(1) From v.11-17, God repeated the commandment of not worshiping idols. It was probably because the Israelites had just worshipped the golden calf.
34:15 Be careful not to make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, for when they prostitute themselves to their gods and sacrifice to their gods, and someone invites you, you will eat from his sacrifice;
prostitute =(NET) It is used here and elsewhere in the Bible for departing from pure religion and engaging in pagan religion. The use of the word in this figurative sense is fitting, because the relationship between God and his people is pictured as a marriage, and to be unfaithful to it was a sin. This is also why God is described as a “jealous” or “impassioned” God.
(NET) this clause tells what might happen if the people made a covenant with the inhabitants of the land: c The sequence lays out an entire scenario.
34:16 and you then take his daughters for your sons, and when his daughters prostitute themselves to their gods, they will make your sons prostitute themselves to their gods as well.
Reflection: Our relationship with God is exclusive, just like our marriage. To worship idol is just like being unfaithful to our spouse. It is not only immoral, but hurting the feeling of another person (and God).
The relationship with idols needed to be stopped from the beginning. Otherwise, it will progress and we will be deeply involved in the relationship. Is there any relationship that started to get the position of God in our heart? Anything taking the first priority over God in our heart?
(2) v.18-19 remind the Israelites about the exodus from Egypt. Why? They were slaves and only because of the 10 plagues sent by God they were able to leave and formed a nation. Their first born supposed to all die in the 10th plagues. Only because God preserved their lives they were able to live.
Reflection: Is there anything that will remind you that your lives belong to God? We supposed to be dead, but only through God's grace we were born again. Have you offered you lives for God's use?
Audrey
Audrey
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