Dressing up the White Meat

Exodus 39:8-21

These blog entries are falling into an unfortunate pattern. Open with moderately pretentious commentary about the boring nature of the passage- and complain that it's material already covered earlier. Post link to earlier blog entry: http://chiphall.blogspot.com/2008/05/other-things-to-not-wear-on-red-carpet.html

Make a few semi-related comments about the retread and try to not simply repeat the info found on the link.

One thing I notice here that strikes me different is that this garment seems more like a dressy vest and less like warrior garb than I had originally thought. No application or point, just an observation.

It sure must have been purty.

Close with some application.

The detail spelled out seems silly to me. Why do all these things need to be just so? Couldn't time and energy of these Israelites been better served doing something more important like feeding the hungry or defending the weak?

Ultimately I think this is still part of the major contrast between the testaments. Outward, lavish, burdensome law versus inward, grace-filled, service.

Homemade Bling

Exodus 39:2-7

And the reruns continue. If you don't remember our previous ephod discussion, you can catch it here: http://chiphall.blogspot.com/2008/02/men-in-aprons-exodus-28-6-14-next-comes.html

In case you've forgotten (I had) an ephod is an apron-like article of clothing that holds the breastplate- or something like that. The Israelites follow through and make it.

I'm struck again, as I was during the first telling by the representation of the tribes as a memorial. Not just Levi, not just a few, but all twelve tribes- each important for different reasons.

Just like the individuals doing the work here. Different skills, different circumstances, different tribes, different heritages- but collectively, like the tribes all working toward glorifying God.

All these years later, we form His body the same way. Different walks, different scars, different skills- but all important, all of use, all recipients of His love.

Another Exodus Yarn

Exodus 39:1

Double whammy... first it's another one verse section. Second, it's something already discussed several chapters back. Here's the original discussion: http://chiphall.blogspot.com/2007/12/lookin-good-exodus-28-1-5-so-god-has.html

So all we learn here is they made ministering garments out of purple, scarlet and blue yarn- and they made sacred garments for Aaron.

Aaron's role seems steeped in importance. Even his clothes are holy. It seems like much of the ornate attitude certain religious cultures have toward priestly attire could come from passages like this one. Aaron would have been macking something serious in his priestly garb.

Somehow, I can't picture Jesus ministering in this same kind of outfit. The man who didn't have somewhere to lay his head probably didn't sport fancy duds when he interacted with the poor and down-trodden. Seems like another contrast between the outwardness of the old law and the inwardness of what's to come.

So in short- clothe that inner man with purple yarn... or at least let the focus of your grooming be on the inside.

Heavy Metal

Exodus 38: 21-31

This section is a summary of the material needed to complete the tasks we've been pouring over the last several chapters. Lest you think you can relate to these workers because one time you added a deck to the back of your house- consider this:

There was a little over a ton of gold donated for this work. The community gave about three and three fourths tons of silver to use. Just the silver for the hooks alone weighed 45 pounds. They also pulled in two and a half tons of bronze.

Not just your average trip to Home Depot.

While pouring over the boring specifics, it's easy to lose sight of what a huge undertaking this was. It must have taken not only skilled laborers and skilled craftsmen, but certainly people well-skilled management-wise, keeping everyone working together and productively.

A volunteer force working as a unit for a common goal and doing amazing thing...sounds like a great blueprint for what God expects the church to be too.

Supreme Court

Exodus 38:9-20

So, here we are again. Another Exodus retelling of an incident that was pretty boring to begin with. The courtyard is built. You can read the earlier discussion here: http://chiphall.blogspot.com/2007/11/curing-insomnia-exodus-279-19-warning.html.

Lots of bronze, lots of linen, lots of yawning.

I am struck though, by the importance of work here that might not be the most thrilling. Menial, tedious, sweaty- work that would be great to pawn off on someone else to free me up to work on things more important. Besides my strong inepitude regarding most physical labor, I also harbor a deep-seated desire to avoid it... and with that desire comes great skill.

I would not have been the man chosen to head up this project. And I wouldn't have felt slighted by not being chosen. But maybe it says something that these people complete job after job, measuring posts and meeting specifications.

