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)
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