Thoughts on the readings for February 13th (Exodus 23, Psalm 77, Mark 9)

Exodus 23 has three chapter directions - verses 1-9 are about honest dealings between Israelites and with strangers (the reason is stated in verse 9 to remember your powerless position when the Almighty became your protector). Verses 10-19 laws about the Sabbaths and the major Festivals; and two sundry laws about principles of living. Verses 20-33 the conquest of the Promised Land is guaranteed and some vital instructions about Israel's behaviour once they have taken the Land. The theme which ties this chapter together is the love and care of their Father for His children. This must be seen in their actions honouring Him and showing compassion in dealing with other people. Returning to the start of the chapter tells us that malicious tale bearers are not to be tolerated. Justice must equally apply to all, rich or poor. The care of property was essential among all Israelites. God will hold His people accountable to ensure these standards are applied throughout His kingdom. They must never take a bribe. The LORD had cared for them when no one else had. Verses 10-11 tell us agricultural laws which ensured that the land observed Sabbath principles, which benefited everyone. Verse 12 says that the Israelites were to keep a weekly Sabbath. Verse 13 forbids idolatry. Verses 14-17 speak of the observance of the three major Festivals - first the Passover, then the Feast of Weeks: called Pentecost and thirdly Tabernacles. These feasts, or convocations occurred at their set, ie appointed times. Verse 18 tells of matters relating to sacrifices (no leaven; ie corruption was not allowed to be present with the offering). Verse 19 is a curious one here - it speaks of the sensitiveness relating to what was to be eaten. This implied the need to preserve life; that it might be allowed to continue (since the life of human and animal all belong to God). In the next section the Almighty promises His people angelic protection during their journey to the Promised Land. The Israelites must not take this care for granted, but need to be obedient to all that their Creator has commanded. When Israel entered the Land they must not have anything to do with those nations that God had commanded to be utterly destroyed. Those nations were to be totally removed . The LORD would do it gradually so that the wild beasts, which shared the Land, would not take over. In verse 28 the Almighty promised to send hornets into the Land before their entry - this may be a reference to the Pharaoh Amenhotep the third (known as "the hornet"), who made many raids on Canaan at this time. The boundaries of the Land are given and verse 31 - these are the same boundaries as those promised to Abraham. Failure to follow God's instructions would result in Israel's destruction.cont...