1. What thought from your small group or focus last week caused you to stop and think?

Transcription

1 THE BOOK OF EXODUS Lesson 20 Study Questions Exodus 40:16-38 DAY ONE 1. What thought from your small group or focus last week caused you to stop and think? Read Exodus 40:16-19 NOTE: The opening verses of Chapter 40 that describe how Moses prepared to set up the tabernacle are omitted from the study. 2a. Today we begin Chapter 40, the last chapter of the Book of Exodus. According to verse 16, Moses completed all the work just as the LORD had commanded. This phrase was used eight times in this chapter to describe Moses as he carried out the LORD s instructions. Comment on what the author was trying to emphasize by repeating this phrase. b. Is repetition an effective tool in communication today? Can you give an example? 3. According to verse 17, the tabernacle was set up on the first day of the first month of the second year. According to the Israelite calendar, this meant that approximately one year had passed since their departure from Egypt. Given all that happened to them in the first year of their journey, comment on what this holy place might have meant to them. 4. The Israelites traveled forty to reach the Promised Land (Numbers 33:38). Explain why you think the first year of their journey might have been the most important. 5a. According to verse 18, it was Moses who set up the pedestals, frames, bars and columns of the tabernacle. With the framework in place, what did he do next as commanded by God (verse 19)? 164

2 b. Read Hebrews 8:5. Record what the tabernacle was intended to represent. 6. CONNECTION: God first appeared to Moses as a burning bush, erasing the line between the sacred and the secular. Today, we encounter the overlap of those two worlds again as Moses built a dwelling place for God, a heavenly sanctuary on earth, where He will dwell among His people. We have studied many attributes of God in the pages of this book, such as His power, faithfulness, uniqueness, holiness, desire for intimacy, grace and mercy to name a few. How did you come to know God better this year? How did this wonderful story foster development of your intimate friendship with God? Share some thoughts with your group. In your prayer time today, reflect on your growing friendship with God. DAY TWO Read Exodus 40: Today Moses continued to follow God s plan in a precise manner. He began to assemble items for the ark including one that he brought down from Mount Sinai. According to verse 20, what did he do? 8. According to verse 21, what did Moses do with the ark after he prepared it so carefully? NOTE: The ark was kept in the Holy of Holies, a small room that only the high priest was permitted to enter and then, only once a year. The curtains separated it from the rest of the tabernacle and prevented access by the people. When the Israelites later built the temple in Jerusalem, the Holy of Holies was moved inside the temple. 9. Read Matthew 27:51 and record what happened to the temple curtain after Jesus died and what that might symbolize. 10a. Next, Moses put a table in the tent of meeting on the north side of the tabernacle outside the veil (verse 22). What did he put on the table and why (verse 23)? 165

3 b. Read Leviticus 24:5-9 and record verse 8 that describes the meaning of this gesture. 11. There were many artisans involved in the construction of the tabernacle. Why do you think the author repeatedly referred to Moses in this chapter as the only person who set it up? 12. CONNECTION: Today we studied the care with which Moses set up the tabernacle for the rituals to be performed to assure God s presence among the people as they complete their journey. Moses, as the major character of this story, has been an inspiring yet complicated person and leader. From the failures of the Egyptians, to the stumbles of God s people and the strengths and weakness of their leaders, the human characters in this story teach us lessons we can apply in our lives today. We, too, search for God s presence and strive to live faithful and obedient lives. What did you learn about human nature from this story that will help you on your faith journey? Read and record Psalm 139:14. Let these words of praise lead you into prayer. DAY THREE Read Exodus 40: a. According to verses 24-25, what article did Moses place next and where was it located? b. What traditions do we maintain in our churches today that are similar? 14a. Where did Moses put the golden altar (verse 26)? b. What did he do on the altar as the LORD commanded (verse 27)? 15a. In Exodus 30:34-38, the ingredients for the special incense were described. Summarize how it was to be made and used. 166

