Tuesday: Letov Lak
Skeptics, those looking for reasons to reject the Bible, often point to some strong words of God that appear in the Old Testament. The idea is that the God of the Old Testament was harsh, vindictive, and mean-spirited, especially in contrast to Jesus. This isn’t a new argument, but it’s as flawed now as it was when first promoted many centuries ago.
Image © Kerri Guthrie at Goodsalt.com
Over and over, the Old Testament presents the Lord as loving His ancient people Israel and wanting only what was best for them. And this love appears powerfully in the book of Deuteronomy.
Read Deuteronomy 10:1-15. What is the immediate context of these verses, and what do they teach us about how God felt toward His people, even after their sin? What do they teach us, indeed, about grace?
God’s grace and love for Israel exudes from these texts. Notice, particularly, verses 12 and 13. They are really one long sentence, a question, and the question is simple: What am I, the Lord, asking you to do but the following … walk in My ways, love Me, serve Me, and keep My statutes for your own good?
All through the Hebrew in this verse the words for “your” and “you” are in singular. Though God certainly is speaking to the nation as a whole, what good will His words do if the people, each one individually, don’t obey them? The whole is only as good as the sum of the parts. The Lord was speaking one-to-one, individually, to Israel as a nation.
We can’t forget, either, the end of verse 13: keep these things letov lak, that is, “for your good.” In other words, God is commanding the people to obey because it is in their best interest to do so. God made them, God sustains them, God knows what is best for them, and He wants what’s best for them. Obedience to His law, to His Ten Commandments, can work only to their benefit.
The law often has been compared to a hedge, a wall of protection, and by staying within that wall, His followers are protected from a raft of evils that otherwise would overtake and destroy them. In short, out of love for His people, God gave them His law, and obedience to His law would be “for your good.”
| What are ways in which we can see for ourselves how obedience to God’s law has, indeed, been for “our own good”? |
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When our kids were little, we sometimes had to use rather draconian methods to enforce obedience. I remember our son tested the law, "Don't run out on the road!" several times. Typically he would wait until he thought we were preoccupied and then he would make a beeline for the nearest road. We would race out and grab him, picking him up and carrying him back to safety. All the while he was kicking and screaming his version of the violation of his personal freedom. We, of course, tried to reassure him that it was for his own personal good. Eventually, he worked out that we really did love him and that we were not carrying out some parental vendetta against him.
The Hebrews were not a highly sophisticated well-developed nation. The Arthur Maxwell Bible Story series often depicts a rather organised group walking in long columns during the exodus. But, at best they were a rabble of escaped slaves and needed to learn that their newfound freedom came with responsibility. That was a pretty steep learning curve.
Maturity does not come in a day. It takes time and experience. And sometimes you have to do what you are told and find out why when you are experienced enough to understand.
Maurice I'm having some struggles with the Phrase Letov Lak and how it is translates to the lesson for today Please help in explain the term thanks
"Letov Lak" In Deut 10:13 the expression "Lak Letov" is used and simply means "for your good".
Basically, the commandments were given to benefit ( letov lak) Israel especially in the promised land they were about to enter.
What the lesson does not say, is that the "third use of the Law"--as a guide to good living--is a standard Protestant understanding of the Three Uses of the Law. Deuteronomy is a classic example of "how to live" for a people already saved (from Egypt) and about the enter the life intended for them (Canaan). Nothing new there.
However, the lesson gives the impression that the Law for Christians is that written in Deuteronomy. If so, that is a very inadequate standard for Christian living. It was also intended for a people in a land and time far, far away.
A couple of comments on a couple of verses within the passage being studied today.
Deuteronomy 10:10 is fairly typically translated along the lines of 'the Lord was not willing to destroy you'. The root Hebrew word used for destroy is shachath which Strong's defines as to decay. Others similarly define this Hebrew word as go to ruin or to corrupt. To say that God would not decay you doesn't make sense - but if we remember about the use of Hebraism and take that into account, then we would translate the phrase as God was not willing to allow/leave you to decay/go to ruin. Israel was embarking on a path that was leading them to ruin/corruption and God was working to prevent this happening. Perhaps if Christianity revealed this portrayal of God, 'skeptics' might not be so skeptical?
