ARKCODEX
Exodus
Ch. 27–28
The Altar
1“Make an altar out of acacia wood. It is to be square, 7½ feet long and 7½ feet wide, and it is to be 4½ feet high.
2Make projections at the top of the four corners. They are to form one piece with the altar, and the whole is to be covered with bronze.
3Make pans for the greasy ashes, and make shovels, bowls, hooks, and fire pans. All this equipment is to be made of bronze.
4Make a bronze grating and put four bronze carrying rings on its corners.
5Put the grating under the rim of the altar, so that it reaches halfway up the altar.
6Make carrying poles of acacia wood, cover them with bronze,
7and put them in the rings on each side of the altar when it is carried.
8Make the altar out of boards and leave it hollow, according to the plan that I showed you on the mountain.
The Enclosure for the Tent of the Lord's Presence
9“For the Tent of my presence make an enclosure out of fine linen curtains. On the south side the curtains are to be 50 yards long,
10supported by twenty bronze posts in twenty bronze bases, with hooks and rods made of silver.
11Do the same on the north side of the enclosure.
12On the west side there are to be curtains 25 yards long, with ten posts and ten bases.
13On the east side, where the entrance is, the enclosure is also to be 25 yards wide.
14-15On each side of the entrance there are to be 7½ yards of curtains, with three posts and three bases.
16For the entrance itself there is to be a curtain 10 yards long made of fine linen woven with blue, purple, and red wool, and decorated with embroidery. It is to be supported by four posts in four bases.
17All the posts around the enclosure are to be connected with silver rods, and their hooks are to be made of silver and their bases of bronze.
18The enclosure is to be 50 yards long, 25 yards wide, and 2½ yards high. The curtains are to be made of fine linen and the bases of bronze.
19All the equipment that is used in the Tent and all the pegs for the Tent and for the enclosure are to be made of bronze.
Taking Care of the Lamp
20“Command the people of Israel to bring you the best olive oil for the lamp, so that it can be lit each evening.
21Aaron and his sons are to set up the lamp in the Tent of my presence outside the curtain which is in front of the Covenant Box. There in my presence it is to burn from evening until morning. This command is to be kept forever by the Israelites and their descendants.
Exodus 28
Garments for the Priests
1“Summon your brother Aaron and his sons, Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. Separate them from the people of Israel, so that they may serve me as priests.
2Make priestly garments for your brother Aaron, to provide him with dignity and beauty.
3Call all the skilled workers to whom I have given ability, and tell them to make Aaron's clothes, so that he may be dedicated as a priest in my service.
4Tell them to make a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, an embroidered shirt, a turban, and a sash. They are to make these priestly garments for your brother Aaron and his sons, so that they can serve me as priests.
5The skilled workers are to use blue, purple, and red wool, gold thread, and fine linen.
6“They are to make the ephod of blue, purple, and red wool, gold thread, and fine linen, decorated with embroidery.
7Two shoulder straps, by which it can be fastened, are to be attached to the sides.
8A finely woven belt made of the same materials is to be attached to the ephod so as to form one piece with it.
9Take two carnelian stones and engrave on them the names of the twelve sons of Jacob,
10in the order of their birth, with six on one stone and six on the other.
11Have a skillful jeweler engrave on the two stones the names of the sons of Jacob, and mount the stones in gold settings.
12Put them on the shoulder straps of the ephod to represent the twelve tribes of Israel. In this way Aaron will carry their names on his shoulders, so that I, the Lord, will always remember my people.
13Make two gold settings
14and two chains of pure gold twisted like cords, and attach them to the settings.
The Breastpiece
15“Make a breastpiece for the High Priest to use in determining God's will. It is to be made of the same materials as the ephod and with similar embroidery.
16It is to be square and folded double, 9 inches long and 9 inches wide.
17Mount four rows of precious stones on it; in the first row mount a ruby, a topaz, and a garnet;
18in the second row, an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond;
19in the third row, a turquoise, an agate, and an amethyst;
20and in the fourth row, a beryl, a carnelian, and a jasper. These are to be mounted in gold settings.
21Each of these twelve stones is to have engraved on it the name of one of the sons of Jacob, to represent the tribes of Israel.
22For the breastpiece make chains of pure gold, twisted like cords.
23Make two gold rings and attach them to the upper corners of the breastpiece,
24and fasten the two gold cords to the two rings.
25Fasten the other two ends of the cords to the two settings, and in this way attach them in front to the shoulder straps of the ephod.
26Then make two rings of gold and attach them to the lower corners of the breastpiece on the inside edge next to the ephod.
27Make two more gold rings and attach them to the lower part of the front of the two shoulder straps of the ephod, near the seam and above the finely woven belt.
28Tie the rings of the breastpiece to the rings of the ephod with a blue cord, so that the breastpiece rests above the belt and does not come loose.
29“When Aaron enters the Holy Place, he will wear this breastpiece engraved with the names of the tribes of Israel, so that I, the Lord, will always remember my people.
30Put the Urim and Thummim in the breastpiece, so that Aaron will carry them when he comes into my holy presence. At such times he must always wear this breastpiece, so that he can determine my will for the people of Israel.
