Chile was hit with a major earthquake yesterday. All the news channels were covering the news. There were many tsunami alerts in Hawai, Japan, Russia and Australia; but now they've been called off. Lord, we pray to you to help the people of Chile recover fast and restore normalcy. photos from CNN.
Today is the 3rd Sunday of The Great Lent. It is about the healing of the paralysed man.
Exodus 28 : Priestly Garments
God gives instructions to Moses about garments that Aaron and his sons and the priests would wear. God asks Moses to get the best skilled workers among Israelites and have them make a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, an embroidered shirt, a turban, and a sash using blue, purple, and red wool, gold thread, and fine linen.
The ephod is to be of blue, purple, and red wool, gold thread, and fine linen, decorated with embroidery. Two shoulder straps, by which it can be fastened, are to be attached to the sides. A finely woven belt made of the same materials is to be attached to the ephod so as to form one piece with it.
They are to take two carnelian stones and engrave on them the names of the twelve sons of Jacob, in the order of their birth, with six on one stone and six on the other. The stones are to be put on the shoulder strap so that when Aaron wears them he is carrying the names of the 12 tribes on his shoulders.
Breastpiece is to be of the same material and embroidery as ephod and should have 4 rows of precious stones - 12 of them representing 12 tribes of Israel. The breastpiece is to have golden chains to tie it to the shoulder strap.
The robe is to be made of entirely blue wool. It is to have pomegranates of blue, purple, and red wool, alternating with gold bells at the lower hem so that when the priest walks, it could be heard.
An ornament that will be a headband should have "Dedicated to the LORD" engraved on it and Aaron should wear it on his head.
Aaron and his sons and the priests to come are to wear it always when they come into the presence of the Lord.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Day 77 - Exodus : Chapter 27
Chemmachen came. Everyone liked him. God, please guide us in the right path and help make everything go well.
Exodus 27 : Instruction for the altar
God gives detailed instructions to Moses about creating the altar. The altar is to be made of acacia wood, it is to be of dimensions 7 1/2 feet long and 7 1/2 feet wide, and it is to be 4 1/2 feet high. Should be covered with bronze, should have pans for collecting ashes (since the altar is made to give burnt offerings), should have shovels, bowls, firepans, grating, carrying pans - everything made of bronze. Moses also gets detailed instructions about the curtains and other enclosures of the altar.
What surprises me most is, merely by reading the details, we get to know how costly this would have been. I wonder how the people of Israel were able afford it in the desert.
God also asks Moses to command the people of Israel to bring the best olive oil for the lamp, so that it can be lit each evening. Aaron and his sons are to set up the lamp in the Tent of God's presence outside the curtain which is in front of the Covenant Box. There it is to burn from evening until morning. This command is to be kept forever by the Israelites and their descendants.
Exodus 27 : Instruction for the altar
God gives detailed instructions to Moses about creating the altar. The altar is to be made of acacia wood, it is to be of dimensions 7 1/2 feet long and 7 1/2 feet wide, and it is to be 4 1/2 feet high. Should be covered with bronze, should have pans for collecting ashes (since the altar is made to give burnt offerings), should have shovels, bowls, firepans, grating, carrying pans - everything made of bronze. Moses also gets detailed instructions about the curtains and other enclosures of the altar.
What surprises me most is, merely by reading the details, we get to know how costly this would have been. I wonder how the people of Israel were able afford it in the desert.
God also asks Moses to command the people of Israel to bring the best olive oil for the lamp, so that it can be lit each evening. Aaron and his sons are to set up the lamp in the Tent of God's presence outside the curtain which is in front of the Covenant Box. There it is to burn from evening until morning. This command is to be kept forever by the Israelites and their descendants.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Day 76 - Exodus : Chapter 26
Exodus 26 : Instructions to build the holy tent
In this chapter God gives detailed explanations to Moses about how to build God's sacred tent. It has descriptions about the size of the tent, the material used to construct the tent, layers of cloth used, dividing the interior as holy and the most holy place, separating them with a veil, accacia posts that hold the tent, the doors of the tent ..etc.
In this chapter God gives detailed explanations to Moses about how to build God's sacred tent. It has descriptions about the size of the tent, the material used to construct the tent, layers of cloth used, dividing the interior as holy and the most holy place, separating them with a veil, accacia posts that hold the tent, the doors of the tent ..etc.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Day 75 - Exodus : Chapter 25
Exodus 25 : God's instructions to build a temple and an ark for the covenant
Offerings
God asks Moses to give instructions to people about giving offerings to God. Everyone needs to give offerings to God. The offerings are to be: gold, silver, and bronze, fine linen - blue, purple, and red wool, cloth made of goats' hair, rams' skin dyed red, fine leather, acacia wood, oil for the lamps, spices for the anointing oil and for the sweet-smelling incense, carnelians and other jewels to be set in the ephod of the High Priest and in his breastpiece.
Sacred Tent
God gives instructions to make a sacred Tent for worship.
The people are to make a sacred Tent so that God may live among them.
Sacred Box to store the covenant
God gives instructions to create a sacred box to store the stone tablets with commandments. Box is to be of acacia wood of dimensions 45 X 27 X 27. Cover it with pure gold inside and out and put a gold border all around it. God also gives instructions about the rings in the box. It needs to have a lid of pure gold with 2 golden winged creates at the top.
After this, people are to make a table made of gold and it is to be placed in front of the Covenant Box, and on the table there is always to be the sacred bread offered to God.
Make a lampstand of pure gold with six branches extending from its sides, three from each side. Make seven lamps for the lampstand and set them up so that they shine toward the front.
