The glory of God descends on Mount Sinai and the people see the mountain devoured by consuming fire. Moses ascends the mount, summoned by the divine presence to receive the Ten Commandments and laws, the Debarim and the Mishpatim. These laws and directives will form the foundation of a nation governed by the very will of God.

Moses leaves Aaron, Hur, and the elders in charge of the people while he ascends alone. Moses remains on the mountain for forty days and nights, receiving detailed instructions for Israel's worship, including the design for the tabernacle and the priesthood. The Israelites are left anxious and uncertain about Moses's return. Frances Hogan explains that this period was a test of the Israelites' faithfulness to God.

After finishing with chapter 24, Hogan jumps to chapter 32. Upon returning from the mountain, Moses finds the Israelites in severe apostasy during his absence. The people’s fall into idolatry demonstrates the pressing need for a spiritual maturity that can withstand the trials of faith, even in the absence of their leader. Hogan explains in detail that Moses' journey up the mountain and the subsequent crisis at its base reflect the challenges of maintaining faith and holiness in a seemingly godless world.

Bible References:

• Ex.24:17-18 – From a distance, God's presence appeared as a devouring fire, but for Moses, who entered the cloud, it was simply the mystery of God's presence; perception of God depends on one's closeness to Him
• Sir.45:1-6 – Moses' relationship with God far exceeded that of Abraham, despite Abraham being celebrated as the father of all believers
• Heb.4:10 – Moses enters God's presence, and while receiving a profound revelation, he also finds rest, as union with God brings rest to the soul
• Lev.19:2 – Israel encountered God as the untouchable, holy, and pure one, and He desires a holy people like Himself
• Dt.32:15-17 – Israel’s apostasy

We delve into the captivating history of how God liberated the children of Israel from slavery, forging them into a nation of His own. Frances Hogan, the renowned Irish scripture scholar, guides us through the pages of Exodus, unlocking the timeless wisdom and insights that will enrich your understanding of scripture.

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Ever wonder how God's chosen people gained access to Him? This episode dives into Chapter 24 of the Book of Exodus, exploring the covenant ratification with scripture scholar Hogan. Moses, Aaron, his sons, and the elders are called into God's presence, witnessing His glory and majesty like no other nation has.

Hogan explains the intricate process of establishing a priestly nation through worship, the construction of a symbolic altar with twelve pillars representing the tribes of Israel, and the profound meaning behind sacrificial blood. Through public affirmations of commitment and offerings for sin and communion, the Israelites gain unprecedented access to God, becoming His special people.

But how could the blood of a sacrificial animal make such a difference in the relationship with God? Discover how this covenant granted them remarkable closeness to the throne of God, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Join Frances Hogan as she unpacks these deep spiritual concepts and the true meaning of access to God.

Bible References:

• 1Pet.3:18 – Our true access to God
• Ex.24:7-8 – Moses binds the people to God's will
• 1Cor.12 – As the body of Christ, with Him as the head and us as the body, we are the altar. The twelve standing stones symbolized the people of God offering themselves to Him forever
• Ex 19:8 & 24:3,7 – The three times when the Israelites give their yes to God

We delve into the captivating history of how God liberated the children of Israel from slavery, forging them into a nation of His own. Frances Hogan, the renowned Irish scripture scholar, guides us through the pages of Exodus, unlocking the timeless wisdom and insights that will enrich your understanding of scripture.

Shalom World Podcasts: https://www.shalomworld.org/podcasts

Support us: https://shalomworld.org/donate

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Frances Hogan: https://www.franceshogan.com/

In this episode, Frances Hogan builds on the ninth and tenth commandments as mentioned in Chapter 20. She then discusses the moral, civil, and sacrificial dimensions of the laws found in Chapters 21 to 23. These laws aim to foster a community characterized by justice, kindness, and reverence for God's holiness

The ninth commandment admonishes against bearing false witness, stressing the importance of truthfulness and integrity in all relationships. Meanwhile, the tenth commandment warns against coveting, highlighting the peril of nurturing selfish desires.

