Day 55: Obedience to God

 Today's readings: Numbers 4, Deuteronomy 4, and Psalm 88.

I. In the fourth chapter of Numbers, Moses focuses on the duties of the Levite clans in caring for the Tabernacle during Israel’s wilderness journey: 

• The Kohathites are assigned to carry the most sacred objects (e.g. Ark of the Covenant), but are not to touch or even see these items uncovered (4:1-20).
• The Gershonites are responsible for transporting the curtains, coverings, and hangings of the Tabernacle (4:21-28).
• The Merarites are assigned the heavier structural components like the frames, bars, pillars, etc. (4:29-33).
• A census is taken of all Levite men aged 30 to 50, the age range for service and each group is given specific roles (4:34-49).

This is all the "muscle" or "blue collar" workers you could say of sanctuary service. As monotonous as this all may seem to us today, it actually shows a certain order, organization,  responsibility, and reverence they had for their collective worship of God.

II. Deuteronomy 4 gives us Moses urging Israel to remain faithful as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. We find a blend of warning, theology, and remembrance. 

• Moses commands the Israelites to listen to and obey God, which will make them a witness to the nations, showing God’s wisdom (4:1-14). 
• He warns them to avoid idolatry, lest it lead to their scattering among the nations in punishment; but if they do and repent and seek God sincerely, they will find Him. (4:15-31).
• He challenges them to remember that Israel has experienced God's uniqueness in history unlike any other nation (4:32-40).
• Moses mercy by setting apart three cities for accidental manslayers to flee for protection (4:41-43).
• The chapter ends with Moses giving an introduction to the Law, which will be outlined further in subsequent chapters (4:44-49).

III. Psalm 88 is one of lament. As the Ignatius Bible notes:

The speaker is sick, sapped of strength, and senses that death is near (88:3-4). To make matters worse, he is ostracized by friends and loved ones (88:8, 18). Day and night, he prays for the Lord's help (88:1, 13) because he believes that his suffering comes from the Lord (88:7, 14-18). The psalm, written before the full revelation of a blessed afterlife in heaven, expresses a dim view of death as something that terminates one's ability to praise God (88:10-11). (p. 906)

A very sad one this is. It makes one wish they could reach out and give the speaker comfort in their final days, like telling them of all that was to come through Jesus Christ.

The BIY Companion, Vol 1, notes:

Psalm 88 is the only psalm that ends in darkness, while every other psalm ends in hope, even in the midst of pain and discouragement. (p. 120)

That's it for today!

Day 54: The Tribe of Levi

 Today's readings: Numbers 3, Deuteronomy 3, and Psalm 87.

I. In the third chapter of Numbers, the focus is on the Levites and their special role in serving God and caring for the Tabernacle. The Ignatius Bible notes on their role:

The Levites are put in charge of assembling and dissembling the Tabernacle as well as moving and maintaining it (1:50-51). Because the great majority of Levites are not priests from the line of Aaron (16:8-10), whose family has exclusive rights to the priesthood (Ex 40:12-15), they forbidden to perform priestly actions (e.g., sacrifices, libations, and incense offerings) in connection with the altars and vessels of the sanctuary (16:40; 18:6). The Levites serve instead as assistants to the priests, taking on most of the manual labor required for the sacrificial services. Numbers describes them as a divine "gift" bestowed upon Aaron and his sons (8:19; 18:6). (p. 232)

It sounds to me that these Levites acted like deacons in the New Testament, helping the priests. In the Old Testament, all priests had to be Levites, but not all Levites are priests.

II. Deuteronomy 3 continues Moses’ recounting of Israel’s final approach to the Promised Land, focusing on victory, inheritance, and transition. The utter defeat of King Og of Bashan is first told of, as well as the destruction of his lands, along with the distribution of the conquered territory to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh (3:1-20). Moses encourages Joshua to be strong and not fear for God will fight for Israel as He did with these overthrown kings (3:21-22). The chapter finishes with a sad scene of Moses begging God to allow him to enter the Promised Land with the Israelites, but God refuses because of his earlier disobedience (3:23-26). Instead, Moses is allowed to see the land from Mt. Pisgah and God tells him to focus on preparing Joshua to lead in his place (3:27-29). So a big theme of this chapter is that God’s promises stand firm, even as leaders change and consequences remain.