Granted, there was probably an artistic side of this endeavor that those in "the trade" might have reveled in, but I'm guessing there were folks there too who took part not because of the thrill of the work- but because of the desire to please the one who commissioned them in the first place.

Even when the work is less than glamorous, dull, or seems like it is beneath me (which is another issue)- perhaps remembering who the work is for can inspire dedication and focus. Even for someone who thinks a jigsaw is a puzzle.

Less is Less

Exodus 38:8

I'm not sure why the fine folks who worked on the NIV determined that Exodus 38:8 warranted an entire heading all by its self. But they did. So here we are. The verse reads: ⁸ They made the bronze basin and its bronze stand from the mirrors of the women who served at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.

Yeah.

So what to take from this? Well these same women who I guess worked to help with washing and preparing for sacrifices and perhaps getting Aaron's family's garments ready- also gave up their mirrors- bronze mirrors no less to create the basin and stand. And while much has been stressed about the sacrifice of the craftsmen and artisans- here we see less skilled people (perhaps?) giving what they had to offer. They couldn't create the basin and stand themselves...but they could wash, and prepare, and give where supplies were lacking.

Every part contributing to the whole.

Not much... but what do you want from one verse?

Re-Altared

Exodus 38:1-7

Still bored? Yep, me too.

Another fulfillment of things we've already read about... in detail. Here's the original mini-discussion: http://chiphall.blogspot.com/2007/11/strange-fire-place-exodus-27-1-8-now.html

Even the first time it wasn't too riveting.

So they built the altar- a square about 4 1/2 feet on each side and about 7 1/2 feet high. They made utensils, rings and poles.

Do you think Moses got bored writing this?

Redundant:  See Redundant

Exodus 37:25-29

When Robin Williams wrote that joke, he may have been reading Exodus.  I'm looking forward to Leviticus- you don't hear that sentence very often.  This passage talks about the building of the altar of incense.  If you'd like a refresher on our previous discussion the first time Moses went through these details (and why wouldn't you?) you can look here:  http://chiphall.blogspot.com/2008/08/days-before-deodorant-exodus-30-1-10-so.html

I wonder when these craftsmen were plying their trade if they realized just what they were doing. Granted they knew the construction side of things, but did they get why God was having them create the various altars and edifices?  

And what must it have been like for the perfumer to work for God?  Did he feel a fulfillment in his job that he never had before?  Was it a great marketing tool?  Smell like God's official altar...yes, I'm that perfumer!  Was it just another day at the office?

Those are moments to savor- when the work you do every day is obviously praising God.  A doctor saves a life, a musician creates a work of majestic beauty, a libraian inspires literacy, or a dj comforts a distraught soul with a request played.  Some moments ring of importance, some are subtle, but when our work touches others in life changing ways, then maybe we become that perfumer seeing the value in the beauty we create.

Shine a Light

Exodus 37:17-24

It's passages like these that give the Old Testament a bad name.  It really is beyond me why we need so much repetition here at the end of Exodus... but like it or not, we're getting it.  So, the lampstand and lamps are built.  We discussed plans for them here:  http://chiphall.blogspot.com/2007/11/hide-it-under-bushel-no-exodus-2531-40.html

My reaction to all of this gold is one of curiosity.  I kind of feel like Judas claimed to when the woman poured the ointment on Jesus' feet... it seems like 75 pounds of gold could feed lots of people and wouldn't that glorify God more than a golden lampstand?  Maybe it says a lot about how already took care of the poor, maybe it says a lot about the lack of material "necessity" in that culture, maybe it speaks to a greater equality in wealth-sharing, maybe it shows that at times God likes extravegance in His honor- but for whatever reason... 75 pounds of gold goes to create this lampstand.

Litle by little, God's plans for his "house" are coming together.

Midas Touch

Exodus 37:10-16

We're still in reruns...or maybe in this section it would be appropriate to say we're revisiting golden oldies. You can find our original discussion on the golden table here: http://chiphall.blogspot.com/2007/11/tabled-discussion-exodus-25-23-30.html . It wasn't too interesting the first time.


Not much new to add. God gave them specifications...and it looks like they did it.

