

Exodus 25:32

Fair Case-Law

The warning to be fair is recurring again and again. The person who has to judge – in fact everyone has to do it, not only judges appointed for that purpose – is always in danger of being influenced or of being deceived. Those who allow themselves to be influenced, are open to the prestige of the individual or the acceptance of bribes.

Personal gain should not play a role in the case-law or in the overall consideration of what is right. Anyone who lets themselves be deceived and dragged along in a fraudulent case is too accommodating in the story that is presented. In both cases one comes to an incorrect judgement, while God does not justify the guilty party, but condemns.

God says: “I will not acquit the guilty.” The cross of Christ has given this statement an unimagined and unprecedented twist. Anyone who acknowledges his guilt toward the holy and righteous God, who confesses his sins and accepts Christ as Savior, and who believes that God raised Him up from the dead, is justified (Romans 4:24-25). “But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness” (Romans 4:5).

Exodus 25:33

Fair Case-Law

The warning to be fair is recurring again and again. The person who has to judge – in fact everyone has to do it, not only judges appointed for that purpose – is always in danger of being influenced or of being deceived. Those who allow themselves to be influenced, are open to the prestige of the individual or the acceptance of bribes.

Personal gain should not play a role in the case-law or in the overall consideration of what is right. Anyone who lets themselves be deceived and dragged along in a fraudulent case is too accommodating in the story that is presented. In both cases one comes to an incorrect judgement, while God does not justify the guilty party, but condemns.

God says: “I will not acquit the guilty.” The cross of Christ has given this statement an unimagined and unprecedented twist. Anyone who acknowledges his guilt toward the holy and righteous God, who confesses his sins and accepts Christ as Savior, and who believes that God raised Him up from the dead, is justified (Romans 4:24-25). “But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness” (Romans 4:5).

Exodus 25:34

Fair Case-Law

The warning to be fair is recurring again and again. The person who has to judge – in fact everyone has to do it, not only judges appointed for that purpose – is always in danger of being influenced or of being deceived. Those who allow themselves to be influenced, are open to the prestige of the individual or the acceptance of bribes.

Personal gain should not play a role in the case-law or in the overall consideration of what is right. Anyone who lets themselves be deceived and dragged along in a fraudulent case is too accommodating in the story that is presented. In both cases one comes to an incorrect judgement, while God does not justify the guilty party, but condemns.

God says: “I will not acquit the guilty.” The cross of Christ has given this statement an unimagined and unprecedented twist. Anyone who acknowledges his guilt toward the holy and righteous God, who confesses his sins and accepts Christ as Savior, and who believes that God raised Him up from the dead, is justified (Romans 4:24-25). “But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness” (Romans 4:5).

Exodus 25:35

Attitude Toward the Stranger

Here we have the same prescription as in Exodus 22 (Exodus 22:21). Only here more explicit reference is made to the feelings, the state of mind, of the stranger. They know these feelings so well from their own experience because of their stay in Egypt as a stranger. We can think back to the situation we found ourselves in when we were in the slavery of sin, but it is something else to remember how we felt then. If we remember how we felt, we will not oppress the stranger, that is, we will not burden him with what he cannot bear.

Exodus 25:36

Sabbath for Land, Man and Animal

God prescribes here that the land must have a sabbatical year. Then it should not be worked on. What then grows naturally is for the poor and the rest is for the animals of the field. This sabbatical year is a test for the people with regard to their obedience and their faith. It seems that they have nothing for themselves and what the land will produce is also for another. Obedience to this commandment will show their trust in God. Faith is needed to act like this. Obedience is always rewarded by God.

The Israelite himself must rest every seventh day of the week. And not only he himself, but also all that is at his service as slaves and working animals. At a time when production rates determine life – something that has always been in the nature of man – it is important not to be carried away by the desire for more. Greed and unbelief reign. God desires to let people share in His peace and to have fellowship with them. It is good to put daily business aside for a moment.

Exodus 25:37

Sabbath for Land, Man and Animal

God prescribes here that the land must have a sabbatical year. Then it should not be worked on. What then grows naturally is for the poor and the rest is for the animals of the field. This sabbatical year is a test for the people with regard to their obedience and their faith. It seems that they have nothing for themselves and what the land will produce is also for another. Obedience to this commandment will show their trust in God. Faith is needed to act like this. Obedience is always rewarded by God.

The Israelite himself must rest every seventh day of the week. And not only he himself, but also all that is at his service as slaves and working animals. At a time when production rates determine life – something that has always been in the nature of man – it is important not to be carried away by the desire for more. Greed and unbelief reign. God desires to let people share in His peace and to have fellowship with them. It is good to put daily business aside for a moment.

Exodus 25:38

Sabbath for Land, Man and Animal

God prescribes here that the land must have a sabbatical year. Then it should not be worked on. What then grows naturally is for the poor and the rest is for the animals of the field. This sabbatical year is a test for the people with regard to their obedience and their faith. It seems that they have nothing for themselves and what the land will produce is also for another. Obedience to this commandment will show their trust in God. Faith is needed to act like this. Obedience is always rewarded by God.

The Israelite himself must rest every seventh day of the week. And not only he himself, but also all that is at his service as slaves and working animals. At a time when production rates determine life – something that has always been in the nature of man – it is important not to be carried away by the desire for more. Greed and unbelief reign. God desires to let people share in His peace and to have fellowship with them. It is good to put daily business aside for a moment.

Exodus 25:39

Attitude to Other Gods

Serving the Lord is evident from the extent to which His desires are taken into account. To know them we need to learn them. The heart that lives with Him will want to put them into practice. When other gods receive our interest, the Lord and His service disappear from our interest. Interest in other gods starts already with naming their names. Do not utter the names, do not consider them worthy of uttering them (Psalms 16:4).

Exodus 25:40

Three Annual Feasts

Other gods will lose their attractiveness to God’s people and will not be worth their interest if their lives revolve around the feasts that the LORD would like them to celebrate to Him. Then He becomes the center of their lives. To stimulate this, He wants all their males to appear “three times a year … before the Lord GOD” (Exodus 23:17). This means that they come consciously in His presence.

The purpose is to celebrate a feast to Him, to express their joy in Him and for what He has given. When He sees their joy, His heart is pleased. It is a joy in which He is central. Therefore they will not come with empty hands, but with sacrifices that are pleasing to Him.

The times when all men of Israel have to go to Jerusalem are related to “the Feast of Unleavened Bread”, “the Feast of the Harvest” or the feast of the first fruits and “the Feast of the Ingathering” or the Feast of Booths. For us it means to lead a life in which sin has no space (Feast of Unleavened Bread), in which the first and best as a symbol of our whole life is for the Lord (Feast of the first fruits), while we honor Him for all the blessings He has given us (Feast of the Ingathering). We may celebrate these ‘feasts’ every time we come together to Him. Then we will not come with empty hearts, but with hearts full of thanks and worship for everything He has given and above all for Who He is.