4 b. According to this passage, incense was considered sacred. What items like this do we consider sacred? How do such items become sacred? 16. Look up one of the following scripture verses and record a passage that describes the effects or purpose of incense. Psalm 141:2 Ben Sira (Sirach) 39:14 Revelation 5:8 17. When is incense used in our churches today? What meaning does its use have for you? 18. CONNECTION: Today we read about the menorah and incense used in the tabernacle. The menorah was used to light up the tabernacle from evening until morning. The sweet smell and lingering presence of incense called to mind God s enduring presence and sweet fragrance. Just as these items were used to honor the LORD and make the tabernacle sacred, we also use incense, candles, flowers and other items to dedicate and make our places of prayer and worship sacred. What are some ways you experience your faith through your senses to enhance your prayer experience? Record some thoughts to share with your group. Read and record Psalm 119:105. Begin your prayer today with the thought that the words of scripture will guide you. DAY FOUR Read Exodus 40: According to verse 28, what was the next thing Moses did to prepare the tabernacle? 167

5 20a. Moses then set up the altar of burnt offerings in front of the entrance of the tabernacle of the tent of meeting. What two kinds of offerings did Moses sacrifice on the altar of burnt offerings as commanded by God according to verse 29? b. What are we asked to sacrifice today? For some ideas you can look up one of the following verses. Psalm 51: Hosea 6:6 Mark 12:33 21a. Moses set out the basin and put water in it (verse 30). Who used the water basin and for what purpose (verses 31-32)? b. In what way has this practice been carried into current liturgical practices? What does it symbolize today? 22a. What were the last two details of this tremendous job that Moses was given (verse 33)? b. Although we have not studied all of them, thirteen chapters of Exodus concern the construction of the tabernacle and the specifications for priesthood and other rituals. What do you think was so important about the tabernacle? What was its significance to the Israelites? 23a. Record the last sentence of verse 33. b. Imagine the joy the Israelites felt as they worshiped in that holy and beautiful place in the desert. Record Psalm 15: CONNECTION: Today we read about how the tabernacle was prepared to offer sacrifice to God. Today, sacrifice continues to be part of our worship and faith. Jesus sacrificed Himself for us and in the Mass we offer Him our gifts of sacrifice with praise and thanksgiving. During Lent, we give up something of value in imitation of Jesus. What daily practices do you use to offer your challenges, difficulties and weaknesses up to God and His 168

6 mercy? How do you offer the gifts you receive back to God? Record some notes about sacrifice to share with your group. Today, read Hebrews 13:16. Let knowing that God is pleased by your sacrifice and good deeds lead you into prayer. DAY FIVE Read Exodus 40: a. According to verse 34, when Moses finished his work of putting the tabernacle together something spectacular happened. What was it? b. This was an important moment in the story of the Exodus. Compare one scripture verse from the New Testament that reflects how God dwells with His people. Matthew 28:20 John 1:14 Revelation 21:3 26a. What effect did the presence of God have on Moses according to verse 35? b. Why do you think Moses could not enter when we have read in this story about how he often was invited into God s presence? What might have been different about this visit from God (Exodus 25:22; 33:9; 34:34)? 27. Complete the verses below that describe how the Israelites could make their journey guided by the presence of the cloud according to verses Whenever the cloud rose from the tabernacle But if the cloud did not lift 169

