Daily Devotionals with Andrew Cannon

God instructs Israel to construct an icon as a representation of Himself and testimony to His work through the Law and consequent mercy.

God instructs Moses to collect donations for the building of the tabernacle. He doesn't do so by taxing the people like worldly nations. Instead, this donation of material is to be voluntary. We can learn much from God's instruction, here.

The elders of Israel eat and drink in the presence of God as a result of receiving His Law. They are not terrified. God has shown that He is interested in their prosperity, not their destruction. He wants to establish them, not oppress them. The same is true for us. When we love God's Law, we are brought to true prosperity, joy, and celebration.

God gives the Law for Israel's benefit, and ours. Prosperity meant an end to miscarriage, barrenness, and premature death. When we follow the precepts of the Law, the same is true for us. God created the earth and our bodies. He knows how we should treat them.

As the people of God, we have the greatest reason to celebrate. And, God wants us to.

God instructs Israel to keep Sabbath years and days. Why? He is interested in caring for people, the land, and animals. His people were to always care for the same things. He does not accomplish that by taxing the people so that the state may provide welfare. He simply requires that His people rest.

The laws in Exodus given to Israel promote a true form of justice. Justice does not favor people based on their status, worldview, or category. Justice does not bear false witness for the sake of self-gain. The principles, here, help us to live just lives whether or not we are in a courtroom.

The Law required restitution from those who actually caused damages and protected those who did not. It also protected human life in the interest of just and judicious punishment.

The Mosaic Law is a good example for any law code for a just and prosperous society. The laws therein sought to protect people of all classes and trades, not to serve anyone's political agenda.

The Old Testament has laws concerning slavery. It neither condemns nor condones having slaves, but it does speak to the protection of slaves and against their mistreatment.