We shall continue the study of Exodus, the second book of the Old Testament. Read slowly and reflectively the assigned passage twice at least and consider the questions that follow each day.
(1) The details described in 38:9-20 for the building of the Courtyard are very similar to the instructions given originally in 27:9-19. The perimeter of the courtyard serves the function of separating this place of worship from the outside world. How does this speak to our need to be separated from our usual environment physically in order to meet with the Lord?
(2) As the Bible gives us details of the various materials used for the Tabernacle, why does it stress that the tabernacle is “the tabernacle of the Testimony (or covenant)” (38:21)?
(3) How much gold had been given to the project? Just for the sake of interest, how much will it be worth today (the equivalent of 1 ton of gold)?
(4) How much silver had been obtained from the community? How much might it be worth today (the equivalent of 3¾ tons of silver)?
(5) How much bronze was obtained from the community? How much might it be worth today (the equivalent of 2½ tons of bronze)
(6) Based on the latest prices of the above metals (in 2013), the total value of gold, silver and bronze would have far exceeded US$70 million:
a. How does it speak to the heart of this community of 600,000+ recently freed migrants in the wilderness?
b. Should that much money and resources be devoted to the building of a portable, less-than-permanent “temple” of the Lord? Why or why not?
(7) What have you learned today and how may you apply it in your life?
請慢慢細讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍，然後反複思考問題。
(1) 這裡詳述立幕院的記載幾乎與27:9-19的吩咐完全一樣。這院的範圍把這敬拜所與外界隔絕。這裡怎樣提醒我們有關敬拜的態度？
(2) 為何38:21要特稱會幕為「這是法櫃的帳幕」？
(3) 這會幕共用了多少金？按今日的價值這約一噸的金共值多少？
(4) 從百姓一共收取了多少銀子？按今日的價值這約3¾噸的銀子共值多少？
(5) 從百姓一共收取了多少銅？按今日的價值這約2½噸的銅共值多少？
(6) 按今天的估值，這會幕是要花費好幾萬元才被建成的：
a. 這在曠野流蕩的群體竟能作出這樣的奉獻，難得之處何在？
b. 用這樣的資源建造一個非永久的建築物，值得嗎？為什麼？
(7) 今天對你主要的提醒是什麼？你可以怎樣應用在生活中？
“These are the amounts of the materials used for the tabernacle…” (Exod. 38:21)
I like visiting
One wonders the same as the account of the building of the tabernacle is read. In my rough estimation, one ton (2,210 lbs) of gold—$50 million; 3¾ tons (7,601 lbs) of silver—$3 million; and 2½ tons (5,350 lbs) of bronze (or copper) —$19,000. Was it worth it? Where is the tabernacle (or the subsequent temple) now?
Since this tabernacle and its contents were mandated to be built by the Lord who even specified the exact measurements and materials for everything to be made, who can challenge whether it was worth it or not! Indeed, what is a mere $50 million to God? He is worth far more than anything the world can muster, not to mention that He owns everything that He has created.
When I think of how this community, in the wilderness, with no means of job creation nor creation of wealth, were willing to part with such wealth in obedience and gratitude to the Lord, it is really heart-warming.
Of course, the tabernacle and its replacement, the temple, are no more, but it was not the fault of this generation. Each generation is meant to be faithful to its charge assigned to them.
