Feb 26 – Last Epiphany
Exodus 24:12-18
On the Mountain with God

Background: The book of Exodus serves two principal purposes: to describe God’s delivery of Israel from slavery in Egypt and the institution of a system of worshiping יהוה at Sinai. The institution of the cultic ritual begins in chapter 19 and concludes immediately preceding this passage with the institution of the Covenant ceremony. This passage begins the means by which God directs Israel to orthodox worship.

Theme: This passage introduces the creation of the “two tablets” of the “ten sayings” by God. In this passage, we see hints of the state of affairs among the people of Israel as well as the necessity of sacred (set aside) places to interact with God. In this passage, we see God interact and reveal God’s self on the mountain – some might say as a precursor to the illumination of Jesus on the mountain to Peter, John, and James.

Questions to Ponder:
* Read Exodus 24:12-18.
* Briefly describe the political, social, and religious situation in Israel for this passage.
* Why might God identify the purpose of the law and the commandments as “being for their [Israel’s] instruction”?
* What was the significance of Joshua that he would ascend the mountain with Moses?
* Who were Aaron and Hur and what was their function in the nation of Israel that they might be mediators for the people?
* What do you think was written on the tablets that Moses receives from God on the mountain?
* How might the tablets presented to Moses on the mountain relate to the remainder of the Torah that Moses is writing?
* In verse 13, why might the preposition be “into” as opposed to “on” as would seem correct when referring to where Moses and Joshua went at the mountain? What might the implication be of Moses and Joshua going into the mountain as opposed to them going on or up on the mountain?
* Why might Moses have gone farther up on the mountain alone while leaving Joshua behind on the mountainside?
* What might the significance of 6 days wait with God in the mountain be for this story?
* Why would Moses need to have a 6-day period on the mountain before going into God’s presence in the cloud?
* How might the stone tablets given on the mountain be more symbolic rather than practical? What makes you say that?
* The Last Sunday after the Epiphany is often referred to as the Transfiguration (based on the gospel reading). Why might this passage be included in the readings for the Transfiguration? What might be the significance of the mountain and God’s revelation in the relationship with the Israelites?
* What is the application of this passage for us today at St. John’s and in Suffolk?