The Other Priestly Garments
31“The robe that goes under the ephod is to be made entirely of blue wool.
32It is to have a hole for the head, and this hole is to be reinforced with a woven binding to keep it from tearing.
33-34All around its lower hem put pomegranates of blue, purple, and red wool, alternating with gold bells.
35Aaron is to wear this robe when he serves as priest. When he comes into my presence in the Holy Place or when he leaves it, the sound of the bells will be heard, and he will not be killed.
36“Make an ornament of pure gold and engrave on it ‘Dedicated to the Lord.’
37Tie it to the front of the turban with a blue cord.
38Aaron is to wear it on his forehead, so that I, the Lord, will accept all the offerings that the Israelites dedicate to me, even if the people commit some error in offering them.
39“Weave Aaron's shirt of fine linen and make a turban of fine linen and also a sash decorated with embroidery.
40“Make shirts, sashes, and caps for Aaron's sons, to provide them with dignity and beauty.
41Put these clothes on your brother Aaron and his sons. Then ordain them and dedicate them by anointing them with olive oil, so that they may serve me as priests.
42Make linen shorts for them, reaching from the waist to the thighs, so that they will not expose themselves.
43Aaron and his sons must always wear them when they go into the Tent of my presence or approach the altar to serve as priests in the Holy Place, so that they will not be killed for exposing themselves. This is a permanent rule for Aaron and his descendants.
Leviticus
Ch. 20
Penalties for Disobedience
1The Lord told Moses
2to say to the people of Israel, “Any of you or any foreigner living among you who gives any children to be used in the worship of the god Molech shall be stoned to death by the whole community.
3If any of you give one of your children to Molech and make my sacred Tent unclean and disgrace my holy name, I will turn against you and will no longer consider you my people.
4But if the community ignores what you have done and does not put you to death,
5I myself will turn against you and your whole family and against all who join you in being unfaithful to me and worshiping Molech. I will no longer consider any of you my people.
6“If any of you go for advice to people who consult the spirits of the dead, I will turn against you and will no longer consider you one of my people.
7Keep yourselves holy, because I am the Lord your God.
8Obey my laws, because I am the Lord and I make you holy.”
9The Lord gave the following regulations. Any of you that curse your father or mother shall be put to death; you are responsible for your own death.
10If a man commits adultery with the wife of an Israelite, both he and the woman shall be put to death.
11A man who has intercourse with one of his father's wives disgraces his father, and both he and the woman shall be put to death. They are responsible for their own death.
12If a man has intercourse with his daughter-in-law, they shall both be put to death. They have committed incest and are responsible for their own death.
13If a man has sexual relations with another man, they have done a disgusting thing, and both shall be put to death. They are responsible for their own death.
14If a man marries a woman and her mother, all three shall be burned to death because of the disgraceful thing they have done; such a thing must not be permitted among you.
15If a man has sexual relations with an animal, he and the animal shall be put to death.
16If a woman tries to have sexual relations with an animal, she and the animal shall be put to death. They are responsible for their own death.
17If a man marries his sister or half sister, they shall be publicly disgraced and driven out of the community. He has had intercourse with his sister and must suffer the consequences.
18If a man has intercourse with a woman during her monthly period, both of them are to be driven out of the community, because they have broken the regulations about ritual uncleanness.
19If a man has intercourse with his aunt, both of them must suffer the consequences for incest.
20If a man has intercourse with his uncle's wife, he disgraces his uncle, and he and the woman will pay the penalty; neither one will have children.
21If a man takes his brother's wife, they will die childless. He has done a ritually unclean thing and has disgraced his brother.
22The Lord said, “Keep all my laws and commands, so that you will not be rejected by the land of Canaan, into which I am bringing you.
23Do not adopt the customs of the people who live there; I am driving out those pagans so that you can enter the land. They have disgusted me with all their evil practices.
24But I have promised you this rich and fertile land as your possession, and I will give it to you. I am the Lord your God, and I have set you apart from the other nations.
25So then, you must make a clear distinction between animals and birds that are ritually clean and those that are not. Do not eat unclean animals or birds. I have declared them unclean, and eating them would make you unclean.
26You shall be holy and belong only to me, because I am the Lord and I am holy. I have set you apart from the other nations so that you would belong to me alone.
27“Any man or woman who consults the spirits of the dead shall be stoned to death; any of you that do this are responsible for your own death.”
Psalms
Ch. 119
The Law of the Lord
1Happy are those whose lives are faultless, who live according to the law of the Lord.
2Happy are those who follow his commands, who obey him with all their heart.
3They never do wrong; they walk in the Lord's ways.
4Lord, you have given us your laws and told us to obey them faithfully.
5How I hope that I shall be faithful in keeping your instructions!
6If I pay attention to all your commands, then I will not be put to shame.
7As I learn your righteous judgments, I will praise you with a pure heart.
8I will obey your laws; never abandon me!
Obedience to the Law of the Lord
9How can young people keep their lives pure? By obeying your commands.
