Information Retrieved -> Exodus 4 - 40(NLT)

Book Chapter Verse Text
Exodus 4 1 But Moses protested again, "Look, they won't believe me! They won't do what I tell them. They'll just say, `The LORD never appeared to you.'"
Exodus 4 2 Then the LORD asked him, "What do you have there in your hand?A shepherd's staff," Moses replied.
Exodus 4 3 "Throw it down on the ground," the LORD told him. So Moses threw it down, and it became a snake! Moses was terrified, so he turned and ran away.
Exodus 4 4 Then the LORD told him, "Take hold of its tail." So Moses reached out and grabbed it, and it became a shepherd's staff again.
Exodus 4 5 "Perform this sign, and they will believe you," the LORD told him. "Then they will realize that the LORD, the God of their ancestors--the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob--really has appeared to you."
Exodus 4 6 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Put your hand inside your robe." Moses did so, and when he took it out again, his hand was white as snow with leprosy.
Exodus 4 7 "Now put your hand back into your robe again," the LORD said. Moses did, and when he took it out this time, it was as healthy as the rest of his body.
Exodus 4 8 "If they do not believe the first miraculous sign, they will believe the second," the LORD said.
Exodus 4 9 "And if they do not believe you even after these two signs, then take some water from the Nile River and pour it out on the dry ground. When you do, it will turn into blood."
Exodus 4 10 But Moses pleaded with the LORD, "O Lord, I'm just not a good speaker. I never have been, and I'm not now, even after you have spoken to me. I'm clumsy with words."
Exodus 4 11 "Who makes mouths?" the LORD asked him. "Who makes people so they can speak or not speak, hear or not hear, see or not see? Is it not I, the LORD?
Exodus 4 12 Now go, and do as I have told you. I will help you speak well, and I will tell you what to say."
Exodus 4 13 But Moses again pleaded, "Lord, please! Send someone else."
Exodus 4 14 Then the LORD became angry with Moses. "All right," he said. "What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? He is a good speaker. And look! He is on his way to meet you now. And when he sees you, he will be very glad.
Exodus 4 15 You will talk to him, giving him the words to say. I will help both of you to speak clearly, and I will tell you what to do.
Exodus 4 16 Aaron will be your spokesman to the people, and you will be as God to him, telling him what to say.
Exodus 4 17 And be sure to take your shepherd's staff along so you can perform the miraculous signs I have shown you."
Exodus 4 18 Then Moses went back home and talked it over with Jethro, his father-in-law. "With your permission," Moses said, "I would like to go back to Egypt to visit my family. I don't even know whether they are still alive.Go with my blessing," Jethro replied.
Exodus 4 19 Before Moses left Midian, the LORD said to him, "Do not be afraid to return to Egypt, for all those who wanted to kill you are dead."
Exodus 4 20 So Moses took his wife and sons, put them on a donkey, and headed back to the land of Egypt. In his hand he carried the staff of God.
Exodus 4 21 Then the LORD reminded him, "When you arrive back in Egypt, go to Pharaoh and perform the miracles I have empowered you to do. But I will make him stubborn so he will not let the people go.
Exodus 4 22 Then you will tell him, `This is what the LORD says: Israel is my firstborn son.
Exodus 4 23 I commanded you to let him go, so he could worship me. But since you have refused, be warned! I will kill your firstborn son!'"
Exodus 4 24 On the journey, when Moses and his family had stopped for the night, the LORD confronted Moses and was about to kill him.
Exodus 4 25 But Zipporah, his wife, took a flint knife and circumcised her son. She threw the foreskin at Moses' feet and said, "What a blood-smeared bridegroom you are to me!"
Exodus 4 26 (When she called Moses a "blood-smeared bridegroom," she was referring to the circumcision.) After that, the LORD left him alone.
Exodus 4 27 Now the LORD had said to Aaron, "Go out into the wilderness to meet Moses." So Aaron traveled to the mountain of God, where he found Moses and greeted him warmly.
Exodus 4 28 Moses then told Aaron everything the LORD had commanded them to do and say. And he told him about the miraculous signs they were to perform.
Exodus 4 29 So Moses and Aaron returned to Egypt and called the leaders of Israel to a meeting.
Exodus 4 30 Aaron told them everything the LORD had told Moses, and Moses performed the miraculous signs as they watched.
Exodus 4 31 The leaders were soon convinced that the LORD had sent Moses and Aaron. And when they realized that the LORD had seen their misery and was deeply concerned for them, they all bowed their heads and worshiped.
Exodus 5 1 After this presentation to Israel's leaders, Moses and Aaron went to see Pharaoh. They told him, "This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: `Let my people go, for they must go out into the wilderness to hold a religious festival in my honor.'"
Exodus 5 2 "Is that so?" retorted Pharaoh. "And who is the LORD that I should listen to him and let Israel go? I don't know the LORD, and I will not let Israel go."
Exodus 5 3 But Aaron and Moses persisted. "The God of the Hebrews has met with us," they declared. "Let us take a three-day trip into the wilderness so we can offer sacrifices to the LORD our God. If we don't, we will surely die by disease or the sword."
Exodus 5 4 "Who do you think you are," Pharaoh shouted, "distracting the people from their tasks? Get back to work!
Exodus 5 5 Look, there are many people here in Egypt, and you are stopping them from doing their work."
Exodus 5 6 That same day Pharaoh sent this order to the slave drivers and foremen he had set over the people of Israel:
Exodus 5 7 "Do not supply the people with any more straw for making bricks. Let them get it themselves!
Exodus 5 8 But don't reduce their production quotas by a single brick. They obviously don't have enough to do. If they did, they wouldn't be talking about going into the wilderness to offer sacrifices to their God.
Exodus 5 9 Load them down with more work. Make them sweat! That will teach them to listen to these liars!"
Exodus 5 10 So the slave drivers and foremen informed the people: "Pharaoh has ordered us not to provide straw for you.
Exodus 5 11 Go and get it yourselves. Find it wherever you can. But you must produce just as many bricks as before!"
Exodus 5 12 So the people scattered throughout the land in search of straw.
Exodus 5 13 The slave drivers were brutal. "Meet your daily quota of bricks, just as you did before!" they demanded.
Exodus 5 14 Then they whipped the Israelite foremen in charge of the work crews. "Why haven't you met your quotas either yesterday or today?" they demanded.
Exodus 5 15 So the Israelite foremen went to Pharaoh and pleaded with him. "Please don't treat us like this," they begged.
Exodus 5 16 "We are given no straw, but we are still told to make as many bricks as before. We are beaten for something that isn't our fault! It is the fault of your slave drivers for making such unreasonable demands."
Exodus 5 17 But Pharaoh replied, "You're just lazy! You obviously don't have enough to do. If you did, you wouldn't be saying, `Let us go, so we can offer sacrifices to the LORD.'
Exodus 5 18 Now, get back to work! No straw will be given to you, but you must still deliver the regular quota of bricks."
Exodus 5 19 Since Pharaoh would not let up on his demands, the Israelite foremen could see that they were in serious trouble.
Exodus 5 20 As they left Pharaoh's court, they met Moses and Aaron, who were waiting outside for them.
Exodus 5 21 The foremen said to them, "May the LORD judge you for getting us into this terrible situation with Pharaoh and his officials. You have given them an excuse to kill us!"
Exodus 5 22 So Moses went back to the LORD and protested, "Why have you mistreated your own people like this, Lord? Why did you send me?
Exodus 5 23 Since I gave Pharaoh your message, he has been even more brutal to your people. You have not even begun to rescue them!"
Exodus 6 1 "Now you will see what I will do to Pharaoh," the LORD told Moses. "When he feels my powerful hand upon him, he will let the people go. In fact, he will be so anxious to get rid of them that he will force them to leave his land!"
Exodus 6 2 And God continued, "I am the LORD.
Exodus 6 3 I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob as God Almighty, though I did not reveal my name, the LORD, to them.
Exodus 6 4 And I entered into a solemn covenant with them. Under its terms, I swore to give them the land of Canaan, where they were living.
Exodus 6 5 You can be sure that I have heard the groans of the people of Israel, who are now slaves to the Egyptians. I have remembered my covenant with them.
Exodus 6 6 "Therefore, say to the Israelites: `I am the LORD, and I will free you from your slavery in Egypt. I will redeem you with mighty power and great acts of judgment.
Exodus 6 7 I will make you my own special people, and I will be your God. And you will know that I am the LORD your God who has rescued you from your slavery in Egypt.
Exodus 6 8 I will bring you into the land I swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It will be your very own property. I am the LORD!'"
Exodus 6 9 So Moses told the people what the LORD had said, but they wouldn't listen anymore. They had become too discouraged by the increasing burden of their slavery.
Exodus 6 10 Then the LORD said to Moses,
Exodus 6 11 "Go back to Pharaoh, and tell him to let the people of Israel leave Egypt."
Exodus 6 12 "But LORD!" Moses objected. "My own people won't listen to me anymore. How can I expect Pharaoh to listen? I'm no orator!"
Exodus 6 13 But the LORD ordered Moses and Aaron to return to Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and to demand that he let the people of Israel leave Egypt.
Exodus 6 14 These are the ancestors of clans from some of Israel's tribes: The descendants of Reuben, Israel's oldest son, included Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi. Their descendants became the clans of Reuben.
Exodus 6 15 The descendants of Simeon included Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jakin, Zohar, and Shaul (whose mother was a Canaanite). Their descendants became the clans of Simeon.
Exodus 6 16 These are the descendants of Levi, listed according to their family groups. In the first generation were Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. (Levi, their father, lived to be 137 years old.)
Exodus 6 17 The descendants of Gershon included Libni and Shimei, each of whom is the ancestor of a clan.
Exodus 6 18 The descendants of Kohath included Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel. (Kohath lived to be 133 years old.)
Exodus 6 19 The descendants of Merari included Mahli and Mushi. These are the clans of the Levites, listed according to their genealogies.
Exodus 6 20 Amram married his father's sister Jochebed, and she bore him Aaron and Moses. (Amram lived to be 137 years old.)
Exodus 6 21 The descendants of Izhar included Korah, Nepheg, and Zicri.
Exodus 6 22 The descendants of Uzziel included Mishael, Elzaphan, and Sithri.
Exodus 6 23 Aaron married Elisheba, the daughter of Amminadab and sister of Nahshon, and she bore him Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.
Exodus 6 24 The descendants of Korah included Assir, Elkanah, and Abiasaph. Their descendants became the clans of Korah.
Exodus 6 25 Eleazar son of Aaron married one of the daughters of Putiel, and she bore him Phinehas. These are the ancestors of the Levite clans, listed according to their family groups.
Exodus 6 26 The Aaron and Moses named in this list are the same Aaron and Moses to whom the LORD said, "Lead all the people of Israel out of the land of Egypt, division by division."
Exodus 6 27 They are the ones who went to Pharaoh to ask permission to lead the people from the land of Egypt.
Exodus 6 28 At that time, the LORD had said to them,
Exodus 6 29 "I am the LORD! Give Pharaoh the message I have given you."
Exodus 6 30 This is the same Moses who had argued with the LORD, saying, "I can't do it! I'm no orator. Why should Pharaoh listen to me?"
Exodus 7 1 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Pay close attention to this. I will make you seem like God to Pharaoh. Your brother, Aaron, will be your prophet; he will speak for you.
Exodus 7 2 Tell Aaron everything I say to you and have him announce it to Pharaoh. He will demand that the people of Israel be allowed to leave Egypt.
Exodus 7 3 But I will cause Pharaoh to be stubborn so I can multiply my miraculous signs and wonders in the land of Egypt.
Exodus 7 4 Even then Pharaoh will refuse to listen to you. So I will crush Egypt with a series of disasters, after which I will lead the forces of Israel out with great acts of judgment.
Exodus 7 5 When I show the Egyptians my power and force them to let the Israelites go, they will realize that I am the LORD."
Exodus 7 6 So Moses and Aaron did just as the LORD had commanded them.
Exodus 7 7 Moses was eighty years old, and Aaron was eighty-three at the time they made their demands to Pharaoh.
Exodus 7 8 Then the LORD said to Moses and Aaron,
Exodus 7 9 "Pharaoh will demand that you show him a miracle to prove that God has sent you. When he makes this demand, say to Aaron, `Throw down your shepherd's staff,' and it will become a snake."
Exodus 7 10 So Moses and Aaron went to see Pharaoh, and they performed the miracle just as the LORD had told them. Aaron threw down his staff before Pharaoh and his court, and it became a snake.
Exodus 7 11 Then Pharaoh called in his wise men and magicians, and they did the same thing with their secret arts.
Exodus 7 12 Their staffs became snakes, too! But then Aaron's snake swallowed up their snakes.
Exodus 7 13 Pharaoh's heart, however, remained hard and stubborn. He still refused to listen, just as the LORD had predicted.
Exodus 7 14 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Pharaoh is very stubborn, and he continues to refuse to let the people go.
Exodus 7 15 So go to Pharaoh in the morning as he goes down to the river. Stand on the riverbank and meet him there. Be sure to take along the shepherd's staff that turned into a snake.
Exodus 7 16 Say to him, `The LORD, the God of the Hebrews, has sent me to say, "Let my people go, so they can worship me in the wilderness." Until now, you have refused to listen to him.
Exodus 7 17 Now the LORD says, "You are going to find out that I am the LORD." Look! I will hit the water of the Nile with this staff, and the river will turn to blood.
Exodus 7 18 The fish in it will die, and the river will stink. The Egyptians will not be able to drink any water from the Nile.'"
Exodus 7 19 Then the LORD said to Moses: "Tell Aaron to point his staff toward the waters of Egypt--all its rivers, canals, marshes, and reservoirs. Everywhere in Egypt the water will turn into blood, even the water stored in wooden bowls and stone pots in the people's homes."
Exodus 7 20 So Moses and Aaron did just as the LORD had commanded them. As Pharaoh and all of his officials watched, Aaron raised his staff and hit the water of the Nile. Suddenly, the whole river turned to blood!
Exodus 7 21 The fish in the river died, and the water became so foul that the Egyptians couldn't drink it. There was blood everywhere throughout the land of Egypt.
Exodus 7 22 But again the magicians of Egypt used their secret arts, and they, too, turned water into blood. So Pharaoh's heart remained hard and stubborn. He refused to listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the LORD had predicted.
Exodus 7 23 Pharaoh returned to his palace and put the whole thing out of his mind.
Exodus 7 24 Then the Egyptians dug wells along the riverbank to get drinking water, for they couldn't drink from the river.
Exodus 7 25 An entire week passed from the time the LORD turned the water of the Nile to blood.
Exodus 8 1 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Go to Pharaoh once again and tell him, `This is what the LORD says: Let my people go, so they can worship me.
Exodus 8 2 If you refuse, then listen carefully to this: I will send vast hordes of frogs across your entire land from one border to the other.
Exodus 8 3 The Nile River will swarm with them. They will come up out of the river and into your houses, even into your bedrooms and onto your beds! Every home in Egypt will be filled with them. They will fill even your ovens and your kneading bowls.
Exodus 8 4 You and your people will be overwhelmed by frogs!'"
Exodus 8 5 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Tell Aaron to point his shepherd's staff toward all the rivers, canals, and marshes of Egypt so there will be frogs in every corner of the land."
Exodus 8 6 Aaron did so, and frogs covered the whole land of Egypt!
Exodus 8 7 But the magicians were able to do the same thing with their secret arts. They, too, caused frogs to come up on the land.
Exodus 8 8 Then Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and begged, "Plead with the LORD to take the frogs away from me and my people. I will let the people go, so they can offer sacrifices to the LORD."
Exodus 8 9 "You set the time!" Moses replied. "Tell me when you want me to pray for you, your officials, and your people. I will pray that you and your houses will be rid of the frogs. Then only the frogs in the Nile River will remain alive."
Exodus 8 10 "Do it tomorrow," Pharaoh said. "All right," Moses replied, "it will be as you have said. Then you will know that no one is as powerful as the LORD our God.
Exodus 8 11 All the frogs will be destroyed, except those in the river."
Exodus 8 12 So Moses and Aaron left Pharaoh, and Moses pleaded with the LORD about the frogs he had sent.
Exodus 8 13 And the LORD did as Moses had promised. The frogs in the houses, the courtyards, and the fields all died.
Exodus 8 14 They were piled into great heaps, and a terrible stench filled the land.
Exodus 8 15 But when Pharaoh saw that the frogs were gone, he hardened his heart. He refused to listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the LORD had predicted.
Exodus 8 16 So the LORD said to Moses, "Tell Aaron to strike the dust with his staff. The dust will turn into swarms of gnats throughout the land of Egypt."
Exodus 8 17 So Moses and Aaron did just as the LORD had commanded them. Suddenly, gnats infested the entire land, covering the Egyptians and their animals. All the dust in the land of Egypt turned into gnats.
Exodus 8 18 Pharaoh's magicians tried to do the same thing with their secret arts, but this time they failed. And the gnats covered all the people and animals.
Exodus 8 19 "This is the finger of God!" the magicians exclaimed to Pharaoh. But Pharaoh's heart remained hard and stubborn. He wouldn't listen to them, just as the LORD had predicted.
Exodus 8 20 Next the LORD told Moses, "Get up early in the morning and meet Pharaoh as he goes down to the river. Say to him, `This is what the LORD says: Let my people go, so they can worship me.
Exodus 8 21 If you refuse, I will send swarms of flies throughout Egypt. Your homes will be filled with them, and the ground will be covered with them.
Exodus 8 22 But it will be very different in the land of Goshen, where the Israelites live. No flies will be found there. Then you will know that I am the LORD and that I have power even in the heart of your land.
Exodus 8 23 I will make a clear distinction between your people and my people. This miraculous sign will happen tomorrow.'"
Exodus 8 24 And the LORD did just as he had said. There were terrible swarms of flies in Pharaoh's palace and in every home in Egypt. The whole country was thrown into chaos by the flies.
Exodus 8 25 Pharaoh hastily called for Moses and Aaron. "All right! Go ahead and offer sacrifices to your God," he said. "But do it here in this land. Don't go out into the wilderness."