On the sad scene with Moses, the BIY Companion, Vol 1, comments:

God loves Moses, and he is a faithful man. But as leader of Israel, he is held to a higher standard. Moses is allowed to go to the top of Mount Pisgah to see the Promised Lan, but he will die without entering it. God always answers our prayers, but sometimes the answer is no. In refusing to answer our prayers in the way we want, God is always faithful and loving. He still loves Moses - and he loves us and knows what is best for us. (p. 118)

III. Psalm 87 is one of joy and celebration. As the Ignatius Bible notes:

Jerusalem is praised as the epicenter of the world, the city found (87:1) and loved by God (87:2). She is the spiritual mother of God's people, wherever they may dwell (87:4, 6). Reflection on the universal significance of Zion may have roots in Israel's religious feasts, which is postexilic times brought pilgrims to the Lord's Temple from all over the ancient world (cf. Acts 2:5-11). (p. 905)

That's all for today!

Day 53: The Twelve Tribes of Israel

Today's readings: Numbers 2, Deuteronomy 2, and Psalm 85.

I. In the second chapter of Numbers, God tells Moses the order of encampment and marching for the Israelite tribes. It can be confusing reading Numbers and Deuteronomy together, but it helps to remember that Numbers begins at the start of Israel’s wilderness wanderings (and follows much of that period), while Deuteronomy takes place 40 years later at the end, as Israel prepares to enter the Promised Land. On this chapter of Numbers, the Ignatius Bible notes:

The tribes are assigned positions for camping and marching. The camp surrounds the Tabernacle and is made of an outer frame of lay tribes and an inner frame of Levitical clans. On the march, the eastern tribes set out first, the southern tribes second, the tribe of Levi third, and the western tribes fourth, and the northern tribes last. (p. 231)

I like the commentary from BIY Companion, Vol 1, about the relevance of such passages that may seem to be trivial, inconsequential, and irrelevant to us today:

As we have seen, the Tabernacle was the center of the Israelites' camp, with the Levite camped around it. The remaining twelve tribes were located to the east, west, north, and south, just beyond the Levites... The entire world would be blessed through the tribe of Judah with the coming of Jesus. Judah is on the eastern side, next to the Tabernacle, and Judah is the first tribe to march into battle... The arrangement of the Israelites' camp shows that God favors order. He brings order to a people who have just been released from slavery and lack order... Today, let your praise go up first, and center God in the midst of your life like the Israelites' formation around the Tabernacle in their camp. (p. 116) 

II. Now 40 years later, Deuteronomy 2 continues Moses’ recounting of Israel’s wilderness journey, focusing on God’s guidance and limits. The Ignatius Bible notes:

The final leg of the wilderness journey. At this time, the Israelites avoid conflict with the Edomites (2:1-8), Moabites (2:9-15), and Ammonites (2:16-25) but take up arms against the Amorite kingdoms of Sihon and Og (2:26-3:11). The account is interspersed with historical notes about the displacement of former populations in the region, such as the Emim (by Moab, 2:10-11), the Horites (by Edom, 2:12), and the Zamzummim (by Ammon, 2:20-21). In seizing Amorite lands by force of arms, Israel takes its place among the "conquerors" of the Transjordan. (p. 285)

III. Psalm 85 is one of lament. It seems like for every psalm of praise and celebration, there is another of lament or pleading with God for mercy. Such reflects human experience I suppose. The Ignatius Bible notes on this:

Sensing that God is unhappy with his people, the poets appeals to God's mercy in the past (85:1-3) in the hope that forgiveness will be granted in the present as well (85:4-7). He then learns by divine revelation that peace will come to those who return to the Lord in their hearts (85:8-9). This confirms that Israel's faith that God is merciful, faithful, and righteous (85:10-13). According to some scholars, the background of the psalm is the difficult period that followed the return of Jewish exiles from Babylon beginning in 538 B.C. Neglect of the duty to rebuild the Jerusalem Temple was the community's primary failure at this time (Hag 1:7-11). (p. 904)

That's it for today!

