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!
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