Exodus 8 26 But Moses replied, "That won't do! The Egyptians would detest the sacrifices that we offer to the LORD our God. If we offer them here where they can see us, they will be sure to stone us.
Exodus 8 27 We must take a three-day trip into the wilderness to offer sacrifices to the LORD our God, just as he has commanded us."
Exodus 8 28 "All right, go ahead," Pharaoh replied. "I will let you go to offer sacrifices to the LORD your God in the wilderness. But don't go too far away. Now hurry, and pray for me."
Exodus 8 29 "As soon as I go," Moses said, "I will ask the LORD to cause the swarms of flies to disappear from you and all your people. But I am warning you, don't change your mind again and refuse to let the people go to sacrifice to the LORD."
Exodus 8 30 So Moses left Pharaoh and asked the LORD to remove all the flies.
Exodus 8 31 And the LORD did as Moses asked and caused the swarms to disappear. Not a single fly remained in the land!
Exodus 8 32 But Pharaoh hardened his heart again and refused to let the people go.
Exodus 9 1 "Go back to Pharaoh," the LORD commanded Moses. "Tell him, `This is what the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, says: Let my people go, so they can worship me.
Exodus 9 2 If you continue to oppress them and refuse to let them go,
Exodus 9 3 the LORD will send a deadly plague to destroy your horses, donkeys, camels, cattle, and sheep.
Exodus 9 4 But the LORD will again make a distinction between the property of the Israelites and that of the Egyptians. Not a single one of Israel's livestock will die!'"
Exodus 9 5 The LORD announced that he would send the plague the very next day,
Exodus 9 6 and he did it, just as he had said. The next morning all the livestock of the Egyptians began to die, but the Israelites didn't lose a single animal from their flocks and herds.
Exodus 9 7 Pharaoh sent officials to see whether it was true that none of the Israelites' animals were dead. But even after he found it to be true, his heart remained stubborn. He still refused to let the people go.
Exodus 9 8 Then the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, "Take soot from a furnace, and have Moses toss it into the sky while Pharaoh watches.
Exodus 9 9 It will spread like fine dust over the whole land of Egypt, causing boils to break out on people and animals alike."
Exodus 9 10 So they gathered soot from a furnace and went to see Pharaoh. As Pharaoh watched, Moses tossed the soot into the air, and terrible boils broke out on the people and animals throughout Egypt.
Exodus 9 11 Even the magicians were unable to stand before Moses, because the boils had broken out on them, too.
Exodus 9 12 But the LORD made Pharaoh even more stubborn, and he refused to listen, just as the LORD had predicted.
Exodus 9 13 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Get up early in the morning. Go to Pharaoh and tell him, `The LORD, the God of the Hebrews, says: Let my people go, so they can worship me.
Exodus 9 14 If you don't, I will send a plague that will really speak to you and your officials and all the Egyptian people. I will prove to you that there is no other God like me in all the earth.
Exodus 9 15 I could have killed you all by now. I could have attacked you with a plague that would have wiped you from the face of the earth.
Exodus 9 16 But I have let you live for this reason--that you might see my power and that my fame might spread throughout the earth.
Exodus 9 17 But you are still lording it over my people, and you refuse to let them go.
Exodus 9 18 So tomorrow at this time I will send a hailstorm worse than any in all of Egypt's history.
Exodus 9 19 Quick! Order your livestock and servants to come in from the fields. Every person or animal left outside will die beneath the hail.'"
Exodus 9 20 Some of Pharaoh's officials believed what the LORD said. They immediately brought their livestock and servants in from the fields.
Exodus 9 21 But those who had no respect for the word of the LORD left them out in the open.
Exodus 9 22 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Lift your hand toward the sky, and cause the hail to fall throughout Egypt, on the people, the animals, and the crops."
Exodus 9 23 So Moses lifted his staff toward the sky, and the LORD sent thunder and hail, and lightning struck the earth. The LORD sent a tremendous hailstorm against all the land of Egypt.
Exodus 9 24 Never in all the history of Egypt had there been a storm like that, with such severe hail and continuous lightning.
Exodus 9 25 It left all of Egypt in ruins. Everything left in the fields was destroyed--people, animals, and crops alike. Even all the trees were destroyed.
Exodus 9 26 The only spot in all Egypt without hail that day was the land of Goshen, where the people of Israel lived.
Exodus 9 27 Then Pharaoh urgently sent for Moses and Aaron. "I finally admit my fault," he confessed. "The LORD is right, and my people and I are wrong.
Exodus 9 28 Please beg the LORD to end this terrifying thunder and hail. I will let you go at once."
Exodus 9 29 "All right," Moses replied. "As soon as I leave the city, I will lift my hands and pray to the LORD. Then the thunder and hail will stop. This will prove to you that the earth belongs to the LORD.
Exodus 9 30 But as for you and your officials, I know that you still do not fear the LORD God as you should."
Exodus 9 31 All the flax and barley were destroyed because the barley was ripe and the flax was in bloom.
Exodus 9 32 But the wheat and the spelt were not destroyed because they had not yet sprouted from the ground.
Exodus 9 33 So Moses left Pharaoh and went out of the city. As he lifted his hands to the LORD, all at once the thunder and hail stopped, and the downpour ceased.
Exodus 9 34 When Pharaoh saw this, he and his officials sinned yet again by stubbornly refusing to do as they had promised.
Exodus 9 35 Pharaoh refused to let the people leave, just as the LORD had predicted.
Exodus 10 1 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Return to Pharaoh and again make your demands. I have made him and his officials stubborn so I can continue to display my power by performing miraculous signs among them.
Exodus 10 2 You will be able to tell wonderful stories to your children and grandchildren about the marvelous things I am doing among the Egyptians to prove that I am the LORD."
Exodus 10 3 So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and said, "This is what the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, says: How long will you refuse to submit to me? Let my people go, so they can worship me.
Exodus 10 4 If you refuse, watch out! For tomorrow I will cover the whole country with locusts.
Exodus 10 5 There will be so many that you won't be able to see the ground. They will devour everything that escaped the hailstorm, including all the trees in the fields.
Exodus 10 6 They will overrun your palaces and the homes of your officials and all the houses of Egypt. Never in the history of Egypt has there been a plague like this one!" And with that, Moses turned and walked out.
Exodus 10 7 The court officials now came to Pharaoh and appealed to him. "How long will you let these disasters go on? Please let the Israelites go to serve the LORD their God! Don't you realize that Egypt lies in ruins?"
Exodus 10 8 So Moses and Aaron were brought back to Pharaoh. "All right, go and serve the LORD your God," he said. "But tell me, just whom do you want to take along?"
Exodus 10 9 "Young and old, all of us will go," Moses replied. "We will take our sons and daughters and our flocks and herds. We must all join together in a festival to the LORD."
Exodus 10 10 Pharaoh retorted, "The LORD will certainly need to be with you if you try to take your little ones along! I can see through your wicked intentions.
Exodus 10 11 Never! Only the men may go and serve the LORD, for that is what you requested." And Pharaoh threw them out of the palace.
Exodus 10 12 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Raise your hand over the land of Egypt to bring on the locusts. Let them cover the land and eat all the crops still left after the hailstorm."
Exodus 10 13 So Moses raised his staff, and the LORD caused an east wind to blow all that day and through the night. When morning arrived, the east wind had brought the locusts.
Exodus 10 14 And the locusts swarmed over the land of Egypt from border to border. It was the worst locust plague in Egyptian history, and there has never again been one like it.
Exodus 10 15 For the locusts covered the surface of the whole country, making the ground look black. They ate all the plants and all the fruit on the trees that had survived the hailstorm. Not one green thing remained, neither tree nor plant, throughout the land of Egypt.
Exodus 10 16 Pharaoh quickly sent for Moses and Aaron. "I confess my sin against the LORD your God and against you," he said to them.
Exodus 10 17 "Forgive my sin only this once, and plead with the LORD your God to take away this terrible plague."
Exodus 10 18 So Moses left Pharaoh and pleaded with the LORD.
Exodus 10 19 The LORD responded by sending a strong west wind that blew the locusts out into the Red Sea. Not a single locust remained in all the land of Egypt.
Exodus 10 20 But the LORD made Pharaoh stubborn once again, and he did not let the people go.
Exodus 10 21 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Lift your hand toward heaven, and a deep and terrifying darkness will descend on the land of Egypt."
Exodus 10 22 So Moses lifted his hand toward heaven, and there was deep darkness over the entire land for three days.
Exodus 10 23 During all that time the people scarcely moved, for they could not see. But there was light as usual where the people of Israel lived.
Exodus 10 24 Then Pharaoh called for Moses. "Go and worship the LORD," he said. "But let your flocks and herds stay here. You can even take your children with you."
Exodus 10 25 "No," Moses said, "we must take our flocks and herds for sacrifices and burnt offerings to the LORD our God.
Exodus 10 26 All our property must go with us; not a hoof can be left behind. We will have to choose our sacrifices for the LORD our God from among these animals. And we won't know which sacrifices he will require until we get there."
Exodus 10 27 So the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart once more, and he would not let them go.
Exodus 10 28 "Get out of here!" Pharaoh shouted at Moses. "Don't ever let me see you again! The day you do, you will die!"
Exodus 10 29 "Very well," Moses replied. "I will never see you again."
Exodus 11 1 Then the LORD said to Moses, "I will send just one more disaster on Pharaoh and the land of Egypt. After that, Pharaoh will let you go. In fact, he will be so anxious to get rid of you that he will practically force you to leave the country.
Exodus 11 2 Tell all the Israelite men and women to ask their Egyptian neighbors for articles of silver and gold."
Exodus 11 3 (Now the LORD had caused the Egyptians to look favorably on the people of Israel, and Moses was considered a very great man in the land of Egypt. He was respected by Pharaoh's officials and the Egyptian people alike.)
Exodus 11 4 So Moses announced to Pharaoh, "This is what the LORD says: About midnight I will pass through Egypt.
Exodus 11 5 All the firstborn sons will die in every family in Egypt, from the oldest son of Pharaoh, who sits on the throne, to the oldest son of his lowliest slave. Even the firstborn of the animals will die.
Exodus 11 6 Then a loud wail will be heard throughout the land of Egypt; there has never been such wailing before, and there never will be again.
Exodus 11 7 But among the Israelites it will be so peaceful that not even a dog will bark. Then you will know that the LORD makes a distinction between the Egyptians and the Israelites.
Exodus 11 8 All the officials of Egypt will come running to me, bowing low. `Please leave!' they will beg. `Hurry! And take all your followers with you.' Only then will I go!" Then, burning with anger, Moses left Pharaoh's presence.
Exodus 11 9 Now the LORD had told Moses, "Pharaoh will not listen to you. But this will give me the opportunity to do even more mighty miracles in the land of Egypt."
Exodus 11 10 Although Moses and Aaron did these miracles in Pharaoh's presence, the LORD hardened his heart so he wouldn't let the Israelites leave the country.
Exodus 12 1 Now the LORD gave the following instructions to Moses and Aaron while they were still in the land of Egypt:
Exodus 12 2 "From now on, this month will be the first month of the year for you.
Exodus 12 3 Announce to the whole community that on the tenth day of this month each family must choose a lamb or a young goat for a sacrifice.
Exodus 12 4 If a family is too small to eat an entire lamb, let them share the lamb with another family in the neighborhood. Whether or not they share in this way depends on the size of each family and how much they can eat.
Exodus 12 5 This animal must be a one-year-old male, either a sheep or a goat, with no physical defects.
Exodus 12 6 "Take special care of these lambs until the evening of the fourteenth day of this first month. Then each family in the community must slaughter its lamb.
Exodus 12 7 They are to take some of the lamb's blood and smear it on the top and sides of the doorframe of the house where the lamb will be eaten.
Exodus 12 8 That evening everyone must eat roast lamb with bitter herbs and bread made without yeast.
Exodus 12 9 The meat must never be eaten raw or boiled; roast it all, including the head, legs, and internal organs.
Exodus 12 10 Do not leave any of it until the next day. Whatever is not eaten that night must be burned before morning.
Exodus 12 11 "Wear your traveling clothes as you eat this meal, as though prepared for a long journey. Wear your sandals, and carry your walking sticks in your hands. Eat the food quickly, for this is the LORD's Passover.
Exodus 12 12 On that night I will pass through the land of Egypt and kill all the firstborn sons and firstborn male animals in the land of Egypt. I will execute judgment against all the gods of Egypt, for I am the LORD!
Exodus 12 13 The blood you have smeared on your doorposts will serve as a sign. When I see the blood, I will pass over you. This plague of death will not touch you when I strike the land of Egypt.
Exodus 12 14 "You must remember this day forever. Each year you will celebrate it as a special festival to the LORD.
Exodus 12 15 For seven days, you may eat only bread made without yeast. On the very first day you must remove every trace of yeast from your homes. Anyone who eats bread made with yeast at any time during the seven days of the festival will be cut off from the community of Israel.
Exodus 12 16 On the first day of the festival, and again on the seventh day, all the people must gather for a time of special worship. No work of any kind may be done on these days except in the preparation of food.
Exodus 12 17 "Celebrate this Festival of Unleavened Bread, for it will remind you that I brought your forces out of the land of Egypt on this very day. This festival will be a permanent regulation for you, to be kept from generation to generation.
Exodus 12 18 Only bread without yeast may be eaten from the evening of the fourteenth day of the month until the evening of the twenty-first day of the month.
Exodus 12 19 During those seven days, there must be no trace of yeast in your homes. Anyone who eats anything made with yeast during this week will be cut off from the community of Israel. These same regulations apply to the foreigners living with you, as if they had been born among you.
Exodus 12 20 I repeat, during those days you must not eat anything made with yeast. Wherever you live, eat only bread that has no yeast in it."
Exodus 12 21 Then Moses called for the leaders of Israel and said, "Tell each of your families to slaughter the lamb they have set apart for the Passover.
Exodus 12 22 Drain each lamb's blood into a basin. Then take a cluster of hyssop branches and dip it into the lamb's blood. Strike the hyssop against the top and sides of the doorframe, staining it with the blood. And remember, no one is allowed to leave the house until morning.
Exodus 12 23 For the LORD will pass through the land and strike down the Egyptians. But when he sees the blood on the top and sides of the doorframe, the LORD will pass over your home. He will not permit the Destroyer to enter and strike down your firstborn.
Exodus 12 24 "Remember, these instructions are permanent and must be observed by you and your descendants forever.
Exodus 12 25 When you arrive in the land the LORD has promised to give you, you will continue to celebrate this festival.
Exodus 12 26 Then your children will ask, `What does all this mean? What is this ceremony about?'
Exodus 12 27 And you will reply, `It is the celebration of the LORD's Passover, for he passed over the homes of the Israelites in Egypt. And though he killed the Egyptians, he spared our families and did not destroy us.'" Then all the people bowed their heads and worshiped.
Exodus 12 28 So the people of Israel did just as the LORD had commanded through Moses and Aaron.
Exodus 12 29 And at midnight the LORD killed all the firstborn sons in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn son of Pharaoh, who sat on the throne, to the firstborn son of the captive in the dungeon. Even the firstborn of their livestock were killed.
Exodus 12 30 Pharaoh and his officials and all the people of Egypt woke up during the night, and loud wailing was heard throughout the land of Egypt. There was not a single house where someone had not died.
Exodus 12 31 Pharaoh sent for Moses and Aaron during the night. "Leave us!" he cried. "Go away, all of you! Go and serve the LORD as you have requested.
Exodus 12 32 Take your flocks and herds, and be gone. Go, but give me a blessing as you leave."
Exodus 12 33 All the Egyptians urged the people of Israel to get out of the land as quickly as possible, for they thought, "We will all die!"
Exodus 12 34 The Israelites took with them their bread dough made without yeast. They wrapped their kneading bowls in their spare clothing and carried them on their shoulders.
Exodus 12 35 And the people of Israel did as Moses had instructed and asked the Egyptians for clothing and articles of silver and gold.
Exodus 12 36 The LORD caused the Egyptians to look favorably on the Israelites, and they gave the Israelites whatever they asked for. So, like a victorious army, they plundered the Egyptians!
Exodus 12 37 That night the people of Israel left Rameses and started for Succoth. There were about 600,000 men, plus all the women and children. And they were all traveling on foot.
Exodus 12 38 Many people who were not Israelites went with them, along with the many flocks and herds.
Exodus 12 39 Whenever they stopped to eat, they baked bread from the yeastless dough they had brought from Egypt. It was made without yeast because the people were rushed out of Egypt and had no time to wait for bread to rise.
Exodus 12 40 The people of Israel had lived in Egypt for 430 years.
Exodus 12 41 In fact, it was on the last day of the 430th year that all the LORD's forces left the land.
Exodus 12 42 This night had been reserved by the LORD to bring his people out from the land of Egypt, so this same night now belongs to him. It must be celebrated every year, from generation to generation, to remember the LORD's deliverance.
Exodus 12 43 Then the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, "These are the regulations for the festival of Passover. No foreigners are allowed to eat the Passover lamb.
Exodus 12 44 But any slave who has been purchased may eat it if he has been circumcised.
Exodus 12 45 Hired servants and visiting foreigners may not eat it.
Exodus 12 46 All who eat the lamb must eat it together in one house. You must not carry any of its meat outside, and you may not break any of its bones.
Exodus 12 47 The whole community of Israel must celebrate this festival at the same time.
Exodus 12 48 "If there are foreigners living among you who want to celebrate the LORD's Passover, let all the males be circumcised. Then they may come and celebrate the Passover with you. They will be treated just as if they had been born among you. But an uncircumcised male may never eat of the Passover lamb.
Exodus 12 49 This law applies to everyone, whether a native-born Israelite or a foreigner who has settled among you."
Exodus 12 50 So the people of Israel followed all the LORD's instructions to Moses and Aaron.
Exodus 12 51 And that very day the LORD began to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt, division by division.