Day 52: Israel Continues to Journey

 Today's readings: Numbers 1, Deuteronomy 1, and Psalm 84.

I. The beginning chapter of Numbers is, well, all about numbers. That is, the first census of Ancient Israel. Specifically, the men of fighting age in all the tribes. As the Ignatius Bible notes:

Numbers picks up where Leviticus left off, with Israel encamped at the base of Mt. Sinai (Lev 27:34). This is the setting for the initial chapters of the book until the march toward Canaan begins 19 days later (10:11-12)... Numbering the men of war is one of the final preparations made before Israel sets out from Sinai to seize hold of the Promised Land. The refusal of this army to march against Canaan in chaps. 13-14 will result in 38 additional years of wandering in the wilderness (Deut 2:14) until the next generation is counted by a second census (chap. 26)... (p. 229)

II. In the first chapter of Deuteronomy, we see that it takes place at the end of 40 years after the generation of the first census (Nu 1:1-2), just before entering the Promised Land. The book itself is essentially Moses’ final speeches, restating and applying the Law to a new generation. He recounts in this chapter the appointment of tribal leaders (1:9-18), Israel's refusal to enter the Promised Land after being paralyzed by fear and unbelief (1:19-33), and Israel's punishment by God for their rebellion (1:34-46). God chastised them by promising "not one of these men of this evil generation shall see the good land that I swore to give to your fathers" (1:35). This also included Moses himself (1:37-38). Israel repented of their behavior and sought to fight (1:41), but despite being warned not to go, they were defeated by the Amorites (1:42-45).  Here, the first chapter ends.

III. Psalm 84 is one of joy and celebration. As the Ignatius Bible notes:

It celebrates making a pilgrimage to Jerusalem and worshipping the Lord in his sanctuary. The Psalmist yearns to stand in God's presence (84:1-4); he reflects on the journey (84:5-7); he makes intercession for Israel's king (84:8-9); and he praises the Lord as the source of blessing and the One worthy of trust (84:10-12). (p. 903)

That's all for today!

Introduction to Desert Wanderings

 

Today, there are no readings; instead, a video introduction to the next part of Scripture: the desert wanderings. Fr. Mike Schmitz is joined by Jeff Cavins for this. What is interesting about this period, as the BIY Companion, Vol 1 notes:

The number forty is important in the Bible, as it represents trials, difficulties, and testing. It rained for forty days after Noah built the Ark. Moses was on Mount Sinai for forty days, and now Israel will experience their testing for forty years in the wilderness. The greatest change takes place in daily living. In obedience to the Law of God, Israel adopts new food, clothing, worship, and legal processes to set them apart from the practices of Egypt and the other nations. It is these new ways of living that set them free from bondage. Israel's obedient change of heart results in an ever-deepening freedom. (p. 113)

Day 51: Israel's Worship of God

Today's readings: Exodus 39-40, Leviticus 27, and Psalm 83.

I. Today's reading in Exodus begins with the making of priestly garments, and the work was finished (39:1-43). In the last chapter, Moses erected the Tabernacle with all the furnishings constructed according to God's command (40:1-33). After this, "the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle" as God visibly came to dwell with His covenant people (40:34-38).

Thus, the Book of Exodus concludes.

