Verses 1-9 teach us about the light and the bread in the Tabernacle. The tent had many layers and it was very dark inside, so the Lord commanded that the golden lampstand be kept burning continually. This was so that the way to the Lord was always illuminated. Spiritually, we are called to be lights to the Gentiles, filled with the light of life, Jesus, and kept burning through the power of the Holy Spirit. In addition, twelve loaves of bread made from the finest flour were to be placed before the Lord. This was a beautiful symbol of God’s provision for his people and his desire to dwell in fellowship with them. It also looked forward to Jesus, the bread of life, who truly sustains and satisfies us.

Verses 10-23 tell the story of a man who was half-Egyptian and half-Israelite and who cursed the name of the Lord. God commanded that a blasphemer be put to death, and he continued to establish principles for a just system of judgment. The Lord places higher value on the life of a person than an animal, confronting the people’s materialism and teaching his people to value what he values. He also established the principle of “an eye for an eye”, which was meant to check vengeance, not to justify it. Furthermore, the Lord ensured that foreigners received equal protection.
Application: Father, help me to walk in your light and practice your justice with wisdom and respect for life. May your light shine out from me today.
One Word: A fire burning in our hearts for God