Now this is all being made from items freely donated by the Israelites. I wonder if this gave them an added connection to the finished product. Look Jimmy, grandpa's gold watch went into this table, you can still hear it ticking. Well, I can't chew my food because I don't have any fillings left, but that table is majestic.

And if so, maybe we should have that same connection to what's done with our "golden offerings." Instead of a blind sense of satisfaction, maybe we should take more specific interests in the lives of those who are impacted by what we give.

Author Shane Claiborne downplays the role of charity because it separates the classes of people involved. If I have money, I give, I get rid of my guilt, but I never become involved in the lives of the needy. He advocates becoming one of the needy- being connected with where our help goes.

I still think charity is important. But I think that the idea of becoming involved in the lives of those who you impact is powerful and important. I've strayed a bit from the golden table here - but maybe in the same way an Israelite might feel more connected to a table made for God because of the role they played in it being built, I might feel more connected to people all over the world if I not only help them...but am invested in the finished product.

Arkane Discussion

Exodus 37:1-9

Really short section without much new. If you recall, we earlier discussed detail about the construction of the ark. If you don't recall, you can find it here: http://chiphall.blogspot.com/2007/10/real-reason-jesus-became-carpenter.html

So, it seems that Bezalel took on the task of building the ark to God's specifications. The end.

Almost. So, he builds these poles to carry the ark... but I wonder at what point these poles became necessary for carrying it. Bezalel obviously had to touch the ark to build it... at some point this will become off-limits. But how does that happen- and how does he know?

More interestingly, how does that change affect Bezalel? An artist would surely feel some sense of ownership for the art he created. When a composer hears her song on the radio- there's a sense of pride that comes with it. When a playwright sees his play performed- he still feels a part of the process, even if he wasn't directly involved with that specific production.

What would it be like for Belazel to have worked so hard and created this beautiful artifice and do it with the spirit of worship only to know that once it's done- you've got to keep your hands off? Maybe the lesson is to understand what it means to truly turn things over to God- to release them- to let them go.

Once you've invested time, money, energy, love, and/or sweat- if it's really not for you... maybe it's ok to not have ownership any more. Maybe, as difficult as it may be, it isn't until we've released it, when we've agreed to keep our hands off, that it's really a gift for God and not just a gift from God.

Hard Hat Area

Exodus 36:8-38

And you thought it was boring the first time.

If you've keeping score at home, you may remember talking about God's instructions for the tabernacle. We heard great detail about curtains and frames and inlaid cherubims. We shared a laugh, maybe a tear...it was a grand time. If you want to relive it, look here: http://chiphall.blogspot.com/2007/11/put-it-on-my-tab.html


In this equally riveting passage, we see the tabernacle actually being built. The blueprint becomes action. They work with linen, they make rings, crossbars of acacia wood. It may have made for a beautiful edifice, it doesn't make for an interesting narrative.

But I wonder about what these workers are feeling as construction goes on. Are they paranoid that a beam isn't exactly the length God commanded? Are they pounding with pride knowing they're doing God's work? Are they thrilled to finally be connected with the other Israelite followers... finally a shared experience of importance? Are they tired of it all and resentful? Or maybe a mixture of them all?

I feel all of these emotions at times doing my own taberbacle building (not a power tool in sight). Sometimes elation at feeling like I'm finally a part of the club, sometimes skepticism that what I'm doing matters or makes a difference, sometimes burnout if the load isn't shared, sometimes self-importance, forgetting what the focus of it all should be.

Many of these emotions aren't things to be proud of... but they happen. I think especially when we focus on the "what" at the expense of the "why".

It might be easier to keep your eye on God when the commands are coming audibly, but it's no less important for us view our work as God's work- and do it for Him even when we're fighting feelings of being burdened.

Enough Already

Exodus 35: 30- 36:7

Remember our old friends Bezalel and Oholiab? Moses takes this opportunity to out them as inspired (literally) craftsmen. He lists many areas of expertise of Bezalel's handiwork. He tells them he's gifted with abilities working with gold, silver, bronze, stones, wood, and "all kinds of artistic craftsmanship." Plus he and Oholiab are gifted as teachers. They can also do work with yarn and linen embroidery, designing, and weaving.

