Exodus chapters 21 to 26 in the King James Bible (KJV) mark a shift in focus from the dramatic events of Israel’s deliverance from Egypt and the giving of the Ten Commandments to the establishment of detailed laws and instructions. These chapters introduce civil laws for justice and social order, as well as God’s precise directions for building the Tabernacle, the sacred dwelling place where He will meet with His people. This section underscores God’s holiness, His concern for justice, and His desire to dwell among the Israelites.
Exodus 21: Laws Regarding Servants and Personal Injury
Exodus 21 begins with a set of laws that provide guidelines for the treatment of servants. In this chapter, God outlines how Hebrew servants are to be treated fairly and justly. A Hebrew servant may serve for six years, but in the seventh year, they are to go free without payment. If a servant chooses to remain with their master voluntarily, a public declaration is made, and the servant’s ear is pierced as a sign of lifelong service.
The chapter also addresses laws regarding personal injury, including physical violence, accidents, and restitution. For instance, the principle of “an eye for an eye” (Exodus 21:24 KJV) is established, emphasizing proportional justice. This law does not promote vengeance but rather limits the punishment to fit the crime, ensuring that justice is served in a fair and measured way.
Exodus 22: Laws of Property, Restitution, and Social Justice
In Exodus 22, God gives laws about property rights and compensation for theft or damage. If a thief is caught stealing, they must repay the stolen goods with additional compensation, and if they cannot, they may be sold into servitude to pay their debt. If someone’s animal causes damage to another’s property, the owner must make restitution.
The chapter also provides regulations regarding social justice, including protections for the vulnerable. For example, there are strict prohibitions against mistreating widows and orphans, and those who do are subject to severe consequences from God Himself (Exodus 22:22-24 KJV). There are also guidelines on lending money to fellow Israelites without charging interest and respecting personal property boundaries.
Exodus 23: Laws of Justice, the Sabbath, and the Festivals
Exodus 23 continues with laws focused on justice, honesty, and fairness. These laws are meant to guide the Israelites in their relationships with others, ensuring that justice prevails in their society. For example, God commands that false reports and false witnesses are not to be tolerated, and bribes are strictly forbidden because they pervert justice (Exodus 23:1-8 KJV).
This chapter also introduces the importance of the Sabbath, not only as a day of rest for individuals but also for the land itself. Every seventh year, the land is to rest and lie fallow, allowing the poor and wild animals to benefit from the leftover produce. This Sabbath for the land reflects God’s concern for both the environment and the needy.
In addition, God institutes three annual feasts that the Israelites are to observe: the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Harvest, and the Feast of Ingathering. These festivals are times for the people to gather, worship, and offer sacrifices, acknowledging God’s provision and blessings.
Exodus 24: The Covenant Confirmed
In Exodus 24, God’s covenant with Israel is officially confirmed. Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and seventy elders of Israel go up Mount Sinai, where they see a vision of God standing on a sapphire-like pavement. Moses reads the Book of the Covenant to the people, and they respond with a unanimous commitment: “All that the LORD hath said will we do, and be obedient” (Exodus 24:7 KJV).
Moses then builds an altar at the foot of the mountain and offers sacrifices, symbolizing the sealing of the covenant with blood. After the covenant is confirmed, Moses ascends further up the mountain to receive the stone tablets inscribed with God’s laws. Moses remains on Mount Sinai for forty days and forty nights, during which God gives him detailed instructions for building the Tabernacle.
Exodus 25: Instructions for the Tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant
Exodus 25 marks the beginning of God’s detailed instructions for constructing the Tabernacle, the sacred tent where His presence will dwell among the Israelites. God instructs Moses to collect offerings from the people, including gold, silver, bronze, fine linens, and other precious materials.
The first item described is the Ark of the Covenant, a sacred chest made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold. The Ark is to house the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments, and it will serve as the central symbol of God’s presence with Israel. On top of the Ark is the Mercy Seat, where two gold cherubim face each other with outstretched wings. God promises that He will meet with Moses and speak to him from above the Mercy Seat.
In addition to the Ark, God gives instructions for building the Table of Showbread, a golden table that will hold twelve loaves of bread representing the twelve tribes of Israel, and the Golden Candlestick (or Menorah), a seven-branched lampstand made of pure gold, which will provide light in the Tabernacle.
Exodus 26: The Tabernacle Structure
In Exodus 26, God provides detailed instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle itself, describing the materials, dimensions, and layout in precise terms. The Tabernacle is to be made of fine linen curtains, embroidered with cherubim, and it is to be covered with layers of goat’s hair, ram’s skins, and badger skins for protection.
The Tabernacle is divided into two sections: the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place (or Holy of Holies). The Veil separates the two areas, and only the high priest will be allowed to enter the Most Holy Place once a year on the Day of Atonement. This design emphasizes the holiness of God and the separation between Him and sinful humanity, while also providing a way for the Israelites to approach God through the priesthood and sacrifices.
The structure is supported by acacia wood frames, overlaid with gold, and secured with silver sockets. The entire design of the Tabernacle is portable, allowing the Israelites to set it up and take it down as they travel through the wilderness.
Conclusion
Exodus 21 to 26 shows how God establishes order and justice among His people and provides a way for them to approach Him in worship. The laws in these chapters demonstrate God’s concern for fairness, personal responsibility, and compassion for the vulnerable. The instructions for the Tabernacle reveal His desire to dwell among His people and be worshiped in holiness and reverence.
These chapters lay the foundation for the relationship between God and Israel, based on obedience to His laws and trust in His presence. The Tabernacle becomes a powerful symbol of God’s presence with His people, guiding them through the wilderness and into the Promised Land. Through these laws and instructions, Israel is called to be a holy nation, reflecting God’s justice and holiness in their lives.