Exodus 13 1 Then the LORD said to Moses,
Exodus 13 2 "Dedicate to me all the firstborn sons of Israel and every firstborn male animal. They are mine."
Exodus 13 3 So Moses said to the people, "This is a day to remember forever--the day you left Egypt, the place of your slavery. For the LORD has brought you out by his mighty power. (Remember, you are not to use any yeast.)
Exodus 13 4 This day in early spring will be the anniversary of your exodus.
Exodus 13 5 You must celebrate this day when the LORD brings you into the land of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Hivites, and Jebusites. This is the land he swore to give your ancestors--a land flowing with milk and honey.
Exodus 13 6 For seven days you will eat only bread without yeast. Then on the seventh day, you will celebrate a great feast to the LORD.
Exodus 13 7 Eat only bread without yeast during those seven days. In fact, there must be no yeast in your homes or anywhere within the borders of your land during this time.
Exodus 13 8 "During these festival days each year, you must explain to your children why you are celebrating. Say to them, `This is a celebration of what the LORD did for us when we left Egypt.'
Exodus 13 9 This annual festival will be a visible reminder to you, like a mark branded on your hands or your forehead. Let it remind you always to keep the LORD's instructions in your minds and on your lips. After all, it was the LORD who rescued you from Egypt with great power.
Exodus 13 10 "So celebrate this festival at the appointed time each year.
Exodus 13 11 And remember these instructions when the LORD brings you into the land he swore to give your ancestors long ago, the land where the Canaanites are now living.
Exodus 13 12 All firstborn sons and firstborn male animals must be presented to the LORD.
Exodus 13 13 A firstborn male donkey may be redeemed from the LORD by presenting a lamb in its place. But if you decide not to make the exchange, the donkey must be killed by breaking its neck. However, you must redeem every firstborn son.
Exodus 13 14 "And in the future, your children will ask you, `What does all this mean?' Then you will tell them, `With mighty power the LORD brought us out of Egypt from our slavery.
Exodus 13 15 Pharaoh refused to let us go, so the LORD killed all the firstborn males throughout the land of Egypt, both people and animals. That is why we now offer all the firstborn males to the LORD--except that the firstborn sons are always redeemed.'
Exodus 13 16 Again I say, this ceremony will be like a mark branded on your hands or your forehead. It is a visible reminder that it was the LORD who brought you out of Egypt with great power."
Exodus 13 17 When Pharaoh finally let the people go, God did not lead them on the road that runs through Philistine territory, even though that was the shortest way from Egypt to the Promised Land. God said, "If the people are faced with a battle, they might change their minds and return to Egypt."
Exodus 13 18 So God led them along a route through the wilderness toward the Red Sea, and the Israelites left Egypt like a marching army.
Exodus 13 19 Moses took the bones of Joseph with him, for Joseph had made the sons of Israel swear that they would take his bones with them when God led them out of Egypt--as he was sure God would.
Exodus 13 20 Leaving Succoth, they camped at Etham on the edge of the wilderness.
Exodus 13 21 The LORD guided them by a pillar of cloud during the day and a pillar of fire at night. That way they could travel whether it was day or night.
Exodus 13 22 And the LORD did not remove the pillar of cloud or pillar of fire from their sight.
Exodus 14 1 Then the LORD gave these instructions to Moses:
Exodus 14 2 "Tell the people to march toward Pi-hahiroth between Migdol and the sea. Camp there along the shore, opposite Baal-zephon.
Exodus 14 3 Then Pharaoh will think, `Those Israelites are confused. They are trapped between the wilderness and the sea!'
Exodus 14 4 And once again I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and he will chase after you. I have planned this so I will receive great glory at the expense of Pharaoh and his armies. After this, the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD!" So the Israelites camped there as they were told.
Exodus 14 5 When word reached the king of Egypt that the Israelites were not planning to return to Egypt after three days, Pharaoh and his officials changed their minds. "What have we done, letting all these slaves get away?" they asked.
Exodus 14 6 So Pharaoh called out his troops and led the chase in his chariot.
Exodus 14 7 He took with him six hundred of Egypt's best chariots, along with the rest of the chariots of Egypt, each with a commander.
Exodus 14 8 The LORD continued to strengthen Pharaoh's resolve, and he chased after the people of Israel who had escaped so defiantly.
Exodus 14 9 All the forces in Pharaoh's army--all his horses, chariots, and charioteers--were used in the chase. The Egyptians caught up with the people of Israel as they were camped beside the shore near Pi-hahiroth, across from Baal-zephon.
Exodus 14 10 As Pharaoh and his army approached, the people of Israel could see them in the distance, marching toward them. The people began to panic, and they cried out to the LORD for help.
Exodus 14 11 Then they turned against Moses and complained, "Why did you bring us out here to die in the wilderness? Weren't there enough graves for us in Egypt? Why did you make us leave?
Exodus 14 12 Didn't we tell you to leave us alone while we were still in Egypt? Our Egyptian slavery was far better than dying out here in the wilderness!"
Exodus 14 13 But Moses told the people, "Don't be afraid. Just stand where you are and watch the LORD rescue you. The Egyptians that you see today will never be seen again.
Exodus 14 14 The LORD himself will fight for you. You won't have to lift a finger in your defense!"
Exodus 14 15 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Why are you crying out to me? Tell the people to get moving!
Exodus 14 16 Use your shepherd's staff--hold it out over the water, and a path will open up before you through the sea. Then all the people of Israel will walk through on dry ground.
Exodus 14 17 Yet I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they will follow the Israelites into the sea. Then I will receive great glory at the expense of Pharaoh and his armies, chariots, and charioteers.
Exodus 14 18 When I am finished with Pharaoh and his army, all Egypt will know that I am the LORD!"
Exodus 14 19 Then the angel of God, who had been leading the people of Israel, moved to a position behind them, and the pillar of cloud also moved around behind them.
Exodus 14 20 The cloud settled between the Israelite and Egyptian camps. As night came, the pillar of cloud turned into a pillar of fire, lighting the Israelite camp. But the cloud became darkness to the Egyptians, and they couldn't find the Israelites.
Exodus 14 21 Then Moses raised his hand over the sea, and the LORD opened up a path through the water with a strong east wind. The wind blew all that night, turning the seabed into dry land.
Exodus 14 22 So the people of Israel walked through the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on each side!
Exodus 14 23 Then the Egyptians--all of Pharaoh's horses, chariots, and charioteers--followed them across the bottom of the sea.
Exodus 14 24 But early in the morning, the LORD looked down on the Egyptian army from the pillar of fire and cloud, and he threw them into confusion.
Exodus 14 25 Their chariot wheels began to come off, making their chariots impossible to drive. "Let's get out of here!" the Egyptians shouted. "The LORD is fighting for Israel against us!"
Exodus 14 26 When all the Israelites were on the other side, the LORD said to Moses, "Raise your hand over the sea again. Then the waters will rush back over the Egyptian chariots and charioteers."
Exodus 14 27 So as the sun began to rise, Moses raised his hand over the sea. The water roared back into its usual place, and the LORD swept the terrified Egyptians into the surging currents.
Exodus 14 28 The waters covered all the chariots and charioteers--the entire army of Pharaoh. Of all the Egyptians who had chased the Israelites into the sea, not a single one survived.
Exodus 14 29 The people of Israel had walked through the middle of the sea on dry land, as the water stood up like a wall on both sides.
Exodus 14 30 This was how the LORD rescued Israel from the Egyptians that day. And the Israelites could see the bodies of the Egyptians washed up on the shore.
Exodus 14 31 When the people of Israel saw the mighty power that the LORD had displayed against the Egyptians, they feared the LORD and put their faith in him and his servant Moses.
Exodus 15 1 Then Moses and the people of Israel sang this song to the LORD: "I will sing to the LORD, for he has triumphed gloriously; he has thrown both horse and rider into the sea.
Exodus 15 2 The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my victory. He is my God, and I will praise him; he is my father's God, and I will exalt him!
Exodus 15 3 The LORD is a warrior; yes, the LORD is his name!
Exodus 15 4 Pharaoh's chariots and armies, he has thrown into the sea. The very best of Pharaoh's officers have been drowned in the Red Sea.
Exodus 15 5 The deep waters have covered them; they sank to the bottom like a stone.
Exodus 15 6 "Your right hand, O LORD, is glorious in power. Your right hand, O LORD, dashes the enemy to pieces.
Exodus 15 7 In the greatness of your majesty, you overthrew those who rose against you. Your anger flashed forth; it consumed them as fire burns straw.
Exodus 15 8 At the blast of your breath, the waters piled up! The surging waters stood straight like a wall; in the middle of the sea the waters became hard.
Exodus 15 9 "The enemy said, `I will chase them, catch up with them, and destroy them. I will divide the plunder, avenging myself against them. I will unsheath my sword; my power will destroy them.'
Exodus 15 10 But with a blast of your breath, the sea covered them. They sank like lead in the mighty waters.
Exodus 15 11 "Who else among the gods is like you, O LORD? Who is glorious in holiness like you--so awesome in splendor, performing such wonders?
Exodus 15 12 You raised up your hand, and the earth swallowed our enemies.
Exodus 15 13 "With unfailing love you will lead this people whom you have ransomed. You will guide them in your strength to the place where your holiness dwells.
Exodus 15 14 The nations will hear and tremble; anguish will grip the people of Philistia.
Exodus 15 15 The leaders of Edom will be terrified; the nobles of Moab will tremble. All the people of Canaan will melt with fear;
Exodus 15 16 terror and dread will overcome them. Because of your great power, they will be silent like a stone, until your people pass by, O LORD, until the people whom you purchased pass by.
Exodus 15 17 You will bring them in and plant them on your own mountain--the place you have made as your home, O LORD, the sanctuary, O Lord, that your hands have made.
Exodus 15 18 The LORD will reign forever and ever!"
Exodus 15 19 When Pharaoh's horses, chariots, and charioteers rushed into the sea, the LORD brought the water crashing down on them. But the people of Israel had walked through on dry land!
Exodus 15 20 Then Miriam the prophet, Aaron's sister, took a tambourine and led all the women in rhythm and dance.
Exodus 15 21 And Miriam sang this song: "I will sing to the LORD, for he has triumphed gloriously; he has thrown both horse and rider into the sea."
Exodus 15 22 Then Moses led the people of Israel away from the Red Sea, and they moved out into the Shur Desert. They traveled in this desert for three days without water.
Exodus 15 23 When they came to Marah, they finally found water. But the people couldn't drink it because it was bitter. (That is why the place was called Marah, which means "bitter.")
Exodus 15 24 Then the people turned against Moses. "What are we going to drink?" they demanded.
Exodus 15 25 So Moses cried out to the LORD for help, and the LORD showed him a branch. Moses took the branch and threw it into the water. This made the water good to drink. It was there at Marah that the LORD laid before them the following conditions to test their faithfulness to him:
Exodus 15 26 "If you will listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in his sight, obeying his commands and laws, then I will not make you suffer the diseases I sent on the Egyptians; for I am the LORD who heals you."
Exodus 15 27 After leaving Marah, they came to Elim, where there were twelve springs and seventy palm trees. They camped there beside the springs.
Exodus 16 1 Then they left Elim and journeyed into the Sin Desert, between Elim and Mount Sinai. They arrived there a month after leaving Egypt.
Exodus 16 2 There, too, the whole community of Israel spoke bitterly against Moses and Aaron.
Exodus 16 3 "Oh, that we were back in Egypt," they moaned. "It would have been better if the LORD had killed us there! At least there we had plenty to eat. But now you have brought us into this desert to starve us to death."
Exodus 16 4 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Look, I'm going to rain down food from heaven for you. The people can go out each day and pick up as much food as they need for that day. I will test them in this to see whether they will follow my instructions.
Exodus 16 5 Tell them to pick up twice as much as usual on the sixth day of each week."
Exodus 16 6 Then Moses and Aaron called a meeting of all the people of Israel and told them, "In the evening you will realize that it was the LORD who brought you out of the land of Egypt.
Exodus 16 7 In the morning you will see the glorious presence of the LORD. He has heard your complaints, which are against the LORD and not against us.
Exodus 16 8 The LORD will give you meat to eat in the evening and bread in the morning, for he has heard all your complaints against him. Yes, your complaints are against the LORD, not against us."
Exodus 16 9 Then Moses said to Aaron, "Say this to the entire community of Israel: `Come into the LORD's presence, and hear his reply to your complaints.'"
Exodus 16 10 And as Aaron spoke to the people, they looked out toward the desert. Within the guiding cloud, they could see the awesome glory of the LORD.
Exodus 16 11 And the LORD said to Moses,
Exodus 16 12 "I have heard the people's complaints. Now tell them, `In the evening you will have meat to eat, and in the morning you will be filled with bread. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God.'"
Exodus 16 13 That evening vast numbers of quail arrived and covered the camp. The next morning the desert all around the camp was wet with dew.
Exodus 16 14 When the dew disappeared later in the morning, thin flakes, white like frost, covered the ground.
Exodus 16 15 The Israelites were puzzled when they saw it. "What is it?" they asked. And Moses told them, "It is the food the LORD has given you.
Exodus 16 16 The LORD says that each household should gather as much as it needs. Pick up two quarts for each person."
Exodus 16 17 So the people of Israel went out and gathered this food--some getting more, and some getting less.
Exodus 16 18 By gathering two quarts for each person, everyone had just enough. Those who gathered a lot had nothing left over, and those who gathered only a little had enough. Each family had just what it needed.
Exodus 16 19 Then Moses told them, "Do not keep any of it overnight."
Exodus 16 20 But, of course, some of them didn't listen and kept some of it until morning. By then it was full of maggots and had a terrible smell. And Moses was very angry with them.
Exodus 16 21 The people gathered the food morning by morning, each family according to its need. And as the sun became hot, the food they had not picked up melted and disappeared.
Exodus 16 22 On the sixth day, there was twice as much as usual on the ground--four quarts for each person instead of two. The leaders of the people came and asked Moses why this had happened.
Exodus 16 23 He replied, "The LORD has appointed tomorrow as a day of rest, a holy Sabbath to the LORD. On this day we will rest from our normal daily tasks. So bake or boil as much as you want today, and set aside what is left for tomorrow."
Exodus 16 24 The next morning the leftover food was wholesome and good, without maggots or odor.
Exodus 16 25 Moses said, "This is your food for today, for today is a Sabbath to the LORD. There will be no food on the ground today.
Exodus 16 26 Gather the food for six days, but the seventh day is a Sabbath. There will be no food on the ground for you on that day."
Exodus 16 27 Some of the people went out anyway to gather food, even though it was the Sabbath day. But there was none to be found.
Exodus 16 28 "How long will these people refuse to obey my commands and instructions?" the LORD asked Moses.
Exodus 16 29 "Do they not realize that I have given them the seventh day, the Sabbath, as a day of rest? That is why I give you twice as much food on the sixth day, so there will be enough for two days. On the Sabbath day you must stay in your places. Do not pick up food from the ground on that day."
Exodus 16 30 So the people rested on the seventh day.
Exodus 16 31 In time, the food became known as manna. It was white like coriander seed, and it tasted like honey cakes.
Exodus 16 32 Then Moses gave them this command from the LORD: "Take two quarts of manna and keep it forever as a treasured memorial of the LORD's provision. By doing this, later generations will be able to see the bread that the LORD provided in the wilderness when he brought you out of Egypt."
Exodus 16 33 Moses said to Aaron, "Get a container and put two quarts of manna into it. Then store it in a sacred place as a reminder for all future generations."
Exodus 16 34 Aaron did this, just as the LORD had commanded Moses. He eventually placed it for safekeeping in the Ark of the Covenant.
Exodus 16 35 So the people of Israel ate manna for forty years until they arrived in the land of Canaan, where there were crops to eat.
Exodus 16 36 (The container used to measure the manna was an omer, which held about two quarts.)
Exodus 17 1 At the LORD's command, the people of Israel left the Sin Desert and moved from place to place. Eventually they came to Rephidim, but there was no water to be found there.
Exodus 17 2 So once more the people grumbled and complained to Moses. "Give us water to drink!" they demanded. "Quiet!" Moses replied. "Why are you arguing with me? And why are you testing the LORD?"
Exodus 17 3 But tormented by thirst, they continued to complain, "Why did you ever take us out of Egypt? Why did you bring us here? We, our children, and our livestock will all die!"
Exodus 17 4 Then Moses pleaded with the LORD, "What should I do with these people? They are about to stone me!"
Exodus 17 5 The LORD said to Moses, "Take your shepherd's staff, the one you used when you struck the water of the Nile. Then call some of the leaders of Israel and walk on ahead of the people.
Exodus 17 6 I will meet you by the rock at Mount Sinai. Strike the rock, and water will come pouring out. Then the people will be able to drink." Moses did just as he was told; and as the leaders looked on, water gushed out.
Exodus 17 7 Moses named the place Massah--"the place of testing"--and Meribah--"the place of arguing"--because the people of Israel argued with Moses and tested the LORD by saying, "Is the LORD going to take care of us or not?"
Exodus 17 8 While the people of Israel were still at Rephidim, the warriors of Amalek came to fight against them.
Exodus 17 9 Moses commanded Joshua, "Call the Israelites to arms, and fight the army of Amalek. Tomorrow, I will stand at the top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand."
Exodus 17 10 So Joshua did what Moses had commanded. He led his men out to fight the army of Amalek. Meanwhile Moses, Aaron, and Hur went to the top of a nearby hill.
Exodus 17 11 As long as Moses held up the staff with his hands, the Israelites had the advantage. But whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites gained the upper hand.
Exodus 17 12 Moses' arms finally became too tired to hold up the staff any longer. So Aaron and Hur found a stone for him to sit on. Then they stood on each side, holding up his hands until sunset.
Exodus 17 13 As a result, Joshua and his troops were able to crush the army of Amalek.
Exodus 17 14 Then the LORD instructed Moses, "Write this down as a permanent record, and announce it to Joshua: I will blot out every trace of Amalek from under heaven."
Exodus 17 15 Moses built an altar there and called it "The LORD Is My Banner."