「這是法櫃的帳幕中利未人所用物件的總數，是照摩西的吩咐，經祭司亞倫的兒子以他瑪的手數點的。」 (出38:21)
我酷愛旅遊歐洲，特別是參觀宏偉的大教堂 (Cathedrals)，不論是羅馬式、歌德式或新歌德式的。我除了欣賞它們的建築、裡面的彩色玻璃、和牆上聖經事蹟的圖畫之外，我更喜歡安坐其中，去感受神的同在。是的，這些古舊的教堂實在使人更容易產生一個敬畏神的心。不過，我也同時想到它們是化費極多的資源才被建成的，今天多已成為教外遊客的景點而已。
故此，讀到會幕的建造共花費了一噸的黃金—足足值今天的五千萬美元；三噸半的銀—約三百萬美元；和兩噸半的銅—約二萬美元；我不禁問：值得嗎？這會幕、甚至後來的聖殿豈不早已不存在嗎？
但是這會幕及其擺設都是神命令建造的，甚至所用的材料和尺吋，都是祂指定的，所以誰說是不值得呢！區區幾千萬元，對神來說，算得什麼？祂豈能以地上的價值來衡量；何況，祂更是萬有的主宰。
但當我想到這曠野流蕩的群體，在缺乏生財機會的情況下，竟然願意因聽命和感恩，奉獻這些財物，實在令人感動。
當然，會幕或聖殿都已不存在了，但這不是這一代曠野的群體的錯；每一代是要為那時代的使命負責而已。
Read slowly and reflectively the assigned passage twice at least and consider the questions that follow each day.
This section gives a compressed account of the making of the garments for the priests omitting the purposes and functions given in the original instructions:
(1) 39:2-7 is the compressed version of 28:6-14 concerning the making of the ephod:
a. In the reading of this abbreviated account of the ephod, what catches your attention?
b. What does the wearing of such an ephod mean to you, if you were the priest?
(2) 39:8-21 gives almost a verbatim account of the breastpiece in 28:15-28 (omitting the purpose and function mentioned in 28:29-30):
a. In the reading of this abbreviated account of the breastpiece, what catches your attention?
b. What does the wearing of such a breastpiece mean to you, if you were the priest?
(3) 39:22-31 is a compressed version of 28:31-43 concerning the other garments for the priests:
a. In the reading of this abbreviated account of the ephod, what catches your attention?
b. What does the wearing of such a turban, in particular, mean to you, if you were the priest?
(4) Underline the repetitions in vv. 1, 5, 7, 21, 26, 27 & 31. What is the message being conveyed by the Bible in these repetitions?
(5) What have you learned today and how may you apply it in your life?
第170日
請慢慢細讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍，然後反複思考問題。 這是一個較濃縮有關作聖衣的記述：
(1) 39:2-7濃縮記述28:6-14有關以弗得的製造:
a. 這簡短的記載給你最深的印象是什麼？
b. 若你是祭司，穿上以弗得的意義是什麼？
(2) 39:8-21差不多是28:15-27有關胸牌製造逐字的重複。只是略去28:28-30有關功用的記載：
a. 這簡短的記載給你最深的印象是什麼？
b. 若你是祭司，配帶胸牌的意義是什麼？
(3) 39:22-31是28:31-43有關製造其他祭司服飾的濃縮記述:
a. 這簡短的記載給你最深的印象是什麼？
b. 若你是祭司，配帶頭巾的意義是什麼？
(4) 留意第1, 5, 7, 21, 26, 27 & 31的重複。這重複的用意是什麼？
(5) 今天對你主要的提醒什麼？你可以怎樣應用在生活中？
“They mounted the onyx stones in gold filigree settings and engraved them
like a seal with the names of the sons of
Although chapter 39 is almost an identical account of chapter 28, except that the purpose and function of the priestly garments were omitted, the three things that stand out to me at this reading are still the onyx stones on the shoulder pieces of the ephod, and 12 pieces of gems on the breastpiece and the turban.
Not that I do not find the color and type of materials used for these sacred garment interesting, but the precious stones that contain the names of the twelve tribes remind me powerfully that the people of God are indeed very precious to the Lord. We are very precious to the Lord.
As a servant of the Lord, the even more powerful and haunting reminder is that I have to treasure the people, the flock that God has entrusted me as precious. In fact, they are my responsibility, as the location of the onyx stones on the shoulder piece indicates. They are people that are closest to my heart, as the position of the breastpiece powerfully conveys.
