Day 51 (Exodus 27-28 | Mark 5:21-6:6a | Psalm 24)

Day 51
Exodus 27:1-28:43
(27 | 28)

The instructions for the tabernacle's furnishings continue; this time for the altar, its huge courtyard and the lampstand (and the oil needed for it). The instructions continue to include the priestly clothing for Aaron and his sons. As the head priest, Aaron's clothing is much more ornate and elaborate than that of his sons.

Day 50 (Exodus 25-26 | Mark 4:30-5:20 | Psalm 23)

Day 50
Exodus 25:1-26:37
(25 | 26)

God tells Moses to get the Israelites to commence a huge undertaking. He tells him to get the Israelites to make him a sanctuary so he could dwell among them. He gives Moses very specific and detailed instructions on how the sanctuary and its furnishings should be made, and which materials should be used to make it.

Day 49 (Exodus 23-24 | Mark 3:31-4:29 | Psalm 22:22-31)

Day 49
Exodus 23:1-24:18
(23 | 24)

More laws are revealed to Moses. The first set of laws are to do with justice; specifically they're to do with corruption and avoiding injustice. The next set of laws are headlined as the Sabbath laws, probably because they both follow the same theme - six on, one off. The first law says that you should sow and work a field for six years, and leave it for the seventh to allow the poor somewhere to sow and harvest. In the same way, you're only to work six days and take the seventh off. This is to allow your animals and workforce time off to refresh themselves and recover.

Day 48 (Exodus 21-22 | Mark 2:18-3:30 | Proverbs 5:1-14)

Day 48
Exodus 21:1-22:31
(21 | 22)

These two chapters here cover social laws for the Israelites. A great deal of them don't sit very well with me. The law about what happens if you strike a slave, for example. (For the record, as long as they're able to walk after a day or two, it's fine.) Of course, a lot of the laws written here are only relevant in context, and wouldn't seem to apply any more.

Day 47 (Exodus 19-20 | Mark 1:29-2:17 | Psalm 22:12-21)

Day 47
Exodus 19:1-20:26
(19 | 20)

Exactly three months after leaving Egypt, the Israelites enter the Desert of Sinai, and set up camp in front of the mountain, Mount Sinai.

Day 46 (Exodus 17-18 | Mark 1:1-28 | Psalm 22:1-11)

Day 46
Exodus 17:1-18:27
(17 | 18)

Despite the fact that the LORD had already demonstrated his faithfulness to the people of Israel through the provision of manna, the Israelites get in an argument with Moses, again about the lack of water available to drink. Again, the Israelites blame Moses for the fact their lives are lacking something.

Day 45 (Exodus 15-16 | Matthew 28 | Psalm 21:8-13)

Day 45
Exodus 15:1-16:36
(15 | 16)

It's amazing how quickly a crowd's opinion can change. At the start of chapter 15, the Israelites are singing praise to God. At first, it seems a bit odd; the Israelites seem to be rejoicing that their Egyptian pursuers had been drowned. But then the song goes on to glorify God for the way he saved the Israelites, and demonstrates the Israelites' confidence in him for the future.