THE ABUNDANCE OF GOD’S GIFTS FOR THEM The prophet Moses did not stop at the negatives, attacking the people for their self-righteousness, but he asked them to act with a positive spirit. It was fitting for them to contemplate on the abundance of God’s grace and the riches of His gifts, as, even after their fall to idolatry, and their resorting to the golden calf, God consented to forgive them, and intended to grant them gifts with no limit; four of which are: rewriting the two tablets of the law, holding the Levite priesthood after the terrible fall of Aaron the first high priest, separating the tribe of Levi to minister to Him and accepting Moses’ intercession on their behalf. 1. Re-writing the two tablets of the Law 1–5. 2. Holding the Levite priesthood 6–7. 3. Separating the tribe of Levi to minister to Him 8–9. 4. Accepting Moses’ intercession on their behalf 12–22. 1. RE-WRITING THE TWO TABLETS OF THE LAW How amazing is God’s love for man, and his longing to connect to him. After the terrible act of corruption that the people did in the most critical moments, as we saw in the last chapter, God intended to re-write on two other tablets of stone, with His finger anew, the same commandments, to be placed in the ark of the covenant, proclaiming His desire for reconciliation, and for setting the covenant anew. “At that time the Lord said to me, ‘Hew for yourself two tablets of stone like the first, and come up to Me on the mountain and make for yourself an ark of wood. And I will write on the tablets the words that were on the first tablets, which you broke, and you shall put them in the ark” (Deut. 10:1-2). What did the Lord ask fromMoses? 1. To hew for himself two tablets of stone. If our hearts have turned into stones because of sin; they have to be struck by sharp tools; namely by the work of the fiery Holy Spirit, who convicts for sin, and grants humility and contrition to the heart, to receive the new commandment. Instead of leaning upon self-righteousness, it is fitting for us to seek from the Lord to grant us the spirit of humility; and to stretch His finger to engrave His commandment in our depths. 2. To come up to Him on the mountain. The Lord speaks to the multitudes at the foot of the mountain, but He presents His exalted mysteries on the high mountains, to the souls that depart from the foot of the mountain, and ascend by the Spirit of the Lord, as though with the Lord Christ Himself, to see Him transfigured on the top of the mountain of Tabor. The Psalmist cries out, saying, “I will lift up my eyes to the hills – from whence comes my help”(Psalm 121:1). Let us flee to the mountains, as the Lord Christ taught us (Mark 13:14). And as Origen says: [It is fitting for him who intends to flee, to know where he is heading1.] Let us forsake all our daily engagements, our pleasures and our troubles, to go up to encounter the Lord, and to enjoy the touches of His fiery hand, engraving on our hearts the commandment of His fiery divine love. 3. To make for himself an ark of acacia wood. The first thing that God commanded Moses to make in the tabernacle of the meeting was the Ark of the 1 Origen: Commentary on Matthew, 41. 7 Covenant. And here He commands him to make a wooden ark overlaid with pure gold inside and outside (Exodus 25:10; 37:1). Is it another ark? It was not possible for Moses to present the two tablets of stone to God to write on them with His finger, unless he makes the wooden ark to put them in it. What is this wooden ark, but the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, in which the commandment is kept without breaking. Whoever attaches himself to the cross of Christ, and partakes of His crucifixion, has to observe the commandment and keep it in his heart. 4. To receive from God the two tablets and to put them in the ark. This is the exalted gift of God, to receive His covenant, and to bear His commandment with great care in our hearts, partaking of the cross of Christ, as a living storehouse for it. 5. In complete obedience to God, and great love for the people, Moses placed the two tablets in the ark, and presented them to the congregation: “So I made an ark of acacia wood, hewed two tablets of stone like the first, and went up the mountain, having the two tablets in my hand; and He wrote on the tablets according to the first writing, the ten commandment, which the Lord had spoken to you in the mountain from the midst of the fire in the day of the assembly; and the Lord gave them to me. Then I turned and came down from the mountain, and put the tablets in the ark which I had made; and there they are, just as the Lord commanded me” (Deut. 10:3-5). The gifts that Moses enjoyed being on the account of the people, He came down to present to them what the Lord delivered to him. So, it is fitting for us to covet the entrance of every soul into the experience of the new life, which came to be ours in Christ Jesus. The loving minister is he, who presents to others, not what is his, but what he is given by the Lord. What were written on the two tablets were the same words written on the previous tablets. The words of God do not need correction or alteration, but is abiding forever. He wrote Ten Commandments or words; and not ten books; It is not by plenty of words that humanity is saved, but by the word of God mingled with His practical love. 6. Once the people got the two tablets of the covenant, they could move toward Canaan “Now the children of Israel journeyed from the wells of Bene Jaakan to Moserah” (6). Together with the commandment, they enjoyed the wells