| EXODUS |
| Explanatory Footnotes - page 4 |
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| (such as Sumer and Babylonia), the penalties for wrongdoing described in the next few chapters emphasize punishments fitted to the crime. They stress restitution, rather than vengeance. Modern courtrooms are once again practicing resitution - making the criminal serve society or "make good' to the victim. 24:8 Covenant Blood The New Testament applies the very phraseology from this solemn ceremony to the new covenant made possible by Christ's sacrifice. The phrase "blood of the covenant" appears six times in the New Testament, in each case referring to the death of Christ. Jesus himself used the phrase at the Last Supper (Matthew 26:28), and it became a part of the ritual of the Lord's supper. 25:8 The Skills of Civilization The children of Jacob, or Israel, had arrived in Egypt as a band of nomads. But 400 years in an advanced culture permitted them time to master the arts and trades of civilization. Crafting the sacred objects of the tabernacle put all these learned skills to use. In addition, God gave specific abilities to some key workmen (see 31:1-6). 26:33 A Torn Curtain The thick curtain described here separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. Anyone who ventured beyond that curtain would die. The New Testament, however, records that at Jesus' crucifixion the curtain tore in two, from top to bottom. The tearing symbolized what Christ had accomplished: he broke down the separation between God and humanity (Matthew 27:51; Hebrews 10:20). 29:20 The Whole Body As part of their purification, the priests daubed blood on their ears (which hear God's laws), their hands (which do his will), and their toes (which were prepared to follow in his steps). |