II. In the final chapter of Leviticus, the last regulations on votive offerings are given. As the Ignatius Bible notes:

Regulations apply both to voluntary offerings of people, animals, houses, and lands (27:1-25) and mandatory offerings of firstling animals, devoted persons and things, and tithes (27:26-33). Such gifts were given over to the priests of the Tabernacle. Items that could be redeemed (= bought back and reclaimed by the person who vowed them) are assessed for their monetary value, with a 20 percent fee added (27:13...). Several regulations in the chapter only take effect when the Israelites become landowners in Canaan. (p. 222)

With this, one of the most difficult books of Scripture for modern Christians finishes. 

III. Psalm 83 is one of lament. As the Ignatius Bible notes:

The poet urges God to take action (83:1) against hostile nations that seek Israel's demise (83:2-8), just as he vanquished Israel's enemies in the days of the Judges (83:9-12). Pleas are made for divine retribution (83:13-17), although humiliation rather than obliteration is desired for adversaries - the hope being that judgment will cause all to acknowledge the Lord as the one true God (83:18)... (p. 902)

That's all for today!

Day 50: Sacrificial Offerings

 Today's readings: Exodus 37-38, Leviticus 26, and Psalm 82.

I. Today's reading in Exodus begins with Bezalel making the Ark of the Covenant (37:1-9). Then, he made the Table of the Bread of the Presence (37:10-16), the Lampstand (37:17-24), and the Altar of Incense along with the anointing oil and incense (37:25-29). In the following chapter, we are given descriptions of other things Bezalel also made, from the Altar of Burnt Offering (38:1-7), to the Laver and the Court (38:8-20), to various materials for the Tabernacle (38:21-31).

II. In Leviticus chapter 26, we are told of blessings and curses depending upon Israel's keeping of the covenant with God. As the Ignatius Bible notes:

Obedience to the covenant will bring peace, prosperity, and protection in Canaan (26:3-13), while disobedience will bring distress, devastation, and death (26:14-39). Both lists build to a climax: the ultimate blessing is the Lord's presence among the Israelites (26:11), and the ultimate curse it Israel's exile among the nations (26:33), where many of the people will perish away from the Promised Land (26:38)... (p. 220)

III. Psalm 82 is one of legal sentencing and a plea for justice. As the Ignatius Bible notes:

The scene is a divine courtroom where the Lord presides as Judge (82:1). On trial are the corrupt judges of Israel, who are guilty of favoring the wicked and denying justice to the poor and powerless (82:2-4). For this, they are sentenced to death (82:7), despite the exalted titles that attach to their office ("gods" in 82:6)... (p. 901)

That's all for today!

Day 49: The Year of Jubilee

 Today's readings: Exodus 35-36, Leviticus 25, and Psalm 81.

I. Moses reminds the Israelites about God's command about the Sabbath (35:1-3), invites the people to freely give gifts for the Tabernacle (35:4-9), calls for skilled workers to construct it (35:10-19), and the Israelites respond generously (35:20-29). Finally, the skilled master craftsmen Bezalel and Oholiab are acknowledged by Moses for the building of the Tabernacle (35:30-35).

In the next chapter, the actual construction of the Tabernacle is described.

II. Leviticus 25 lays out laws for sacred time, land use, and social justice in Israel, centered on trust in God and restoration:

• The Sabbath Year: No sowing or harvesting for profit, but whatever grows naturally is shared by everyone (owners, servants, foreigners, even animals). The land itself is treated as belonging to God (25:1-7). This sounds like a wise command to prevent overusing the soil. It also helps the Israelites to trust in the Lord to provide for them.
• The Jubilee Year: Every 50 years, private land is returned to original family owners, Israelite slaves are freed, people return to their ancestral property, and all sales of land are really long-term leases based on the number of years until the next Jubilee (25:8-17). I'm not even sure how this would work in our modern world if still required.
• The people are to trust that the Lord will provide for them (25:18-22) and all land belongs to God, with none of it being permanently sold (25:23-28). Rules are given for houses in walled cities and in villages, with the Levites having special protections for their cities and property (25:29-34).
• Israelites who fall into poverty shall be cared for, with no usury allowed (25:35-38).
• Rules given for the treatment of slaves, both Israelites and foreigners (25:39-55).

