The Book of Exodus
Fall 2003 Bible Study

Exodus 16-18

"St. Joan of Arc Bible Study is an open and growing group that meets for fellowship and to discuss the Bible and other faith-centered literature. Our informal study group draws from biblical scholarship, historical perspectives, current events and personal reflections. We welcome honor and respect the personal ideas and spiritual journeys of all who join us."

Greetings

It was a bit chilly, a bit rainy and a tad windy outside tonight. But it was really comfortable, clean and warm down in the "Hall" at the old country church. As always it was a gas sharing the divine gift of fellowship and scripture reading.

We shared an opening reflection from a little blue book and then talked for a few minutes about the funeral service for Bob's dad last week and what a wonderful service it was.

Our lovely leader then boldly steered us into the heart of Exodus. (Special thanks to her as well as she was heavily coerced last week into volunteering to lead us this week.) We read aloud from the three chapters stopping at pre-determined points for discussion and questions. Here is our overview.

Exodus 16 Manna and Quail Chapters 1-36

Based on two realities of the region:

• Manna: secretion of two insects that live on the tamarisk tree. The substance drops from the tree to the ground and hardens in night air. It's a sweet delicacy of central Sinai.
• Quail: during times of migration (spring/fall) they often fall exhausted on the northwest coast of the Sinai Peninsula

After hearing grumbling (murmurs, complaining) God takes action. God demonstrates that God is the provider of daily blessings. God says: "I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day...." (16:4)

(16:11) "I have heard the grumbling of the Israelites. Tell them 'At twilight you will eat meat and in the morning you will be filled with bread. Then you will know I am the Lord your God."

(And 16:35) "The Israelites ate manna forty years until they came to a land that was settled: they ate manna until they reached the border of Canaan.

But There Are Some Rules ... Introducing the Sabbath God will provide...however, God sees this as an opportunity to test the Israelites. (And, perhaps, set the stage for the commandments.)

6:4-5 continues " ...The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they follow my instructions. On the sixth day they re to prepare what they bring in, and that is to be twice as much as they gather on the other days."

And 16: 23 " Tomorrow is to be a day of rest, a holy Sabbath to the Lord.

• A day of rest is a new concept to Israelites. Some struggle to understand God's gathering guidelines.
• Saving and displaying manna in front of the Testimony for generations to come - anticipates the tabernacle and links daily bread with community worship.
• Can other parallels be drawn?

(See Genesis 49:25 How does Gods "personality" differ here and other parts of the Bible. Do we put a personality on God according to what we need? Do religions? Governments?)

Exodus 17 Water from the Rock 1-7

Israelites Put God to the Test After voicing their desperation for water, "they tested the Lord saying "Is the Lord among us or not?" More than the act of crying out or pleading for help, testing places power in the hands of the Israelites. God, if you are here...prove it.

• God responds. God provides life-giving waters from Mt. Sinai: the same source as the gift of law.
• Also, the life-giving waters spring forth from the place they are headed. Drawing them near - with promise of fulfillment.

(Does testing God put God on human terms? (Like a friend) How do we measure God's performance? And "who" are we to measure God? If God does not deliver at the point we determine is critical, do we counter that "failing" with the times God has blessed us?

Can we accept the mystery in suffering? Is this influenced by the degree we've suffered?)

Exodus 17 8-16: Amalekites Defeated: "There's Power in those Hands"

• Focus of this story is the need to remove the Amalekite threat to Gods plan - not the brutal (and peculiar) way it's accomplished. Described as a lawless tribe, Amalekites are referenced a number of times: Duet 25:17, Numbers 24:20, etc.
• Interesting to note that the staff functions differently when used on people. Previously, the outstretched staff/hand is immediately effective. "...human beings are apparently viewed as less tractable..."Fretheim . See also, Josh 8:18
• One theory is that while he was poised up on the hill, Moses served as a faithful inspiration for his people. God's hand was in this war. And because of the Israelites' faith, they were finally victorious. The staff was a symbol of God - not a lightening rod.
• This is considered a legend to help establish Moses as a leader. (Recall his self-doubt in earlier chapters. 3:11, 4:10,
• First time Moses really takes charge without seeking advice/support. This time Moses initiates a plan (without a conversation with God) and sees it through until the end. In fact, no one asks for God's help.
• Joshua is introduced here in a role that will gain prominence until its climax in the book of Joshua

• Some speculation that Jethro is converted during this visit. Most scholarship, however, supports the notion that he participated in the sacrificial ceremony - but remained a Midian priest.
• Compare Bible translations of 18:12
• "Moses is shown listening to his father-in-law and doing all he has said. These scenes are presented to us by biblical writers who write after Mt. Sinai, ...with its provisions for legitimate priesthood and its laws governing justice. It's remarkable that these writers should be willing to paint Jethro in such positive terms." Janzen

Re: Jethro's advice for delegating some of the issues of justice to others. How does this benefit Moses and the Israelites? How does it set the stage for the laws to follow?)

Believe it or not, by the time we got done with the reading it was 8:pm and we all know what that means...Treats! However, we were able to maintain our civility and continued our closing discussion until about ten minutes past the hour. (Bruce would have been impressed, or scandalized, I'm not sure which.)

When we did make our way to the treat trench, we could not believe our eyes. Here was our very own Manna from heaven! Heaped high upon an over-sized plate were the most delicious tasting bars one can remember savoring. They were made with cranberries and cream cheese with a delicate yet robust Dutch-crumble-crumb type crust. Are you kidding me! A most exquisite balance was achieved between fruity tart and butter-rich sweet. We are a lucky bunch. Many thanks.

Small-group discussions sounded very interesting and the group I was in could have continued for hours. It was meaningful, passionate, fearless and intense and let's not forget, full of desire. Oh, the sweet mystery of it all.

We closed with a reading form Thomas Merton and hearty hugs and handshakes all around.

Have we got a great meeting lined up for next week. We will be discussing chapters 19-24 which includes the Ten Commandments, which may or may not be commandments at all. All we can say is come early and get a seat!

Privileges include:

• Facilitator David R.
• O. Prayer Maggie
• C. Prayer Glenn
• Treats Stephanie
• Cleanup Rik
• Bookstore
  • After 9
  • After 11 Harlan