7 only when it lifted 28. These pillars of cloud and fire led the Israelites earlier in their flight from Egypt. Record the words of Exodus 13:21 that describe the manner in which they were led. 29a. Describe the cloud of the LORD during the day and at night according to the first part of verse 38. b. What is there about the images of a cloud and fire that suggests the splendor, mystery or presence of God for this ancient people as well as for you? 30. The last words of the Book of Exodus said that the cloud over the tabernacle by day and fire in the cloud by night was before the eyes of all the house of Israel. What phrase from verse 38 indicated that their journey is not finished? 31. CONNECTION: The Book of Exodus ends as the glory of God filled the tabernacle. God will lead the people as a cloud and fire throughout their journey in the desert showing them the way to go. As we end our study of the Book of Exodus, think back over all you ve learned. In our Commentary Introduction, Fr. Neiman wrote that while this book can be difficult, it is one of the great stories of our faith that will guide us on our own journey of faith. What challenges did you have to overcome in the study this year? What insights into your faith did you gain this year? Record some thoughts to share with your group. Read 2 Timothy 3: Let thoughts of how your study of God s word this year has deepened your faith lead you into prayer. DAY SIX Conclusion: Selected Passages 32. Today we will look ahead at the next few books of the Bible to trace the steps of the journey of the Israelites to the Promised Land. The next book, Leviticus, covered the period after the Exodus, during the Israelites encampment at Mt. Sinai. 170

8 It was primarily a list of laws, rules and instructions to ensure holiness, order in worship and the people s way of life. Read the following verse that began at the end of Exodus. Leviticus 1:1 (God allowed Moses to enter the tent of meeting) 33a. The Book of Numbers resumed the story of the Israelites journey to the Promised Land and covered 39 more years of wandering in the desert. It derives its name from the account of the two censuses taken of the Hebrew people, one at the beginning and one at the end of their journey. Look up and summarize a few of the following verses that highlight their journey. Numbers 9:15-23 (The day the cloud covered the tabernacle) Numbers 10:11-12 (The date when they resumed their journey) Numbers 11:28 (Role of Joshua) Numbers 12:1-9 (Jealousy of Aaron and Miriam) Numbers 13:27 (Report of the Twelve Scouts of the land of milk and honey) Numbers 20:1 (Death of Miriam) Numbers 20:11-12 (Moses Doubts God) Numbers 20:27-29; 33:38-39 (Death of Aaron) Numbers 33:1-48 (Stages of the Journey to Canaan) b. God promised the Israelites that he would lead them to the Promised Land, but they wandered for decades and many never made it. What does that teach you about God s plan? 34a. Moses continued to faithfully serve the LORD and lead the people. The Book of Deuteronomy covered the period just before the Israelites entered the Promised Land and consists of three long addresses by Moses including blessings for his people. Read and summarize one of the following selections from that book. Deuteronomy 28:1-6 (Blessing) Deuteronomy 30:15-20 (Choice of a blessing or curse) Deuteronomy 34:1-8 (Death of Moses) 171

9 b. Does it bother you that Moses did not enter the Promised Land? Have you ever fallen short of achieving an important goal you prayed or worked hard for in your life? Were you able to accept failure with the same kind of grace that Moses exhibited? 35. The Israelites finally entered the Promised Land under the leadership of Joshua, Moses assistant, who led them across the Jordan River into Jericho. Read Joshua 3:15-16; 4:19 and record some notes about this. 36. CONNECTION: The end of the book of Exodus is the beginning of a longer story for the people of God. His trust in them renewed, His presence among them reestablished, God will lead them forward to the Promised Land armed with new laws and open hearts. Sometimes in our lives, things must end for a new beginning to be possible. God, who makes all things new, not only forgives our sins but also, just as with the Israelites and this story of Exodus, uses our failures and stumbles to help us grow humble, wiser and filled with grace. What new thing do you want to begin as a result of this study? Read Revelation 21:5. Write a prayer today of thanksgiving for the blessings of your trip through Exodus and for your Cornerstone friends who accompanied you! After completing this lesson, read Lesson 20 Exodus 40:16 38 in the The Book of Exodus by Rev. Paul J. Niemann, D. Min. The Cornerstone Catholic Scripture Study acknowledges that scripture quotations in this study are from the New American Bible, Revised Edition (NABRE) 2010, 1991, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC. All Rights Reserved. Used by permission. Copyright The Cornerstone Catholic Scripture Study thecornerstonescripturestudy.org 172