of water, and then they moved on. So, we receive the commandment of the Lord, and enjoy the water of the Holy Spirit, who leads us toward the heavenly Canaan. It is fitting for us to start our journey from the wells where the water of baptism is, and the enjoyment of adoption to God; and keep on enjoying those wells. “From there they journeyed to Gudgodah, and from Gudgodah to Jotbathah, a land of rivers of water” (7). Bene Jaakan: A Hebrew name, meaning “the children of Jaakan,” the name of a tribe, probably descendants of Sier the Horites; the name was given to the wells by the Israelites, having been called before, Jetheroth. It is believed to be ‘Petren’ nowadays, six miles south of Oga (Numbers 33:31, 32). Moser or Moseroth: A Hebrew name, meaning, (a bond); close to the mountain of Hur (Numbers 33:30, 31). Gudgodah or Hur of Gudgad: A Hebrew name, meaning “the cave of Gudgadah” (Numbers 33:32); probably located in the valley of Gudgodah; a part of the valley of Jeraphe, north of Contila Jeraphe, north-west of the Gulf of Aqaba. 8 Jotbathah: A Hebrew name, meaning, “Thebes,” a location west of the wilderness (Numbers 33:32); believed to be ‘Taba,’ 22 miles north of Aqaba. 2. HOLDING THE LEVITE PRIESTHOOD God was very angry with Aaron and would have destroyed him (9:20), then forgave him when his brother Moses prayed for his sake; and let him consummate his priestly work, then delivered it to his son after him. “That was the place where Aaron died later, and where he was buried; and Eleazar his son ministered as priest in his stead” (Deut. 10:6). Instead of Aaron, Eleazar the new high priest set forth with the people toward Canaan, “to a land of rivers of water” (7). The work of the high priest is to bring the people of God over to the fountains of water of the Holy Spirit, that turns their barren wilderness into a heavenly paradise, carrying the fruits of the Spirit. 3. SEPARATING THE TRIBE OF LEVI TO MINISTER TO HIM Following the people’s fall into idolatry, and Moses’ prayer for their sake, God revealed His compassion on them, by re-confirming the separation of the tribe of Levi, and that He is Himself their portion, and not the land. “At that time the Lord separated the tribe of Levi to bear the ark of the covenant of the Lord, to stand before the Lord to minister to Him and to bless in His name, to this day. Therefore, Levi has no portion or inheritance, just as the Lord your God promised” (Deut. 10:8, 9). God’s choice of Aaron and his sons to be priests, and to be Himself their portion, is a living portrait of giving Himself a free gift, and not because of their selfrighteousness. The tribe of Levi bore the Ark of the Covenant, which keeps the two tablets of the Law, as though they were bearing the holy divine commandment, as a secret of life and a blessing for everyone receiving it, working in his life, and dwelling in his heart. 4. ACCEPTING MOSES’ INTERCESSION ON THEIR BEHALF Because of their fall in idolatry, the procession was delayed; as Moses stayed in the mountain, fasting and praying forty days and forty nights, interceding on behalf of his people to spare them from perdition. The Lord received his prayer, and commanded him to resume going before the people, to enter and possess the land. “As at the first time, I stayed in the mountain forty days and forty nights; the Lord also heard me at that time, and the Lord chose not to destroy you. Then the Lord said to me, ‘Arise, begin your journey before the people, that they may go in and possess the land which I swore to your fathers to give them” (Deut. 10:10, 11). Moses was a symbol of the Lord Christ who fasted on our behalf, and gave Himself up to reconcile us with His Father, spare us perdition, and to enter through Him into the bosom of the Father, and to inherit together with Christ the eternal glory. Although there are many things to love in the world, yet it is far better to love them through the relationship with Him who created them. The world is beautiful, yet He, who created it, is more beautiful. The world is glorified, yet He, who founded it, is more glorified. That is why, beloved brethren, let use love the world, without being swallowed by it, and let us not love the creation more than the Creator. God grants us earthly possessions, to love Him with all our hearts and souls. Yet we sometimes, provoke God to wrath, when we love His gifts more than God Himself. The same thing sometimes occur in human relationships, when someone gives 9 a special gift to another who is under his guardianship, who, not only starts to love the gift and disregard its giver; but even to look at him as an enemy and not a friend! God is known to love those who love Him more than their love for the earthly gifts that He grants them1. Fr. Caesarius of Arles 5. A CALL TO FEAR GOD AND TO BE ATTACHED TO HIM In the last chapter, Moses bitterly parades the horrible acts of Israel, since their call to exodus, until the moment he was talking to them, concentrating on their fall into the worship of the golden calf; with the participation of the high priest himself. And on their consistent murmur, which became for them, as though a second nature. He is now, with a joyful spirit of hope, provoking them to piety, to enjoy the fear of God, and the attachment to Him, demonstrating the following points: 1. God is in no need of man’s ministry nor for his gifts, but asks for his pure heart and love. “And now, Israel, What does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the Lord your God, with all your heart and with all your soul; and to keep