Will Vaus

These are some of the most important chapters in Deuteronomy with some of the most memorable verses. Chapter 5 contains the reiteration of the Ten Commandments. One of the differences between the wording here and that of Exodus 20 has to do with the fourth commandment. In Exodus 20 the command is to “Remember the Sabbath day…” Here the Israelites are told to “Observe the Sabbath day…” Friedman explains “that the two are both necessary and are complementary: In the mind, one must remember it. In actions, one must observe it.” [1] The Sabbath also introduces a rhthym to the week. One observes the Sabbath on the seventh day, but remembers the blessings of the Sabbath throughout the week and looks forward to observing the next Sabbath as the end of the week draws near again. Deuteronomy 6 contains the famous “shema”: “Listen, Israel: YHWH is our God. YHWH is one.” These are “the most commonly known and frequently repeated words in the Bible for Jews…” [2] Furthermo...

I was listening again today to one of my favorite praise songs, Ancient Words , written by Lynn deShazo. . . . Holy words long preserved For our walk in this world, They resound with God's own heart Oh, let the ancient words impart. Words of life, words of hope Give us strength, help us cope In this world, where'er we roam Ancient words will guide us home. Ancient words ever true Changing me, and changing you. We have come with open hearts Oh let the ancient words impart. Holy words of our faith Handed down to this age. Came to us through sacrifice Oh heed the faithful words of Christ. As I listened to this song I reflected on three types of "ancient words" I very much need in my life. The first and most important category of "ancient word" that I need is the word of God from the Bible. This is the word I need to "eat" every day. It is the essential nourishment of my Christian life. It is the ma...