So this newly trained troop start to build the sanctuary.

There's a lot of repetition here. We talked about it earlier and you can remind yourself of it by going here: http://chiphall.blogspot.com/2008/09/oh-holy-ab.html

What follows, though, is pretty cool and I think new. The offerings keep coming. Morning after morning there's new stuff being brought for the work. Finally, the workmen go to Moses and say, look we've got plenty- in fact more than we need to get the job done.

So Moses decrees- no one else is to bring anything else for the sanctuary.

Interesting. No locked doors until we get enough. No final desperate plea to close out the pledge drive. No guilt trips or shameful sanctuary plugs to get the last few shekels. They had more than enough offered- and had to be stopped from bringing more.

Cool challenge. Can I give enough (financially or otherwise) that someone has to stop me and say... we dont need any more. Can I invest so fully in a need that the need goes away? Can I care enough about anything that my focus, my strengths, and my resources go to it until the job is actually done?

May our lives be filled with completed sanctuaries.

But Do I Have To?

Exodus 35: 4-29

And once again we're in reruns...at least mostly. Moses tells the Israelites to take up a collection for the temple. They are looking for gold, silver, bronze, blue, purple and scarlet yarn, fine linen, goat hair, ram skins dyed red, hides of sea cows (and who doesn't have those laying around?), acacia wood, olive oil, onyx stones, and other gems. Moses specifies that these items should come from anyone who is willing.

But he doesn't stop with just getting material things from the Israelites. Next we need skilled laborers to donate some labor. Come make...oh just a few things... the tabernacle, the tent..."covering, clasps, frames, crossbars, posts and bases; 12 the ark with its poles and the atonement cover and the curtain that shields it; 13 the table with its poles and all its articles and the bread of the Presence; 14 the lampstand that is for light with its accessories, lamps and oil for the light; 15 the altar of incense with its poles, the anointing oil and the fragrant incense; the curtain for the doorway at the entrance to the tabernacle; 16 the altar of burnt offering with its bronze grating, its poles and all its utensils; the bronze basin with its stand; 17 the curtains of the courtyard with its posts and bases, and the curtain for the entrance to the courtyard; 18 the tent pegs for the tabernacle and for the courtyard, and their ropes; 19 the woven garments worn for ministering in the sanctuary—both the sacred garments for Aaron the priest and the garments for his sons when they serve as priests."

I mean really... how long could that take?

So the Israelites withdrew and thought about it. This seems like a pretty amazing undertaking. I would guess that once you committed, your life would virtually be on hold. This would become the bulk of your day, the way you filled your time. Congregated with other devoted laborers or by yourself creating for God. Some of the work could be done individually, but it would seem the larger tasks would require collective effort. Did this time together bring them closer together? Did it make them appreciate each other more? Did they feel closer to God as a result?

Whatever the result, they did it. All who were willing came and brought materials and the skilled who were willing made it all happen...spinning, mounting, building, creating. Many created and brought their creations as offerings. None of this was coerced- Moses describes it as freewill offerings.

But how do you say no to Moses? Yeah- we appreciate the whole deliverance from slavery thing...but there's this book I've really been wanting to read... and the Oscars are next week- I've got some movies to watch.

Easily. The same way you say no to Jesus today. You keep your checkbook to yourself and your time in isolation- except for Sunday when you wave to people from your car pulling out of the church parking lot.

And nothing is created. Not even relationships.

Moses in Syndication

Exodus 35:1-3

Moses gathers the Israelites together and proceeds to... tell them exactly what we've already read about God telling him to tell them. So essentially it looks like we may be in reruns for awhile.

Here, Moses repeats laws about the Sabbath- work for six, rest on the seventh. You work, you die. And do not light fires in your dwellings on the Sabbath.

This is at least the third time we've gone through variations of sabbath laws which makes me wonder... why do we need so much repetition. It's certainly not to make the prose more compelling. In the film version, at least one of these sections gets left on the cutting room floor.

I understand why Moses had to tell them, why does he have to tell us... again?

Is it to stress the importance of these sabbath laws? Maybe- except that it looks like the other laws are about to be repeated too.

