“Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant . . .”

Exodus 19:5

For two months after their miraculous departure from Egypt, the Israelites had been traveling through barren wilderness. Finally they arrived at Mt. Sinai, where they set up camp. Even as the Israelites remained in this location for a while, so we will spend several days reflecting on this crucial passage of Scripture. Few texts in the whole Bible are more foundational to our understanding of who we are as God’s people.

As the Lord spoke to Moses words that he was to pass on to the Israelites, he used a word that is one of the most significant in all of Scripture: covenant. Moses was to say to the people: “Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant . . .” (19:5). In the ancient world, a covenant (berit in Hebrew) was a binding agreement between parties. One type of covenant, called by scholars a suzerainty treaty, established a relationship between a suzerain (regional overlord) and those under his authority. This covenant was initiated by the suzerain. It spelled out the terms of his reign, what was expected of his subjects, and what he would do for them if they honored the covenant.

The Mosaic covenant between God and Israel has much in common with the suzerainty treaties of the ancient world. As always, God made himself known in culturally familiar ways that people could understand. As was common in a suzerainty treaty, the Lord established the terms of relationship. He revealed the nature of the covenant. Israel had the opportunity to accept or reject God’s terms, but not to negotiate them or offer an alternative covenant. Indeed, the Lord who sought relationship with Israel was not just a local deity, but the God of the whole earth. He had the authority to determine the nature of his relationship with his people.

Today, it is common for people to want relationship with God, but on their own terms. We who are so used to political and economic freedom think we can exercise similar freedom when it comes to God. But he is still the Lord of heaven and earth. God alone has the authority to determine the terms of our relationship with him. We’ll learn more about these terms in future reflections. For now, we’re reminded by Exodus 19 of God’s sovereignty over the whole world, including us.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION: Do you ever try to relate to God on your terms, not on his? How? Why? How has God chosen to shape his relationship with you? What is the nature of your covenant relationship with God?

PRAYER: King of kings and Lord of lords, today I’m reminded that my relationship with you comes on your terms, not mine. You have determined how I might know you and live in a covenant relationship with you. This isn’t something I can make up or shape to my liking, even though I try to do this very thing.

Forgive me, Lord, when I pretend as if our relationship is my responsibility. Forgive me when I try to make things right with you through my efforts rather than through your grace. Forgive me when I receive your grace, but don’t let it impact my whole life. Help me, Lord, to live with you according to your terms, to know you each day through your grace in Jesus Christ. Amen.