Exodus 17 16 He said, "They have dared to raise their fist against the LORD's throne, so now the LORD will be at war with Amalek generation after generation."
Exodus 18 1 Word soon reached Jethro, the priest of Midian and Moses' father-in-law, about all the wonderful things God had done for Moses and his people, the Israelites. He had heard about how the LORD had brought them safely out of Egypt.
Exodus 18 2 Some time before this, Moses had sent his wife, Zipporah, and his two sons to live with Jethro, his father-in-law.
Exodus 18 3 The name of Moses' first son was Gershom, for Moses had said when the boy was born, "I have been a stranger in a foreign land."
Exodus 18 4 The name of his second son was Eliezer, for Moses had said at his birth, "The God of my fathers was my helper; he delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh."
Exodus 18 5 Jethro now came to visit Moses, and he brought Moses' wife and two sons with him. They arrived while Moses and the people were camped near the mountain of God.
Exodus 18 6 Moses was told, "Jethro, your father-in-law, has come to visit you. Your wife and your two sons are with him."
Exodus 18 7 So Moses went out to meet his father-in-law. He bowed to him respectfully and greeted him warmly. They asked about each other's health and then went to Moses' tent to talk further.
Exodus 18 8 Moses told his father-in-law about everything the LORD had done to rescue Israel from Pharaoh and the Egyptians. He also told him about the problems they had faced along the way and how the LORD had delivered his people from all their troubles.
Exodus 18 9 Jethro was delighted when he heard about all that the LORD had done for Israel as he brought them out of Egypt.
Exodus 18 10 "Praise be to the LORD," Jethro said, "for he has saved you from the Egyptians and from Pharaoh. He has rescued Israel from the power of Egypt!
Exodus 18 11 I know now that the LORD is greater than all other gods, because his people have escaped from the proud and cruel Egyptians."
Exodus 18 12 Then Jethro presented a burnt offering and gave sacrifices to God. As Jethro was doing this, Aaron and the leaders of Israel came out to meet him. They all joined him in a sacrificial meal in God's presence.
Exodus 18 13 The next day, Moses sat as usual to hear the people's complaints against each other. They were lined up in front of him from morning till evening.
Exodus 18 14 When Moses' father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he said, "Why are you trying to do all this alone? The people have been standing here all day to get your help."
Exodus 18 15 Moses replied, "Well, the people come to me to seek God's guidance.
Exodus 18 16 When an argument arises, I am the one who settles the case. I inform the people of God's decisions and teach them his laws and instructions."
Exodus 18 17 "This is not good!" his father-in-law exclaimed.
Exodus 18 18 "You're going to wear yourself out--and the people, too. This job is too heavy a burden for you to handle all by yourself.
Exodus 18 19 Now let me give you a word of advice, and may God be with you. You should continue to be the people's representative before God, bringing him their questions to be decided.
Exodus 18 20 You should tell them God's decisions, teach them God's laws and instructions, and show them how to conduct their lives.
Exodus 18 21 But find some capable, honest men who fear God and hate bribes. Appoint them as judges over groups of one thousand, one hundred, fifty, and ten.
Exodus 18 22 These men can serve the people, resolving all the ordinary cases. Anything that is too important or too complicated can be brought to you. But they can take care of the smaller matters themselves. They will help you carry the load, making the task easier for you.
Exodus 18 23 If you follow this advice, and if God directs you to do so, then you will be able to endure the pressures, and all these people will go home in peace."
Exodus 18 24 Moses listened to his father-in-law's advice and followed his suggestions.
Exodus 18 25 He chose capable men from all over Israel and made them judges over the people. They were put in charge of groups of one thousand, one hundred, fifty, and ten.
Exodus 18 26 These men were constantly available to administer justice. They brought the hard cases to Moses, but they judged the smaller matters themselves.
Exodus 18 27 Soon after this, Moses said good-bye to his father-in-law, who returned to his own land.
Exodus 19 1 The Israelites arrived in the wilderness of Sinai exactly two months after they left Egypt.
Exodus 19 2 After breaking camp at Rephidim, they came to the base of Mount Sinai and set up camp there.
Exodus 19 3 Then Moses climbed the mountain to appear before God. The LORD called out to him from the mountain and said, "Give these instructions to the descendants of Jacob, the people of Israel:
Exodus 19 4 `You have seen what I did to the Egyptians. You know how I brought you to myself and carried you on eagle's wings.
Exodus 19 5 Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the nations of the earth; for all the earth belongs to me.
Exodus 19 6 And you will be to me a kingdom of priests, my holy nation.' Give this message to the Israelites."
Exodus 19 7 Moses returned from the mountain and called together the leaders of the people and told them what the LORD had said.
Exodus 19 8 They all responded together, "We will certainly do everything the LORD asks of us." So Moses brought the people's answer back to the LORD.
Exodus 19 9 Then the LORD said to Moses, "I am going to come to you in a thick cloud so the people themselves can hear me as I speak to you. Then they will always have confidence in you." Moses told the LORD what the people had said.
Exodus 19 10 Then the LORD told Moses, "Go down and prepare the people for my visit. Purify them today and tomorrow, and have them wash their clothing.
Exodus 19 11 Be sure they are ready on the third day, for I will come down upon Mount Sinai as all the people watch.
Exodus 19 12 Set boundary lines that the people may not pass. Warn them, `Be careful! Do not go up on the mountain or even touch its boundaries. Those who do will certainly die!
Exodus 19 13 Any people or animals that cross the boundary must be stoned to death or shot with arrows. They must not be touched by human hands.' The people must stay away from the mountain until they hear one long blast from the ram's horn. Then they must gather at the foot of the mountain."
Exodus 19 14 So Moses went down to the people. He purified them for worship and had them wash their clothing.
Exodus 19 15 He told them, "Get ready for an important event two days from now. And until then, abstain from having sexual intercourse."
Exodus 19 16 On the morning of the third day, there was a powerful thunder and lightning storm, and a dense cloud came down upon the mountain. There was a long, loud blast from a ram's horn, and all the people trembled.
Exodus 19 17 Moses led them out from the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain.
Exodus 19 18 All Mount Sinai was covered with smoke because the LORD had descended on it in the form of fire. The smoke billowed into the sky like smoke from a furnace, and the whole mountain shook with a violent earthquake.
Exodus 19 19 As the horn blast grew louder and louder, Moses spoke, and God thundered his reply for all to hear.
Exodus 19 20 The LORD came down on the top of Mount Sinai and called Moses to the top of the mountain. So Moses climbed the mountain.
Exodus 19 21 Then the LORD told Moses, "Go back down and warn the people not to cross the boundaries. They must not come up here to see the LORD, for those who do will die.
Exodus 19 22 Even the priests who regularly come near to the LORD must purify themselves, or I will destroy them."
Exodus 19 23 "But LORD, the people cannot come up on the mountain!" Moses protested. "You already told them not to. You told me to set boundaries around the mountain and to declare it off limits."
Exodus 19 24 But the LORD said, "Go down anyway and bring Aaron back with you. In the meantime, do not let the priests or the people cross the boundaries to come up here. If they do, I will punish them."
Exodus 19 25 So Moses went down to the people and told them what the LORD had said.
Exodus 20 1 Then God instructed the people as follows:
Exodus 20 2 "I am the LORD your God, who rescued you from slavery in Egypt.
Exodus 20 3 "Do not worship any other gods besides me.
Exodus 20 4 "Do not make idols of any kind, whether in the shape of birds or animals or fish.
Exodus 20 5 You must never worship or bow down to them, for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God who will not share your affection with any other god! I do not leave unpunished the sins of those who hate me, but I punish the children for the sins of their parents to the third and fourth generations.
Exodus 20 6 But I lavish my love on those who love me and obey my commands, even for a thousand generations.
Exodus 20 7 "Do not misuse the name of the LORD your God. The LORD will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name.
Exodus 20 8 "Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
Exodus 20 9 Six days a week are set apart for your daily duties and regular work,
Exodus 20 10 but the seventh day is a day of rest dedicated to the LORD your God. On that day no one in your household may do any kind of work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you.
Exodus 20 11 For in six days the LORD made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; then he rested on the seventh day. That is why the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy.
Exodus 20 12 "Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the LORD your God will give you.
Exodus 20 13 "Do not murder.
Exodus 20 14 "Do not commit adultery.
Exodus 20 15 "Do not steal.
Exodus 20 16 "Do not testify falsely against your neighbor.
Exodus 20 17 "Do not covet your neighbor's house. Do not covet your neighbor's wife, male or female servant, ox or donkey, or anything else your neighbor owns."
Exodus 20 18 When the people heard the thunder and the loud blast of the horn, and when they saw the lightning and the smoke billowing from the mountain, they stood at a distance, trembling with fear.
Exodus 20 19 And they said to Moses, "You tell us what God says, and we will listen. But don't let God speak directly to us. If he does, we will die!"
Exodus 20 20 "Don't be afraid," Moses said, "for God has come in this way to show you his awesome power. From now on, let your fear of him keep you from sinning!"
Exodus 20 21 As the people stood in the distance, Moses entered into the deep darkness where God was.
Exodus 20 22 And the LORD said to Moses, "Say this to the people of Israel: You are witnesses that I have spoken to you from heaven.
Exodus 20 23 Remember, you must not make or worship idols of silver or gold.
Exodus 20 24 "The altars you make for me must be simple altars of earth. Offer on such altars your sacrifices to me--your burnt offerings and peace offerings, your sheep and goats and your cattle. Build altars in the places where I remind you who I am, and I will come and bless you there.
Exodus 20 25 If you build altars from stone, use only uncut stones. Do not chip or shape the stones with a tool, for that would make them unfit for holy use.
Exodus 20 26 And you may not approach my altar by steps. If you do, someone might look up under the skirts of your clothing and see your nakedness.
Exodus 21 1 "Here are some other instructions you must present to Israel:
Exodus 21 2 "If you buy a Hebrew slave, he is to serve for only six years. Set him free in the seventh year, and he will owe you nothing for his freedom.
Exodus 21 3 If he was single when he became your slave and then married afterward, only he will go free in the seventh year. But if he was married before he became a slave, then his wife will be freed with him.
Exodus 21 4 "If his master gave him a wife while he was a slave, and they had sons or daughters, then the man will be free in the seventh year, but his wife and children will still belong to his master.
Exodus 21 5 But the slave may plainly declare, `I love my master, my wife, and my children. I would rather not go free.'
Exodus 21 6 If he does this, his master must present him before God. Then his master must take him to the door and publicly pierce his ear with an awl. After that, the slave will belong to his master forever.
Exodus 21 7 "When a man sells his daughter as a slave, she will not be freed at the end of six years as the men are.
Exodus 21 8 If she does not please the man who bought her, he may allow her to be bought back again. But he is not allowed to sell her to foreigners, since he is the one who broke the contract with her.
Exodus 21 9 And if the slave girl's owner arranges for her to marry his son, he may no longer treat her as a slave girl, but he must treat her as his daughter.
Exodus 21 10 If he himself marries her and then takes another wife, he may not reduce her food or clothing or fail to sleep with her as his wife.
Exodus 21 11 If he fails in any of these three ways, she may leave as a free woman without making any payment.
Exodus 21 12 "Anyone who hits a person hard enough to cause death must be put to death.
Exodus 21 13 But if it is an accident and God allows it to happen, I will appoint a place where the slayer can run for safety.
Exodus 21 14 However, if someone deliberately attacks and kills another person, then the slayer must be dragged even from my altar and put to death.
Exodus 21 15 "Anyone who strikes father or mother must be put to death.
Exodus 21 16 "Kidnappers must be killed, whether they are caught in possession of their victims or have already sold them as slaves.
Exodus 21 17 "Anyone who curses father or mother must be put to death.
Exodus 21 18 "Now suppose two people quarrel, and one hits the other with a stone or fist, causing injury but not death.
Exodus 21 19 If the injured person is later able to walk again, even with a crutch, the assailant will be innocent. Nonetheless, the assailant must pay for time lost because of the injury and must pay for the medical expenses.
Exodus 21 20 "If a male or female slave is beaten and dies, the owner must be punished.
Exodus 21 21 If the slave recovers after a couple of days, however, then the owner should not be punished, since the slave is the owner's property.
Exodus 21 22 "Now suppose two people are fighting, and in the process, they hurt a pregnant woman so her child is born prematurely. If no further harm results, then the person responsible must pay damages in the amount the woman's husband demands and the judges approve.
Exodus 21 23 But if any harm results, then the offender must be punished according to the injury. If the result is death, the offender must be executed.
Exodus 21 24 If an eye is injured, injure the eye of the person who did it. If a tooth gets knocked out, knock out the tooth of the person who did it. Similarly, the payment must be hand for hand, foot for foot,
Exodus 21 25 burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise.
Exodus 21 26 "If an owner hits a male or female slave in the eye and the eye is blinded, then the slave may go free because of the eye.
Exodus 21 27 And if an owner knocks out the tooth of a male or female slave, the slave should be released in payment for the tooth.
Exodus 21 28 "If a bull gores a man or woman to death, the bull must be stoned, and its flesh may not be eaten. In such a case, however, the owner will not be held liable.
Exodus 21 29 Suppose, on the other hand, that the owner knew the bull had gored people in the past, yet the bull was not kept under control. If this is true and if the bull kills someone, it must be stoned, and the owner must also be killed.
Exodus 21 30 However, the dead person's relatives may accept payment from the owner of the bull to compensate for the loss of life. The owner will have to pay whatever is demanded.
Exodus 21 31 "The same principle applies if the bull gores a boy or a girl.
Exodus 21 32 But if the bull gores a slave, either male or female, the slave's owner is to be given thirty silver coins in payment, and the bull must be stoned.
Exodus 21 33 "Suppose someone digs or uncovers a well and fails to cover it, and then an ox or a donkey falls into it.
Exodus 21 34 The owner of the well must pay in full for the dead animal but then gets to keep it.
Exodus 21 35 "If someone's bull injures a neighbor's bull and the injured bull dies, then the two owners must sell the live bull and divide the money between them. Each will also own half of the dead bull.
Exodus 21 36 But if the bull was known from past experience to gore, yet its owner failed to keep it under control, the money will not be divided. The owner of the living bull must pay in full for the dead bull but then gets to keep it.
Exodus 22 1 "A fine must be paid by anyone who steals an ox or sheep and then kills or sells it. For oxen the fine is five oxen for each one stolen. For sheep the fine is four sheep for each one stolen.
Exodus 22 2 "If a thief is caught in the act of breaking into a house and is killed in the process, the person who killed the thief is not guilty.
Exodus 22 3 But if it happens in daylight, the one who killed the thief is guilty of murder. "A thief who is caught must pay in full for everything that was stolen. If payment is not made, the thief must be sold as a slave to pay the debt.
Exodus 22 4 If someone steals an ox or a donkey or a sheep and it is recovered alive, then the thief must pay double the value.
Exodus 22 5 "If an animal is grazing in a field or vineyard and the owner lets it stray into someone else's field to graze, then the animal's owner must pay damages in the form of high-quality grain or grapes.
Exodus 22 6 "If a fire gets out of control and goes into another person's field, destroying the sheaves or the standing grain, then the one who started the fire must pay for the lost crops.
Exodus 22 7 "Suppose someone entrusts money or goods to a neighbor, and they are stolen from the neighbor's house. If the thief is found, the fine is double the value of what was stolen.
Exodus 22 8 But if the thief is not found, God will determine whether or not it was the neighbor who stole the property.
Exodus 22 9 "Suppose there is a dispute between two people as to who owns a particular ox, donkey, sheep, article of clothing, or anything else. Both parties must come before God for a decision, and the person whom God declares guilty must pay double to the other.
Exodus 22 10 "Now suppose someone asks a neighbor to care for a donkey, ox, sheep, or any other animal, but it dies or is injured or gets away, and there is no eyewitness to report just what happened.
Exodus 22 11 The neighbor must then take an oath of innocence in the presence of the LORD. The owner must accept the neighbor's word, and no payment will be required.
Exodus 22 12 But if the animal or property was stolen, payment must be made to the owner.
Exodus 22 13 If it was attacked by a wild animal, the carcass must be shown as evidence, and no payment will be required.
Exodus 22 14 "If someone borrows an animal from a neighbor and it is injured or killed, and if the owner was not there at the time, the person who borrowed it must pay for it.
Exodus 22 15 But if the owner is there, no payment is required. And no payment is required if the animal was rented because this loss was covered by the rental fee.
Exodus 22 16 "If a man seduces a virgin who is not engaged to anyone and sleeps with her, he must pay the customary dowry and accept her as his wife.
Exodus 22 17 But if her father refuses to let her marry him, the man must still pay the money for her dowry.
Exodus 22 18 "A sorceress must not be allowed to live.
Exodus 22 19 "Anyone who has sexual relations with an animal must be executed.
Exodus 22 20 "Anyone who sacrifices to any god other than the LORD must be destroyed.
Exodus 22 21 "Do not oppress foreigners in any way. Remember, you yourselves were once foreigners in the land of Egypt.
Exodus 22 22 "Do not exploit widows or orphans.
Exodus 22 23 If you do and they cry out to me, then I will surely help them.
Exodus 22 24 My anger will blaze forth against you, and I will kill you with the sword. Your wives will become widows, and your children will become fatherless.
Exodus 22 25 "If you lend money to a fellow Hebrew in need, do not be like a money lender, charging interest.
Exodus 22 26 If you take your neighbor's cloak as a pledge of repayment, you must return it by nightfall.
Exodus 22 27 Your neighbor will need it to stay warm during the night. If you do not return it and your neighbor cries out to me for help, then I will hear, for I am very merciful.
Exodus 22 28 "Do not blaspheme God or curse anyone who rules over you.
Exodus 22 29 "Do not hold anything back when you give me the tithe of your crops and your wine. "You must make the necessary payment for redemption of your firstborn sons.
Exodus 22 30 "You must also give me the firstborn of your cattle and sheep. Leave the newborn animal with its mother for seven days; then give it to me on the eighth day.