Offerings
God asks Moses to give instructions to people about giving offerings to God. Everyone needs to give offerings to God. The offerings are to be: gold, silver, and bronze, fine linen - blue, purple, and red wool, cloth made of goats' hair, rams' skin dyed red, fine leather, acacia wood, oil for the lamps, spices for the anointing oil and for the sweet-smelling incense, carnelians and other jewels to be set in the ephod of the High Priest and in his breastpiece.
Sacred Tent
God gives instructions to make a sacred Tent for worship.
The people are to make a sacred Tent so that God may live among them.
Sacred Box to store the covenant
God gives instructions to create a sacred box to store the stone tablets with commandments. Box is to be of acacia wood of dimensions 45 X 27 X 27. Cover it with pure gold inside and out and put a gold border all around it. God also gives instructions about the rings in the box. It needs to have a lid of pure gold with 2 golden winged creates at the top.
After this, people are to make a table made of gold and it is to be placed in front of the Covenant Box, and on the table there is always to be the sacred bread offered to God.
Make a lampstand of pure gold with six branches extending from its sides, three from each side. Make seven lamps for the lampstand and set them up so that they shine toward the front.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Day 74 - Exodus : Chapter 24
Exodus 74 : The covenant is sealed
God asks Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and seventy of the leaders of Israel to come up to Mount Sinai. God tells that while Moses and the leaders are away, people are to live by obeying the laws.
Moses talks to people about God's Laws. People respond that they will follow the laws diligently.
Moses writes down all the Lord's commands. Next morning, he builds an altar at the foot of the mountain and sets up 12 stones for the 12 tribes of Israel. He takes half the blood of the animals sacrificed and puts it into bowls and the other half he throws against the altar.
Then he takes the book of the covenant, in which the Lord's commands were written and reads it aloud to people. They say they will obey the Lord. Moses then takes the blood in the bowls and throws it on the people saying that it is the blood that seals the covenant between God and Israelites.
Moses and the leaders of Israel went up the mountain. They saw God !
It is described that God's feet looked like a pavement of sapphire, as blue as the sky.
They must have felt so blissful !
God asks Moses to come up to the Mountain top and take 2 stone tablets that God would give. These tablets are to contain all the laws.
Moses and Joshua got ready and went up. Joshua is with Moses upto certain point to protect him. Then Moses goes up and the mountain top gets covered with clouds. To the people below, the mountain is covered with clouds and they see fire coming out at the top. After 6 days God calls Moses. Moses stays on top of the mountain for 40 days and nights.
God asks Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and seventy of the leaders of Israel to come up to Mount Sinai. God tells that while Moses and the leaders are away, people are to live by obeying the laws.
Moses talks to people about God's Laws. People respond that they will follow the laws diligently.
Moses writes down all the Lord's commands. Next morning, he builds an altar at the foot of the mountain and sets up 12 stones for the 12 tribes of Israel. He takes half the blood of the animals sacrificed and puts it into bowls and the other half he throws against the altar.
Then he takes the book of the covenant, in which the Lord's commands were written and reads it aloud to people. They say they will obey the Lord. Moses then takes the blood in the bowls and throws it on the people saying that it is the blood that seals the covenant between God and Israelites.
Moses and the leaders of Israel went up the mountain. They saw God !
It is described that God's feet looked like a pavement of sapphire, as blue as the sky.
They must have felt so blissful !
God asks Moses to come up to the Mountain top and take 2 stone tablets that God would give. These tablets are to contain all the laws.
Moses and Joshua got ready and went up. Joshua is with Moses upto certain point to protect him. Then Moses goes up and the mountain top gets covered with clouds. To the people below, the mountain is covered with clouds and they see fire coming out at the top. After 6 days God calls Moses. Moses stays on top of the mountain for 40 days and nights.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Day 73 - Exodus : Chapter 23
Exodus 23 : Laws of Justice
These laws seemed like Jesus's sayings.
Do not spread false rumours. Do not bear false witness against the poor.
Do not be against justice even if the majority are against it.
If you see your enemy's donkey or cow, running loose, take it to him. Don't let the poor animal die since the owner is your enemy.
Do not mistreat a foreigner.
Harvest for 6 years and take rest in the seventh. Work for 6 days and take rest on the seventh.
3 great festivals to be celebrated every year
1. Festival of Unleavened Bread - In the month of Abib, in the same month that Israelites left Egypt, celebrate the festival to remember this event.
2. Harvest Festival - Celebrate this festival when you begin to harvest your crops.
3. Festival of Shelters - Celebrate this festival in the autumn, when you gather the fruit from your vineyards and orchards.
These laws seemed like Jesus's sayings.
Do not spread false rumours. Do not bear false witness against the poor.
Do not be against justice even if the majority are against it.
If you see your enemy's donkey or cow, running loose, take it to him. Don't let the poor animal die since the owner is your enemy.
Do not mistreat a foreigner.
Harvest for 6 years and take rest in the seventh. Work for 6 days and take rest on the seventh.
3 great festivals to be celebrated every year
1. Festival of Unleavened Bread - In the month of Abib, in the same month that Israelites left Egypt, celebrate the festival to remember this event.
2. Harvest Festival - Celebrate this festival when you begin to harvest your crops.
3. Festival of Shelters - Celebrate this festival in the autumn, when you gather the fruit from your vineyards and orchards.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Day 72 - Exodus : Chapter 22
Exodus 22 : More Laws - About Repayment, Morality
If someone steals something, he needs to pay 4 or 5 times the value of the object.
If someone borrows something and if it gets killed or destroyed, he must go to the Temple and take an oath that he was not responsible for it.
If someone unintentionally damages someone's property, he must go to the Temple and take an oath. But if it is intentional or could be avoided (like starting a fire or letting cattle graze to other fields), he must pay for the damages.
In case of property or possession disputes, both parties have to come to the temple to solve it.