the commandments of the Lord and His statutes which I command you today for your good? Indeed the heaven and the heaven of heavens belong to the Lord your God; also the earth with all that is in it” (Deut 10:12-14). What did he mean by ‘the heaven and the heaven of heavens”? Some believe that the first term implies the firmament and the space with all the stars, whereas the second implies the place in eternity, where the saints, together with the heavenly hosts, are. Although He is in no need for what we would give Him, as a proof of His pure love, He does everything for the sake of having our love. That is why Moses says: “What does the Lord your God requires of you; but to walk in all His ways and to love Him” (12). When He commands you to love Him; He shows above everything that He loves you. There is nothing to guarantee our salvation more than to love Him2. St. John Chrysostom What does the Lord requires of you? This question that the prophet Moses presents to his people, at the last days of his life on earth; every believer should contemplate on within his heart and mind; and answer it with all honesty! God commanded Moses to hew for himself two tablets of stones like the first, on which God re-wrote His commandments; and to make an ark of wood (1). What did the Lord require of the people? He did not ask them to offer animal sacrifices, nor reminded them of the statutes concerning the purification; although they were important! He has already set Eleazar the son of Aaron a priest (6), and confirmed the separation of the tribe of Levi to minister to Him (8). But, knowing how the people respond well to the statutes concerning the rites, and fearing that they would become preoccupied with formalities, and lose the inner depths concerning the fellowship with God. the divine commandments in the farewell talks to the prophet Moses, came to confirm that the believers should love God and fear Him from all their hearts and souls, and obey His 1 Sermons 159:6. 2 In 2 Cor. hom. 30:4. 10 commandment, and to concentrate as well on that they should love their neighbors, and in particular the orphans, the widows, and the strangers, by which He would make them as the stars of heaven in multitude (22). Thus, the answer to the question: What does the Lord require of you? would be: a. He requires nothing for Himself; as He has the heaven, the heaven of heavens, the earth, and everything in it; according to the words of the Psalmist: “I say to the Lord, ‘You are my Lord; My goodness is nothing apart from You” (Psalm 16:2). God is not in need of our goods; we are in need of His goods1.St. Gregory of Nyssa For say, what advantage is it to God, that I am just, or what injury, that I am unjust? Is not His nature incorruptible, incapable of injury, superior to all suffering? Servants having nothing of their own, all is their masters2. St. John Chrysostom b. He requires of you to be pious; namely to enjoy fearing Him, which is the beginning of wisdom and would guide you in your life. Fear that is bound to love; like the fear of a son who is keen on not wounding the feelings of his father. In this book, the prophet Moses often talks of fear, combined with love. And according to Fr. Martyrus: [It is fitting for you to stand before God, not lacking in diligence, fervent in spirit, rejoicing in hope and deep love” (Romans 12:11, 12)3.] The spiritual man, full of love for God, also bears a holy fear that grants him seriousness in his life, mixed with peace. And according to St. John Chrysostom, [He, who deals in jests is not a saint; wherever there is uncleanness, there is also a lack of seriousness. Listen to the words of the Psalmist: “Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling” (Psalm 2:11). Lack of seriousness delivers the soul to slothfulness; and often leads to violence and fights4.] c. To “walk in all His ways;” not to go right or left; enjoy the royal path. Not to walk according to your whims, or to those of other people who may lead you astray; but you should bear the will of God working in you. d. To “love Him;” in order to realize His love for you; and to experience the true warmth of His fatherhood and friendship. e. To “serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul;” to gain the dignity of standing before Him; of fellowship with the heavenly creatures in their heavenly life; and of His statutes, being the source of life, fulfillment, pleasure, and enlightenment. 2. God desires to attach Himself to us; to let us enjoy Him, being our life. “The Lord delighted only in your fathers, to love them; and He chose their descendants after them, you above all peoples, as it is this day” (Deut. 10:15). His choice of us is only because He seeks our life, presenting Himself as a Source of life. It is clear that the commandments in this chapter start with man’s commitments toward God: his love, piety, and worship; followed by his commitments toward his neighbors, and in particular the orphans, the widows, and the strangers; and finally by his commitments towards himself; in order to be counted among the twinkling stars of heaven. In more than one place, He confirms that the Lord is the portion of His people; 1 Comm. On Canticle , sermon 4. 2 In 1 Tim. Hom. 16. 3 Book of Perfection, 2. 4 In Eph. Hom., 17. 11 and in this chapter He confirms that He is the portion of His ministers, the Levites; not that He needs them, as “heaven and the heaven of heavens belong to Him; also the earth with all that is in it” (14); but in order for them to get attached to Him to live, to possess, and to have, as their own, the Lord of the heaven, the heaven of heavens, and all the earth. 