January 14, 2007
Breadcrumb: Two-way street
Though many people might think that God arbitrarily chose the Hebrews as his chosen people, there is in fact a reciprocal arrangement between them. In Ex. 19:3-8, God asks the Israelites whether they will obey him and keep his covenant. Should they agree, God will make them his chosen people, "a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation." Moses puts the question to the elders, the elders put the question to the people, and the people agree. It is this agreement that makes God's punishment for their later disobedience so harsh.
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1 comment:
Hello Julie
When the Israelites came out of Egypt they were not disciplined in the art of governing themselves or anybody else. They were a rag tag nation that needed to be disciplined into a top notch unit. The wilderness was Israel’s booth camp. Any elite military unit has to endure, what the general public considers harsh discipline, in order to be efficient and effective.
When Israel agreed to keep God’s covenant, it was an engagement, she gave herself to Him. When she worshiped the golden calf, it was like being caught in bed with her former lover.
Wouldn’t anybody be jealous?
Enjoy
Jim
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