Central to the Ten Commandments is the principle of love. The Israelites' initial response to God's presence at Mount Sinai was marked by fear. In the Old Testament context, Hogan explains how fear served as a deterrent against disobedience and highlighted their awareness of their own shortcomings in the face of God's holiness. This emphasis on fear contrasts with the New Testament's focus on love as the driving force behind obedience and righteousness.

Bible References:

• Ex.20:18-21 – They are confronted with the presence of an all-holy God, and it overwhelms them. The primary motivation God provides for them to serve Him properly is fear
• Phil.2:1-11 – Jesus, the perfect servant
• Lk.2:49 & Jn.6:38 – Jesus came down from heaven not to do His own will, but to do the will of His Father
• Eph.1:3 – Christ has prepared all the spiritual blessings that are possible, but how many of us actually possessed them?
• Ex.23:20-23 – This isn't just any angel; no other angel in the Bible is described in this manner or holds such authority over God's people. They demand obedience and act as judges. So, who could this be?
• Ex.23:30 – God knows how to deal with us, and our greatest enemies are not external but internal

We delve into the captivating history of how God liberated the children of Israel from slavery, forging them into a nation of His own. Frances Hogan, the renowned Irish scripture scholar, guides us through the pages of Exodus, unlocking the timeless wisdom and insights that will enrich your understanding of scripture.

Shalom World Podcasts: https://www.shalomworld.org/podcasts

Support us: https://shalomworld.org/donate

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shalomworldpodcasts/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087483505045

Frances Hogan: https://www.franceshogan.com/

Are the Ten Commandments truly necessary? Are they still relevant to our modern lives? Join scripture scholar Frances Hogan as she delves into the "10 words," God's core principles for humanity.

The Ten Commandments constitute the will of God, embodying love, respect, and honor. They guide us to care for others, their reputations, and their possessions. By following these divine directives, we build a reflection of God's Kingdom here on Earth. The first four commandments establish our love for God, while the remaining six focus on loving our neighbors.

The Ten Commandments present a choice: to follow God or fall into the false manifestations of Satan. Here's a summary of the first eight commandments in the episode:

• The 1st emphasizes God's desire for a close, personal relationship with each person and humanity
• The 2nd forbids worshipping idols or false images. It reminds us that God is spirit and true worship comes from within
• The 3rd discourages misusing God's name, including blasphemy and irreverence
• The 4th highlights the importance of the Sabbath, a day dedicated to strengthening the relationship with God
• The 5th stresses the importance of honoring parents for a healthy family structure and society and has a blessing attached to it
• The 6th forbids taking life, emphasizing God as the author of life
• The 7th emphasizes God's view of love as holy. Love creates marriage and family. Lust, on the other hand, is destructive and comes from evil
• The 8th forbids stealing, which includes taking anything physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual from someone else. These acts are considered sins against love and God's will and ultimately damage relationships and society

The remaining two commandments are to be discussed in the next episode.

Bible References:

• 1Jn.2:15-17 – The choice between good and evil is ultimately a choice between God and self
• Jn.4:24 – True Worship
• Matt.7:22-23 – We must be cautious about the sacredness, holiness, treasure, beauty, and grace of God's holy name, even when using the word "God”
• Jn.19:31 – Jesus rested in the tomb on the Sabbath day, following the labor of redemption
• Rom.13:8-10 – Selfishness involved in stealing, lust involved in destroying marriage, and hate that is involved in destroying life, are all sins against love

We delve into the captivating history of how God liberated the children of Israel from slavery, forging them into a nation of His own. Frances Hogan, the renowned Irish scripture scholar, guides us through the pages of Exodus, unlocking the timeless wisdom and insights that will enrich your understanding of scripture.

Shalom World Podcasts: https://www.shalomworld.org/podcasts

Support us: https://shalomworld.org/donate

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shalomworldpodcasts/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087483505045

Frances Hogan: https://www.franceshogan.com/

How important is it for us to do God's will on earth? What was the purpose behind the Ten Commandments? In this crucial chapter, Frances Hogan journeys deeper into these topics, focusing on how God’s plans are accomplished when people align their will with His, thereby establishing His kingdom on earth.

Doing the will of God focuses on obedience to divine commandments, which reflect His moral and ethical standards. By adhering to these commandments, individuals and communities seek to live in accordance with God's design, fostering righteousness, justice, and compassion in their interactions. Therefore, rebellion against God's will means one frustrates His plan to rule through His children on earth.