Is it to give these Israelites ever opportunity to learn these laws? Third time's a charm. Preview statement, body, review statement? Perhaps, but it seems like only Moses is privy to all of these tellings (and retellings).

Is it to show Moses' faithfulness? God told him to do these things, and here he is doing them. Go Moses.

Or is Moses just not a good writer? We get all the content that we need to understand what's going on, but he's not getting into the Pushcart collection this year. And maybe our culture's view of narrative is different than that culture's. While it may not fit our desired plot development- we do see Moses' faithfulness, we are reminded of the laws, and we aren't left wondering if the Israelites ever got the word.

However, I'm ready for the new season to start... and for sweeps week.

Moses in Drag

Exodus 34:29-35

After Moses came down from Mt. Sinai, his face was "radiant." When the Israelites saw him, being the solemn people they were, they were astonished, and afraid to get too close, lest this joyousness be contagious. So Moses took to wearing a veil. However, he would take the veil off in God's presence- and put it back on again when he left to be around his people.

Now to be fair, I don't think this radiance is just Moses in hap-hap-happy mode. The Message translation says that the skin of his face glowed. So- it might have looked like Moses had been in front of the microwave a bit too long, they may have been justified in wanting to keep their distance, but metaphorically there are some pretty cool ideas here.

Moses' reaction to seeing God is to literally be beaming. His face shines from being in God's presence. God's love is so bright that it leaves a mark- He leaves us in a state that we are visibly changed.

However, the natural inclination is to be wary of folks in such a state. What's he so happy about? Let's not get too close, that dude is weird.

So Moses adapts, and hides himself (partially) from his people. He's still beaming, but he's striving to be a little subtle about it. But when he's in God's presence, he's free to be himself. The veil comes off, all pretending is gone, here I am God, this is me.

Metaphorical or not- it's pretty cool to envision time with God as a joyous time where you can be yourself.

Butterfingers

Exodus 34:1-28

So God tells Moses to go and chisel some more stone tablets to match the ones he broke and He'll rewrite the text from the first set.  God uses some clever subtext here- he doesn't berate Moses for breaking the first set, but in His instructions He includes Moses' faux-pas.  Hey Mo, remember when you messed up?  Let me fix that for you.

Perhaps from secrecy, perhaps for reverance sake, or maybe for a totally different reason, God tells Moses to come alone- I don't even want to see anyone anywhere on the mountain- I don't even want to see animals grazing on the mountain- just you, tomorrow morning.  This conjures images of a mafia kingpin or kidnapper- I'll meet with you at the drop-off, but come alone, no cops, no wires, and certainly don't bring a gun.

This, however, feels more like God's still a bit annoyed with His creation.  He's saying, I haven't forgotten how you hurt Me- I'll get there- things will be ok- but right now, My emotions are still a little tender.  I'll see you Moses, but I'm not quite ready to be around these people who were so quick to leave Me.  

So Moses gets the stones and goes to the meeting place, and God comes down in the cloud and stands in front of him, apparently still in the cloud.  And he prclaims His own name to Moses.  He says:

The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, 7 maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation.

It almost seems like He's trying to convince or remind Himself.  That's right, no matter what I'm feeling right now, I'm compassionate, I'm forgiving, now matter how much I'd like to, I'm not going to wipe these people out.  

The second half of His decree is a little more troubling.  Is this simply pre-Jesus theology? Is this God speaking through His anger?   Is He saying that when people mess up- the ramifications ring down through the generations?  Is He saying that when your parents and grandparents mess up, He holds you accountable?  

Moses senses that God isn't happy- he instantly bows and worships.  He asks God to come with him, to forgive His people and to take them as His inheritance.

And God says- ok here's the deal:

I'm going to do amazing things that no one anywhere has seen before.  Everyone around will see how awesome My works are.  Obey Me!  I'll drive out the Amorites, Canaanites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites.  Don't make a treaty with any of the people living around you- it'll only turn out bad for you.  

Break down their altars and the like.  And don't worship other gods, becasue I'm jealous.  In fact, my name is "Jealous."  

Do not make cast idols.