We like to think that God is most important to us, and it is true, as the words on the turban, HOLY TO THE LORD unmistakably show. However, people are also extremely important to us who serve the Lord, because they are precious to the Lord. Anytime we overlook the people as very important, anytime we do not treasure the people as God treasures them, anytime we serve without regard to the people of God, we are not worthy to put on the sacred garments of the priests.
「又琢出兩塊紅瑪瑙，鑲在金槽上，彷彿刻圖書，按著以色列兒子的名字雕刻；」 （出39:6）
雖然，出埃及記第39章是第28章的重複，但是祭司聖衣的功用就沒有被重複。在重讀這方面的記述時，有三樣東西仍給我留下很深的印象，就是祭司肩上的寶石、胸版的十二塊寶石和他的頭巾。
不是說，我對祭司的彩衣不感興趣，但是用寶石刻上十二支派的名字，實在很有力地證明神極寶貴屬祂的人。
這對凡作神僕的，更是一個重要的提醍：我們要何等寶貴神的兒女—就是祂交託我們牧養的羊群。正如祭司肩上的寶石，他們的生命是我們肩負的責任；正如祭司胸前的寶石，他們是我們心中記掛的百姓。
我們常以為神是最重要的，這當然是對的，這也是祭司頭巾上「歸耶和華為聖」這句話的意思。百姓既是神所寶貴的，我們自然要同樣寶貴他們。什麼時候我們不以他們為重、為寶貴，我們就不配穿上祭司的聖衣。
Read slowly and reflectively the assigned passage twice at least and consider the questions that follow each day.
The bringing of all the parts of the
tabernacle upon their completion to Moses for inspection reminds me of the day
when we shall bring our work before the Lord one day (1 Co.
(1) How does v.32 speak to you?
(2) Just for the sake of clarity, compile a list of everything mentioned from v. 33-41 that was being brought before Moses.
(3) If the making of the tabernacle requires the inspection of every single component, how should we prepare ourselves to be inspected on the day referred to in 1 Corinthians 3?
(4) What was the criterion used by Moses for his inspection?
(5) What will be the criterion used by the Lord for His inspection of our lives?
(6) Did the work of the Israelites pass Moses’ inspection? What did Moses do to them?
(7) Will your work pass the Lord’s inspection? What will the Lord do to you?
(8) What have you learned today and how may you apply it in your life?
請慢慢細讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍，然後反複思考問題。
摩西在這裡逐件詳細檢查會幕的工程，叫我們想到我們見主面、交賬的那天(林前3:13) ：
(1) 39:32對你有什麼的提醒？
(2) 試逐樣列出交與摩西檢查的每樣東西。
既是每一樣都要交出被檢查，你當怎樣準備自己他日在主面前交賬？
(3) 摩西用什麼作這些檢查的尺度？
(4) 眾人的工程是否都通過了摩西的檢查？
(5) 他日在主面前，你的工程能通得過主的尺度嗎？
(6) 今天對你主要的提醒是什麼？你可以怎樣應用在生活中？
“Moses inspected the work and saw that they had done it just as the Lord had commanded. So Moses blessed them.” (Exod. 39:43)
Moses inspected the work brought before him, and the Bible carefully lists all the items: the tent, furnishings, claps, frames, cross-bars, posts bases down to the utensils of the bronze basin. As I was reading the list, all of a sudden, it reminded me of the day I shall be standing before the Lord and every detail of my life is to be inspected. If Moses had to inspect everything concerning the building of the tabernacle, to see if they had been done “just as the Lord had commanded”, certainly I will have to give account of everything I have done to see if they had been done, also “just as the Lord had commanded”. It is quite a scary thought.
This is not just a thought I created in my imagination, but is what the Apostle Paul reminds us:
“If any man builds on his foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work.” (1 Co. 3:12-13)
What constitutes gold and what constitutes straw? I guess, the standard used by Moses will be the same standard used on our Day of testing—and that is whether we have served the Lord just as He had commanded us! In other words, the litmus test is “obedience”.