The covenantal relationship between God and humanity forms the basis for understanding how God's Kingdom unfolds on earth. Through covenants such as those made with Abraham and later with the Israelites, God establishes frameworks for mutual commitment and responsibility. These covenants reveal God's desire to reign among his people, guiding them toward spiritual fulfillment and communal prosperity through obedience to divine laws and precepts.

The Ten Commandments are ultimately about love – love for God and love for others. By following these laws, the Israelites could live in peace with God and their neighbors. Disobeying these laws, on the other hand, would lead to chaos, disorder, and the rise of evil.

Bible References:

• Deut.7:1-11 – The spiritual calling of the people of Israel
• Jn.14:6 – God alone knows the way to the promised land
• Deut.6:4-10 – The daily prayer of every Jew - Shema Yisrael
• Matt.22:34-40 – The greatest of the commandments
• Matt.24:12 – Lawlessness is living to please oneself, characterized by self-rule, self-love, and self-assertion, which destroys love
• 2 Tim.3:1-5; 2 Thes.2:7; 1 Jn.3:4 – Sin is lawlessness
• Jn.8:44 – Anyone who keeps the Ten Commandments is utterly free
• Rom.3:31 – The law of love works at a significantly higher level

We delve into the captivating history of how God liberated the children of Israel from slavery, forging them into a nation of His own. Frances Hogan, the renowned Irish scripture scholar, guides us through the pages of Exodus, unlocking the timeless wisdom and insights that will enrich your understanding of scripture.

Shalom World Podcasts: https://www.shalomworld.org/podcasts

Support us: https://shalomworld.org/donate

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shalomworldpodcasts/

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Frances Hogan: https://www.franceshogan.com/

The big day has arrived as the Israelites prepare to enter into a covenant with God at Mount Sinai. Here, amidst thunder, lightning, and the sound of a trumpet, God’s presence is unmistakably felt as a dense cloud envelops the mountain in smoke and fire. This awe-inspiring theophany underscores the solemnity of the occasion, where God establishes His covenant with the Israelites.

The covenant isn’t merely a legal contract; it symbolizes a spiritual union akin to a marriage, where God becomes the husband and the people of Israel, His consecrated bride. The covenant, expressed through the Ten Commandments and other laws, provides a framework for moral and spiritual guidance, setting Israel apart as a holy nation, a priestly kingdom.

Scripture scholar, France Hogan draws parallels between the Old Testament covenant and its fulfillment in the New Testament through Jesus Christ. She highlights how the covenant with Israel foreshadows the deeper spiritual union believers find through Christ, whose sacrifice perfects and transcends the covenant of Sinai.

Bible References:

• Ex.19:8; Ex.24:3; Ex.24:7 – Israel is questioned thrice: Will she follow God's will? Will His will be the focal point of her life? Thrice, people unanimously and solemnly affirm yes
• Ex.19:6 & 1Pt.2:4-5 – Israel becomes the Lord's special possession through the covenant, and we through our baptism. They thus become a kingdom of priests and a chosen nation
• Josh.7:11 – Israel faces chastisement due to covenant violations
• Matt.5:8, Heb.12:14, Hab.1:13 – The Church has to undergo ferocious purification
• Matt.3:10-12 – The two kinds of fire
• Am.1:2 & Joe.3:16 – God thunders to ensure His voice is unmistakably heard
• 1 Kgs.19:9-12 – God speaks in the depths of the heart; the thunderous voice was merely to capture the people's attention

We delve into the captivating history of how God liberated the children of Israel from slavery, forging them into a nation of His own. Frances Hogan, the renowned Irish scripture scholar, guides us through the pages of Exodus, unlocking the timeless wisdom and insights that will enrich your understanding of scripture.

Shalom World Podcasts: https://www.shalomworld.org/podcasts

Support us: https://shalomworld.org/donate

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shalomworldpodcasts/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087483505045

Frances Hogan: https://www.franceshogan.com/

The Israelites arrive at Mount Sinai, marking the true beginning of their journey toward spiritual maturity and commitment. With the context of the entire Book of Exodus laid bare, Frances Hogan delves deeper into the heart of the biblical drama. This pivotal moment at Mount Sinai finds the children of Israel prepared to enter into a covenant with God.

