Riverside Reading Plan

Today's reading from Isaiah 52 was written during the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE) and presents a powerful vision of God's coming redemption for Israel. It begins with a call for Jerusalem to awake and put on strength, then declares the good news of God's return to Zion. The chapter culminates with the introduction to the Suffering Servant passage, describing the servant who will be exalted despite his suffering. For Christians, this prophetic text foreshadows Christ's work of redemption that we commemorate on Good Friday.

Tradition suggests this psalm was sung as the Ark of the Covenant was processed into Jerusalem. Written by David, it begins by declaring God's ownership of all creation, then asks who may approach this holy God, and culminates with imagery of the "King of Glory" entering through ancient gates. During Holy Week, this psalm reminds us of Christ's triumphant entry into Jerusalem and anticipates his ascension after the resurrection.

In today's episode, we explore Psalm 22, a profound lament that begins with words of abandonment but ends in victory. Written by David approximately 1,000 years before Christ, this psalm contains some of the most explicit prophetic descriptions of the crucifixion in the Old Testament. Jesus himself quoted its opening line from the cross, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" The psalm's journey from despair to deliverance mirrors Holy Week's path from crucifixion to resurrection.

God speaks the Ten Commandments directly to the people, establishing the moral foundation of the covenant. Terrified by the direct divine encounter, the people ask Moses to serve as mediator between them and God. God instructs Moses regarding proper altar construction, emphasizing that worship must follow divine specifications rather than human innovation.

Three months after leaving Egypt, Israel arrives at Mount Sinai where God proposes a covenant relationship that would make them a "kingdom of priests and a holy nation." After the people unanimously agree to God's terms, they purify themselves for three days to prepare for God's appearance on the mountain. Amid thunder, lightning, and trumpet blasts, God descends on Sinai in fire and smoke, establishing boundaries that protect the people from His consuming holiness.

Moses' father-in-law Jethro visits, bringing Moses' wife and sons and rejoicing at God's deliverance of Israel. Observing Moses judging the people from morning until evening, Jethro advises him to establish a hierarchical system of judges to share the burden of leadership. This implementation of delegated authority creates Israel's first administrative structure and preserves Moses' strength for his unique role as mediator between God and the people.

At Rephidim, the complaining Israelites nearly stone Moses when they find no water until God provides water from a rock at Horeb. When the Amalekites attack Israel, Joshua leads the battle while Moses, supported by Aaron and Hur, keeps his hands raised toward heaven to ensure victory. Moses builds an altar commemorating God's promise to be at war with Amalek for generations.

Facing food shortages in the wilderness, Israel grumbles against Moses and Aaron, idealizing their former slavery. God provides manna (bread from heaven) each morning and quail each evening, using these provisions to test Israel's obedience to His instructions. The provision of double portions before the Sabbath establishes the pattern of rest, and a portion of manna is preserved as a testimony for future generations.

Moses and Miriam lead Israel in songs celebrating God's triumph over Pharaoh's forces at the Red Sea. Three days into their wilderness journey, the people grumble about bitter water at Marah, where God provides both sweet water and an object lesson about obedience. They then enjoy the abundant waters and shade of Elim's twelve springs and seventy palm trees.

Pharaoh pursues Israel with his entire army as they camp by the Red Sea, causing the people to panic and blame Moses. God miraculously parts the waters, allowing Israel to cross on dry ground while holding back the Egyptian forces. When the Egyptians follow, God releases the waters, destroying Pharaoh's army and confirming His deliverance of Israel.