「耶和華怎樣吩咐的，他們就怎樣做了。摩西看見一切的工都做成了，就給他們祝福。」 (出39:43)
聖經詳細的列出摩西所檢查會幕的每一樣東西：帳棚、器皿、橫枝、甚至是銅盆的工具。細讀這些細節時，我立刻想到有一天，我同樣的要站立在主的臺前，被主檢查我的一生。若然摩西是這樣仔細的看「一切的工」是否都照神所吩咐的完成，何況我們的生命呢?豈不也要以此標準量度嗎！正如保羅說：
「若有人用金、銀、寶石、草、木、禾楷，在這根基上建造，各人的工程必然顯露；因那日子要將他表明出來，有火發現，這火要試驗各人的工程怎樣。」 (林前3:12-13)
究竟什麼是金銀？什麼是禾楷？相信是視乎我們有否照神的吩咐而活。換句話說，那試金石就是「聽命與否」！
Read slowly and reflectively the assigned passage twice at least and consider the questions that follow each day.
When Moses has inspected the tabernacle and its contents, the Lord gave order to have the tabernacle set up:
(1) The Lord ordered to have the tabernacle set up exactly on the first day of the first month of the second year since they left Egypt
a. Can you recap the major events that had taken place in the preceding one year to these people of God?
b. What
then might be the significance to have this tabernacle set up exactly one year
after their departure from
(2) Where is the ark of Testimony (or Covenant) to be placed? What does this “shielding” of the Lord mean to Moses and the people?
(3) Can you describe your meeting with the Lord as “with unveiled face”? Why or why not?
(4) Next,
the Lord told Moses to furnish the
(5) Next, the Lord told Moses to furnish the courtyard. What do the furnishings of the courtyard include? What are the purpose and function of each? How do they contribute to the meaning and purpose of the tabernacle?
(6) We understand the meaning and the need to anoint the tabernacle and everything in it. How should we apply this meaning to our worship to the Lord both corporately and individually in our lives?
(7) Why did the Lord single out the consecration of the altar of sacrifice as the “most holy”?
(8) What have you learned today and how may you apply it in your life?
請慢慢細讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍，然後反複思考問題。
(1) 當神命令摩西搭起會幕時，正正是第二年正月初一：
a. 試把過去一年在他們身上的大事略作回顧。
b. 在這第二年正月初一搭起會幕有什麼特殊的意義？
(2) 法櫃是安放在什麼地方？「遮掩」的吩咐應對摩西和百姓有什麼提醒？
(3) 你今天與神的相交是「遮掩」的，還是面對面的呢？為什麼？
(4) 至於聖所，內裡的擺設包括什麼？這些擺設的個別功用是什麼？它們一起的作用又是什麼？
(5) 至於外院，內裡的擺設包括什麼？這些擺設的個別功用是什麼？它們一起對會幕的作用又是什麼？
(6) 我們都明白膏抹會幕和器具的意思。這樣，我們可以怎樣應用在我們個人和集體的敬拜身上？
(7) 為何神特指燔祭壇為至聖？
(8) 今天對你主要的提醒是什麼？你可以怎樣應用在生活中？
“So the Tabernacle was set up on the first day of the first month in the second year.” (Exod. 40:17)
When it comes to the selection of a leader in the church, it is always prudent not to select any recent convert or they may become conceited, as Paul admonishes us in 1 Timothy 3:6. But it does not mean that the length of time necessarily indicates or dictates one’s maturity in Christ. The Apostle Paul himself is a case in point. He threw himself into ministry right after his conversion, and conceit or pride had not been his mark.
The same with Moses.
As we come to the final chapter of Exodus,
we are reminded that it was only 12 months ago that they left
He has changed from a reluctant leader into a most humble servant; from not knowing even the name of God to knowing the heart of God; from avoiding the people of God to embracing them as his own! All these happened within roughly span of a little over 12 months. Spiritual maturity has less to do with time, and more to do with love—love for God, and love for the people.
