In this episode we continue studying the Book of Exodus. In this episode Moses received instructions for making the priest's garments.

We note that laws, statutes and judgments about how to treat one’s neighbor were given before the building of the tabernacle, or instructions for making the priestly garments that would be used for worship and sacrifices; revealing loving one's neighbor and treating each other justly was placed above religious rites.

Jesus told some of the most strict law keepers during his day, that many of them would not inherit the kingdom of God because God preferred mercy over sacrifice.

They could not comprehend that making sacrifices and going to the synagogue was good. But showing mercy and kindness to their brothers and sisters was better.

James tells us how to have a religion that is pure and undefiled before God, in James chapter 1 verses 26 and 27.

Here's the text:

James 1:26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.

James 1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

We note that the priest would bear two stones upon their shoulders with the names of the 12 sons of Jacob written upon them. This would be a memorial unto the Lord.

The 12 sons of Jacob became the nation of Israel and Aaron is a picture of Christ who would bear the government of His people on His shoulder. Isaiah chapter 9 verses 6 and 7 says.

Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

The AHLB says, the pictograph for government is a picture of a thorn representing a turning, and the picture of a head. Combined these mean "turn the head". The turning of the head to another direction. One who rules turns the people to his direction.

God contended with Pharaoh and the gods of Egypt and won. The people have been turned towards God. He is now their ruler.

Their eyes are no longer upon Pharaoh, his pyramids, his treasure cities or his gods.

Now their eyes are upon the Almighty God in the wilderness, and He has their full attention. There He will teach them, his laws, statutes and judgments, then they will inherit the promised land.