Exodus 22 31 "You are my own holy people. Therefore, do not eat any animal that has been attacked and killed by a wild animal. Throw its carcass out for the dogs to eat.
Exodus 23 1 "Do not pass along false reports. Do not cooperate with evil people by telling lies on the witness stand.
Exodus 23 2 "Do not join a crowd that intends to do evil. When you are on the witness stand, do not be swayed in your testimony by the opinion of the majority.
Exodus 23 3 And do not slant your testimony in favor of a person just because that person is poor.
Exodus 23 4 "If you come upon your enemy's ox or donkey that has strayed away, take it back to its owner.
Exodus 23 5 If you see the donkey of someone who hates you struggling beneath a heavy load, do not walk by. Instead, stop and offer to help.
Exodus 23 6 "Do not twist justice against people simply because they are poor.
Exodus 23 7 "Keep far away from falsely charging anyone with evil. Never put an innocent or honest person to death. I will not allow anyone guilty of this to go free.
Exodus 23 8 "Take no bribes, for a bribe makes you ignore something that you clearly see. A bribe always hurts the cause of the person who is in the right.
Exodus 23 9 "Do not oppress the foreigners living among you. You know what it is like to be a foreigner. Remember your own experience in the land of Egypt.
Exodus 23 10 "Plant and harvest your crops for six years,
Exodus 23 11 but let the land rest and lie fallow during the seventh year. Then let the poor among you harvest any volunteer crop that may come up. Leave the rest for the animals to eat. The same applies to your vineyards and olive groves.
Exodus 23 12 "Work for six days, and rest on the seventh. This will give your ox and your donkey a chance to rest. It will also allow the people of your household, including your slaves and visitors, to be refreshed.
Exodus 23 13 "Be sure to obey all my instructions. And remember, never pray to or swear by any other gods. Do not even mention their names.
Exodus 23 14 "Each year you must celebrate three festivals in my honor.
Exodus 23 15 The first is the Festival of Unleavened Bread. For seven days you are to eat bread made without yeast, just as I commanded you before. This festival will be an annual event at the appointed time in early spring, for that is the anniversary of your exodus from Egypt. Everyone must bring me a sacrifice at that time.
Exodus 23 16 You must also celebrate the Festival of Harvest, when you bring me the first crops of your harvest. Finally, you are to celebrate the Festival of the Final Harvest at the end of the harvest season.
Exodus 23 17 At these three times each year, every man in Israel must appear before the Sovereign LORD.
Exodus 23 18 "Sacrificial blood must never be offered together with bread that has yeast in it. And no sacrificial fat may be left unoffered until the next morning.
Exodus 23 19 "As you harvest each of your crops, bring me a choice sample of the first day's harvest. It must be offered to the LORD your God. "You must not cook a young goat in its mother's milk.
Exodus 23 20 "See, I am sending my angel before you to lead you safely to the land I have prepared for you.
Exodus 23 21 Pay attention to him, and obey all of his instructions. Do not rebel against him, for he will not forgive your sins. He is my representative--he bears my name.
Exodus 23 22 But if you are careful to obey him, following all my instructions, then I will be an enemy to your enemies, and I will oppose those who oppose you.
Exodus 23 23 For my angel will go before you and bring you into the land of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Canaanites, Hivites, and Jebusites, so you may live there. And I will destroy them.
Exodus 23 24 Do not worship the gods of these other nations or serve them in any way, and never follow their evil example. Instead, you must utterly conquer them and break down their shameful idols.
Exodus 23 25 "You must serve only the LORD your God. If you do, I will bless you with food and water, and I will keep you healthy.
Exodus 23 26 There will be no miscarriages or infertility among your people, and I will give you long, full lives.
Exodus 23 27 "I will send my terror upon all the people whose lands you invade, and they will panic before you.
Exodus 23 28 I will send hornets ahead of you to drive out the Hivites, Canaanites, and Hittites.
Exodus 23 29 But I will not do this all in one year because the land would become a wilderness, and the wild animals would become too many to control.
Exodus 23 30 I will drive them out a little at a time until your population has increased enough to fill the land.
Exodus 23 31 And I will fix your boundaries from the Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea, and from the southern deserts to the Euphrates River. I will help you defeat the people now living in the land, and you will drive them out ahead of you.
Exodus 23 32 "Make no treaties with them and have nothing to do with their gods.
Exodus 23 33 Do not even let them live among you! If you do, they will infect you with their sin of idol worship, and that would be disastrous for you."
Exodus 24 1 Then the LORD instructed Moses: "Come up here to me, and bring along Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and seventy of Israel's leaders. All of them must worship at a distance.
Exodus 24 2 You alone, Moses, are allowed to come near to the LORD. The others must not come too close. And remember, none of the other people are allowed to climb on the mountain at all."
Exodus 24 3 When Moses had announced to the people all the teachings and regulations the LORD had given him, they answered in unison, "We will do everything the LORD has told us to do."
Exodus 24 4 Then Moses carefully wrote down all the LORD's instructions. Early the next morning he built an altar at the foot of the mountain. He also set up twelve pillars around the altar, one for each of the twelve tribes of Israel.
Exodus 24 5 Then he sent some of the young men to sacrifice young bulls as burnt offerings and peace offerings to the LORD.
Exodus 24 6 Moses took half the blood from these animals and drew it off into basins. The other half he splashed against the altar.
Exodus 24 7 Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read it to the people. They all responded again, "We will do everything the LORD has commanded. We will obey."
Exodus 24 8 Then Moses sprinkled the blood from the basins over the people and said, "This blood confirms the covenant the LORD has made with you in giving you these laws."
Exodus 24 9 Then Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and seventy of the leaders of Israel went up the mountain.
Exodus 24 10 There they saw the God of Israel. Under his feet there seemed to be a pavement of brilliant sapphire, as clear as the heavens.
Exodus 24 11 And though Israel's leaders saw God, he did not destroy them. In fact, they shared a meal together in God's presence!
Exodus 24 12 And the LORD said to Moses, "Come up to me on the mountain. Stay there while I give you the tablets of stone that I have inscribed with my instructions and commands. Then you will teach the people from them."
Exodus 24 13 So Moses and his assistant Joshua climbed up the mountain of God.
Exodus 24 14 Moses told the other leaders, "Stay here and wait for us until we come back. If there are any problems while I am gone, consult with Aaron and Hur, who are here with you."
Exodus 24 15 Then Moses went up the mountain, and the cloud covered it.
Exodus 24 16 And the glorious presence of the LORD rested upon Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it for six days. On the seventh day the LORD called to Moses from the cloud.
Exodus 24 17 The Israelites at the foot of the mountain saw an awesome sight. The awesome glory of the LORD on the mountaintop looked like a devouring fire.
Exodus 24 18 Then Moses disappeared into the cloud as he climbed higher up the mountain. He stayed on the mountain forty days and forty nights.
Exodus 25 1 The LORD said to Moses,
Exodus 25 2 "Tell the people of Israel that everyone who wants to may bring me an offering.
Exodus 25 3 Here is a list of items you may accept on my behalf: gold, silver, and bronze;
Exodus 25 4 blue, purple, and scarlet yarn; fine linen; goat hair for cloth;
Exodus 25 5 tanned ram skins and fine goatskin leather; acacia wood;
Exodus 25 6 olive oil for the lamps; spices for the anointing oil and the fragrant incense;
Exodus 25 7 onyx stones, and other stones to be set in the ephod and the chestpiece.
Exodus 25 8 "I want the people of Israel to build me a sacred residence where I can live among them.
Exodus 25 9 You must make this Tabernacle and its furnishings exactly according to the plans I will show you.
Exodus 25 10 "Make an Ark of acacia wood--a sacred chest 3 3/4 feet long, 2 1/4 feet wide, and 2 1/4 feet high.
Exodus 25 11 Overlay it inside and outside with pure gold, and put a molding of gold all around it.
Exodus 25 12 Cast four rings of gold for it, and attach them to its four feet, two rings on each side.
Exodus 25 13 Make poles from acacia wood, and overlay them with gold.
Exodus 25 14 Fit the poles into the rings at the sides of the Ark to carry it.
Exodus 25 15 These carrying poles must never be taken from the rings; they are to be left there permanently.
Exodus 25 16 When the Ark is finished, place inside it the stone tablets inscribed with the terms of the covenant, which I will give to you.
Exodus 25 17 "Then make the Ark's cover--the place of atonement--out of pure gold. It must be 3 3/4 feet long and 2 1/4 feet wide.
Exodus 25 18 Then use hammered gold to make two cherubim, and place them at the two ends of the atonement cover.
Exodus 25 19 Attach the cherubim to each end of the atonement cover, making it all one piece.
Exodus 25 20 The cherubim will face each other, looking down on the atonement cover with their wings spread out above it.
Exodus 25 21 Place inside the Ark the stone tablets inscribed with the terms of the covenant, which I will give to you. Then put the atonement cover on top of the Ark.
Exodus 25 22 I will meet with you there and talk to you from above the atonement cover between the gold cherubim that hover over the Ark of the Covenant. From there I will give you my commands for the people of Israel.
Exodus 25 23 "Then make a table of acacia wood, 3 feet long, 1 1/2 feet wide, and 2 1/4 feet high.
Exodus 25 24 Overlay it with pure gold and run a molding of gold around it.
Exodus 25 25 Put a rim about three inches wide around the top edge, and put a gold molding all around the rim.
Exodus 25 26 Make four gold rings, and put the rings at the four corners by the four legs,
Exodus 25 27 close to the rim around the top. These rings will support the poles used to carry the table.
Exodus 25 28 Make these poles from acacia wood and overlay them with gold.
Exodus 25 29 And make gold plates and dishes, as well as pitchers and bowls to be used in pouring out drink offerings.
Exodus 25 30 You must always keep the special Bread of the Presence on the table before me.
Exodus 25 31 "Make a lampstand of pure, hammered gold. The entire lampstand and its decorations will be one piece--the base, center stem, lamp cups, buds, and blossoms.
Exodus 25 32 It will have six branches, three branches going out from each side of the center stem.
Exodus 25 33 Each of the six branches will hold a cup shaped like an almond blossom, complete with buds and petals.
Exodus 25 34 The center stem of the lampstand will be decorated with four almond blossoms, complete with buds and petals.
Exodus 25 35 One blossom will be set beneath each pair of branches where they extend from the center stem.
Exodus 25 36 The decorations and branches must all be one piece with the stem, and they must be hammered from pure gold.
Exodus 25 37 Then make the seven lamps for the lampstand, and set them so they reflect their light forward.
Exodus 25 38 The lamp snuffers and trays must also be made of pure gold.
Exodus 25 39 You will need seventy-five pounds of pure gold for the lampstand and its accessories.
Exodus 25 40 "Be sure that you make everything according to the pattern I have shown you here on the mountain.
Exodus 26 1 "Make the Tabernacle from ten sheets of fine linen. These sheets are to be decorated with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, with figures of cherubim skillfully embroidered into them.
Exodus 26 2 Each sheet must be forty-two feet long and six feet wide. All ten sheets must be exactly the same size.
Exodus 26 3 Join five of these sheets together into one set; then join the other five sheets into a second set.
Exodus 26 4 Put loops of blue yarn along the edge of the last sheet in each set.
Exodus 26 5 The fifty loops along the edge of one set are to match the fifty loops along the edge of the other.
Exodus 26 6 Then make fifty gold clasps to fasten the loops of the two sets of sheets together, making the Tabernacle a single unit.
Exodus 26 7 "Make heavy sheets of cloth from goat hair to cover the Tabernacle. There must be eleven of these sheets,
Exodus 26 8 each forty-five feet long and six feet wide. All eleven of these sheets must be exactly the same size.
Exodus 26 9 Join five of these together into one set, and join the other six into a second set. The sixth sheet of the second set is to be doubled over at the entrance of the sacred tent.
Exodus 26 10 Put fifty loops along the edge of the last sheet in each set,
Exodus 26 11 and fasten them together with fifty bronze clasps. In this way, the two sets will become a single unit.
Exodus 26 12 An extra half sheet of this roof covering will be left to hang over the back of the Tabernacle,
Exodus 26 13 and the covering will hang down an extra eighteen inches on each side.
Exodus 26 14 On top of these coverings place a layer of tanned ram skins, and over them put a layer of fine goatskin leather. This will complete the roof covering.
Exodus 26 15 "The framework of the Tabernacle will consist of frames made of acacia wood.
Exodus 26 16 Each frame must be 15 feet high and 2 1/4 feet wide.
Exodus 26 17 There will be two pegs on each frame so they can be joined to the next frame. All the frames must be made this way.
Exodus 26 18 Twenty of these frames will support the south side of the Tabernacle.
Exodus 26 19 They will fit into forty silver bases--two bases under each frame.
Exodus 26 20 On the north side there will also be twenty of these frames,
Exodus 26 21 with their forty silver bases, two bases for each frame.
Exodus 26 22 On the west side there will be six frames,
Exodus 26 23 along with an extra frame at each corner.
Exodus 26 24 These corner frames will be connected at the bottom and firmly attached at the top with a single ring, forming a single unit. Both of these corner frames will be made the same way.
Exodus 26 25 So there will be eight frames on that end of the Tabernacle, supported by sixteen silver bases--two bases under each frame.
Exodus 26 26 "Make crossbars of acacia wood to run across the frames, five crossbars for the north side of the Tabernacle
Exodus 26 27 and five for the south side. Also make five crossbars for the rear of the Tabernacle, which will face westward.
Exodus 26 28 The middle crossbar, halfway up the frames, will run all the way from one end of the Tabernacle to the other.
Exodus 26 29 Overlay the frames with gold and make gold rings to support the crossbars. Overlay the crossbars with gold as well.
Exodus 26 30 "Set up this Tabernacle according to the design you were shown on the mountain.
Exodus 26 31 "Across the inside of the Tabernacle hang a special curtain made of fine linen, with cherubim skillfully embroidered into the cloth using blue, purple, and scarlet yarn.
Exodus 26 32 Hang this inner curtain on gold hooks set into four posts made from acacia wood and overlaid with gold. The posts will fit into silver bases.
Exodus 26 33 When the inner curtain is in place, put the Ark of the Covenant behind it. This curtain will separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place.
Exodus 26 34 "Then put the Ark's cover--the place of atonement--on top of the Ark of the Covenant inside the Most Holy Place.
Exodus 26 35 Place the table and lampstand across the room from each other outside the inner curtain. The lampstand must be placed on the south side, and the table must be set toward the north.
Exodus 26 36 "Make another curtain from fine linen for the entrance of the sacred tent, and embroider exquisite designs into it, using blue, purple, and scarlet yarn.
Exodus 26 37 Hang this curtain on gold hooks set into five posts made from acacia wood and overlaid with gold. The posts will fit into five bronze bases.
Exodus 27 1 "Using acacia wood, make a square altar 7 1/2 feet wide, 7 1/2 feet long, and 4 1/2 feet high.
Exodus 27 2 Make a horn at each of the four corners of the altar so the horns and altar are all one piece. Overlay the altar and its horns with bronze.
Exodus 27 3 The ash buckets, shovels, basins, meat hooks, and firepans will all be made of bronze.
Exodus 27 4 Make a bronze grating, with a metal ring at each corner.
Exodus 27 5 Fit the grating halfway down into the firebox, resting it on the ledge built there.
Exodus 27 6 For moving the altar, make poles from acacia wood, and overlay them with bronze.
Exodus 27 7 To carry it, put the poles into the rings at two sides of the altar.
Exodus 27 8 The altar must be hollow, made from planks. Be careful to build it just as you were shown on the mountain.
Exodus 27 9 "Then make a courtyard for the Tabernacle, enclosed with curtains made from fine linen. On the south side the curtains will stretch for 150 feet.
Exodus 27 10 They will be held up by twenty bronze posts that fit into twenty bronze bases. The curtains will be held up with silver hooks attached to the silver rods that are attached to the posts.
Exodus 27 11 It will be the same on the north side of the courtyard--150 feet of curtains held up by twenty posts fitted into bronze bases, with silver hooks and rods.
Exodus 27 12 The curtains on the west end of the courtyard will be 75 feet long, supported by ten posts set into ten bases.
Exodus 27 13 The east end will also be 75 feet long.
Exodus 27 14 The courtyard entrance will be on the east end, flanked by two curtains. The curtain on the right side will be 22 1/2 feet long, supported by three posts set into three bases.
Exodus 27 15 The curtain on the left side will also be 22 1/2 feet long, supported by three posts set into three bases.
Exodus 27 16 "For the entrance to the courtyard, make a curtain that is 30 feet long. Fashion it from fine linen, and decorate it with beautiful embroidery in blue, purple, and scarlet yarn. It will be attached to four posts that fit into four bases.
Exodus 27 17 All the posts around the courtyard must be connected by silver rods, using silver hooks. The posts are to be set in solid bronze bases.
Exodus 27 18 So the entire courtyard will be 150 feet long and 75 feet wide, with curtain walls 7 1/2 feet high, made from fine linen. The bases supporting its walls will be made of bronze.
Exodus 27 19 "All the articles used in the work of the Tabernacle, including all the tent pegs used to support the Tabernacle and the courtyard curtains, must be made of bronze.
Exodus 27 20 "Tell the people of Israel to bring you pure olive oil for the lampstand, so it can be kept burning continually.
Exodus 27 21 The lampstand will be placed outside the inner curtain of the Most Holy Place in the Tabernacle. Aaron and his sons will keep the lamps burning in the LORD's presence day and night. This is a permanent law for the people of Israel, and it must be kept by all future generations.
Exodus 28 1 "Your brother, Aaron, and his sons, Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar, will be set apart from the common people. They will be my priests and will minister to me.
Exodus 28 2 Make special clothing for Aaron to show his separation to God--beautiful garments that will lend dignity to his work.
Exodus 28 3 Instruct all those who have special skills as tailors to make the garments that will set Aaron apart from everyone else, so he may serve me as a priest.