If a man seduces a woman who is a virgin, he must pay the bride-price and marry her. If her father would not allow it, the man must pay the amount to her father anyway.
A man who has sexual relations with an animal must be put to death.
No one should mistreat foreigners.
Everyone should give offerings from their grain when they are due.
On the 8th day, a first born male has to be dedicated to God.
If someone steals something, he needs to pay 4 or 5 times the value of the object.
If someone borrows something and if it gets killed or destroyed, he must go to the Temple and take an oath that he was not responsible for it.
If someone unintentionally damages someone's property, he must go to the Temple and take an oath. But if it is intentional or could be avoided (like starting a fire or letting cattle graze to other fields), he must pay for the damages.
In case of property or possession disputes, both parties have to come to the temple to solve it.
If a man seduces a woman who is a virgin, he must pay the bride-price and marry her. If her father would not allow it, the man must pay the amount to her father anyway.
A man who has sexual relations with an animal must be put to death.
No one should mistreat foreigners.
Everyone should give offerings from their grain when they are due.
On the 8th day, a first born male has to be dedicated to God.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Day 71 - Exodus : Chapter 21
Exodus 21 : Laws for Slaves & killing
The Laws of those days were very strict but they came directly from God and Moses ensured that people followed them. People led a nomadic life and they needed laws to be disciplined.
If a man owns a Hebrew slave, he could be set free after 6 years. If the slave was unmarried and got a wife and child during the years of slavery, the wife and child belong to the master. If the slave was married before, the wife and children and the slave's.
Female slaves need not be set free until they are not fairly treated. If they are not fairly treated, the slave should be handed back to the owner. An owner cannot sell a female slave to a foreigner.
If someone intentionally kills someone, he should be put to death. But if it was an accident, he could flee to a different place. If someone causes an injury to someone, he should pay for the injury and lost time to the victim.
If someone hits or even curses his father or mother, he should be put to death.
If someone has a bull that kills another person, the bull has to be put to death. If the owner had been warned about the bull's behavior before and had not taken action, he should pay fine.
The Laws of those days were very strict but they came directly from God and Moses ensured that people followed them. People led a nomadic life and they needed laws to be disciplined.
If a man owns a Hebrew slave, he could be set free after 6 years. If the slave was unmarried and got a wife and child during the years of slavery, the wife and child belong to the master. If the slave was married before, the wife and children and the slave's.
Female slaves need not be set free until they are not fairly treated. If they are not fairly treated, the slave should be handed back to the owner. An owner cannot sell a female slave to a foreigner.
If someone intentionally kills someone, he should be put to death. But if it was an accident, he could flee to a different place. If someone causes an injury to someone, he should pay for the injury and lost time to the victim.
If someone hits or even curses his father or mother, he should be put to death.
If someone has a bull that kills another person, the bull has to be put to death. If the owner had been warned about the bull's behavior before and had not taken action, he should pay fine.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Day 70 - Exodus : Chapter 20
The thread that connects people is amazing. I've been wanting to call my dad since yesterday. I somehow felt that something had happened. Couldn't get him yesterday. Spoke to him the first thing in the morning. One of his long time friends, Kumarettan, had died yesterday in an accident. He said, the whole evening, he's been pondering over everything in the past 30 years !
"Any mans death diminishes me,
because I am involved in Mankind"
~ John Donne
Exodus 20 : The Ten Commandments
In a thunderous voice, God speaks the commandments by which the Israelites are to live. There are actually more than 10 if you take every sentence as a commandment. Was surprised to see the corresponding Wikipedia entry in which different groups parse them differently. The Orthodox version is below.
People hear God's voice and tremble with fear. They tell Moses that they don't want God to talk to them. It is fine if Moses talks to them. They stay far away from Mount Sinai.
God gives instructions to Moses about building an altar.
"In every place that I set aside for you to worship me, I will come to you and bless you. " [24]
"Any mans death diminishes me,
because I am involved in Mankind"
~ John Donne
Exodus 20 : The Ten Commandments
In a thunderous voice, God speaks the commandments by which the Israelites are to live. There are actually more than 10 if you take every sentence as a commandment. Was surprised to see the corresponding Wikipedia entry in which different groups parse them differently. The Orthodox version is below.
- I am the Lord your God. You shall have no other gods before me
- You shall not make for yourself an idol
- You shall not make wrongful use of the name of your God
- Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy
- Honor your father and mother
- You shall not murder.
- You shall not commit adultery
- You shall not steal.
- You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor
- You shall not covet your neighbor's wife . You shall not covet anything that belongs to your neighbor
People hear God's voice and tremble with fear. They tell Moses that they don't want God to talk to them. It is fine if Moses talks to them. They stay far away from Mount Sinai.
God gives instructions to Moses about building an altar.
"In every place that I set aside for you to worship me, I will come to you and bless you. " [24]
Friday, February 19, 2010
Day 69 - Exodus : Chapter 19
7 new bishops have been elected. http://www.ds-wa.org/malankara-association-2010-7-new-metropolitans-elected.html . Praise the Lord for making everything smooth and May the Lord bless the new thirumenis abundandly.
Exodus 19 : God reveals himself on Mount Sinai, the holy mountain
It has been 3 months since the people of Israel left Egypt. They reach Mount Sinai and set up camp there. Moses goes up the mountain to meet with God. The Lord says to Moses that the people of Israel will be God's chosen people and if they obey God's commands, God will take care of them. God has been taking care of the people like an eagle takes care of its chicks. Moses tells this to the leaders and all the people say that they will obey God completely.
Moses goes up the mountain again. God tells Moses that God will come down the mountain as a cloud and speak to Moses so that people would definitely believe. God tells Moses to ask people to purify themselves for the next 2 days and draw a boundary around Mount Sinai so that people will not cross it.