I wonder how long you have been a Christian. Have you matured in the Lord since then?
「第二年正月初一日，帳幕就立起來。」(出40:17)
當教會要選立領袖時，不宜選初信的，這是智慧，也是保羅所提醒我們的(參提前3:6) 。但這並不是說，信主的年日就一定與屬靈的成長有關。保羅是最好的例子。他一悔改歸主，就立刻投入宣教，並承擔領導的地位，卻沒有半點的驕傲。
摩西也是一樣。
讀到出埃及記這最後一章時，聖經告訴我們，這時剛巧是他們出埃及的一周年而已。在這短短的一年間，摩西已變成另一個人、另一個領袖了。
他由一個勉強的領袖變成謙卑的僕人；由不認識神的名，變成認識神的心；由不接受百姓，變成愛上他們，以他們為自己的百姓。這些都是在短短的一年中發生的。其實，屬靈的成長不一定與年日有關，乃更在乎愛神、愛人的心。
Read slowly and reflectively the assigned passage twice at least and consider the questions that follow each day.
(1) What was the first act of consecration of the priests and its implication?
(2) What was the next act of preparation for priesthood?
(3) Not being a member of a “high” church, we normally do not put much meaning on the dress of the minister. Why then would God dress the priests with special garments?
(4) If you were the priest, what might be the difference it makes with or without putting on these sacred garments when you serve?
(5) What lesson should we learn about serving the Lord?
(6) If the anointing with oil symbolizes both the filling of the Holy Spirit and the choosing by God for service, can anyone serve the Lord without being “anointed” today?
(7) These days we take a very negative view on “succession” in any Christian ministry. Why then did God ordain Aaron’s priesthood to be passed in succession for “all generations to come”?
(8) In what way(s) might succession be good? In what way(s) might succession be detrimental?
(9) Can you cite examples (contemporary or otherwise) to support your answer to the previous question?
(10) What have you learned today and how may you apply it in your life?
請慢慢細讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍，然後反複思考問題。
(1) 使祭司成聖的第一個步驟是什麼？原因何在？
(2) 下一個步驟又是什麼？
(3) 為何神要祭司穿上如此特別的衣裳？
(4) 如果你是祭司，穿與不穿如此特別的衣裳有什麼分別？
(5) 這對你在事奉上有什麼提醒？
(6) 油的膏抹既然代表聖靈的充滿與揀選，今天我們可以沒有被「膏沒」而事奉主嗎？
(7) 今天我們似乎都不讚成「世襲」的傳統，為何神卻設立這祭司世襲的定例？
(8) 「世襲」有什麼利與弊？
(9) 有較近代的事例為證嗎？(Billy Graham和Franklin Graham又如何？)
(10) 今天對你主要的提醒是什麼？你可以怎樣應用在生活中？
“Bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting...Then dress Aaron in the sacred garments…” (Exod. 40:12-13)
Because our Lord Jesus has pointed out
that our worship of God should be “in spirit and in truth” (Jn.
However, since these sacred garments are mandated by the Lord, I believe they would only enhance the true worship of the Lord in spirit and in truth, because every time they entered into the tabernacle, the putting on of these sacred garments would inevitably remind them of the sacredness of their duties and the holiness of the God they served.
It is also true that, if their hearts are not in the right place, wearing of any garments, however sacred would not make a difference. But if their hearts are in the right place, then the sacred garments would have greatly enhanced their sense of worship.
For people like myself who do not belong to a high-church tradition, the preparation of worship is equally essential, but it will take the form of prayers—undressing our worldly cares and putting on the garments of praise, and this is best be done the night before Sunday.
