The Law

God’s people have fled a natural disaster to a land of refuge. Then, they left that land, which became a land of oppression, after the Lord delivered them. Then, they returned to the land given to them, to build God’s family.

God brings them to a mountain, where they will stay for a time. They will prepare to enter into a covenant with God.

A covenant is similar to a contract. But it is different, in that a contract is based on legal penalties. A covenant is based on promises. Marriage is the most commonly understood covenant. And it is becoming more like a contract, because of pre-nuptial agreements. But, covenants are based on the character of those keeping the covenant. So, God is eternally faithful, and completely, and totally, honest. He will always keep his promises. He will always uphold his covenants.

People not so much.

Even when people enter covenants sincerely, fully intending to keep them, they cannot always do it. Circumstances often work against them. They are simply not strong enough, no matter how hard they try.

The covenant that Israel entered into, with God on that mountain, was based on their desire to follow God, and their agreement to follow his Law.

God’s Law falls into two basic parts. One, to honor, and worship, the one true God alone, above all other gods. Two, to honor other people in thought, word, and deed. And no matter our good intentions, and desires, no one — not Israel, not us — has successfully completed that covenant. There are passages in the Bible, where the writers explain that this covenant was made to demonstrate our failure to keep it. It was made to show our need for another, different kind of covenant.