As a freshman in high school I had to read Charles Dickens' book, Great Expectations. I can think of many ways to describe that book, but a few words that come to my mind are: boring, too detailed, really long, etc. I often wondered how in the world Dickens was able to come up with so much stuff to write (hopefully nobody who reads this blog is thinking the same about me!). Then when I read this portion from Exodus I realized that there are infinitely more details in this account than in any Dickens novel. Could a mere human have made up all of minutia recorded here? Better yet, could a male have really made up all of those details? When I read this, I see further evidence of a Creator God for whom even minor details play a significant role.
I really like details. I admit that in the past I have been bored to tears when reading this passage and the next few passages to come. However, the last couple times I’ve read it, I have really tried to get a picture in my mind of what this must have of looked like. And just like the old cob-webbed, wedding feast table in Great Expectations, if you really try to envision what it looked like, the descriptive details can pull you right into that world. I love that God gave them step by step instructions on how to do everything just right. God definitely knows what He likes. It brings to my mind how people will say, “This is how I choose to worship God.” I wonder if how we “choose” to worship God is really what he prefers best (please note: I’m not saying it isn’t). It’s like if your mom gave you white cake for your birthday and chocolate was your favorite. (BTW-Happy Belated Birthday to Seth!)
I did have a question. Several times we have came across the phrase “lasting ordinance” –NIV, “an ordinance for ever” –KJV. This word “lasting/ever” appears to be perpetually binding. Are the Israelites/Jewish race still bound to these particular ordinances today?
Thanks for the birthday wishes, and sorry that it has taken me so long to respond to comments! Last week was a busy week! I’ll have to check on the “lasting ordinance” thing. My personal thought is that they are still bound (if they don’t believe that Jesus is the Messiah). I could be wrong, though, and I’ll try to research it and get back.