Exodus 20:18-26
Summary for Exod 20:18-26: 20:18-26 a This interlude is about access to God. The first part (20:18-21 b) deals with the need for a mediator between the people and God. In 20:22-26 c, we find the appropriate form for an altar in the interval before God revealed his plans for a more permanent sanctuary (see 25:1–30:28 d).Summary for Exod 20:18-21: 20:18-21 e The people were very conscious of their sinfulness before a holy God and begged Moses to stand between them and God. Moses pointed out that God’s goal was neither to overawe them nor to destroy them. Rather, he wanted their awe of him to keep them from sinning (20:20 f). Jesus is the ultimate mediator between God and people (1 Tim 2:5 g).
Summary for Exod 20:22-26: 20:22-26 h The Lord is transcendent, as shown by his speaking to the people in a disembodied voice from heaven (20:22 i). This would have two effects upon their practice: They were not to use silver or gold to make gods in human form (idols, 20:23 j), and they were not to carve stones for an altar (20:25 k). Perhaps this is because they would be tempted to carve stone gods in the process. The altar was to be made of earth (20:24 l) and uncut stones (20:25 m).
• The prohibition against revealing one’s nakedness (20:26 n) might have been to separate Israelite religious practice from the nature worship around them. Sexual activity was an integral part of many Canaanite rituals.
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