「要使亞倫和他兒子到會幕門口來，用水洗身。要給亞倫穿上聖衣，又膏他，使他成聖，可以給我供祭司的職分；」 (出40:12-13)
主耶穌提醒我們，敬拜神乃在乎「心靈和誠實」，我們就很自然的不大看重敬拜的禮儀和有關的徵記，包括主禮牧者的服飾。老實說，讀到亞倫的服飾，又紅又藍，我覺得有點兒礙眼。
但這是神所指定的服飾，當然是有助於心靈誠實的敬拜。因為穿上這聖衣，有助祭司提高警覺，意式到自己是來到聖潔無比的神面前，承擔聖職的。
當然，若然心不正，穿什麼的聖衣也是沒用的。但若然心是正的，聖衣就能叫敬拜更顯真誠。
我是屬於不重儀式的宗派，但在敬拜前的準備是同樣的必要。這準備乃在乎禱告—藉著早、晚的禱告來脫下世俗的掛慮和思念，而穿上聖潔、讚美的衣裳
Read slowly and reflectively the assigned passage twice at least and consider the questions that follow each day.
The Bible goes on to describe how Moses set up the tabernacle exactly as the Lord commanded, beginning with the putting up of the frame of the tabernacle. As the tabernacle is the realization of the promise of the Lord’s ever-Presence with His people and the people’s fear and love of the Lord through their worship in this place: reflect on the each step of the setting up of the tabernacle described here through the lens of your daily communion with the Lord:
(1) The
a. Why is the Testimony (i.e. the Ten Commandments) placed inside the ark?
b. What does it represent? How does it play a part as their covenantal relationship with the Lord?
c. Why is the atonement cover placed over the ark?
d. On what basis are you able to come before the Presence of the Holy God?
(2) The Table of the Bread of Presence: Read vv. 22-23 reflectively and consider
a. How
does your eating of the bread of the Lord’s Table echo the Bread of the
Presence before the
b. In your daily communion with the Lord, is the feeding of the Bread of Life—Jesus Christ—a reality?
(3) The Golden Lampstand: Read vv. 24-25 reflectively and consider
a. How different will the tabernacle be with or without the golden lampstand?
b. Are you being lit at your daily communion with the Lord? (Or, you are not even aware of any difference being made within your heart whether you are being lit or not by the Word of Life!)
(4) The Golden Altar: Read vv. 26-27 reflectively and consider
a. Do you remember where this golden altar of incense is placed and the significance of its location?
b. Are you aware that the prayers you offer today do rise up like incense all the way to the throne of God?
c. Have you regarded your prayers as a sacrifice to the Lord?
(5) What is the main message for you today and how may you apply it in your life?
請慢慢細讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍，然後反複思考問題。
這裡記載摩西照神的吩咐立起會幕。這會幕是神應許永遠同在的實現，也是百姓表達對耶和華獨一、專一敬拜的地方。試藉這段的研讀來思想你個人與神的相交生活：
(1) 約櫃—讀40:20-21，思想：
a. 為何法版(即十誡) 要被放在其內？
b. 它代表什麼？與神的約有何關？
c. 為何施恩座(或譯贖罪蓋) 要放在櫃上？
d. 今天你是憑著什麼來到主跟前的？
(2) 陳設餅桌—讀40:22-23，思想：
a. 今日你在吃聖餐的餅時，是怎樣與吃這陳設餅類同？
b. 你在每天與主的靈交中，是怎樣吃這生命的糧呢？
(3) 金燈臺—讀40:24-25，思想
a. 會幕如果沒有這金燈臺會是怎樣？
b. 你在每天與主的靈交中，有否常被照亮？或是你根本沒有理會這方面？
(4) 金壇—讀40:26-27，思想：
a. 你尚記得這金壇的位置和其重要性嗎？
b. 你是否意識到你的禱告真如煙上騰，直達到神的寶座嗎？
c. 你的禱告是否稱得上是個「祭/sacrifice」？
(5) 今天對你主要的提醒是什麼？你可以怎樣應用在生活中？
“Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever.” (
The Westminster Shorter Catechism begins its first question by asking, “What is the chief end of man? And the answer is, “Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever.” This is exactly what the setting up of the Tabernacle represents.