Deuteronomy 10:12 is more accurately translated as what does God ask of you (as some translations have translated). As I have previously proposed, there appears to be 2 core and related things necessary for being truly alive:
1) trust-based relationship (connection) with God who is the Source of the Breath of Life, and
2) living in harmony with the mechanisms that God uses to govern life (cause-and-effect constants).
This is precisely what God is asking Israel to do - to choose both of these things so they will live. God wants us to live and therefore He informs us of the reality that is necessary for true life and asks us to choose to be in harmony with that reality.
Phil wrote:
Indeed, it doesn't. But the ESV translation, similar to the KJV, does meake sense:
This is just to suggest that, while I don't disagree with your conclusion, I would like to caution that translating the Hebrew is not as simple as your comment seems to suggest. Apart from the fact that context is often more than half the meaning in Hebrew, what you reference as "decay" is a Hebrew root word that can mean many things, depending on context. Thus it is best not to put too much weight on a word in a particular context. Strong's Lexicon (part of the Exhaustive Concordance) lists the following:
The translators of the KJV and other Bible versions included experts in biblical languages, which we are not. And they translated the word thus
You can check this out for yourself at the BlueletterBible.org.
Repeatedly throughout the Bible, we find God speaking through His prophets, asking His people to choose His way/life, that they may live, rather than perish (the consequence of rejecting His way.) When we read the Bible with the Holy Spirit guiding us, the meaning is clear enough, even without any knowledge of original languages - which is a very good thing, considering that ancient Hebrew is not an easy language to master. (Those who have studied the language for two years or more confess to knowing just enough to know that they know very little!)
Thank you Inge, for clarifying that passage. I believe that Deut 32:39 supports the ESV translation as in it the LORD claims "I put to death and I bring to life, I have wounded and I will heal" because He is the only true God. The LORD claims the right and takes responsibility for putting into effect His Principles of Life.
Thankyou Inge for raising your concerns.
In light of what you have said, I need to clarify that I was, and am, mindful of all you have said - including having reviewed the resources you quoted as part of my investigations. As you and I both know, conceptual understanding is inherently an interpretation process for us as humans and a process that involves language. But more influential than language are the presuppositions we hold that underpin our use of language. Even biblical languages experts have these and are therefore influenced by such.
It was/is not my intention to suggest that Hebrew language interpretation is a simple process. However, what is not disclosed by bible languages interpreters are the underpinning presuppositions they are operating from that give rise to their particular interpretation - even though the Holy Spirit is working with them where they are at. Perhaps it is my trying to keep my comments more brief and concise that risks misportrayal of simplicity?
As you are aware, Hebrew and Greek words frequently have a spectrum of potential meanings - and therefore, as you note, context is important. It is therefore the presuppositions that will influence how the interpreter interprets both the word and the conceptual context and therefore which part of that spectrum an interpreter selects their translated word from as what they believe to be a valid interpretation. While interpretations across English translations typically and frequently select interpreted words that reflect God as the causative agent of destruction, I am reflecting that the original language words also accommodate a presupposition that something other than God is the actual causative agent of destruction (even though God is actively present in the situation) - as reflected in the notions of decay, ruination, and corruption where the causative agency is inherent rather than imposed by God. And I am reflecting that such interpretations also align with incorporation of Hebraism within interpretation.
The notion of needing to progressively refine our presuppositions is reflected across biblical history and beyond. Jesus needed to clarify presuppositional errors that had arisen from Genesis 3 onward. At the same time, Satan works to counter this clarification and therefore, as Ellen White has commented on, 'new light' will continue to be needed ongoingly.
It is true that the Holy Spirit guides us when we read the Bible. While I have sought the guidance of the Holy Spirit in my bible reading for decades, it is only the last decade that my eyes have been opened (which I credit to the Holy Spirit - and which I also observe others across the globe whose eyes have also been opened so I claim no exclusive privilege) to seeing what I now can see. Having seen what I now can see and experienced the accompanying benefits in my walk with God and desire to serve others, I am only sharing it (and its basis of substantiation) to give others the option to check it out for themselves and decide whether it is valid or not -rather than keep it to myself.