Yet another subtle reminder about their mistakes.  I haven't forgotten that whole stupid golden calf thing- don't do it again.

Then he revisits those commands about the Feast of Unleavend Bread, the odd "firstborn are Mine" laws, resting on the Sabbath rules, the Feast of Weeks (maybe the first time for these) and the Feast of Ingathering rules.  He reminds them that He will drive out other nations and tells them that He will enlarge their territory- and that when they make these trips of worship three times a year- no one will covet their land.  

He recaps laws about blood and yeast and Passover feast sacrifices.He reminds of the need to bring the best of the firstfruits.  And he tells them not to cook a young goat in it's mother's milk.  I assume this last is more than just a recipe tip- but I'm not sure about the rationale behind it.

God tells Moses to write down His words; they'll be a covenant with Him and His people.  Moses was there with God for 40 days and nights with no food or water.  The section ends by saying. "And he wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant—the Ten Commandments."

I'm left with two major reactions.  My goodness, how could anyone keep any of these laws straight?  Especially in an age without printing presses or rampant literacy ( I assume), how could anyone remember all the particulars?  I don't remember appointments with students, how would I ever remember all the details and minutae of all these laws regarding goat milk and yeast?  Grace is a wonderful thing.

Second, I'm struck by the pain God seems to be feeling through this section.  I certainly understand the strain and hurt that we cause each other on a regular basis, but to picture the hurt God seems to be feeling here by the rejection of His people adds a whole other layer to this onion.  God loves us and wants our acceptance and love- when we deny them from Him, it hurts in a similar way that rejection hurts us.  And that makes His forgiveness and grace even more amazing.

Glory, Glory, Hallelujah

Exodus 33:12-22

Moses continues his 'tude display talking to God. He says- Look- you keep telling me to lead, but you haven't told me who You're going to send with me. You told me that You know my name and You're happy with me- but if that's the case- then how about shedding some light on how You work. Teach me Your ways- I'd like to be able to keep pleasing you...but I'm struggling.

Remember... we're talking about Your people here.

God simply replies, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."

Moses doesn't let it ride. He says, If you're not going to send your "presence" then don't send us at all. How will anyone know that You're happy with us if You send us on without You? Without You, nothing distinguishes us from the rest of the people on earth. You're all that we have that makes us special.

And God more or less reinforces what He's been saying what Moses already knows, Ummm... I said I'm going to send my presence.  "I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name."  Maybe I'm reading to much into it, but it seems like God is saying... Look Moe, have I deserted you yet?  Haven't I done what I said?  I'm here, I'm going to be here, I'm coming with you.  

Moses keeps his haughty tone and tells God, "Now show me your glory."

This is a bizarre request.  What does it even mean, show me your glory?  My contact with that phrase has usually been in the context of without clothing.  She didn't know the guests had arrived and she entered the room in all her glory.

I don't think Moses is asking to see God's body parts- but maybe in a sense he's asking for something metaphorically similar.  

Let me see You without any pretense, without anything hidden, the way You really are.  Back a couple of paragraphs he's asked God to "teach me your ways" - and maybe this is a poetic way of saying- God, let me see through all my misconceptions, all the blinders, all of the physical and spiritual obstacles and let me see you as you really are.

That's an amazing concept.  To see God as he really is.  Not through our own perspectives that include our own agendas, our political philosophies, our denominational biases, our judgmental self-righteousness, but to just see God, as God, THE real God, not just my constructed God.  And maybe that's what Moses is pleading for- I want to understand... let me see you.

God's response is puzzling-  "I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the LORD, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. 20 But," he said, "you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live."

First he says ok, I'll do it for you- and you'll know it's me  But then he ties mercy and compassion with his own physical appearance.  Maybe He's saying- I'll do it for you- but realize this Moses, I'm choosing to do this.  You haven't argued your way into this situation.  I have mercy and compassion on who I choose- I'm choosing you- I don't owe you this, but I'll do it for you.

The catch is that Moses won't be able to see God's face.  I don't understand why- but something about God's face would mean the end for Moses or any other inadvertant passerby.  I'm guessing this was all thought out beforehand.

