Exodus 34:10-29 - Homilies By J. Orr

Revived obligations.

Former instructions are renewed; only, however, so far as relates to the duties of religion. Renewal of the civil code was not required. Subject to this limit, the new book of the covenant ( Exodus 34:27 ) revives, supplements, expands, and endorses the teachings and precepts of the old one. We have in it—

I. PROMISE ( Exodus 34:10 , Exodus 34:11 ). God, as on the former occasion ( Exodus 23:23-30 ), pledges himself to drive out all their enemies. The work would be

1 . Wonderful —"Before all the people will I do marvels," etc.

2 . Terrible —"For it is a terrible thing which I will do with thee." Men have passed the same judgment upon it. God however, called it terrible before they did. They should remember this when they build on it an objection to the Bible. God can do terrible things.

3 . Thorough . The extirpation would be complete.

II. CAUTION ( Exodus 34:12-18 ). The Israelites were to beware of being snared into idolatry. To this end they were—

1 . To make no league with the Canaanites . "Evil communications corrupt good manners" ( 1 Corinthians 15:33 ).

2 . To destroy all signs of their idolatrous worship . No good comes of retaining in our midst that which can only be a snare to us.

3 . To avoid intermarriages . "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers" ( 2 Corinthians 6:14 ).

III. COMMAND ( Exodus 34:18-27 ). The command relates to the three feasts. See former Homilies.— J . O .