Dear Phil - I find your view of 'conceptual understanding' proven out by the many different viewpoints represented in the contributions provided to the blog; each expressing its contributor's personal 'impression' of the same lesson topics. I am interested in reading all to find out about how others 'see' the lesson's main points and to respond if being prompted to do so.
I appreciate so very much your quest to share with us your awareness and our need to recognize the 'influence' inherent in 'words'. I also have recognized how important it is to preserve the true Identity of God through the 'integrity of language and precision of its original thought in expression and understanding'; this is essential when studying Scripture and reveals its importance when using one's own words to convey God's Truth. Can one explain the many, many translations of the Bible any other way?
Deuteronomy 10:15-18
The Message
14-18 Look around you: Everything you see is God’s—the heavens above and beyond, the Earth, and everything on it. But it was your ancestors who God fell in love with; he picked their children—that’s you!—out of all the other peoples. That’s where we are right now. So cut away the thick calluses from your heart and stop being so willfully hardheaded. God, your God, is the God of all gods, he’s the Master of all masters, a God immense and powerful and awesome. He doesn’t play favorites, takes no bribes, makes sure orphans and widows are treated fairly, takes loving care of foreigners by seeing that they get food and clothing.LOVE AND JUSTICE ARE INTERTWINED.
This is one of my favorite quotes by Ellen White, it really helps me to understand what "obedience" actually means and how it changes my character.
Desire of Ages, 668 DA 668
… to pray in Christ's name means much. It means that we are to accept His character, manifest His spirit, and work His works. The Saviour's promise is given on condition. “If ye love Me,” He says, “keep My commandments.” He saves men, not in sin, but from sin; and those who love Him will show their love by obedience.
All true obedience comes from the heart. It was heart work with Christ. And if we consent, He will so identify Himself with our thoughts and aims, so blend our hearts and minds into conformity to His will, that when obeying Him we shall be but carrying out our own impulses. The will, refined and sanctified, will find its highest delight in doing His service. When we know God as it is our privilege to know Him, our life will be a life of continual obedience. Through an appreciation of the character of Christ, through communion with God, sin will become hateful to us.
As Christ lived the law in humanity, so we may do if we will take hold of the Strong for strength. But we are not to place the responsibility of our duty upon others and wait for them to tell us what to do. We cannot depend for counsel upon humanity. The Lord will teach us our duty just as willingly as He will teach somebody else. If we come to Him in faith, He will speak His mysteries to us personally. Our hearts will often burn within us as One draws nigh to commune with us as He did with Enoch. Those who decide to do nothing in any line that will displease God, will know, after presenting their case before Him, just what course to pursue. And they will receive not only wisdom, but strength. Power for obedience, for service, will be imparted to them, as Christ has promised. Whatever was given to Christ—the “all things” to supply the need of fallen men—was given to Him as the head and representative of humanity. And “whatsoever we ask, we receive of Him, because we keep His commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.” 1 John 3:22.
"Obey" and "Law" are trigger words for our Community of Faith because some people accuse of us trying to earn salvation, that the Law is OT and Grace is NT. So we, I, get myself into knots trying to "prove" the 10 commandments are still valid. I have now realized that I need to follow Jesus' example, He didn't try to prove others wrong, He just stated the truth per the Scriptures.
I believe that it was the pre-incarnate Son of God who gave the 10 commandments on Mt Sinai, but in any case Jesus Christ repeats and/or references them when He was here on earth. Mark 2:27,28, Mark 7:21-23, Mark 12:29-31, Matthew 22:37-40, John 14:15 is a direct quote from the heart of the 10 commandments Ex 20:6
When I let Jesus tell me what He means, I see the connection between love and obey, He said keep my words/teachings/commands in your heart because I love you and you love me.
What is obedience? It is allowing the LORD through the Holy Spirit to change our hearts, minds, spirits and bodies to be like Jesus Christ.
John 15:10 MKJV If you keep My commandments, you shall abide in My love, even as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love.
I so very much appreciate Shirley's ability to always find the relevant nuggets of Truth embedded in Ellen White's writings. Her writings find great resonance in my heart.