At this point why doesn't Moses say...great!  Show me your face and bring me home?  I'll gladly endure whatever follows if the result is to make it to the true promised land.  The concept of heaven might not be something Moses is well versed in- but God certainly isn't making him that offer.

He does, though, offer his protection.  He points out a rock for Moses to stand on and tells him that at the right time He'll put him in the cleft of the rock and cover him with His hand until He has passed.  Then He'll take off His hand and Moses will be able to see His back.

It seems odd to take comfort in the form of God's back- the back could indicate God turning His back, or ignoring Moses,or walking away, but here it's a sign of compromise, a sign of comfort, a sign of protection.  I'll protect you from what you can't face.  I'll turn away so that you can live.

Meet and Greet

Exodus 33: 7-11

So Moses would commonly pitch a tent some distance outside of the camp and called it the "tent of meeting."  If someone had a question for God- this was the place for it.  The text is a little ambiguous about how it worked, but it seems to me that people would bring their questions or requests to Moses and then he would meet with God.

When Moses would approach the tent, everyone would come out of their own tents and watch him until he went inside.  When he went inside, a pillar of cloud would come down and stay outside the entrance while God and Moses talked inside.  In a cartoon, this would be God's ride back into heaven.  Outside of camp, it seems like it served the purpose of a "do not disturb" or an "occupied" sign.  

While the conversation was going on, (when they saw the cloud) they would all stand at the entrances of their own tents and worship.  Moses and the LORD would speak "face to face, as a man speaks with his friend."

This is the part of this short passage that resonates the most with me.  It seems that God has always longed for a relationship with His creation.  Is that our purpose?  Is this the whole point of God creating us in the first place?  So he can come to our tent of meeting and befriend us.

It's interesting to think of God and Moses just chatting.  Sitting down over the Isreali equivalent of a cup of coffee and shooting the breeze while the sounds of worship drift in through the tent.  And maybe this scene can help us understand Moses' tendency to overstep his bounds.  Maybe he felt so at ease with God, so comfortable, so friendly, that he started to forget who we was- and who we was in comparison to his God.

And maybe God wants the same from us.  Not a flippant sense of entitlement, but a relationship so deep, so close, so trusting, that we think of God less as judge and jury, but more as a dear friend, as loving family, as a loved one whose visit warrants celebration.

The section ends noting that Moses' assistant Joshua stayed in the tent after Moses would go back to camp.

Turn and Calf

Exodus 32-33:6

So Moses has been up the mountain talking to God for quite some time and the natives are getting restless.  They approach Aaron and tell him- look- this Moses guy is long gone- I think it's time for some new god to go before us.

And naturally Aaron, Moses' brother, spokesman to Pharaoh, responds with a hearty... sure.  Give me your sons', daughters' and wives' earrings and we'll make us a god.  So they melt down the gold and make the infamous golden calf.  When it's done they proclaim-Israel, here's your god that brought you out of Egypt.

Now Aaron is either feeling a little guilty or trying to straddle the fence- so he announced thatthe  next day would contain a festival for the LORD.  So the people rose early and made sacrifices and then ate, drank and got ready for a night of revelry.  I'm not sure who the sacrifices are for- Aaron says the festival is for the LORD- but God later recounts their sacrificing to idols.

Meanwhile, back on the mountain, God has seen quite enough.  He tells Moses- get back down there.  Your people have fallen hard-core- they're worshipping idols- they're stubborn and I've had enough. In fact, I'm going to destroy them and make a great nation out of you.

It's interesting that God refers to them as Your people, not My people.  Literally, He's right- they've deserted Him, but it also implies a disowning on God's part.  It's like when an angry mother tells the father coming home from work- look what your child did.

And Moses reasons with God.  He says- Why should you be so angry at these people you've done so much for?  The Egyptians will just say that the only reason you saved them was so you could really wipe them out.  Reconsider!  Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel- and remember what you promised them.  And God changed His mind.

This is amazing- Moses changes God's mind.  What implications are there then in our understanding of God and His nature?  Does that mean that if Moses hadn't talked Him out of it, God would have done something He would have come to regret?  Does God act impulsively?  What happens when God gets angry and there's no Moses there to convince Him to change His mind?  