The people of Israel purify themselves and the next day, the Lord comes down the mountain as a giant cloud. Huge thunder is heard and lightning strikes. The Lord tells Moses to bring Aaron up to the mountain and ask people not to cross the boundary. Moses does as he is told.
Exodus 19 : God reveals himself on Mount Sinai, the holy mountain
It has been 3 months since the people of Israel left Egypt. They reach Mount Sinai and set up camp there. Moses goes up the mountain to meet with God. The Lord says to Moses that the people of Israel will be God's chosen people and if they obey God's commands, God will take care of them. God has been taking care of the people like an eagle takes care of its chicks. Moses tells this to the leaders and all the people say that they will obey God completely.
Moses goes up the mountain again. God tells Moses that God will come down the mountain as a cloud and speak to Moses so that people would definitely believe. God tells Moses to ask people to purify themselves for the next 2 days and draw a boundary around Mount Sinai so that people will not cross it.
The people of Israel purify themselves and the next day, the Lord comes down the mountain as a giant cloud. Huge thunder is heard and lightning strikes. The Lord tells Moses to bring Aaron up to the mountain and ask people not to cross the boundary. Moses does as he is told.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Day 68 - Exodus : Chapter 18
Exodus 18 : Moses appoints Judges
Moses's father in law, Jethro comes to know of everything that has been happening and comes over to the camp of Israelites with his daughter and grandsons. Moses is very happy to see his wife and children. He tells them the story of how God rescued the Israelites from Egyptians.
Jethro stays with Moses for a few days and sees that he works throughout the day in settling the disputes of people. He advises Moses to choose some wise men and make them Judges so that they would handle minor disputes and only for major ones people could come to Moses. Moses heeds to his father in law's advice and appoints Judges. Jetro sees that everyone is happy and goes back to his home.
Moses's father in law, Jethro comes to know of everything that has been happening and comes over to the camp of Israelites with his daughter and grandsons. Moses is very happy to see his wife and children. He tells them the story of how God rescued the Israelites from Egyptians.
Jethro stays with Moses for a few days and sees that he works throughout the day in settling the disputes of people. He advises Moses to choose some wise men and make them Judges so that they would handle minor disputes and only for major ones people could come to Moses. Moses heeds to his father in law's advice and appoints Judges. Jetro sees that everyone is happy and goes back to his home.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Day 67 - Exodus : Chapter 17
Exodus 17 : More miracles from God
Israelites walk on and come to a place full of rocks but no water. They cry for water but do not get it. Moses prays to God. God asks Moses to tap a rock with his stick. He does so and water comes out.
As they move on, one day, a tribe called Amalekites attack the Israelites. Moses asks Joshua to take the strongest men and go forward to defend the Israelites. He tells that he will stand on the hill and hold his hands with God's staff up. As long as Moses held his hands up, Israelites win, but when he lowers, they lose. So Aaron and Hur come beside him and hold his hands up. Israelites will the war and the people escape from being harmed by the Amalekites.
Israelites walk on and come to a place full of rocks but no water. They cry for water but do not get it. Moses prays to God. God asks Moses to tap a rock with his stick. He does so and water comes out.
As they move on, one day, a tribe called Amalekites attack the Israelites. Moses asks Joshua to take the strongest men and go forward to defend the Israelites. He tells that he will stand on the hill and hold his hands with God's staff up. As long as Moses held his hands up, Israelites win, but when he lowers, they lose. So Aaron and Hur come beside him and hold his hands up. Israelites will the war and the people escape from being harmed by the Amalekites.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Day 66 - Exodus : Chapter 16
Exodus 16 : God gives Manna to Israelites
The Israelites walked and came to the desert of Sin. They see desert everywhere and do not find any food. While they are starving, they complain to Moses. They cry that they might die in the desert. Moses prays to God.
God rains food from the next day. God also gives instructions about how the food should be stored and eaten. Every person is to taken only that is necessary from his/her family for that day. If they store for the next day, it would get spoilt. On the 6th day, they should gather for 2 days so that they do not have to gather food on the Sabbath.
People are very happy to get food every day. They call it 'Manna'. Some try to store it for next day but it develops worms. God rebukes people for not being fully obedient.
The Israelites walked and came to the desert of Sin. They see desert everywhere and do not find any food. While they are starving, they complain to Moses. They cry that they might die in the desert. Moses prays to God.
God rains food from the next day. God also gives instructions about how the food should be stored and eaten. Every person is to taken only that is necessary from his/her family for that day. If they store for the next day, it would get spoilt. On the 6th day, they should gather for 2 days so that they do not have to gather food on the Sabbath.
People are very happy to get food every day. They call it 'Manna'. Some try to store it for next day but it develops worms. God rebukes people for not being fully obedient.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Day 65 - Exodus : Chapter 15
Exodus 15 : The Song of Moses
Moses is so ecstatic that God saved them from the jaws of death by Egyptians at Red Sea, he sings a song in the praise of God. The prophet Miriam, Aaron's sister also sings a song.
Then the people reach a place where the water is very bitter. They complain to Moses. Moses prays to God and God tells him to throw a wooden log into the water. The water gets purified and people drink happily.
Moses is so ecstatic that God saved them from the jaws of death by Egyptians at Red Sea, he sings a song in the praise of God. The prophet Miriam, Aaron's sister also sings a song.
Then the people reach a place where the water is very bitter. They complain to Moses. Moses prays to God and God tells him to throw a wooden log into the water. The water gets purified and people drink happily.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Day 64 - Exodus : Chapter 14
Exodus 14 : Crossing the Red Sea
This incident is the most momentous in the history of Israelites. It is also the mostly widely told and marks a dramatic moment.
As it happens, the king realizes that the people of Israel have gone. He realizes that all the grand buildings and other projects in the country would stop because Israelites are gone. He takes and army and pursues them.