On the one hand, God is not so much
glorified by the manifestation of His glory when He descends upon the
Tabernacle, because He is simply revealing Who He is, but the fact the people
of God worship and fear Him singularly brings Him glory. Therefore, it is not surprising that the
Short Catechism begins with this answer which echoes the words of Isaiah,
“…everyone who is called by my name whom I created for my glory, whom I formed
and made.” (Isa. 43:7) It is through our worship of this One True God that He
is glorified. But such a worship that
truly brings Him glory is a life of worship which is not confined to that which
takes place within the Tabernacle only. True worship begins in our daily life, a life of willingness and
obedience to the Word of the Lord (Isa.
On the other hand, the Tabernacle represents
a place where the people come and enjoy Him forever. The furnishings within the
「人的主要目的就是榮耀神，永遠以神為樂。」(西敏寺小要理問答)
西敏寺小要理問答的第一問是：人的主要目的是什麼？ 答：人的主要目的就是榮耀神，永遠以神為樂。這正是設立會幕所要表明的。
其實，神不是因祂在降臨會幕時所顯的威榮而得榮耀的，乃是因百姓的敬畏和敬拜得榮耀。無怪，西敏寺小要理問答的第一問就回應以賽亞書這句話：「就是凡稱為我名下的人，是我為自己的榮耀創造的……」(43:7) 神是藉著我們單單敬拜祂而得著榮耀。但真正的敬拜卻不是限於會幕中的敬拜，更是始於我們平日生活中，以順服和遵行祂旨意的敬拜(賽1:19) 。
另一方面，會幕是百姓到來親近、享受神的地方。會幕的擺設充份表明了神這方面的心意。那至近約櫃的金壇，叫我們曉得神如何寶貴我們藉著禱告與祂的相交；那陳設桌上的餅，是給我們吃生命糧(神的話) 的邀請；金燈臺所發的光，正如詩篇所言：「他們在你臉上的光裡行走。」(詩89:15) 。會幕時代的百姓只能藉著祭司作有距離的享受神，但我們藉著我們的大祭司主耶穌在十架上的獻上，今天就能毫無阻隔的，直接到神的面前，享受祂的同在。換句話說，人的主要目的，我們已達到了。問題是：你果真有享用這權利嗎？你真以神為樂嗎？(羅5:11)
Read slowly and reflectively the assigned passage twice at least and consider the questions that follow each day.
(1) The Altar of Burnt Offering: Read v. 29 reflectively and consider
I. Why did God demand from them burnt offerings?
II. Why did God demand from them grain offerings?
III. What kind of offerings does God demand from us today?
(2) The Basin: Read vv. 30-32 reflectively and consider
I. When were the priests and Moses required to wash in the basin?
II. What is the lesson for us today?
(3) Now Moses finished his work—the work of building the Tabernacle: a place where God’s promised Presence is to be fulfilled and the beginning of a permanent relationship of worship Yahweh as the Only God by the people:
I. How important was this project?
II. Though to a lesser degree, what is the importance of the construction of a church building today?
(4) Underline the special words used to describe the glory of the Lord that filled the tabernacle. What is the message behind such a description?
(5) Do you think the glory of the Lord still fills the church today? Why or why not?
(6) “In all the travels of the Israelites”, what did they see on a daily basis?
(7) What purposes and functions did the cloud and fire serve?
(8) What does God use today
I. To reveal His presence to us, and
II. To guide us?
(9) Was it easier for the Israelites to believe in and follow God then, or is it easier for us to believe in and follow God today? Why?
(10) At the completion of Exodus, try to recall this remarkable portion of the history of the Israelites and list three main messages being told through this book.
(11) What have you learned today and how may you apply it in your life?