And what did Moses give up for his people?  This is someone who could have become another Abraham- God says he'll be the source of the nation- and later Moses is left on the outside looking into the promised land.  Did he think back on this moment and regret not taking advantage of the words spoken by his angry God?

So Moses goes back down the mountain with his tablets ready to let his people have it.  Joshua hears the wild partying going on and tells Moses- sounds like there's war in the camp.  Moses says that's not victory or defeat I hear... it's singing.

This is an interesting response from Joshua- is he trying to cover up the mess, or is he ready to fight?  

Moses sees the wild party and he's ticked.  So ticked that he takes the tablets which contained "the writing of God" and smashed them on the ground.  I think I would be a little nervius to smash God's autographed law.  I'm a little particular about my baseball from Jake Peavy and  he didn't even sign it- this is God's penmanship... or it was, now it's rubble at Moses' feet.

Is this a forshadowing of Moses' impulsive behavior to come?  Is God pleased with Moses' attempts to get the Israelites back in line... or is he watching from above thinking- OK, I know why you're mad- I am too- but you've overstepped your bounds a bit there Moe.

Moses takes the calf and throws it in the fire.  He melts it down- grinds it into powder- scatters it on the water and makes the Israelites drink it.  This is like the dad catching his kids smoking and making them finish off the carton.  So you like idols?  How do you like to drink them?  Still having fun?

He then turns on Aaron- "What did these people do to you, that you led them into such great sin?"  Moses implies that Aaron is exacting revenge- why else would he do what he did?  It's interesting how easily Aaron went down this path.  I wonder if Moses had an "A-ha" moment, is this why God didn't let Aaron take my place in Egypt? Did he know that Aaron would fold so easily?  

Aaron says "Do not be angry my lord, you know how prone these people are to evil."  Amazing- in one simple sentence Aaron both sucks up to Moses and points the blame elsewhere.

Then things get weird.  Weirder than a eating a golden calf.  Moses sees how out of control everyone is.  He says everyone who is for the LORD gather round.  So the Levites come running.  Moses says- OK, this message comes from God- strap on a sword and go kill your brothers and friends and neighbors.  So they do- killing around 3000 people.  And Moses is pleased.  He tells them "You have been set apart to the LORD today, "  and He has blessed you.

What do you do with a passage like this.?  Find all the sinners and kill them?  Not a good way to win many community awards.  Hard to convert people when they're dead.

Perhaps the important thing is to contrast the lack of mercy here to the tremendous amount of it post Christ.  This harshness continues.

Moses tells the people- you really messed up.  But look- let me see if I can talk to God and make atonement.  So Moses talks to God and says look- we both know these people were knee-deep in some bad stuff with that whole golden god thing and all- but can't you just forgive them?  And if you can't, then just go ahead and cross my name out of your book too.

This is pretty bold talk.  Moses has the perfect alibi.  You can't really hold me responsible, I was with you, God.  Not Guilty.  But instead he casts his lot with his people, at least those who are still alive.

God, perhaps smirking, tells Moses- ummm- I'll block the people out of my book who did the sinning.  Or maybe with subtext- lovely rhetoric Moses, but no dice- I'm in charge, I decide who gets punished and who doesn't.

Oh and by the way, when the time comes... they will pay.

And they do- God strikes them with a plague.

So God then tells Moses to take these people to the land that has been promised to them- He'll send an angel ahead to drive out the inhabitants- but He's not coming along.  You people are stubborn and I might kill you before you get there.

So when Moses told the people this they freaked out.  God told them to take off their ornaments while He figured out what to do with them.

So they did.

Besides the whole mercy comparison, the biggest thing I take from this section is God's jealousy.  He doesn't like to share His people.  We don't see a lot of literal idolatry in our culture.  But maybe the idea is the sharing of allegiance.  When God isn't the center, we've created our own golden calves and we risk alienating ourselves from him.

In theory that's easy for me to understand but what that means practically is a little harder.  I talk to people more than I pray.  I spend more time watching movies than reading the Bible.  I spend more time at work than at church.  But I recognize who's in charge- and I'm at least trying to follow his guidelines and not revel in streets...

and maybe that's what He's looking for.