10With all my heart I try to serve you; keep me from disobeying your commandments.
11I keep your law in my heart, so that I will not sin against you.
12I praise you, O Lord; teach me your ways.
13I will repeat aloud all the laws you have given.
14I delight in following your commands more than in having great wealth.
15I study your instructions; I examine your teachings.
16I take pleasure in your laws; your commands I will not forget.
Happiness in the Law of the Lord
17Be good to me, your servant, so that I may live and obey your teachings.
18Open my eyes, so that I may see the wonderful truths in your law.
19I am here on earth for just a little while; do not hide your commands from me.
20My heart aches with longing; I want to know your judgments at all times.
21You reprimand the proud; cursed are those who disobey your commands.
22Free me from their insults and scorn, because I have kept your laws.
23The rulers meet and plot against me, but I will study your teachings.
24Your instructions give me pleasure; they are my advisers.
Determination to Obey the Law of the Lord
25I lie defeated in the dust; revive me, as you have promised.
26I confessed all I have done, and you answered me; teach me your ways.
27Help me to understand your laws, and I will meditate on your wonderful teachings.
28I am overcome by sorrow; strengthen me, as you have promised.
29Keep me from going the wrong way, and in your goodness teach me your law.
30I have chosen to be obedient; I have paid attention to your judgments.
31I have followed your instructions, Lord; don't let me be put to shame.
32I will eagerly obey your commands, because you will give me more understanding.
A Prayer for Understanding
33Teach me, Lord, the meaning of your laws, and I will obey them at all times.
34Explain your law to me, and I will obey it; I will keep it with all my heart.
35Keep me obedient to your commandments, because in them I find happiness.
36Give me the desire to obey your laws rather than to get rich.
37Keep me from paying attention to what is worthless; be good to me, as you have promised.
38Keep your promise to me, your servant— the promise you make to those who obey you.
39Save me from the insults I fear; how wonderful are your judgments!
40I want to obey your commands; give me new life, for you are righteous.
Trusting the Law of the Lord
41Show me how much you love me, Lord, and save me according to your promise.
42Then I can answer those who insult me because I trust in your word.
43Enable me to speak the truth at all times, because my hope is in your judgments.
44I will always obey your law, forever and ever.
45I will live in perfect freedom, because I try to obey your teachings.
46I will announce your commands to kings and I will not be ashamed.
47I find pleasure in obeying your commands, because I love them.
48I respect and love your commandments; I will meditate on your instructions.
Confidence in the Law of the Lord
49Remember your promise to me, your servant; it has given me hope.
50Even in my suffering I was comforted because your promise gave me life.
51The proud are always scornful of me, but I have not departed from your law.
52I remember your judgments of long ago, and they bring me comfort, O Lord.
53When I see the wicked breaking your law, I am filled with anger.
54During my brief earthly life I compose songs about your commands.
55In the night I remember you, Lord, and I think about your law.
56I find my happiness in obeying your commands.
Devotion to the Law of the Lord
57You are all I want, O Lord; I promise to obey your laws.
58I ask you with all my heart to have mercy on me, as you have promised!
59I have considered my conduct, and I promise to follow your instructions.
60Without delay I hurry to obey your commands.
61The wicked have laid a trap for me, but I do not forget your law.
62In the middle of the night I wake up to praise you for your righteous judgments.
63I am a friend of all who serve you, of all who obey your laws.
64Lord, the earth is full of your constant love; teach me your commandments.
The Value of the Law of the Lord
65You have kept your promise, Lord, and you are good to me, your servant.
66Give me wisdom and knowledge, because I trust in your commands.
67Before you punished me, I used to go wrong, but now I obey your word.
68How good you are—how kind! Teach me your commands.
69The proud have told lies about me, but with all my heart I obey your instructions.
70They have no understanding, but I find pleasure in your law.
71My punishment was good for me, because it made me learn your commands.
72The law that you gave means more to me than all the money in the world.
The Justice of the Law of the Lord
73You created me, and you keep me safe; give me understanding, so that I may learn your laws.
74Those who honor you will be glad when they see me, because I trust in your promise.
75I know that your judgments are righteous, Lord, and that you punished me because you are faithful.
76Let your constant love comfort me, as you have promised me, your servant.
77Have mercy on me, and I will live because I take pleasure in your law.
78May the proud be ashamed for falsely accusing me; as for me, I will meditate on your instructions.
79May those who honor you come to me— all those who know your commands.
80May I perfectly obey your commandments and be spared the shame of defeat.
A Prayer for Deliverance
81I am worn out, Lord, waiting for you to save me; I place my trust in your word.
82My eyes are tired from watching for what you promised, while I ask, “When will you help me?”
83I am as useless as a discarded wineskin; yet I have not forgotten your commands.
84How much longer must I wait? When will you punish those who persecute me?
85The proud, who do not obey your law, have dug pits to trap me.
86Your commandments are all trustworthy; people persecute me with lies—help me!
87They have almost succeeded in killing me, but I have not neglected your commands.
88Because of your constant love be good to me, so that I may obey your laws.