Pay attention to all that I have said to you, and make no mention of the names of other gods, nor let it be heard on your lips. (Exodus 23:13 ESV)
As God wraps up His initial conversation about the way things will be for the people that have come out of slavery, it’s fascinating checking how important He guards His relationship with His people.
His character of justice strongly comes through in the amazing stipulations about treating even those you hated in a fair and just manner. That’s imprinted in His law and the word He gives His people. there is no room for the mistreatment of anyone.
That goes as far as to mistreat the relationship with their Deliverer when they come across foreign gods. The Deliverer who protects them even extends His presence with them in ensuring their health and wellbeing as long as they retain it through faithful observance to His word.
It’s fascinating to see how festivals are an integral part of the community experience. Opportunities to remember as a community, opportunities to celebrate as a people and opportunities to consolidate a relationship between themselves and a relationship with God.
All these as a foundation for how He would be with his people and how His people should be with Him.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 