3. God seeks the circumcision of the heart. “Therefore circumcise the foreskin of your hearts, and be stiff-necked no longer” (Deut. 10:16). It is clear that God since the Old Testament does not seek with His commandments and statutes, pure carnal practices; but seeks what concern our inner being. Therefore, if He has set the circumcision of the flesh as a sign of the acceptance of the covenant with God; what He truly seeks is the circumcision of the heart and the soul. He does not seek from us to cut a part of our flesh, but to cut the roots of corruption and sin in the depths of our soul. Through the circumcision of the heart, the believer can consummate the great commandment; namely, to listen to Him, and to love Him from all the heart, all the soul, and all the strength; by which the whole Law is consummated. And, according to the apostle Paul: “For he is not a Jew who is not one outwardly; nor is that circumcision which is outward in the flesh; but he is a Jew who is one inwardly, and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, and not in the letter” (Romans 2:28, 29). The prophet combines between the circumcision of the heart and not being stiff-necked; as he, who accepts the spiritual circumcision, and practices by the spirit, death to carnal lusts, will have his depths bow in obedience before God, in immense joy; and will be internally prepared to bear the yoke of Christ, with pleasure and longing. 4. He invites us to be referred to the Lord Himself, our God, the great, mighty and awesome God, who desires that we also become lords and gods, to bear His image, and to be living icons of Him; so He would become God of gods and Lord of lords. In this He longs that everyone to be referred to Him, without partiality, nor through a bribe; ; but He would be referred to us if our depths are sanctified. “For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality nor takes a bribe” (Deut. 10:17). Notice how the exalted view of “God’s oneness” in verse 17; prevails through the whole book, being the cornerstone of its teaching. He is God, the Mighty; before whom no pagan idol or vain gods can stand. He longs to be referred to the humble man, not out of weakness, nor helplessness or need, but through love. 5. He calls us to care for the castaway, the cast-off, the needy, and the stranger, following His example. “He administers justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the stranger, giving him food and clothing. Therefore love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt” (Deut. 10:18, 19). Experiencing God’s mercies and care for him, especially when he was in need and afflicted; he is committed to pay back this love with love toward those who are in need and afflicted. By this, the prophet binds our love of our brothers to our love of God Himself.. 6. A call to fear God, to attach to Him, and to be proud of being referred to Him; as we remember His perpetual wonders with us. “You shall fear the Lord your God; you shall serve Him, and to Him you shall hold fast, and take oaths in His name. He is your praise, and He is your God, 12 who has done for you these great and awesome things, which your eyes have seen. Your fathers went down to Egypt with seventy persons, and now the Lord has made you as the stars of heaven in multitude” (Deut. 10:20-22). We should praise God, not as One, of whom we heard; nor He, who has done awesome things for our fathers; but we should enjoy the experience of life with Him. And as St. John the beloved says: “ We declare to you what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of life” (1 John 1:1). It is amazing how many of the wicked are proud to be referred to the devil; while some of the believers are ashamed to proclaim their faith in God and to speak of Him. “Your fathers went down to Egypt with seventy souls, and now the Lord has made you as the stars of heaven in multitude” (22). St. Gregory of Nyssa says that those who went down to Egypt were 75 souls (Acts 7:14; Genesis 46:27; Deuteronomy 10:22). From this we understand that those were not mere souls, but persons with bodies. Likewise, when we hear that Christ has become in flesh, or has taken up flesh; we understand that He has taken over the whole human nature1. 1 See St. Gregory of Nyssa: Against Eunomius, Book 2: 13. 13 AN INSPIRATION FROM THE BOOK OF DEUTERONOMY (Chapter 10)’ SET ME A PRIEST, O YOU, THE GREAT HIGH PRIEST By my uncleanness I broke my covenant with You. Yet You ask me to join Moses in hewing two tablets of stone. My heart has turned completely into stone. Who can engrave Your Law on it, but Your fiery Spirit! Turn my heart into two tablets of covenant, to be kept in Your ark of covenant. Let me join the priests in carrying the ark, by sanctifying my whole being. I erred with Aaron Your high priest; and molded for myself an idol! Restore to me the dignity of my priesthood. By forgiving me, and sanctifying my heart. I corrupted the work of priesthood. Come back and work in me. Remember how You are my portion, O the Fulfiller of my depths. Moses interceded for Aaron and all the people. Your blood intercedes for me; and restores Your righteousness to me. In my shame I confess to you: How often I have broken Your covenant! How often I have corrupted the beauty of Your work in me! How often I have forgotten my priesthood! But now, I return to You, in the divine spirit of fear. Restore me to You; You are everything to me.
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