I have learned to look at the Scriptures with a long-range view in mind; everything recorded is evaluated in light of life's purpose related to the end of this age. After man's expulsion from the Garden, it took many 'ages' to come to this point in time. Jesus, the Son of God and man, the Savior of mankind has come to conclude the lineup of the ages; the work is finished - John17:4KJV.
For the believer, I truly think it helpful to enlarge, deepen one's appreciation of the gift of life; seeing it more in the context of its purpose - a new life in a new order -, the order of Heaven's Kingdom. Love of God and faith in His promises will sustain our faith as we apply His Truth.
God's call to honor Him with our life, to 'walk in all His ways, to love Him and to serve Him with all the living soul is'; this is the path designed for man to walk in if he seeks true Life. His Way is the only way, it is good, specifically designed for our good - Gen.1:31KJV.
Someone having lost his way hiking through the mountains or forest looks for anything which could possibly aid him to find his way home. God's Way leads us out of the wilderness to the land were we can live our life's purpose most fully - His kingdom here on earth and a future new life. Following God's Way has brought peace, love and gratefulness to my heart and mind which I happily share with others. God's Way is our Salvation.
God's law is the standard of judgement and His grace is the ladder we climb to reach the standard . We are saved by grace but not keeping the law. But also it's God's grace that helps us to obey the law. It is true we are not saved by keeping the law yet we shall not be saved if we don't obey the law. Some places you go when you don't keep some laws. 1. If you reject Health laws or Health message , you go to hospital. 2. If you reject Civil law, you go to prison. 3. If you reject God's law, you will go to hell.
I hope you are not saying that our personal obedience or works are necessary for salvation. We are saved by God's grace or favor, without regard to how much or little we break the law. In fact, as Paul states many ways, we become "righteous by faith" apart from any works or good deeds or obedience. "Therefore no one will be justified in His sight by works of the law. For the law merely brings awareness of sin. But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, as attested by the Law and the Prophets. And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no distinction …" Rom 3:20-22
Jordan even though we are not saved by obedience it is still vital that we obey.
In Romans 1:5 it is grace that gives us obedience. "By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name." Romans 1:5
In Ephesians 2:8-10 it is grace that gives us good works. "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:8-10
In Titus 2:11-12 grace helps us live godly lives right here on earth. " For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;" Titus 2:11-12
So while we are saved by grace and not by faith I would be careful myself saying there is no regard to how much we break the law. Yes Jesus forgives as many times as we confess, but remember the same Paul who said in Ephesians 2:8 we are saved by grace also said in that same book of Ephesians, " But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them." Ephesians 5:3-7
Also the same chapter you shared, Romans 3, goes on to say, "Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law." Romans 3:31
And most importantly Jesus Himself said, " but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments." Matthew 19:17
Yes we are saved by grace and faith alone, but those who have faith keep the commandments.
"Here is the patience of the saints: here [are] they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." Revelation 14:12
In response:
Rom 1:5. This text refers to how Paul and others received both "grace" and "apostleship/commission toward obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name". In context, the word obedience is not referring to salvation but the task of apostleship.
Eph 2:8-10 clearly states that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, and "not of works" . . . Good works are the path of the Christian AFTER or as a RESULT of salvation. Our obedience plays no part in our salvation, either before or after. This distinction needs be made clear, so as to not corrupt the simplicity and gift of the gospel. However, it plays a part in the Christian life.
All these and other texts teach that obedience is important following receiving the gift of salvation. But such obedience is not a pre-requisite for salvation, but as a means of expression and gratitude to God and as a light to others.
Tit 2:11-12 says the same thing. Good works are to be taught as a way of life to those who have been saved.
Many Adventists have this matter confused, and think that their obedience contributes to their merit or salvation, and that keeping the law is somehow important in qualifying them for heaven.
It ain't so.
I totally agree. I see we are on the same page. I wasn’t sure by your first comment. Thank you for clarifying.
I also agree that many Adventists and other Christians are confused on the matter of righteousness by faith which is also a great part of the reason Christ has not come yet. We are still trying to obey to be saved, therefore the "bride" is not ready.