The people are on their feet and the king's army is on horses. So the king catches up with Israelites soon. The people get scared and cry to Moses for help. Moses prays to God. God tells Moses to raise his staff towards the sea. He does that and the sea opens up, parts to both sides leaving land in the middle. The people are amazed and run into the land. Egyptians follow them. But their chariots get stuck and God rains fire and smoke over them and they cannot see. Israelites cross the Red sea and Moses brings his staff down. This drowns all the Egyptians who are caught in the sea.
This incident is the most momentous in the history of Israelites. It is also the mostly widely told and marks a dramatic moment.
As it happens, the king realizes that the people of Israel have gone. He realizes that all the grand buildings and other projects in the country would stop because Israelites are gone. He takes and army and pursues them.
The people are on their feet and the king's army is on horses. So the king catches up with Israelites soon. The people get scared and cry to Moses for help. Moses prays to God. God tells Moses to raise his staff towards the sea. He does that and the sea opens up, parts to both sides leaving land in the middle. The people are amazed and run into the land. Egyptians follow them. But their chariots get stuck and God rains fire and smoke over them and they cannot see. Israelites cross the Red sea and Moses brings his staff down. This drowns all the Egyptians who are caught in the sea.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Day 63 - Exodus : Chapter 13
Exodus 13 : Dedication of the first borns
Moses tells Israelites that the command from God is that they should dedicate their first borns to God. The first born animals belong to God but people should buy back the first born child from God. The observance is to remember that God brought the Israelites out of Egypt when they were suffering.
While the Israelites were traveling in the desert, God was with them all the time. During the day, God was in front of them as a pillar of cloud and during the night, God was with them as a pillar of fire. Israelites marched on on their journey fearlessly since the Lord was with them.
Moses tells Israelites that the command from God is that they should dedicate their first borns to God. The first born animals belong to God but people should buy back the first born child from God. The observance is to remember that God brought the Israelites out of Egypt when they were suffering.
While the Israelites were traveling in the desert, God was with them all the time. During the day, God was in front of them as a pillar of cloud and during the night, God was with them as a pillar of fire. Israelites marched on on their journey fearlessly since the Lord was with them.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Day 62 - Exodus : Chapter 12
Exodus 12 : Feast of Passover
God gives instructions to Moses and Aaron about observing the passover feast. Each Israelite household is to sacrifice a lamb and put the blood over their doorposts. In the night, the angel of death would pass over all the households in Egypt and take away the lives of the first borns except the houses which had blood over the doorpost.
Plague 10 : Death of first born
Moses tells people and they obey. Things happen as God says and all the first born children and men and cattle of Egyptians die that night. The whole land is grief stricken. The king asks Moses and the Israelites to go out of Egypt.
Instructions for passover to be celebrated forever in the remembrance of this event.
1. Day 1 : This month is the first month of the year. On the first day, get rid of all the yeast. Meet for worship on this day.
2. For the next seven days, do not eat any bread with yeast.
3. Day 7 : Meet for worship on the seventh day.
4. Day 10 : 10th day choose a lamb or a young goat. It should be without defects and only 1 year old. If the family is too small, share with another small family.
5. Day 14 : On the evening of the fourteenth day of the month, the whole community of Israel should kill the animals. The people should take some of the blood and put it on the doorposts and above the doors of the houses in which the animals are to be eaten. Roast the meat fully that night and eat with with bitter herbs and with bread made without yeast. Do not leave anything till morning. If anything is left, should be burned.
6. From the evening of the fourteenth day to the evening of the twenty-first day, should not eat any bread made with yeast.
God gives instructions to Moses and Aaron about observing the passover feast. Each Israelite household is to sacrifice a lamb and put the blood over their doorposts. In the night, the angel of death would pass over all the households in Egypt and take away the lives of the first borns except the houses which had blood over the doorpost.
Plague 10 : Death of first born
Moses tells people and they obey. Things happen as God says and all the first born children and men and cattle of Egyptians die that night. The whole land is grief stricken. The king asks Moses and the Israelites to go out of Egypt.
Instructions for passover to be celebrated forever in the remembrance of this event.
1. Day 1 : This month is the first month of the year. On the first day, get rid of all the yeast. Meet for worship on this day.
2. For the next seven days, do not eat any bread with yeast.
3. Day 7 : Meet for worship on the seventh day.
4. Day 10 : 10th day choose a lamb or a young goat. It should be without defects and only 1 year old. If the family is too small, share with another small family.
5. Day 14 : On the evening of the fourteenth day of the month, the whole community of Israel should kill the animals. The people should take some of the blood and put it on the doorposts and above the doors of the houses in which the animals are to be eaten. Roast the meat fully that night and eat with with bitter herbs and with bread made without yeast. Do not leave anything till morning. If anything is left, should be burned.
6. From the evening of the fourteenth day to the evening of the twenty-first day, should not eat any bread made with yeast.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Day 61 - Exodus : Chapter 11
Exodus 11 : God tells Moses about the ultimate punishment for Egyptians
God tells Moses that there will be only one more punishment for Egyptians. That will be the most fierce and after that they will beg Moses and Israelites to go away from Egypt. The Lord also asks Moses to tell Israelites to borrow jewelery from Egyptians.
The LORD says, 'At about midnight I will go through Egypt, and every first-born son in Egypt will die, from the king's son, who is heir to the throne, to the son of the slave woman who grinds grain. The first-born of all the cattle will die also.There will be loud crying all over Egypt, such as there has never been before or ever will be again. But not even a dog will bark at the Israelites or their animals. Then you will know that I, the LORD, make a distinction between the Egyptians and the Israelites.'
[11:5 - 11:7]
Moses tells this to the king but he doesn't believe.
