“You came down on Mount Sinai and spoke with them from heaven and gave them right rules and true laws, good statutes and commandments…”
Nehemiah 9:13
Last time we looked more closely at how Covenant Yahweh guided the Israelites after the exodus in the way they should go: A conspicuous column of cloud by day, and a the resplendent illumination of fire at night. Today we see the way this God gave His Law to the people.
“You came down (yarad – go down, descend, bow, bring low, shed) on Mount (har – hill country, mountain, promotion, loom up) Sinai…”
I particularly like how the coming down happened on an area rising up. He bowed low to loom up for His chosen people.
I’m so grateful we serve a God Who bows low to meet with us. And as He does, we’re lifted up. He is not interested in mockery, doesn’t strip us of our dignity. Rather He speaks to us.
“…and spoke among (im – among my belongings, before, behalf, within, in conjunction with; from amam – to darken, dim, overshadow by huddling together) them…”
I like the first listed definition of among is “among my belongings.” I read this week in Isaiah, “I have summoned you by name. You. Are. Mine.” But His isn’t an unhealthy possessiveness; it’s pure freedom. And when He speaks to us, it’s on our behalf, for our betterment, never at our expense. His Words are life-giving.
And do you not love “overshadow by huddling together”? The God Who bowed down to loom up on a mountain overshadowed it as He spoke to Moses as a friend. But it was not only this duo who huddled together. The result was for an entire people whose job it would be to represent Him to those who did not know.
“…from heaven (shamayim – the highest heavens) and gave (nathan – give, put, set, commit, establish, pledge, utter, appoint, bestow)…”
Yes, this people would be appointed the ways of God. He would bestow a pledge by uttering His commands, establishing a people for Himself.
“…and gave just (yashar – straight, conscientious, proposal of peace, upright, equity; from another form of yashar – smooth, agreeable, made straight, make smooth, pleasing, fit) rules (mishpat – right ordinance, due justice, kind manner, proper regulation, rightful sentence, worthy verdict, proper decree)…”
First step: straight, peaceful, smooth and pleasing rules. This mishpat is our Old Testament term for justice. The term means not simple equality where everyone has the exact same, but equity, where everyone has what is needed for fairness, success. Where due justice is given no matter one’s ability to buy it. A kind manner with rightful sentencing, versus verdicts based on skin color or social status.
If we ever wonder if the God of the Bible cares about justice, mishpat, all we need to see is the definition. Then His righteous anger when His people fail to abide by it. He will always defend the fatherless, support the widow, despise unjust scales, and cry out against unrighteousness.
But not only did He huddle together with His people to give just rules, He also gave “…true (emeth – firmness, faithfulness, lasting, truthful, stability, trustworthiness; from aman – confirm, support, believe, guardian, nurse, verified, sure, assurance) statutes (choq – allotment, boundaries, conditions, limit, fixed order, permission, required amount, commandment, decreed, appointment)…”
True statutes. Firm and faithful boundaries, truthful and stable limits. Lasting decrees and trustworthy commands. And did you notice “permission?” We tend to see rules and statutes about what not to do. But, like any good parent, God gives us a “no” because He has a better “yes” for us. We need boundaries for our good, and permission to create and try, love and learn within those boundaries. Our Good, Good Father delights in giving us just that.
And the final thing bestowed upon our ancient Israelites in today’s verse is…”good (towb – beautiful) commandments (mitsvah – commandment, prescribed, terms; from tsavah – conditions, law, ordinance, precept, law charge upon)…”
Beautiful Commands. A Law which, when followed, produces the kind of life for which we were created. A transparent, thriving relationship with the Creator and flourishing relationships with others and the Earth. Shalom.
This is what Covenant Yahweh entrusted to His rescued people. He moved over and over on their behalf to show His heart. Then He spelled that heart out in His Law. The next time you struggle with seeing His commands as restrictive and outdated, remind yourself He Who created you knows best how life should go. And He loves you too much to allow you to stray far from His heart and pure joy.
But, by all means, in those moments huddle together with Him and pour out your heart. Share with Him how you have a hard time replacing examples of poor human authority with Divine Love.
And ask Him to help you see His commands as Beautiful.