Deuteronomy 6:20 “In the future, when your son asks you, “What is the meaning of the decrees and statutes and ordinances that the LORD our God has commanded you?” then you are to tell him, “We were slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt, but the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand. Before our eyes the LORD inflicted great and devastating signs and wonders on Egypt, on Pharaoh, and on all his household, but He brought us from there to lead us in and give us the land that He had sworn to our fathers.
And the LORD commanded us to observe all these statutes and to fear the LORD our God, that we may always be prosperous and preserved, as we are to this day. And if we are careful to observe every one of these commandments before the LORD our God just as He has commanded us, then that will be our righteousness.”
According to the UNESCO World Heritage website, “Masada is a rugged natural fortress, of majestic beauty, in the Judaean Desert overlooking the Dead Sea. It is a symbol of the ancient kingdom of Israel, its violent destruction and the last stand of Jewish patriots in the face of the Roman army, in 73 A.D. It was built as a palace complex, in the classic style of the early Roman Empire, by Herod the Great, King of Judaea, (reigned 37 – 4 B.C.). The camps, fortifications and attack ramp that encircle the monument constitute the most complete Roman siege works surviving to the present day.” (https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1040/)
Masada became the site held by the last 960 Jewish rebels who were holding out against a huge Roman army. Masada was taken when the Romans built a long ramp up the side of the cliff that allowed them access to the stronghold. According to the ancient historian Josephus, those holding Masada committed mass suicide rather than surrender to the Romans.
To Israelis, Masada has become a symbol of Israeli independence. No matter where Israeli military recruits swear their oath of allegiance, the oath always ends with the words, “Masada shall not fall again!” With only a few exceptions, national military service is mandatory for all Israeli citizens above the age of eighteen. This means that the vast majority of Israelis know what and where Masada is and are committed to defending their country.
In today’s passage, Moses is instructing the Israelites to teach their children the elemental facts about the Exodus.
1. ““We were slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt, but the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand. ” The Israelites are never to forget where they started, how bad things were at the beginning, and that it was God who delivered them from slavery.
2. “Before our eyes the LORD inflicted great and devastating signs and wonders on Egypt, on Pharaoh, and on all his household…” God wants each succeeding generation of Israelites to remember the fact that He reduced the most powerful nation in the world and its ruler to little more than rubble.
3. ”…but He brought us from there to lead us in and give us the land that He had sworn to our fathers.” God wants the Israelites to remember that He always keeps His promises, even when it takes centuries for them to be fulfilled.
4. “And the LORD commanded us to observe all these statutes and to fear the LORD our God, that we may always be prosperous and preserved, as we are to this day.” The Israelites must remember that their prosperity and safety depend on God and not on their own efforts. If the Israelites wander away from God’s commandments, they will automatically forfeit that prosperity and safety as well.
5. ”And if we are careful to observe every one of these commandments before the LORD our God just as He has commanded us, then that will be our righteousness.”
How can the Israelites be sure that they are acting righteously? They are to be CAREFUL TO OBSERVE EVERY ONE OF THESE COMMANDMENTS BEFORE THE LORD. The Israelites must be conscious that God is always watching for their obedience. These commandments are not a cafeteria – style matter; they don’t get to select which ones to ignore and which ones to obey.
APPLICATION: These days, obedience to rules is not popular! Many people want to make their own rules and then get others to abide by those rules. But truth is not relative. Values that change with different situations are worthless. God has given us eternal absolutes in His Word, and when we ignore His commandments or try to bend them to fit our desires, we are setting out on a slippery downhill slope that ends in a moral quagmire. And when we refuse to train our children in the ways of God, we are setting them up for failure.
God know us better than we know ourselves. God’s commandments are for our good, not for our destruction. Why not trust the Creator of the Universe to give us direction?
PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and for caring for us. Help us to follow Your commands and to teach them to our children as well. In the matchless Name of King Jesus. Amen.
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