God tells Moses that there will be only one more punishment for Egyptians. That will be the most fierce and after that they will beg Moses and Israelites to go away from Egypt. The Lord also asks Moses to tell Israelites to borrow jewelery from Egyptians.
The LORD says, 'At about midnight I will go through Egypt, and every first-born son in Egypt will die, from the king's son, who is heir to the throne, to the son of the slave woman who grinds grain. The first-born of all the cattle will die also.There will be loud crying all over Egypt, such as there has never been before or ever will be again. But not even a dog will bark at the Israelites or their animals. Then you will know that I, the LORD, make a distinction between the Egyptians and the Israelites.'
[11:5 - 11:7]
Moses tells this to the king but he doesn't believe.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Day 60 - Exodus : Chapter 10
Exodus 10 : More Plagues
Plague 8 : Locusts
Moses and Aaron go back to the king and the king tells them that he will let them go but wants to know who will be going. Moses answers him that all the Hebrew men, women, children and cattle will go. The king gets alarmed. He says that it is not possible. Only men could go to worship but not women.
The Lord asks Moses to lift up his hand over the land of Egypt. Moses does so and a strong east wind blows. Swarms of locusts cover the whole to Egypt and eat away everything that is green, every single edible thing that is left after the hail.
The king asks Moses to pray to God to remove this curse. Moses prays and God send a strong west wind and the locusts go away.
But the king is still stubborn and doesn't let them go.
Plague 9 : Darkness
The Lord tells Moses to raise his hand. When Moses does that, darkness fills the whole of Egypt (except Goshen where Israelites lived) and continues for three days.
The king calls Moses and says that his people, women and children can go but should leave their cattle and possessions behind. Moses says they need to take their cattle also. The king is angry with Moses.
Plague 8 : Locusts
Moses and Aaron go back to the king and the king tells them that he will let them go but wants to know who will be going. Moses answers him that all the Hebrew men, women, children and cattle will go. The king gets alarmed. He says that it is not possible. Only men could go to worship but not women.
The Lord asks Moses to lift up his hand over the land of Egypt. Moses does so and a strong east wind blows. Swarms of locusts cover the whole to Egypt and eat away everything that is green, every single edible thing that is left after the hail.
The king asks Moses to pray to God to remove this curse. Moses prays and God send a strong west wind and the locusts go away.
But the king is still stubborn and doesn't let them go.
Plague 9 : Darkness
The Lord tells Moses to raise his hand. When Moses does that, darkness fills the whole of Egypt (except Goshen where Israelites lived) and continues for three days.
The king calls Moses and says that his people, women and children can go but should leave their cattle and possessions behind. Moses says they need to take their cattle also. The king is angry with Moses.
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
Day 59 - Exodus : Chapter 9
Exodus 9 : More Plagues
Plague 5 : Disease on the livestock
The king is still stubborn and does not let the Israelites go. The Lord punishes the Egyptians by sending a terrible disease on all the animals. All the animals of the Egyptians die due to the disease but those of the Israelites are spared.
The king sees this and still doesn't relent.
Plague 6 : Unhealable boils
Then the Lord says to Moses to take a few handfuls of ashes from a furnace and throw them into the air in front of the king. Moses does as he is told. The dust spreads all across Egypt and produces boils on everybody. The Isrealites and the king are spared. Even the magicians get the boils and are not able to come in front of the king.
The king's mind still doesn't change.
Plague 7 : Heavy hailstorm
The Lord asks Moses to raise his hand towards the sky. Moses does so and a very heavy hailstorm accompanied by severe thunder and lightning. The hailstorm destroys everything in Egypt except the properties and livestock in Goshen where Israelites lived.
The king get worried and tells Moses to pray to God to stop the hailstorm. Moses prays to God and the hailstorm ends.
But the king changes his mind and does not let the people go.
Plague 5 : Disease on the livestock
The king is still stubborn and does not let the Israelites go. The Lord punishes the Egyptians by sending a terrible disease on all the animals. All the animals of the Egyptians die due to the disease but those of the Israelites are spared.
The king sees this and still doesn't relent.
Plague 6 : Unhealable boils
Then the Lord says to Moses to take a few handfuls of ashes from a furnace and throw them into the air in front of the king. Moses does as he is told. The dust spreads all across Egypt and produces boils on everybody. The Isrealites and the king are spared. Even the magicians get the boils and are not able to come in front of the king.
The king's mind still doesn't change.
Plague 7 : Heavy hailstorm
The Lord asks Moses to raise his hand towards the sky. Moses does so and a very heavy hailstorm accompanied by severe thunder and lightning. The hailstorm destroys everything in Egypt except the properties and livestock in Goshen where Israelites lived.
The king get worried and tells Moses to pray to God to stop the hailstorm. Moses prays to God and the hailstorm ends.
But the king changes his mind and does not let the people go.
Monday, February 08, 2010
Day 58 - Exodus : Chapter 8
Exodus 8 : More miracles by the Lord
Plague 2 : Frogs everywhere
Since the king doesn't yield yet, the Lord asks Aaron to hold his stick over the waters of Nile, the pools and canals. Aaron does as the Lord said and frogs come out of everywhere. The whole of Egypt is filled with frogs and frustrate people a lot.
The king tells Moses to pray to the Lord and end the misery. He says he will let the people go if Moses got rid of the frogs. Moses prays to God and gets rid of the frogs.
The king is happy that the frogs are gone but still doesn't release the Israelites.
Plague 3 : Destruction by gnats
Then the Lord tells Moses to tell Aaron to strike the ground with his stick. Aaron does as he is told and all the dust in Egypt turned into gnats and it covers the people and the animals. The magicians in the kings court try to make the gnats go away but they cannot. But the king does not still relent.
