The End of Exodus
The last chapter of Exodus details the
definitive erection and consecration of the Tabernacle, "the Dwelling of
the meeting tent," which was a concrete expression and visible guarantee
of God's guiding presence, as well as the physical focal point for worship,
prayer, and "meeting" with God.
Like it is for the Book of Genesis, the common
synopsis of Exodus focuses almost exclusively on the earlier chapters. So, many people are surprised to discover
that, in addition to the historical narratives about Moses and the Israelites'
flight from Egypt, the Book of Exodus also addresses numerous detailed legal
issues, and includes copious chapters introducing many of the Jewish liturgical
practices.
A few prayerful hours would be well spent this
week re-reading the entire Book of Exodus, since it is arguably the most
foundational book in the Old Testament, tracing not just how God, through His
servant Moses, led His people from the slavery of Egypt, but also how and why
that historical event of the exodus emerged as the constitutional inspiration
of Jewish liturgy and morality.