Reading for July 27th

 Read Exodus 3.1-12. In verse 1: Jethro is an alternative name for Moses' father-in-law,  who is otherwise known as Reuel (2-18) or Hobab (Num 10.29). Mount Horeb is an alternative name for Mount Sinai (19.11). The mountain of God reflects a common notion in the ancient Near East that mountain tops were the specific dwelling places of the divine. In verse 2: Fire is a frequent biblical image of the deity's presence (Gen 15.17). In verse 4: The Lord is considered interchangeable with the angel of the Lord in v. 2. In verse 6: To look at God was a fearful thing because it could mean instant death. (33.20; Isa 6.5). In verse 8 This is the first of many biblical examples in which the phrase a land flowing with milk and honey describes the goodness and fertility of the Promised Land of Canaan (13.5; Num 13.27).This list of peoples--the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites-- is the traditional listing of the native inhabitants of the land of Canaan (Gen 15.19-21; Deut 7.1). In verses 11-12.: This is the first of a series of five objections which Moses raises to God's call to lead Israel out of Egypt. Moses feels inadequate for the mission, but God assures him that God will be with him. As a sign, God promises that Moses and the Israelites will return to worship on this mountain of Horeb or Sinai (19.11). Comments or Questions..