Plague 4 : Destruction by flies
The next day, Lord sends great swarms of flies into the king's palace and the houses of his officials. The whole land of Egypt is brought to ruin by the flies.
The king asks Moses to pray for the Egyptians. Moses goes to the desert and prays for them and God takes the curse of the flies away from them.
Even then, the king's mind does not change.
Plague 2 : Frogs everywhere
Since the king doesn't yield yet, the Lord asks Aaron to hold his stick over the waters of Nile, the pools and canals. Aaron does as the Lord said and frogs come out of everywhere. The whole of Egypt is filled with frogs and frustrate people a lot.
The king tells Moses to pray to the Lord and end the misery. He says he will let the people go if Moses got rid of the frogs. Moses prays to God and gets rid of the frogs.
The king is happy that the frogs are gone but still doesn't release the Israelites.
Plague 3 : Destruction by gnats
Then the Lord tells Moses to tell Aaron to strike the ground with his stick. Aaron does as he is told and all the dust in Egypt turned into gnats and it covers the people and the animals. The magicians in the kings court try to make the gnats go away but they cannot. But the king does not still relent.
Plague 4 : Destruction by flies
The next day, Lord sends great swarms of flies into the king's palace and the houses of his officials. The whole land of Egypt is brought to ruin by the flies.
The king asks Moses to pray for the Egyptians. Moses goes to the desert and prays for them and God takes the curse of the flies away from them.
Even then, the king's mind does not change.
Sunday, February 07, 2010
Day 57 - Exodus : Chapter 7
Exodus 7 : Moses and Aaron perform their miracles
God tells Abraham and Aaron to go and talk to the king, this time showing him the miracles. Moses is eighty years old, and Aaron is eighty-three at this time.
1st Miracle
Moses and Aaron go to the king's palace to talk to him. Aaron throws his walking stick on the ground and it turns into a snake. The king calls for his wise men and magicians, and by their magic they do the same thing. But Aaron's stick swallows theirs. The king is still stubborn and doesn't listen to them.
The beginning of plagues
Plague 1 : Water turns into blood
The Lord tells Aaron to strike the river Nile with his stick and make it turn into blood. Aaron does as he is told. All the rivers, pools and canals turn into blood. All the animals and the plants in the waters die. There is blood everywhere in Egypt.
The king's magicians are also able to do the same thing.
The king is still stubborn and doesn't let the Israelites go.
God tells Abraham and Aaron to go and talk to the king, this time showing him the miracles. Moses is eighty years old, and Aaron is eighty-three at this time.
1st Miracle
Moses and Aaron go to the king's palace to talk to him. Aaron throws his walking stick on the ground and it turns into a snake. The king calls for his wise men and magicians, and by their magic they do the same thing. But Aaron's stick swallows theirs. The king is still stubborn and doesn't listen to them.
The beginning of plagues
Plague 1 : Water turns into blood
The Lord tells Aaron to strike the river Nile with his stick and make it turn into blood. Aaron does as he is told. All the rivers, pools and canals turn into blood. All the animals and the plants in the waters die. There is blood everywhere in Egypt.
The king's magicians are also able to do the same thing.
The king is still stubborn and doesn't let the Israelites go.
Saturday, February 06, 2010
Day 56 - Exodus : Chapter 6
Exodus 6 : God promises deliverace
God tells Moses that he will force king to set the Israelites free. God says that he will abide by the covenant that he had made with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
Moses tells this to Israelites but they don't listen to him. They have become bitter and have already been crushed in spirit.
Next section is about genealogy of Jacob's sons. Writing down Levi's descendants below.
Levi's sons -> Gershon, Kohath, and Merari;
Kohath's sons -> Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel.
Aaron and Moses were Amram's sons.
I think this is the first instance where it is clearly said that Aaron is Moses's brother.
God tells Moses that he will force king to set the Israelites free. God says that he will abide by the covenant that he had made with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
Moses tells this to Israelites but they don't listen to him. They have become bitter and have already been crushed in spirit.
Next section is about genealogy of Jacob's sons. Writing down Levi's descendants below.
Levi's sons -> Gershon, Kohath, and Merari;
Kohath's sons -> Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel.
Aaron and Moses were Amram's sons.
I think this is the first instance where it is clearly said that Aaron is Moses's brother.
Friday, February 05, 2010
Day 55 - Exodus : Chapter 5
Exodus 5 : Moses and Aaron go to the king of Egypt
Moses and Aaron go to the king and tell him that their God has revealed himself to them and asked them to tell the king to release the Israelites.
The king becomes furious. He thinks that people are getting these ideas since they do not have enough work. He wants to make them work always and crush their spirits. He tells his officials to stop giving the people straw for making bricks and make them go and find it for themselves. He also puts a condition that people should make the same number of bricks as before.
The Egyptian slave drives beat the Israelites when they are not able to make same number of bricks as before. Israelites complain to Moses that because of them the people are suffering more.
Moses cries to God for help.
Moses and Aaron go to the king and tell him that their God has revealed himself to them and asked them to tell the king to release the Israelites.
The king becomes furious. He thinks that people are getting these ideas since they do not have enough work. He wants to make them work always and crush their spirits. He tells his officials to stop giving the people straw for making bricks and make them go and find it for themselves. He also puts a condition that people should make the same number of bricks as before.
The Egyptian slave drives beat the Israelites when they are not able to make same number of bricks as before. Israelites complain to Moses that because of them the people are suffering more.
Moses cries to God for help.
Thursday, February 04, 2010
Day 54 - Exodus : Chapter 4
Exodus 4 : Moses is able to perform miracles
Moses is still not convinced that he should be the right person to lead Israelites. He tells God that people will not believe him.
God tells Moses to drop his stick. The moment Moses drops his stick on the ground, it turns into a snake and he gets frightened. God asks Moses to hold the snake by its tail. When Moses does that, it turns back into his stick.