III. Psalm 81 is one of prophetic exhortation. The subtitle given to it, "God's Appeal to Stubborn Israel," gives one an idea of that. As the Ignatius Bible notes:

It opens with a call to divine worship (81:1-5b); it includes a brief remark from the Psalmist, who received instruction from God by divine inspiration (81:5c); and it features the words of this divine message, which admonishes Israel to respond faithfully to God's voice (81:6-16). (p. 900)

That's all for today! 

Day 48: God's Presence

 Today's readings: Exodus 33-34, Leviticus 24, and Psalm 80.

I. God is angry about the apostasy of the Israelites with the Golden Calf and commands them to leave Sinai without any ornaments, which they did (33:1-6). Next, the Tent of Meeting is described, "apparently a prototype of the Tabernacle," where Moses used to "converse with God before the sanctuary itself was erected" [Ignatius, 167] (33:7-11). We then get a scene of Moses interceding for the Israelites, pleading with God, who graces him with showing him His goodness (33:12-23). 

With regards to Moses' intercession, the BIY Companion, Vol 1,  notes:

Moses stands before God interceding for the people, prefiguring Jesus in his mediation. The Bible makes it clear that the people of Israel are not unique because of their own goodness or giftedness above other nations.  They are the Chosen People because God entered into a covenant with them. Moses says that if God does not continue to be with them - the one thing that makes them distinct - they will become extinct. (p. 104)

In the next chapter, God commanded Moses to bring two new tablets up Mt. Sinai so He could write upon them the Ten Commandments as from the original (34:1-9). After this, God renewed the covenant with Israel, warning them against idolatry among other things (34:10-28). Upon returning to the people, Moses, with the two tablets and the "skin of his face shone" from his conversation with God, which frightened the Israelites, who had to be reassured (34:29-35).

II. In Leviticus chapter 24, God commands that "pure oil" shall be for the Lamp and the Bread for the Tabernacle shall be of "fine flour" (24:1-9). Then a story of a man who cursed the Name of God is stoned to death, showing how such blasphemy is to be punished by Israel (24:10-23).

III. Psalm 80 is one of lament. As the Ignatius Bible notes:

It mourns that Israel has been overrun by invaders. The psalm wrestles with the mystery that God is ultimately behind Israel's suffering insofar as he allowed this to happen (80:4-5, 12), despite his care for Israel in the past (80:8-9). The relationship between God and Israel is compared to a Shepherd and his flock (80:1) as well as a Farmer and his vine (80:8-11). Its plea is heard in the refrain: "restore us, O God" (80:3...). (p. 899)

That's all for today!

Day 47: The Golden Calf

 Today's readings: Exodus 32, Leviticus 23, and Psalm 79.

I. The Israelites, fearing that Moses had been lost on Mt. Sinai when he seemed to take too long up there, returned to idolatry. The Golden Calf was constructed to be their god, "who shall go before us" (32:1). In some ways, it's not too surprising that a people who came from 400 years in idolatrous Egypt would turn back like this, but Aaron, encouraging or enabling such blasphemy (32:2-6)? The Lord's high priest? The man who went with Moses and witnessed much that God had done for the Israelites? That IS shocking! 

Needless to say, God is not pleased (32:7-10), but was merciful to the Israelites after Moses interceded for them (32:11-14). Yet Moses, coming down from Mt. Sinai and seeing the Golden Calf, hurled the stone tablets with the covenant from God and broke them, along with destroying the offensive idol (32:19-20). Aaron gave a weak excuse for his part in this (32:21-24), and then took the sons of Levi to slay many of the idolaters in the encampment (32:25-29). After this, he went back up Mt. Sinai to try and "make atonement for [their] sin," which intercession was accepted by God (32:30-34). Finally, while not destroying all the Israelites for their grave sin, the chapter does end with this chilling line: "and the Lord sent a plague upon the people, because they made the calf which Aaron made" (32:35).