Exodus 28 4 They are to make a chestpiece, an ephod, a robe, an embroidered tunic, a turban, and a sash. They will also make special garments for Aaron's sons to wear when they serve as priests before me.
Exodus 28 5 These items must be made of fine linen cloth and embroidered with gold thread and blue, purple, and scarlet yarn.
Exodus 28 6 "The ephod must be made of fine linen cloth and skillfully embroidered with gold thread and blue, purple, and scarlet yarn.
Exodus 28 7 It will consist of two pieces, front and back, joined at the shoulders with two shoulder-pieces.
Exodus 28 8 And the sash will be made of the same materials: fine linen cloth embroidered with gold thread and blue, purple, and scarlet yarn.
Exodus 28 9 Take two onyx stones and engrave on them the names of the tribes of Israel.
Exodus 28 10 Six names will be on each stone, naming all the tribes in the order of their ancestors' births.
Exodus 28 11 Engrave these names in the same way a gemcutter engraves a seal. Mount the stones in gold settings.
Exodus 28 12 Fasten the two stones on the shoulder-pieces of the ephod as memorial stones for the people of Israel. Aaron will carry these names before the LORD as a constant reminder.
Exodus 28 13 The settings are to be made of gold filigree,
Exodus 28 14 and two cords made of pure gold will be attached to the settings on the shoulders of the ephod.
Exodus 28 15 "Then, with the most careful workmanship, make a chestpiece that will be used to determine God's will. Use the same materials as you did for the ephod: fine linen cloth embroidered with gold thread and blue, purple, and scarlet yarn.
Exodus 28 16 This chestpiece will be made of two folds of cloth, forming a pouch nine inches square.
Exodus 28 17 Four rows of gemstones will be attached to it. The first row will contain a red carnelian, a chrysolite, and an emerald.
Exodus 28 18 The second row will contain a turquoise, a sapphire, and a white moonstone.
Exodus 28 19 The third row will contain a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst.
Exodus 28 20 The fourth row will contain a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper. All these stones will be set in gold.
Exodus 28 21 Each stone will represent one of the tribes of Israel, and the name of that tribe will be engraved on it as though it were a seal.
Exodus 28 22 "To attach the chestpiece to the ephod, make braided cords of pure gold.
Exodus 28 23 Then make two gold rings and attach them to the top corners of the chestpiece.
Exodus 28 24 The two gold cords will go through the rings on the chestpiece,
Exodus 28 25 and the ends of the cords will be tied to the gold settings on the shoulder-pieces of the ephod.
Exodus 28 26 Then make two more gold rings, and attach them to the two lower inside corners of the chestpiece next to the ephod.
Exodus 28 27 And make two more gold rings and attach them to the ephod near the sash.
Exodus 28 28 Then attach the bottom rings of the chestpiece to the rings on the ephod with blue cords. This will hold the chestpiece securely to the ephod above the beautiful sash.
Exodus 28 29 In this way, Aaron will carry the names of the tribes of Israel on the chestpiece over his heart when he goes into the presence of the LORD in the Holy Place. Thus, the LORD will be reminded of his people continually.
Exodus 28 30 Insert into the pocket of the chestpiece the Urim and Thummim, to be carried over Aaron's heart when he goes into the LORD's presence. Thus, Aaron will always carry the objects used to determine the LORD's will for his people whenever he goes in before the LORD.
Exodus 28 31 "Make the robe of the ephod entirely of blue cloth,
Exodus 28 32 with an opening for Aaron's head in the middle of it. The opening will be reinforced by a woven collar so it will not tear.
Exodus 28 33 Make pomegranates out of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and attach them to the hem of the robe, with gold bells between them.
Exodus 28 34 The gold bells and pomegranates are to alternate all the way around the hem.
Exodus 28 35 Aaron will wear this robe whenever he enters the Holy Place to minister to the LORD, and the bells will tinkle as he goes in and out of the LORD's presence. If he wears it, he will not die.
Exodus 28 36 "Next make a medallion of pure gold. Using the techniques of an engraver, inscribe it with these words: SET APART AS HOLY TO THE LORD.
Exodus 28 37 This medallion will be attached to the front of Aaron's turban by means of a blue cord.
Exodus 28 38 Aaron will wear it on his forehead, thus bearing the guilt connected with any errors regarding the sacred offerings of the people of Israel. He must always wear it so the LORD will accept the people.
Exodus 28 39 "Weave Aaron's patterned tunic from fine linen cloth. Fashion the turban out of this linen as well. Also make him an embroidered sash.
Exodus 28 40 "Then for Aaron's sons, make tunics, sashes, and headdresses to give them dignity and respect.
Exodus 28 41 Clothe Aaron and his sons with these garments, and then anoint and ordain them. Set them apart as holy so they can serve as my priests.
Exodus 28 42 Also make linen underclothes for them, to be worn next to their bodies, reaching from waist to thigh.
Exodus 28 43 These must be worn whenever Aaron and his sons enter the Tabernacle or approach the altar in the Holy Place to perform their duties. Thus they will not incur guilt and die. This law is permanent for Aaron and his descendants.
Exodus 29 1 "This is the ceremony for the dedication of Aaron and his sons as priests: Take a young bull and two rams with no physical defects.
Exodus 29 2 Then using fine wheat flour and no yeast, make loaves of bread, thin cakes mixed with olive oil, and wafers with oil poured over them.
Exodus 29 3 Place these various kinds of bread in a single basket, and present them at the entrance of the Tabernacle, along with the young bull and the two rams.
Exodus 29 4 "Present Aaron and his sons at the entrance of the Tabernacle, and wash them with water.
Exodus 29 5 Then put Aaron's tunic on him, along with the embroidered robe of the ephod, the ephod itself, the chestpiece, and the sash.
Exodus 29 6 And place on his head the turban with the gold medallion.
Exodus 29 7 Then take the anointing oil and pour it over his head.
Exodus 29 8 Next present his sons, and dress them in their tunics
Exodus 29 9 with their woven sashes and their headdresses. They will then be priests forever. In this way, you will ordain Aaron and his sons.
Exodus 29 10 "Then bring the young bull to the entrance of the Tabernacle, and Aaron and his sons will lay their hands on its head.
Exodus 29 11 You will then slaughter it in the LORD's presence at the entrance of the Tabernacle.
Exodus 29 12 Smear some of its blood on the horns of the altar with your finger, and pour out the rest at the base of the altar.
Exodus 29 13 Take all the fat that covers the internal organs, also the long lobe of the liver and the two kidneys with their fat, and burn them on the altar.
Exodus 29 14 Then take the carcass (including the skin and the dung) outside the camp, and burn it as a sin offering.
Exodus 29 15 "Next Aaron and his sons must lay their hands on the head of one of the rams
Exodus 29 16 as it is slaughtered. Its blood will be collected and sprinkled on the sides of the altar.
Exodus 29 17 Cut up the ram and wash off the internal organs and the legs. Set them alongside the head and the other pieces of the body,
Exodus 29 18 and burn them all on the altar. This is a burnt offering to the LORD, which is very pleasing to him.
Exodus 29 19 "Now take the other ram and have Aaron and his sons lay their hands on its head
Exodus 29 20 as it is slaughtered. Collect the blood and place some of it on the tip of the right earlobes of Aaron and his sons. Also put it on their right thumbs and the big toes of their right feet. Sprinkle the rest of the blood on the sides of the altar.
Exodus 29 21 Then take some of the blood from the altar and mix it with some of the anointing oil. Sprinkle it on Aaron and his sons and on their clothes. In this way, they and their clothing will be set apart as holy to the LORD.
Exodus 29 22 "Since this is the ram for the ordination of Aaron and his sons, take the fat of the ram, including the fat tail and the fat that covers the internal organs. Also, take the long lobe of the liver, the two kidneys with their fat, and the right thigh.
Exodus 29 23 Then take one loaf of bread, one cake mixed with olive oil, and one wafer from the basket of yeastless bread that was placed before the LORD.
Exodus 29 24 Put all these in the hands of Aaron and his sons to be lifted up as a special gift to the LORD.
Exodus 29 25 Afterward take the bread from their hands, and burn it on the altar as a burnt offering that will be pleasing to the LORD.
Exodus 29 26 Then take the breast of Aaron's ordination ram, and lift it up in the LORD's presence as a special gift to him. Afterward keep it for yourself.
Exodus 29 27 "Set aside as holy the parts of the ordination ram that belong to Aaron and his sons. This includes the breast and the thigh that were lifted up before the LORD in the ordination ceremony.
Exodus 29 28 In the future, whenever the people of Israel offer up peace offerings or thanksgiving offerings to the LORD, these parts will be the regular share of Aaron and his descendants.
Exodus 29 29 "Aaron's sacred garments must be preserved for his descendants who will succeed him, so they can be anointed and ordained in them.
Exodus 29 30 Whoever is the next high priest after Aaron will wear these clothes for seven days before beginning to minister in the Tabernacle and the Holy Place.
Exodus 29 31 "Take the ram used in the ordination ceremony, and boil its meat in a sacred place.
Exodus 29 32 Aaron and his sons are to eat this meat, along with the bread in the basket, at the Tabernacle entrance.
Exodus 29 33 They alone may eat the meat and bread used for their atonement in the ordination ceremony. The ordinary people may not eat them, for these things are set apart and holy.
Exodus 29 34 If any of the ordination meat or bread remains until the morning, it must be burned. It may not be eaten, for it is holy.
Exodus 29 35 "This is how you will ordain Aaron and his sons to their offices. The ordination ceremony will go on for seven days.
Exodus 29 36 Each day you must sacrifice a young bull as an offering for the atonement of sin. Afterward make an offering to cleanse the altar. Purify the altar by making atonement for it; make it holy by anointing it with oil.
Exodus 29 37 Make atonement for the altar every day for seven days. After that, the altar will be exceedingly holy, and whatever touches it will become holy.
Exodus 29 38 "This is what you are to offer on the altar. Offer two one-year-old lambs each day,
Exodus 29 39 one in the morning and the other in the evening.
Exodus 29 40 With one of them, offer two quarts of fine flour mixed with one quart of olive oil; also, offer one quart of wine as a drink offering.
Exodus 29 41 Offer the other lamb in the evening, along with the same offerings of flour and wine as in the morning. It will be a fragrant offering to the LORD, an offering made by fire.
Exodus 29 42 "This is to be a daily burnt offering given from generation to generation. Offer it in the LORD's presence at the Tabernacle entrance, where I will meet you and speak with you.
Exodus 29 43 I will meet the people of Israel there, and the Tabernacle will be sanctified by my glorious presence.
Exodus 29 44 Yes, I will make the Tabernacle and the altar most holy, and I will set apart Aaron and his sons as holy, that they may be my priests.
Exodus 29 45 I will live among the people of Israel and be their God,
Exodus 29 46 and they will know that I am the LORD their God. I am the one who brought them out of Egypt so that I could live among them. I am the LORD their God.
Exodus 30 1 "Then make a small altar out of acacia wood for burning incense.
Exodus 30 2 It must be eighteen inches square and three feet high, with horns at the corners carved from the same piece of wood as the altar.
Exodus 30 3 Overlay the top, sides, and horns of the altar with pure gold, and run a gold molding around the entire altar.
Exodus 30 4 Beneath the molding, on opposite sides of the altar, attach two gold rings to support the carrying poles.
Exodus 30 5 The poles are to be made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold.
Exodus 30 6 Place the incense altar just outside the inner curtain, opposite the Ark's cover--the place of atonement--that rests on the Ark of the Covenant. I will meet with you there.
Exodus 30 7 "Every morning when Aaron trims the lamps, he must burn fragrant incense on the altar.
Exodus 30 8 And each evening when he tends to the lamps, he must again burn incense in the LORD's presence. This must be done from generation to generation.
Exodus 30 9 Do not offer any unholy incense on this altar, or any burnt offerings, grain offerings, or drink offerings.
Exodus 30 10 "Once a year Aaron must purify the altar by placing on its horns the blood from the offering made for the atonement of sin. This will be a regular, annual event from generation to generation, for this is the LORD's supremely holy altar."
Exodus 30 11 And the LORD said to Moses,
Exodus 30 12 "Whenever you take a census of the people of Israel, each man who is counted must pay a ransom for himself to the LORD. Then there will be no plagues among the people as you count them.
Exodus 30 13 His payment to the LORD will be one-fifth of an ounce of silver.
Exodus 30 14 All who have reached their twentieth birthday must give this offering to the LORD.
Exodus 30 15 When this offering is given to the LORD to make atonement for yourselves, the rich must not give more, and the poor must not give less.
Exodus 30 16 Use this money for the care of the Tabernacle. It will bring you, the Israelites, to the LORD's attention, and it will make atonement for your lives."
Exodus 30 17 And the LORD said to Moses,
Exodus 30 18 "Make a large bronze washbasin with a bronze pedestal. Put it between the Tabernacle and the altar, and fill it with water.
Exodus 30 19 Aaron and his sons will wash their hands and feet there
Exodus 30 20 before they go into the Tabernacle to appear before the LORD and before they approach the altar to burn offerings to the LORD. They must always wash before ministering in these ways, or they will die.
Exodus 30 21 This is a permanent law for Aaron and his descendants, to be kept from generation to generation."
Exodus 30 22 Then the LORD said to Moses,
Exodus 30 23 "Collect choice spices--12 1/2 pounds of pure myrrh, 6 1/4 pounds each of cinnamon and of sweet cane,
Exodus 30 24 12 1/2 pounds of cassia, and one gallon of olive oil.
Exodus 30 25 Blend these ingredients into a holy anointing oil.
Exodus 30 26 Use this scented oil to anoint the Tabernacle, the Ark of the Covenant,
Exodus 30 27 the table and all its utensils, the lampstand and all its accessories, the incense altar,
Exodus 30 28 the altar of burnt offering with all its utensils, and the large washbasin with its pedestal.
Exodus 30 29 Sanctify them to make them entirely holy. After this, whatever touches them will become holy.
Exodus 30 30 Use this oil also to anoint Aaron and his sons, sanctifying them so they can minister before me as priests.
Exodus 30 31 And say to the people of Israel, `This will always be my holy anointing oil.
Exodus 30 32 It must never be poured on the body of an ordinary person, and you must never make any of it for yourselves. It is holy, and you must treat it as holy.
Exodus 30 33 Anyone who blends scented oil like it or puts any of it on someone who is not a priest will be cut off from the community.'"
Exodus 30 34 These were the LORD's instructions to Moses concerning the incense: "Gather sweet spices--resin droplets, mollusk scent, galbanum, and pure frankincense--weighing out the same amounts of each.
Exodus 30 35 Using the usual techniques of the incense maker, refine it to produce a pure and holy incense.
Exodus 30 36 Beat some of it very fine and put some of it in front of the Ark of the Covenant, where I will meet with you in the Tabernacle. This incense is most holy.
Exodus 30 37 Never make this incense for yourselves. It is reserved for the LORD, and you must treat it as holy.
Exodus 30 38 Those who make it for their own enjoyment will be cut off from the community."
Exodus 31 1 The LORD also said to Moses,
Exodus 31 2 "Look, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, grandson of Hur, of the tribe of Judah.
Exodus 31 3 I have filled him with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, intelligence, and skill in all kinds of crafts.
Exodus 31 4 He is able to create beautiful objects from gold, silver, and bronze.
Exodus 31 5 He is skilled in cutting and setting gemstones and in carving wood. Yes, he is a master at every craft!
Exodus 31 6 "And I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, to be his assistant. Moreover, I have given special skill to all the naturally talented craftsmen so they can make all the things I have instructed you to make:
Exodus 31 7 the Tabernacle itself; the Ark of the Covenant; the Ark's cover--the place of atonement; all the furnishings of the Tabernacle;
Exodus 31 8 the table and all its utensils; the gold lampstand with all its accessories; the incense altar;
Exodus 31 9 the altar of burnt offering with all its utensils; the washbasin and its pedestal;
Exodus 31 10 the beautifully stitched, holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments for his sons to wear as they minister as priests;
Exodus 31 11 the anointing oil; and the special incense for the Holy Place. They must follow exactly all the instructions I have given you."
Exodus 31 12 The LORD then gave these further instructions to Moses:
Exodus 31 13 "Tell the people of Israel to keep my Sabbath day, for the Sabbath is a sign of the covenant between me and you forever. It helps you to remember that I am the LORD, who makes you holy.
Exodus 31 14 Yes, keep the Sabbath day, for it is holy. Anyone who desecrates it must die; anyone who works on that day will be cut off from the community.
Exodus 31 15 Work six days only, but the seventh day must be a day of total rest. I repeat: Because the LORD considers it a holy day, anyone who works on the Sabbath must be put to death.
Exodus 31 16 The people of Israel must keep the Sabbath day forever.
Exodus 31 17 It is a permanent sign of my covenant with them. For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, but he rested on the seventh day and was refreshed."
Exodus 31 18 Then as the LORD finished speaking with Moses on Mount Sinai, he gave him the two stone tablets inscribed with the terms of the covenant, written by the finger of God.
Exodus 32 1 When Moses failed to come back down the mountain right away, the people went to Aaron. "Look," they said, "make us some gods who can lead us. This man Moses, who brought us here from Egypt, has disappeared. We don't know what has happened to him."
Exodus 32 2 So Aaron said, "Tell your wives and sons and daughters to take off their gold earrings, and then bring them to me."
Exodus 32 3 All the people obeyed Aaron and brought him their gold earrings.
Exodus 32 4 Then Aaron took the gold, melted it down, and molded and tooled it into the shape of a calf. The people exclaimed, "O Israel, these are the gods who brought you out of Egypt!"
Exodus 32 5 When Aaron saw how excited the people were about it, he built an altar in front of the calf and announced, "Tomorrow there will be a festival to the LORD!"
Exodus 32 6 So the people got up early the next morning to sacrifice burnt offerings and peace offerings. After this, they celebrated with feasting and drinking, and indulged themselves in pagan revelry.
Exodus 32 7 Then the LORD told Moses, "Quick! Go down the mountain! The people you brought from Egypt have defiled themselves.
