In today’s reading, the LORD gives instructions for consecrating the priests, and the consecration’s related sacrifices and offerings. He further instructs for the making of the altar of incense and the laver for washing, and personally appoints the workmen to the task of fashioning all that must be made according the LORD’s design. After reiterating the sanctity of the sabbath, He gives to Moses the stone tables of the testimony, “written with the finger of God”. But as Moses communes with the LORD upon the mountain, the Hebrews rebel and demand Aaron make a false god - an idol - which they worship and praise for their deliverance from Egypt. The wrath of God is kindled, and Moses pleads for the people, returning from the mountain and executing a severe penalty for the Hebrew’s sin.

Into/Outro music: "Unexpectedly" (c) 1995 Alex Grant Used by permission