Before approaching this holy encounter, the people must cleanse themselves in a symbolic act of purification, washing both their bodies and their clothes. This external cleansing signifies the inner purity required to stand before the Almighty, emphasizing that nothing impure can enter His presence.

Sinai marks a significant juncture. Their purpose here is threefold: first, to consecrate themselves wholly to God. Second, they come to enter into a covenant with Him, committing themselves to His divine governance as a theocratic nation. Third, they are prepared to receive the Law, the Ten Commandments. On this important day, the nation unites in giving their consent to God's will. It also signifies their readiness to embrace God as their King and to live as consecrated people under His authority, marking a significant step towards the fulfillment of God's plan.

Bible References:

• Ex.19:5 – Will you do the will of God?
• Heb.12:14 – The act of external washing symbolized the purification necessary to approach God, as nothing unholy or unworthy can enter His presence
• Ex.19:9 – The cloud serves as a symbol of God's presence, revealing and concealing simultaneously. It represents the mystery of God
• Ex.19:11 & Hab.1:13 – To truly enter His presence, confronting sin is imperative—it's a non-negotiable aspect of the journey
• Ex.19:13-14 – Chastity is essential for this sacred moment. Throughout the Bible, the central issue is that God is holy while we are not holy
• Lev.19:2 –The terrible struggle all human beings have

We delve into the captivating history of how God liberated the children of Israel from slavery, forging them into a nation of His own. Frances Hogan, the renowned Irish scripture scholar, guides us through the pages of Exodus, unlocking the timeless wisdom and insights that will enrich your understanding of scripture.

Shalom World Podcasts: https://www.shalomworld.org/podcasts

Support us: https://shalomworld.org/donate

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shalomworldpodcasts/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087483505045

Frances Hogan: https://www.franceshogan.com/

Israel is met with their first battle. In their encounter with the Amalekites, Israel finds themselves at a critical juncture. Formerly, the Lord fought their battles for them, but now, as they journey deeper into their faith, the Israelites are summoned to engage actively in warfare. While past triumphs over Pharaoh bore the unmistakable mark of divine intervention, this confrontation signals a pivotal shift—a transition from spiritual infancy to maturity. No longer considered as "spiritual babes," they must confront their vulnerabilities and weaknesses head-on.

The skirmish with Amalek symbolizes an enduring struggle against the forces of darkness and evil. Despite their liberation from Egypt's clutches, the Israelites remain ensnared by their own weaknesses, their resolve not yet fully surrendered to God. Scripture scholar Frances Hogan cautions that beyond initial blessings, each of us must confront our inner adversaries— be they pride, doubt, envy, or any personal manifestation of "Amalek."

Yet, amid this spiritual and inner warfare, God furnishes us with the tools for growth. Through the crucible of self-confrontation, both ancient Israel and contemporary believers alike can stride forth towards a fortified faith, emboldened by the assurance that in our weakest moments, divine grace stands as our steadfast ally.

Bible References:

• Heb.5:11-14 – Spiritual maturity
• Jer.17:9-10 – Only the Lord can expose the corruption within the human heart
• Gal.5:16 – Spirit and the flesh
• Rom.7:13 – Inner warfare
• Heb.7:25 – When we pray, Jesus gains the upper hand; when we don't, the enemy does
• Deut.25:17-19 – The sin of the Amalekites
• Isa.54:6; Jer.31:32; Hos.2:2 – The separation of Zipporah from her husband, Moses, serves as a prophetic illustration of the Israelites' alienation from God, her divine spouse

We delve into the captivating history of how God liberated the children of Israel from slavery, forging them into a nation of His own. Frances Hogan, the renowned Irish scripture scholar, guides us through the pages of Exodus, unlocking the timeless wisdom and insights that will enrich your understanding of scripture.

Shalom World Podcasts: https://www.shalomworld.org/podcasts

Support us: https://shalomworld.org/donate

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shalomworldpodcasts/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087483505045

Frances Hogan: https://www.franceshogan.com/