Exodus 32 8 They have already turned from the way I commanded them to live. They have made an idol shaped like a calf, and they have worshiped and sacrificed to it. They are saying, `These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you out of Egypt.'"
Exodus 32 9 Then the LORD said, "I have seen how stubborn and rebellious these people are.
Exodus 32 10 Now leave me alone so my anger can blaze against them and destroy them all. Then I will make you, Moses, into a great nation instead of them."
Exodus 32 11 But Moses pleaded with the LORD his God not to do it. "O LORD!" he exclaimed. "Why are you so angry with your own people whom you brought from the land of Egypt with such great power and mighty acts?
Exodus 32 12 The Egyptians will say, `God tricked them into coming to the mountains so he could kill them and wipe them from the face of the earth.' Turn away from your fierce anger. Change your mind about this terrible disaster you are planning against your people!
Exodus 32 13 Remember your covenant with your servants--Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. You swore by your own self, `I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars of heaven. Yes, I will give them all of this land that I have promised to your descendants, and they will possess it forever.'"
Exodus 32 14 So the LORD withdrew his threat and didn't bring against his people the disaster he had threatened.
Exodus 32 15 Then Moses turned and went down the mountain. He held in his hands the two stone tablets inscribed with the terms of the covenant. They were inscribed on both sides, front and back.
Exodus 32 16 These stone tablets were God's work; the words on them were written by God himself.
Exodus 32 17 When Joshua heard the noise of the people shouting below them, he exclaimed to Moses, "It sounds as if there is a war in the camp!"
Exodus 32 18 But Moses replied, "No, it's neither a cry of victory nor a cry of defeat. It is the sound of a celebration."
Exodus 32 19 When they came near the camp, Moses saw the calf and the dancing. In terrible anger, he threw the stone tablets to the ground, smashing them at the foot of the mountain.
Exodus 32 20 He took the calf they had made and melted it in the fire. And when the metal had cooled, he ground it into powder and mixed it with water. Then he made the people drink it.
Exodus 32 21 After that, he turned to Aaron. "What did the people do to you?" he demanded. "How did they ever make you bring such terrible sin upon them?"
Exodus 32 22 "Don't get upset, sir," Aaron replied. "You yourself know these people and what a wicked bunch they are.
Exodus 32 23 They said to me, `Make us some gods to lead us, for something has happened to this man Moses, who led us out of Egypt.'
Exodus 32 24 So I told them, `Bring me your gold earrings.' When they brought them to me, I threw them into the fire--and out came this calf!"
Exodus 32 25 When Moses saw that Aaron had let the people get completely out of control--and much to the amusement of their enemies--
Exodus 32 26 he stood at the entrance to the camp and shouted, "All of you who are on the LORD's side, come over here and join me." And all the Levites came.
Exodus 32 27 He told them, "This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: Strap on your swords! Go back and forth from one end of the camp to the other, killing even your brothers, friends, and neighbors."
Exodus 32 28 The Levites obeyed Moses, and about three thousand people died that day.
Exodus 32 29 Then Moses told the Levites, "Today you have been ordained for the service of the LORD, for you obeyed him even though it meant killing your own sons and brothers. Because of this, he will now give you a great blessing."
Exodus 32 30 The next day Moses said to the people, "You have committed a terrible sin, but I will return to the LORD on the mountain. Perhaps I will be able to obtain forgiveness for you."
Exodus 32 31 So Moses returned to the LORD and said, "Alas, these people have committed a terrible sin. They have made gods of gold for themselves.
Exodus 32 32 But now, please forgive their sin--and if not, then blot me out of the record you are keeping."
Exodus 32 33 The LORD replied to Moses, "I will blot out whoever has sinned against me.
Exodus 32 34 Now go, lead the people to the place I told you about. Look! My angel will lead the way before you! But when I call the people to account, I will certainly punish them for their sins."
Exodus 32 35 And the LORD sent a great plague upon the people because they had worshiped the calf Aaron had made.
Exodus 33 1 The LORD said to Moses, "Now that you have brought these people out of Egypt, lead them to the land I solemnly promised Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. I told them long ago that I would give this land to their descendants.
Exodus 33 2 And I will send an angel before you to drive out the Canaanites, Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites.
Exodus 33 3 Theirs is a land flowing with milk and honey. But I will not travel along with you, for you are a stubborn, unruly people. If I did, I would be tempted to destroy you along the way."
Exodus 33 4 When the people heard these stern words, they went into mourning and refused to wear their jewelry and ornaments.
Exodus 33 5 For the LORD had told Moses to tell them, "You are an unruly, stubborn people. If I were there among you for even a moment, I would destroy you. Remove your jewelry and ornaments until I decide what to do with you."
Exodus 33 6 So from the time they left Mount Sinai, the Israelites wore no more jewelry.
Exodus 33 7 It was Moses' custom to set up the tent known as the Tent of Meeting far outside the camp. Everyone who wanted to consult with the LORD would go there.
Exodus 33 8 Whenever Moses went out to the Tent of Meeting, all the people would get up and stand in their tent entrances. They would all watch Moses until he disappeared inside.
Exodus 33 9 As he went into the tent, the pillar of cloud would come down and hover at the entrance while the LORD spoke with Moses.
Exodus 33 10 Then all the people would stand and bow low at their tent entrances.
Exodus 33 11 Inside the Tent of Meeting, the LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. Afterward Moses would return to the camp, but the young man who assisted him, Joshua son of Nun, stayed behind in the Tent of Meeting.
Exodus 33 12 Moses said to the LORD, "You have been telling me, `Take these people up to the Promised Land.' But you haven't told me whom you will send with me. You call me by name and tell me I have found favor with you.
Exodus 33 13 Please, if this is really so, show me your intentions so I will understand you more fully and do exactly what you want me to do. Besides, don't forget that this nation is your very own people."
Exodus 33 14 And the LORD replied, "I will personally go with you, Moses. I will give you rest--everything will be fine for you."
Exodus 33 15 Then Moses said, "If you don't go with us personally, don't let us move a step from this place.
Exodus 33 16 If you don't go with us, how will anyone ever know that your people and I have found favor with you? How else will they know we are special and distinct from all other people on the earth?"
Exodus 33 17 And the LORD replied to Moses, "I will indeed do what you have asked, for you have found favor with me, and you are my friend."
Exodus 33 18 Then Moses had one more request. "Please let me see your glorious presence," he said.
Exodus 33 19 The LORD replied, "I will make all my goodness pass before you, and I will call out my name, `the LORD,' to you. I will show kindness to anyone I choose, and I will show mercy to anyone I choose.
Exodus 33 20 But you may not look directly at my face, for no one may see me and live."
Exodus 33 21 The LORD continued, "Stand here on this rock beside me.
Exodus 33 22 As my glorious presence passes by, I will put you in the cleft of the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed.
Exodus 33 23 Then I will remove my hand, and you will see me from behind. But my face will not be seen."
Exodus 34 1 The LORD told Moses, "Prepare two stone tablets like the first ones. I will write on them the same words that were on the tablets you smashed.
Exodus 34 2 Be ready in the morning to come up Mount Sinai and present yourself to me there on the top of the mountain.
Exodus 34 3 No one else may come with you. In fact, no one is allowed anywhere on the mountain. Do not even let the flocks or herds graze near the mountain."
Exodus 34 4 So Moses cut two tablets of stone like the first ones. Early in the morning he climbed Mount Sinai as the LORD had told him, carrying the two stone tablets in his hands.
Exodus 34 5 Then the LORD came down in a pillar of cloud and called out his own name, "the LORD," as Moses stood there in his presence.
Exodus 34 6 He passed in front of Moses and said, "I am the LORD, I am the LORD, the merciful and gracious God. I am slow to anger and rich in unfailing love and faithfulness.
Exodus 34 7 I show this unfailing love to many thousands by forgiving every kind of sin and rebellion. Even so I do not leave sin unpunished, but I punish the children for the sins of their parents to the third and fourth generations."
Exodus 34 8 Moses immediately fell to the ground and worshiped.
Exodus 34 9 And he said, "If it is true that I have found favor in your sight, O Lord, then please go with us. Yes, this is an unruly and stubborn people, but please pardon our iniquity and our sins. Accept us as your own special possession."
Exodus 34 10 The LORD replied, "All right. This is the covenant I am going to make with you. I will perform wonders that have never been done before anywhere in all the earth or in any nation. And all the people around you will see the power of the LORD--the awesome power I will display through you.
Exodus 34 11 Your responsibility is to obey all the commands I am giving you today. Then I will surely drive out all those who stand in your way--the Amorites, Canaanites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites.
Exodus 34 12 "Be very careful never to make treaties with the people in the land where you are going. If you do, you soon will be following their evil ways.
Exodus 34 13 Instead, you must break down their pagan altars, smash the sacred pillars they worship, and cut down their carved images.
Exodus 34 14 You must worship no other gods, but only the LORD, for he is a God who is passionate about his relationship with you.
Exodus 34 15 "Do not make treaties of any kind with the people living in the land. They are spiritual prostitutes, committing adultery against me by sacrificing to their gods. If you make peace with them, they will invite you to go with them to worship their gods, and you are likely to do it.
Exodus 34 16 And you will accept their daughters, who worship other gods, as wives for your sons. Then they will cause your sons to commit adultery against me by worshiping other gods.
Exodus 34 17 You must make no gods for yourselves at all.
Exodus 34 18 "Be sure to celebrate the Festival of Unleavened Bread for seven days, just as I instructed you, at the appointed time each year in early spring, for that was when you left Egypt.
Exodus 34 19 "Every firstborn male belongs to me--of both cattle and sheep.
Exodus 34 20 A firstborn male donkey may be redeemed from the LORD by presenting a lamb in its place. But if you decide not to make the exchange, you must kill the donkey by breaking its neck. However, you must redeem every firstborn son. No one is allowed to appear before me without a gift.
Exodus 34 21 "Six days are set aside for work, but on the Sabbath day you must rest, even during the seasons of plowing and harvest.
Exodus 34 22 And you must remember to celebrate the Festival of Harvest with the first crop of the wheat harvest, and celebrate the Festival of the Final Harvest at the end of the harvest season.
Exodus 34 23 Three times each year all the men of Israel must appear before the Sovereign LORD, the God of Israel.
Exodus 34 24 No one will attack and conquer your land when you go to appear before the LORD your God those three times each year. I will drive out the nations that stand in your way and will enlarge your boundaries.
Exodus 34 25 "You must not offer bread made with yeast as a sacrifice to me. And none of the meat of the Passover lamb may be kept over until the following morning.
Exodus 34 26 You must bring the best of the first of each year's crop to the house of the LORD your God. "You must not cook a young goat in its mother's milk."
Exodus 34 27 And the LORD said to Moses, "Write down all these instructions, for they represent the terms of my covenant with you and with Israel."
Exodus 34 28 Moses was up on the mountain with the LORD forty days and forty nights. In all that time he neither ate nor drank. At that time he wrote the terms of the covenant--the Ten Commandments--on the stone tablets.
Exodus 34 29 When Moses came down the mountain carrying the stone tablets inscribed with the terms of the covenant, he wasn't aware that his face glowed because he had spoken to the LORD face to face.
Exodus 34 30 And when Aaron and the people of Israel saw the radiance of Moses' face, they were afraid to come near him.
Exodus 34 31 But Moses called to them and asked Aaron and the community leaders to come over and talk with him.
Exodus 34 32 Then all the people came, and Moses gave them the instructions the LORD had given him on Mount Sinai.
Exodus 34 33 When Moses had finished speaking with them, he put a veil over his face.
Exodus 34 34 But whenever he went into the Tent of Meeting to speak with the LORD, he removed the veil until he came out again. Then he would give the people whatever instructions the LORD had given him,
Exodus 34 35 and the people would see his face aglow. Afterward he would put the veil on again until he returned to speak with the LORD.
Exodus 35 1 Now Moses called a meeting of all the people and told them, "You must obey these instructions from the LORD.
Exodus 35 2 Each week, work for six days only. The seventh day is a day of total rest, a holy day that belongs to the LORD. Anyone who works on that day will die.
Exodus 35 3 Do not even light fires in your homes on that day."
Exodus 35 4 Then Moses said to all the people, "This is what the LORD has commanded.
Exodus 35 5 Everyone is invited to bring these offerings to the LORD: gold, silver, and bronze;
Exodus 35 6 blue, purple, and scarlet yarn; fine linen; goat hair for cloth;
Exodus 35 7 tanned ram skins and fine goatskin leather; acacia wood;
Exodus 35 8 olive oil for the lamps; spices for the anointing oil and the fragrant incense;
Exodus 35 9 onyx stones, and other stones to be set in the ephod and the chestpiece.
Exodus 35 10 "Come, all of you who are gifted craftsmen. Construct everything that the LORD has commanded:
Exodus 35 11 the entire Tabernacle, including the sacred tent and its coverings, the clasps, frames, crossbars, posts, and bases;
Exodus 35 12 the Ark and its poles; the Ark's cover--the place of atonement; the inner curtain to enclose the Ark in the Most Holy Place;
Exodus 35 13 the table, its carrying poles, and all of its utensils; the Bread of the Presence;
Exodus 35 14 the lampstand and its accessories; the lamp cups and the oil for lighting;
Exodus 35 15 the incense altar and its carrying poles; the anointing oil and fragrant incense; the curtain for the entrance of the Tabernacle;
Exodus 35 16 the altar of burnt offering; the bronze grating of the altar and its carrying poles and utensils; the large washbasin with its pedestal;
Exodus 35 17 the curtains for the walls of the courtyard; the posts and their bases; the curtain for the entrance to the courtyard;
Exodus 35 18 the tent pegs of the Tabernacle and courtyard and their cords;
Exodus 35 19 the beautifully stitched clothing for the priests to wear while ministering in the Holy Place; the sacred garments for Aaron and his sons to wear while officiating as priests."
Exodus 35 20 So all the people left Moses and went to their tents to prepare their gifts.
Exodus 35 21 If their hearts were stirred and they desired to do so, they brought to the LORD their offerings of materials for the Tabernacle and its furnishings and for the holy garments.
Exodus 35 22 Both men and women came, all whose hearts were willing. Some brought to the LORD their offerings of gold--medallions, earrings, rings from their fingers, and necklaces. They presented gold objects of every kind to the LORD.
Exodus 35 23 Others brought blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, fine linen, or goat hair for cloth. Some gave tanned ram skins or fine goatskin leather.
Exodus 35 24 Others brought silver and bronze objects as their offering to the LORD. And those who had acacia wood brought it.
Exodus 35 25 All the women who were skilled in sewing and spinning prepared blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and fine linen cloth, and they brought them in.
Exodus 35 26 All the women who were willing used their skills to spin and weave the goat hair into cloth.
Exodus 35 27 The leaders brought onyx stones and the other gemstones to be used for the ephod and the chestpiece.
Exodus 35 28 They also brought spices and olive oil for the light, the anointing oil, and the fragrant incense.
Exodus 35 29 So the people of Israel--every man and woman who wanted to help in the work the LORD had given them through Moses--brought their offerings to the LORD.
Exodus 35 30 And Moses told them, "The LORD has chosen Bezalel son of Uri, grandson of Hur, of the tribe of Judah.
Exodus 35 31 The LORD has filled Bezalel with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, intelligence, and skill in all kinds of crafts.
Exodus 35 32 He is able to create beautiful objects from gold, silver, and bronze.
Exodus 35 33 He is skilled in cutting and setting gemstones and in carving wood. In fact, he has every necessary skill.
Exodus 35 34 And the LORD has given both him and Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach their skills to others.
Exodus 35 35 The LORD has given them special skills as jewelers, designers, weavers, and embroiderers in blue, purple, and scarlet yarn on fine linen cloth. They excel in all the crafts needed for the work.
Exodus 36 1 "Bezalel, Oholiab, and the other craftsmen whom the LORD has gifted with wisdom, skill, and intelligence will construct and furnish the Tabernacle, just as the LORD has commanded."
Exodus 36 2 So Moses told Bezalel and Oholiab to begin the work, along with all those who were specially gifted by the LORD.
Exodus 36 3 Moses gave them the materials donated by the people for the completion of the sanctuary. Additional gifts were brought each morning.
Exodus 36 4 But finally the craftsmen left their work to meet with Moses.
Exodus 36 5 "We have more than enough materials on hand now to complete the job the LORD has given us to do!" they exclaimed.
Exodus 36 6 So Moses gave the command, and this message was sent throughout the camp: "Bring no more materials! You have already given more than enough." So the people stopped bringing their offerings.
Exodus 36 7 Their contributions were more than enough to complete the whole project.
Exodus 36 8 The skilled weavers first made ten sheets from fine linen. One of the craftsmen then embroidered blue, purple, and scarlet cherubim into them.
Exodus 36 9 Each sheet was exactly the same size--forty-two feet long and six feet wide.
Exodus 36 10 Five of these sheets were joined together to make one set, and a second set was made of the other five.
Exodus 36 11 Fifty blue loops were placed along the edge of the last sheet in each set.
Exodus 36 12 The fifty loops along the edge of the first set of sheets matched the loops along the edge of the second set.
Exodus 36 13 Then fifty gold clasps were made to connect the loops on the edge of each set. Thus the Tabernacle was joined together in one piece.
Exodus 36 14 Above the Tabernacle, a roof covering was made from eleven sheets of cloth made from goat hair.
Exodus 36 15 Each sheet was exactly the same size--forty-five feet long and six feet wide.
Exodus 36 16 The craftsmen joined five of these sheets together to make one set, and the six remaining sheets were joined to make a second set.
Exodus 36 17 Then they made fifty loops along the edge of the last sheet in each set.
Exodus 36 18 They also made fifty small bronze clasps to couple the loops, so the two sets of sheets were firmly attached to each other. In this way, the roof covering was joined together in one piece.
Exodus 36 19 Then they made two more layers for the roof covering. The first was made of tanned ram skins, and the second was made of fine goatskin leather.
