Monday, February 10: Exodus 19-21; Psalm 33; Ephesians 5

Exodus 19: What does God say is the benefit of obedience? What happened when God spoke to the people?  What happens when the Bible speaks about Jesus returning? ? ?  (Matthew 24:31 for example)

Exodus 20: Which commandments seem to have the most emphasis?

Exodus 21:Why do you think these rules and laws are included here?

Ephesians 5:  How are husbands to love their wives?

Journal Prompt:  What examples does Paul suggest indicate a Spirit-filled life?

ANSWERS

Exodus 19: The benefit of obedience is being God’s treasured possession – a kingdom of priests and and his holy nation. When God spoke to the people, the smoke billowed from the mountain, it trembled violently and there was the sound of a trumpet.  I find this particularly interesting.   

Exodus 20: The commandments about idols and the Sabbath seem to have extra emphasis.  V. 3-3 and 23 (idols); and 8-11(Sabbath)

Exodus 21: I think (this is not based on commentary) it is because Moses was instituting a judiciary system and he had to establish certain guidelines.  Remember in Exodus 18:17-24 Moses’ father-in-law suggested he delegate the judicial process.

Ephesians 5:  Husbands are to love their wives as Christ loved the church, and gave himself up for her. – I find it interesting that Paul doesn’t leave it at that.  He adds that a husband should sanctify his wife, making her pure so she can be holy and without blemish – and the husband should love his wife as he loves his own body.  Then he reminds us of God’s plan from the beginning in Genesis 2:24 that man and woman shall become one flesh.