We are in chapter twenty-four of Exodus with our word for today which is actually a phrase. סֵ֣פֶר הַבְּרִ֔ית scroll of the covenant, book of the covenant. It is used 4 times in the Old Testament. Since our chapter is the first time our phrase is used in the Bible we will start there. Exodus 24:7 Then he took סֵ֣פֶר הַבְּרִ֔ית the Book of the Covenant and read it in the hearing of the people. And they said, “All that the Lord has spoken we will do, and we will be obedient.” Did you notice that God’s word was read out loud specifically in the hearing of the people. God is all about everyone hearing and understanding his word so they can know him and his will. This reminds me of the command the Holy Spirit speaks through Paul to the young man Timothy who was serving as a leader in the New Testament church. So we see this tradition is something God desires for all time. 1 Timothy 4:13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. We also see this when God’s word was neglected and lost. Once it was found this is what was done. 2 Kings 23:1-2 Then the king sent, and all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem were gathered to him. And the king went up to the house of the Lord, and with him all the men of Judah and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem and the priests and the prophets, all the people, both small and great. And he read in their hearing all the words of סֵ֣פֶר הַבְּרִ֔ית the Book of the Covenant that had been found in the house of the Lord. This is also referenced in 2 Chronicles 34:30 where our phrase is used. We also see our phrase used as a reference for people to go back to so they could follow God’s will after neglecting to do so. 2 Kings 23:21-22 And the king commanded all the people, “Keep the Passover to the Lord your God, as it is written in this סֵ֥פֶר הַבְּרִ֖ית Book of the Covenant.” For no such Passover had been kept since the days of the judges who judged Israel, or during all the days of the kings of Israel or of the kings of Judah. The underlying theme of our phrase is God’s word can be counted on as the standard for all of life. This of course is because God’s character stands behind it. We will see several other ways God’s word is described throughout the Bible as we look at the words in our journey through it. Our phrase is a great way to describe it. We have looked at the word for covenant a few times already. We have God’s covenant with Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, and the new covenant. Everyone one of these agreements God made with his people he fulfilled completely. He has shown himself to be one hundred percent trustworthy. So the scroll or book of the covenant is a great title because God always keeps his agreements. It is the standard for us to look to in all of our life because it is true and reliable. So back to our chapter with the public reading of this standard is so vital to every culture and time including our own. I’ll close with this great passage about how important the work of the church is which would include reading God’s book to those who can hear his promises. 1 Timothy 3:14-15 Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.