The BIY Companion, Vol 1, comments on this episode:

God invites us to walk in faith in the midst of uncertainty, yet we often grow tired of waiting and try to take matters into our own hands... We too can turn to idols, turning things that are good into "ultimate" things to feel like we are in control. We make these things our "god." [...] We all have broken hearts that God is trying to reach... The world is uncertain and so are our lives. When we are tempted to put our faith in things we can control, God says, "You can't control me, but you don't have to because I love you." (p. 102)

II. In Leviticus chapter 23, a liturgical calendar of feasts is given for Israel. The Ignatius Bible notes:

It includes a weekly observance of rest every seventh day (Sabbath) and seven yearly feasts observed every spring (Passover, Unleavened Bread, First Fruits, Weeks) and fall (Trumpets, Day of Atonement, Booths)... Each of these sanctified segments of times is a religious holiday to be celebrated by the entire covenant community... (p. 213)

III. Psalm 79 is one of deep lament. Israel had lost basically everything. Babylon had conquered Judah and Jerusalem, destroying much and killing many. A sad psalm, and one can almost hear the complete anguish and fervent pleas of the Psalmist.

That's all for today!

Day 46: Set Apart for God

 Today's readings: Exodus 30-31, Leviticus 22, and Psalm 115.

I. In Exodus chapter 30, a command to make the Altar of Incense is given (30:1-10), then an annual tax of half a shekel for maintaining the Tabernacle is outlined (30:11-16), followed by the Bronze Laver for purification (30:17-21), and finally, anointing oil and incense to be used for consecration (30:22-38).

We see in the beginning of the next chapter an extraordinary calling by God of specific craftsmen, Bezalel and Oholiab, for constructing what God has commanded (31:1-11). I say that this is "extraordinary" because it's rather unusual to have the actual names of craftsmen from so long ago to survive to this day. The benefactors are almost always named, but usually not those who labored to build a precious item. 

The Sabbath Law is next given, with observance being a sign of the covenant between God and His people (31:12-17).

Finally, the two stone tablets with the Ten Commandments "written with the finger of God" were given to Moses (31:18). Interestingly, the Ignatius Bible notes this as to perhaps why there were two tablets:

Based on parallels with Near Eastern treaties, where both parties kept the records of the stipulations, it is possible that the two tablets of the Law were duplicate copies of the covenant agreement. If so, each tablet has a full listing of the Ten Commandments, one for Yahweh and the other for Israel (CCC 2056-58). (p. 164)

II.  In Leviticus chapter 22, "Aaronic priests must handle sacred foods properly," and acceptable offerings to God must be "without blemish" (p. 212).

III. Psalm 115 is one of praise for God, while idolatry is strongly condemned. Israel is called on to trust in God (115:9-11), and the impotence of worthless idols is mocked (115:4-8).

That's it for today!

Day 45: Pray for Priests

 Today's readings: Exodus 29, Leviticus 21, and Psalm 119:121-176.

I. In today's reading from Exodus chapter 29, the ordination of priests in the Old Testament is outlined. As the Ignatius Bible notes:

Moses will be the head celebrant who performs the induction ceremony over the course of seven days (29:35). During the week, Aaron and his four sons will be washed with water (29:4), clothed with priestly vestments (29:5-9), anointed with oil (29:7), and sanctified by a series of animal and cereal offerings (29:10-34). These actions are meant to transfer them from the profane world into the realm of holy service. Set apart in this way, the priests will be held to a higher standard of moral and ceremonial purity than the laity of Israel (Lev 10:8-11; 21:1-7) (CCC 1539-41). (p. 161)

II. In Leviticus chapter 21, strict requirements, as well as standards of conduct and living, are placed upon priests of the Old Testament to keep them in holiness before the Lord. As these priests are considered to foreshadow those of the New Covenant, though the specifics differ, they too are called to uphold high moral standards in service to the Lord. Sadly, though, some fall into grave sin, like many of us among the laity. 