請慢慢細讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍，然後反複思考問題。
(1) 燔祭壇—讀40:29，思想：
a. 為何神要求他們獻上燔祭？
b. 為何神要求他們獻上素祭？
c. 今天神要求你獻上什麼的祭？(可參羅12:1)
(2) 洗濯盆—讀40:30-32，思想：
a. 摩西和祭司是在什麼時候需要用洗濯盆？
b. 對我們有什麼的提醒？
(3) 摩西現在完成了建會幕的使命：
a. 這使命的重要性何在？(可參考第174日指引的引言)
b. 今日建立教會的建築物有什麼類似的重要性？
(4) 試留意形容神榮光充滿會幕的詞句。這裡的信息可包括什麼？
(5) 你認為神的榮光會同樣充滿教會嗎？為什麼？
(6) 神同在的榮光「在他們的路上都是這樣」：你的路上又如何？
(7) 雲柱、火柱的意義和功用是什麼？
(8) 今天神是用什麼
a. 顯示祂與你的同在？
b. 來引導你？
(9) 你認為昔日的以色列人，還是今天的你較容易相信和跟從神呢？為什麼？
(10) 在讀完這書卷時，請試列出這書卷最重要的三個信息。
(11) 今天對你主要的提醒是什麼？你可以怎樣應用在生命中？
“So the cloud of the Lord was over the Tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel during all their travels.” (Exod. 40:38)
While as history, the Book of Exodus
describes the deliverance of the Israelites from
The slavery of Israelites in the hands of
the Egyptians is a vivid imagery of human condition enslaved in sin. Just as the Israelites had lost their freedom
in the
Moses is a type of Christ. He led the Israelites out of the land of slavery into the Promised Land, so has Christ led us out of the slavery in sin into Eternal Life.
But Christ is far more than Moses can
represent, He is also the Passover Lamb—the Lamb of God that takes away the sin
of the world (Jn.
But redemption could, at best, only be half complete if the Israelites were left alone after their freedom from slavery, but they were brought before Mount Sinai and became a covenanted people who belong to God and enjoy the ever-presence of the Lord. So is our redemption through Jesus Christ, we are now also “a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God” (1 Pet. 2:9), and we have the Holy Spirit dwelling within our heart, “who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of His glory.” (Eph. 1:14). This reminder in Ephesians speaks to the end of the Book of Exodus in that as the Book closes with the presence of the Lord following them during all their travel, guaranteeing their inheritance in the Promised Land that had yet to come, God’s presence through His Spirit’s daily presence also guarantees the completion of our bodily redemption one day upon the return of the Lord.
「日間，耶和華的雲彩是在帳幕以上；夜間，雲中有火，在以色列全家的眼前。在他們所行的路上都是這樣。」(出40:38)
從歷史的角度來看，出埃及記記述以色列出埃及，到西乃山的過程；但是這卷書的主要信息卻明顯的是關乎救贖，不單是以色列人的救贖，更是全人類的救贖。
以色列人在埃及為奴的境況，正是世人在罪中被綑綁的寫照。一如以色列在埃及地失去自由，我們也在罪的綑綁中失去自由。
摩西是基督的預表。他把以色列人從為奴之地領到應許之地；基督把我們由罪中的綑綁引至得享永生。
但基督更勝摩西，祂更是神的羔羊，親自除去世人的罪孽。(約1:29)
若然以色列人單單只能走出埃及，這救贖並不完全；神把他們帶到西乃山，與他們立約，作屬祂的子民，永遠享受祂的同在。同樣地，我們藉著基督的救贖，也成為「被揀選的族類、是有君尊的祭司、是聖潔的國度、是屬神的子民」(彼前2:9) ，更有聖靈的內住(約15:16) ，「這聖靈是我們得基業的憑據，直等到神之民被贖，使祂的榮耀得著稱讚」(弗1:14) 。出埃及記結束的話，就像以弗所書這句話，提到神藉著雲柱、火柱的同在引領以色列人曠野的路程，直到抵達應許之地；神藉祂的靈的同在，同樣引領我們的路程，直到見主的面，身體得贖的日子。