God then asks Moses to put his hands inside his robe and take it out. When he does that, he sees that his hands became diseased, covered with white spots. God asks him to put his hands into his robe again. When Moses does that again, the spots are gone.
God tells Moses that these miracles will suffice to make people believe.
Moses is still not convinced that he should be the right person to lead Israelites. He tells God that people will not believe him.
God tells Moses to drop his stick. The moment Moses drops his stick on the ground, it turns into a snake and he gets frightened. God asks Moses to hold the snake by its tail. When Moses does that, it turns back into his stick.
God then asks Moses to put his hands inside his robe and take it out. When he does that, he sees that his hands became diseased, covered with white spots. God asks him to put his hands into his robe again. When Moses does that again, the spots are gone.
God tells Moses that these miracles will suffice to make people believe.
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
Day 53 - Exodus : Chapter 3
Exodus 3 : God calls Moses
One day while Moses is taking care of the sheep and goats in the slopes of Mount Sinai, he sees a burning bush. He notices that the flames were not consuming the bush. He goes nearer.
The Lord's voice speaks to him. God asks him to remove his sandals since it is holy land. Moses does. He closes his eyes since it is too bright and he doesn't want to see God face to face.
God tells him that he has seen the plight of his people and heard their cries. He asks Moses to go and deliver them from slavery.
Moses is stunned. He says he is no one and none of the Israelites will listen to him. God says if he goes they will listen to him.
One day while Moses is taking care of the sheep and goats in the slopes of Mount Sinai, he sees a burning bush. He notices that the flames were not consuming the bush. He goes nearer.
The Lord's voice speaks to him. God asks him to remove his sandals since it is holy land. Moses does. He closes his eyes since it is too bright and he doesn't want to see God face to face.
God tells him that he has seen the plight of his people and heard their cries. He asks Moses to go and deliver them from slavery.
Moses is stunned. He says he is no one and none of the Israelites will listen to him. God says if he goes they will listen to him.
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
Day 52 - Exodus : Chapter 2
This year 10 movies have been nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars. Avatar is one of them.
Exodus 2 : Birth of Moses
During this time, when all the male Hebrew children were being killed, a child was born to a Levite man and woman. The woman hid the child for the first 3 months but was afraid that she could be caught.
Now, she puts the baby in a basket and leaves it by the bank of river Nile. The baby's sister hides in a corner to see what happens. The daughter of the king comes by and sees the baby. She feels sorry when she hears the baby's cries. The baby's sister comes by and offers help also says that she knows a wet nurse who can nurse the baby. Thus the baby's mother nurses the child.
The baby is taken to the palace after weaning. The princess names him Moses. Moses grows in the palace.
Once Moses sees an Egyptian killing a Hebrew. He kills the Egyptian. Later when he tries to mediate fight between 2 Hebrews, they tell him that they saw him killing the Egyptian. He gets scared that everyone knows and so flees from the place.
He reaches Midian and sees a group of women being mistreated by some men. He rescues them. They happen to be the priest Jethro's daughters. He gets invited to their house and makes friendship with them. Jethro gives him one of his daughters Ziporah in marriage. Moses has a son through Ziporah - Gershom.
Exodus 2 : Birth of Moses
During this time, when all the male Hebrew children were being killed, a child was born to a Levite man and woman. The woman hid the child for the first 3 months but was afraid that she could be caught.
Now, she puts the baby in a basket and leaves it by the bank of river Nile. The baby's sister hides in a corner to see what happens. The daughter of the king comes by and sees the baby. She feels sorry when she hears the baby's cries. The baby's sister comes by and offers help also says that she knows a wet nurse who can nurse the baby. Thus the baby's mother nurses the child.
The baby is taken to the palace after weaning. The princess names him Moses. Moses grows in the palace.
Once Moses sees an Egyptian killing a Hebrew. He kills the Egyptian. Later when he tries to mediate fight between 2 Hebrews, they tell him that they saw him killing the Egyptian. He gets scared that everyone knows and so flees from the place.
He reaches Midian and sees a group of women being mistreated by some men. He rescues them. They happen to be the priest Jethro's daughters. He gets invited to their house and makes friendship with them. Jethro gives him one of his daughters Ziporah in marriage. Moses has a son through Ziporah - Gershom.
Monday, February 01, 2010
Day 51 - Exodus : Chapter 1
When times are hard, remember that God WILL provide.
Exodus 1 : From wealth to slavery - Fall of Israelites
When Joseph and his sons and grandsons lived, Israelites had a high standing in Egyptian society. But as time went by, with new generations, history was forgotten. Egyptians began to think of Israelites as a threat than friends. They grew so much in number that the new king thought if Israelites continued this way, in case of a war they will have options to join the enemy.
So the king orders that Israelites should do hard labour. They build cities of Remeses and Pithom. But the spirit of Israelites is not crushed even after hard labour.
Seeing that hard labour is not working, the king orders the midwives to kill baby boys but spare girls. But the midwives don't do it fearing God.
The king finally makes it public. He orders the killing of every new born Hebrew boy.
Exodus 1 : From wealth to slavery - Fall of Israelites
When Joseph and his sons and grandsons lived, Israelites had a high standing in Egyptian society. But as time went by, with new generations, history was forgotten. Egyptians began to think of Israelites as a threat than friends. They grew so much in number that the new king thought if Israelites continued this way, in case of a war they will have options to join the enemy.
So the king orders that Israelites should do hard labour. They build cities of Remeses and Pithom. But the spirit of Israelites is not crushed even after hard labour.
Seeing that hard labour is not working, the king orders the midwives to kill baby boys but spare girls. But the midwives don't do it fearing God.
The king finally makes it public. He orders the killing of every new born Hebrew boy.
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