The BIY Companion, Vol 1, notes:

The priests of the New Covenant are ordained to lead the people in worship. They are called to be intercessors. Priests are called to be holy and live in a certain way. While we have heard of the grave sins of some priests, every priest - like every disciple of Christ - fails in many small ways to honor the Lord. At times, every Christian fails to live up to the call to be holy as the Lord God is holy. (p. 98)

III. The final verses are given for Psalm 119. In this portion of the longest psalm, the same central theme continues: a deep love for God’s law, combined with a plea for deliverance and perseverance.

Let my supplication come before you;

    deliver me according to your word. (119:170)

That's all for today!

Day 44: Priestly Garments

 Today's readings: Exodus 27-28, Leviticus 20, and Psalm 119: 57-120.

I. Exodus continues with instructions from God on how the Altar of Burnt Offering is to be constructed (27:1-8), the Court and all its hangings are to be made (27:9-19), and the oil to be used for the Lampstand, which is to be tended by Aaron and his sons" (27:20-21). In the next chapter, the priestly vestments are outlined, including the ornate Breastplate of Judgement worn by Aaron, the high priest (28:15-30).

II. In Leviticus chapter 20, a list of offenses is given, all calling for the death penalty according to God's Law. They include child sacrifice (a truly abominable crime), cursing one's parents, adultery, incest, homosexual relations, bestiality, and sorcery. Seems rather harsh on the one hand, but some of these crimes are so monstrous (like child sacrifice) as to warrant such a consequence.

III. In Psalm 119:57-120, the Psalmist continues with a deeply personal section, it seems, focusing on total devotion to God’s law, repentance, and a holy fear of the Lord. It reflects a soul that has chosen God as its “portion” and is striving to live faithfully.

That's all for today!

Day 43: The Ark of the Covenant

 Today's readings: Exodus 25-26, Leviticus 19, and Psalm 119:1-56.

I. In Exodus chapter 25, God commands Moses to collect from the Israelites offerings for the Tabernacle that He will instruct him to build. Then a description of the Ark of the Covenant, containing the Ten Commandments or covenant within, the Table for the Bread of the Presence, and finally, the Lampstand.

What stands out to me is the following:

• The Israelites are essentially nomadic at this time, which is why each item is described as having poles to carry it when they move around. 
• They had no Temple at that time, so the Tabernacle stood in for what they would build later.
• The descriptions of the Tabernacle and furnishings probably sounded a bit familiar to the Israelites, coming from the pagan practices they were used to. Only, all this is to take what may seem familiar and redirect them to the One True God.
• God has no need of gold or fine furnishings; all this is to take what man considers worthy of precious value and use it to honor the One True God as well as redirect them to Him. As beautiful as the Tabernacle may have seemed to them, the Temple later, and even our finest cathedrals and churches today, pale in comparison to the majesty of God's own handiwork in Creation (Mt 6:28-30).
• The mercy seat on the Ark sounds almost like a throne to me for the Most High God.

In chapter 26, God gives specific details on how the Israelites are to construct the Tabernacle and install a curtain or veil, shielding the Holy of Holies where the Ark resides, from the rest of the tent.

II. In Leviticus chapter 19, God gives instructions to Moses on how the Israelites are to live in holiness in their daily lives. In their relations with their families and neighbors, as well as their relations with God. Then, a shortened version of the Ten Commandments and instructions previously given to Moses are recalled. As the Ignatius Bible notes:

In these ways, Israel is called to "love" others - not only their kin (19:18) but also non-Israelites who dwell among them. (p. 207)

III. Psalm 119:1-56, we are given the first third of a very long psalm that is one of wisdom and praise for God's law. 

That's it for this Holy Saturday and tomorrow is Easter or Pascha - Christ is truly Risen!