Exodus 36 20 For the framework of the Tabernacle, they made frames of acacia wood standing on end.
Exodus 36 21 Each frame was 15 feet high and 2 1/4 feet wide.
Exodus 36 22 There were two pegs on each frame so they could be joined to the next frame. All the frames were made this way.
Exodus 36 23 They made twenty frames to support the south side,
Exodus 36 24 along with forty silver bases, two for each frame.
Exodus 36 25 They also made twenty frames for the north side of the Tabernacle,
Exodus 36 26 along with forty silver bases, two for each frame.
Exodus 36 27 The west side of the Tabernacle, which was its rear, was made from six frames,
Exodus 36 28 plus an extra frame at each corner.
Exodus 36 29 These corner frames were connected at the bottom and firmly attached at the top with a single ring, forming a single unit from top to bottom. They made two of these, one for each rear corner.
Exodus 36 30 So for the west side they made a total of eight frames, along with sixteen silver bases, two for each frame.
Exodus 36 31 Then they made five crossbars from acacia wood to tie the frames on the south side together.
Exodus 36 32 They made another five for the north side and five for the west side.
Exodus 36 33 The middle crossbar of the five was halfway up the frames, along each side, running from one end to the other.
Exodus 36 34 The frames and crossbars were all overlaid with gold. The rings used to hold the crossbars were made of pure gold.
Exodus 36 35 The inner curtain was made of fine linen cloth, and cherubim were skillfully embroidered into it with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn.
Exodus 36 36 This curtain was then attached to four gold hooks set into four posts of acacia wood. The posts were overlaid with gold and set into four silver bases.
Exodus 36 37 Then they made another curtain for the entrance to the sacred tent. It was made of fine linen cloth and embroidered with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn.
Exodus 36 38 This curtain was connected by five hooks to five posts. The posts with their decorated tops and bands were overlaid with gold. The five bases were molded from bronze.
Exodus 37 1 Next Bezalel made the Ark out of acacia wood. It was 3 3/4 feet long, 2 1/4 feet wide, and 2 1/4 feet high.
Exodus 37 2 It was overlaid with pure gold inside and out, and it had a molding of gold all the way around.
Exodus 37 3 Four gold rings were fastened to its four feet, two rings at each side.
Exodus 37 4 Then he made poles from acacia wood and overlaid them with gold.
Exodus 37 5 He put the poles into the rings at the sides of the Ark to carry it.
Exodus 37 6 Then, from pure gold, he made the Ark's cover--the place of atonement. It was 3 3/4 feet long and 2 1/4 feet wide.
Exodus 37 7 He made two figures of cherubim out of hammered gold and placed them at the two ends of the atonement cover.
Exodus 37 8 They were made so they were actually a part of the atonement cover--it was all one piece.
Exodus 37 9 The cherubim faced each other as they looked down on the atonement cover, and their wings were stretched out above the atonement cover to protect it.
Exodus 37 10 Then he made a table out of acacia wood, 3 feet long, 1 1/2 feet wide, and 2 1/4 feet high.
Exodus 37 11 It was overlaid with pure gold, with a gold molding all around the edge.
Exodus 37 12 A rim about 3 inches wide was attached along the edges of the table, and a gold molding ran around the rim.
Exodus 37 13 Then he cast four rings of gold and attached them to the four table legs
Exodus 37 14 next to the rim. These were made to hold the carrying poles in place.
Exodus 37 15 He made the carrying poles of acacia wood and overlaid them with gold.
Exodus 37 16 Next, using pure gold, he made the plates, dishes, bowls, and pitchers to be placed on the table. These utensils were to be used in pouring out drink offerings.
Exodus 37 17 Then he made the lampstand, again using pure, hammered gold. Its base, center stem, lamp cups, blossoms, and buds were all of one piece.
Exodus 37 18 The lampstand had six branches, three going out from each side of the center stem.
Exodus 37 19 Each of the six branches held a cup shaped like an almond blossom, complete with buds and petals.
Exodus 37 20 The center stem of the lampstand was also decorated with four almond blossoms.
Exodus 37 21 One blossom was set beneath each pair of branches, where they extended from the center stem.
Exodus 37 22 The decorations and branches were all one piece with the stem, and they were hammered from pure gold.
Exodus 37 23 He also made the seven lamps, the lamp snuffers, and the trays, all of pure gold.
Exodus 37 24 The entire lampstand, along with its accessories, was made from seventy-five pounds of pure gold.
Exodus 37 25 The incense altar was made of acacia wood. It was eighteen inches square and three feet high, with its corner horns made from the same piece of wood as the altar itself.
Exodus 37 26 He overlaid the top, sides, and horns of the altar with pure gold and ran a gold molding around the edge.
Exodus 37 27 Two gold rings were placed on opposite sides, beneath the molding, to hold the carrying poles.
Exodus 37 28 The carrying poles were made of acacia wood and were overlaid with gold.
Exodus 37 29 Then he made the sacred oil, for anointing the priests, and the fragrant incense, using the techniques of the most skilled incense maker.
Exodus 38 1 The altar for burning animal sacrifices also was constructed of acacia wood. It was 7 1/2 feet square at the top and 4 1/2 feet high.
Exodus 38 2 There were four horns, one at each of the four corners, all of one piece with the rest. This altar was overlaid with bronze.
Exodus 38 3 Then he made all the bronze utensils to be used with the altar--the ash buckets, shovels, basins, meat hooks, and firepans.
Exodus 38 4 Next he made a bronze grating that rested on a ledge about halfway down into the firebox.
Exodus 38 5 Four rings were cast for each side of the grating to support the carrying poles.
Exodus 38 6 The carrying poles themselves were made of acacia wood and were overlaid with bronze.
Exodus 38 7 These poles were inserted into the rings at the side of the altar. The altar was hollow and was made from planks.
Exodus 38 8 The bronze washbasin and its bronze pedestal were cast from bronze mirrors donated by the women who served at the entrance of the Tabernacle.
Exodus 38 9 Then he constructed the courtyard. The south wall was 150 feet long. It consisted of curtains made of fine linen.
Exodus 38 10 There were twenty posts, each with its own bronze base, and there were silver hooks and rods to hold up the curtains.
Exodus 38 11 The north wall was also 150 feet long, with twenty bronze posts and bases and with silver hooks and rods.
Exodus 38 12 The west end was 75 feet wide. The walls were made from curtains supported by ten posts and bases and with silver hooks and rods.
Exodus 38 13 The east end was also 75 feet wide.
Exodus 38 14 The courtyard entrance was on the east side, flanked by two curtains. The curtain on the right side was 22 1/2 feet long and was supported by three posts set into three bases.
Exodus 38 15 The curtain on the left side was also 22 1/2 feet long and was supported by three posts set into three bases.
Exodus 38 16 All the curtains used in the courtyard walls were made of fine linen.
Exodus 38 17 Each post had a bronze base, and all the hooks and rods were silver. The tops of the posts were overlaid with silver, and the rods to hold up the curtains were solid silver.
Exodus 38 18 The curtain that covered the entrance to the courtyard was made of fine linen cloth and embroidered with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn. It was 30 feet long and 7 1/2 feet high, just like the curtains of the courtyard walls.
Exodus 38 19 It was supported by four posts set into four bronze bases. The tops of the posts were overlaid with silver, and the hooks and rods were also made of silver.
Exodus 38 20 All the tent pegs used in the Tabernacle and courtyard were made of bronze.
Exodus 38 21 Here is an inventory of the materials used in building the Tabernacle of the Covenant. Moses directed the Levites to compile the figures, and Ithamar son of Aaron the priest served as recorder.
Exodus 38 22 Bezalel son of Uri, grandson of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, was in charge of the whole project, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.
Exodus 38 23 He was assisted by Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, a craftsman expert at engraving, designing, and embroidering blue, purple, and scarlet yarn on fine linen cloth.
Exodus 38 24 The people brought gifts of gold totaling about 2,200 pounds, all of which was used throughout the Tabernacle.
Exodus 38 25 The amount of silver that was given was about 7,545 pounds.
Exodus 38 26 It came from the tax of one-fifth of an ounce of silver collected from each of those registered in the census. This included all the men who were twenty years old or older, 603,550 in all.
Exodus 38 27 The 100 bases for the frames of the sanctuary walls and for the posts supporting the inner curtain required 7,500 pounds of silver, about 75 pounds for each base.
Exodus 38 28 The rest of the silver, about 45 pounds, was used to make the rods and hooks and to overlay the tops of the posts.
Exodus 38 29 The people also brought 5,310 pounds of bronze,
Exodus 38 30 which was used for casting the bases for the posts at the entrance to the Tabernacle, and for the bronze altar with its bronze grating and altar utensils.
Exodus 38 31 Bronze was also used to make the bases for the posts that supported the curtains around the courtyard, the bases for the curtain at the entrance of the courtyard, and all the tent pegs used to hold the curtains of the courtyard in place.
Exodus 39 1 For the priests, the craftsmen made beautiful garments of blue, purple, and scarlet cloth--clothing to be worn while ministering in the Holy Place. This same cloth was used for Aaron's sacred garments, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.
Exodus 39 2 The ephod was made from fine linen cloth and embroidered with gold thread and blue, purple, and scarlet yarn.
Exodus 39 3 A skilled craftsman made gold thread by beating gold into thin sheets and cutting it into fine strips. He then embroidered it into the linen with the blue, purple, and scarlet yarn.
Exodus 39 4 They made two shoulder-pieces for the ephod, which were attached to its corners so it could be tied down.
Exodus 39 5 They also made an elaborate woven sash of the same materials: fine linen cloth; blue, purple, and scarlet yarn; and gold thread, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.
Exodus 39 6 The two onyx stones, attached to the shoulder-pieces of the ephod, were set in gold filigree. The stones were engraved with the names of the tribes of Israel, just as initials are engraved on a seal.
Exodus 39 7 These stones served as reminders to the LORD concerning the people of Israel. All this was done just as the LORD had commanded Moses.
Exodus 39 8 The chestpiece was made in the same style as the ephod, crafted from fine linen cloth and embroidered with gold thread and blue, purple, and scarlet yarn.
Exodus 39 9 It was doubled over to form a pouch, nine inches square.
Exodus 39 10 Four rows of gemstones were set across it. In the first row were a red carnelian, a chrysolite, and an emerald.
Exodus 39 11 In the second row were a turquoise, a sapphire, and a white moonstone.
Exodus 39 12 In the third row were a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst.
Exodus 39 13 In the fourth row were a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper. Each of these gemstones was set in gold.
Exodus 39 14 The stones were engraved like a seal, each with the name of one of the twelve tribes of Israel.
Exodus 39 15 To attach the chestpiece to the ephod, they made braided cords of pure gold.
Exodus 39 16 They also made two gold rings and attached them to the top corners of the chestpiece.
Exodus 39 17 The two gold cords were put through the gold rings on the chestpiece,
Exodus 39 18 and the ends of the cords were tied to the gold settings on the shoulder-pieces of the ephod.
Exodus 39 19 Two more gold rings were attached to the lower inside corners of the chestpiece next to the ephod.
Exodus 39 20 Then two gold rings were attached to the ephod near the sash.
Exodus 39 21 Blue cords were used to attach the bottom rings of the chestpiece to the rings on the ephod. In this way, the chestpiece was held securely to the ephod above the beautiful sash. All this was done just as the LORD had commanded Moses.
Exodus 39 22 The robe of the ephod was woven entirely of blue yarn,
Exodus 39 23 with an opening for Aaron's head in the middle of it. The edge of this opening was reinforced with a woven collar, so it would not tear.
Exodus 39 24 Pomegranates were attached to the bottom edge of the robe. These were finely crafted of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn.
Exodus 39 25 Bells of pure gold were placed between the pomegranates along the hem of the robe,
Exodus 39 26 with bells and pomegranates alternating all around the hem. This robe was to be worn when Aaron ministered to the LORD, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.
Exodus 39 27 Tunics were then made for Aaron and his sons from fine linen cloth.
Exodus 39 28 The turban, the headdresses, and the underclothes were all made of this fine linen.
Exodus 39 29 The sashes were made of fine linen cloth and embroidered with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.
Exodus 39 30 Finally, they made the sacred medallion of pure gold to be worn on the front of the turban. Using the techniques of an engraver, they inscribed it with these words: SET APART AS HOLY TO THE LORD.
Exodus 39 31 This medallion was tied to the turban with a blue cord, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.
Exodus 39 32 And so at last the Tabernacle was finished. The Israelites had done everything just as the LORD had commanded Moses.
Exodus 39 33 And they brought the entire Tabernacle to Moses: the sacred tent with all its furnishings, the clasps, frames, crossbars, posts, and bases;
Exodus 39 34 the layers of tanned ram skins and fine goatskin leather; the inner curtain that enclosed the Most Holy Place;
Exodus 39 35 the Ark of the Covenant and its carrying poles; the Ark's cover--the place of atonement;
Exodus 39 36 the table and all its utensils; the Bread of the Presence;
Exodus 39 37 the gold lampstand and its accessories; the lamp cups and the oil for lighting;
Exodus 39 38 the gold altar; the anointing oil; the fragrant incense; the curtain for the entrance of the sacred tent;
Exodus 39 39 the bronze altar; the bronze grating; its poles and utensils; the large washbasin and its pedestal;
Exodus 39 40 the curtains for the walls of the courtyard and the posts and bases holding them up; the curtain at the courtyard entrance; the cords and tent pegs; all the articles used in the operation of the Tabernacle;
Exodus 39 41 the beautifully crafted garments to be worn while ministering in the Holy Place--the holy garments for Aaron the priest and for his sons to wear while on duty.
Exodus 39 42 So the people of Israel followed all of the LORD's instructions to Moses.
Exodus 39 43 Moses inspected all their work and blessed them because it had been done as the LORD had commanded him.
Exodus 40 1 The LORD now said to Moses,
Exodus 40 2 "Set up the Tabernacle on the first day of the new year.
Exodus 40 3 Place the Ark of the Covenant inside, and install the inner curtain to enclose the Ark within the Most Holy Place.
Exodus 40 4 Then bring in the table, and arrange the utensils on it. And bring in the lampstand, and set up the lamps.
Exodus 40 5 "Place the incense altar just outside the inner curtain, opposite the Ark of the Covenant. Set up the curtain made for the entrance of the Tabernacle.
Exodus 40 6 Place the altar of burnt offering in front of the Tabernacle entrance.
Exodus 40 7 Set the large washbasin between the Tabernacle and the altar and fill it with water.
Exodus 40 8 Then set up the courtyard around the outside of the tent, and hang the curtain for the courtyard entrance.
Exodus 40 9 "Take the anointing oil and sprinkle it on the Tabernacle and on all its furnishings to make them holy.
Exodus 40 10 Sprinkle the anointing oil on the altar of burnt offering and its utensils, sanctifying them. Then the altar will become most holy.
Exodus 40 11 Next anoint the large washbasin and its pedestal to make them holy.
Exodus 40 12 "Bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance of the Tabernacle, and wash them with water.
Exodus 40 13 Clothe Aaron with the holy garments and anoint him, setting him apart to serve me as a priest.
Exodus 40 14 Then bring his sons and dress them in their tunics.
Exodus 40 15 Anoint them as you did their father, so they may serve me as priests. With this anointing, Aaron's descendants are set apart for the priesthood forever, from generation to generation."
Exodus 40 16 Moses proceeded to do everything as the LORD had commanded him.
Exodus 40 17 So the Tabernacle was set up on the first day of the new year.
Exodus 40 18 Moses put it together by setting its frames into their bases and attaching the crossbars and raising the posts.
Exodus 40 19 Then he spread the coverings over the Tabernacle framework and put on the roof layers, just as the LORD had commanded him.
Exodus 40 20 He placed inside the Ark the stone tablets inscribed with the terms of the covenant, and then he attached the Ark's carrying poles. He also set the Ark's cover--the place of atonement--on top of it.
Exodus 40 21 Then he brought the Ark of the Covenant into the Tabernacle and set up the inner curtain to shield it from view, just as the LORD had commanded.
Exodus 40 22 Next he placed the table in the Tabernacle, along the north side of the Holy Place, just outside the inner curtain.
Exodus 40 23 And he arranged the Bread of the Presence on the table that stands before the LORD, just as the LORD had commanded.
Exodus 40 24 He set the lampstand in the Tabernacle across from the table on the south side of the Holy Place.
Exodus 40 25 Then he set up the lamps in the LORD's presence, just as the LORD had commanded.
Exodus 40 26 He also placed the incense altar in the Tabernacle, in the Holy Place in front of the inner curtain.
Exodus 40 27 On it he burned the fragrant incense made from sweet spices, just as the LORD had commanded.
Exodus 40 28 He attached the curtain at the entrance of the Tabernacle,
Exodus 40 29 and he placed the altar of burnt offering near the Tabernacle entrance. On it he offered a burnt offering and a grain offering, just as the LORD had commanded.
Exodus 40 30 Next he placed the large washbasin between the Tabernacle and the altar. He filled it with water so the priests could use it to wash themselves.
Exodus 40 31 Moses and Aaron and Aaron's sons washed their hands and feet in the basin.
Exodus 40 32 Whenever they walked past the altar to enter the Tabernacle, they were to stop and wash, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.
Exodus 40 33 Then he hung the curtains forming the courtyard around the Tabernacle and the altar. And he set up the curtain at the entrance of the courtyard. So at last Moses finished the work.
Exodus 40 34 Then the cloud covered the Tabernacle, and the glorious presence of the LORD filled it.
Exodus 40 35 Moses was no longer able to enter the Tabernacle because the cloud had settled down over it, and the Tabernacle was filled with the awesome glory of the LORD.
Exodus 40 36 Now whenever the cloud lifted from the Tabernacle and moved, the people of Israel would set out on their journey, following it.
Exodus 40 37 But if the cloud stayed, they would stay until it moved again.
Exodus 40 38 The cloud of the LORD rested on the Tabernacle during the day, and at night there was fire in the cloud so all the people of Israel could see it. This continued throughout all their journeys.
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