Psalm 119:106

Psalm 119:106

Covenants and oaths

The Covenant relationship that Israel had with the Lord God expressed itself in many ways. There was the over-riding set of rules, commandments and regulations that was given to Moses and that covered the daily activity and religious observances of the entire nation. But there was also the opportunity for individuals, or families and other groups, to make covenants with the Lord, these were often sealed with an oath and accompanied by an offering at the sacrificial altar. In Nehemiah we read of the reinstatement of the nation following the return of the Jews from Babylon, and the restoration of the Temple and the religion that had guided their ancestors. There were 7 days of renewal during which time Ezra, the High Priest, read from the Torah. The people confessed their sins and then a binding agreement (covenant) was written down and sealed by the leaders, the Levites and the priests. The people, including the children who were old enough to understand, “bound themselves with a curse and an oath to follow the Law of God given through Moses the servant of God and to obey carefully all the commands, regulations and decrees of the Lord our Lord.”Nehemiah 10:29.

It seems that the author of Psalm 119 put himself through a similar process. He didn’t do it in conjunction with others, but he made a personal commitment, with an oath, to follow all the Lord’s righteous decrees. The consequences of breaking such covenants are set out in Jeremiah 34:17-20, a passage that shows the gravity and seriousness of any promises we make to the Lord. Having said all of that, wouldn’t it be a good thing for us to encourage one another to follow God’s righteous laws? Maybe that would solve some of the scandalous activities of church leaders that seem to make the headlines on a regular basis! Do they not realise that they put themselves under a curse for their sins?

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