Then the LORD said to Moses,
“I will now rain down bread from heaven for you.
Each day the people are to go out and gather their daily portion; thus will I test them, to see whether they follow my instructions or not.
On the sixth day, however, when they prepare what they bring in, let it be twice as much as they gather on the other days.”
The “test” in today’s first reading is more than a one-time event. Deuteronomy measures Jewish pre-exilic history against this standard. Did they trust the Lord to provide for them through all their difficult moments? The catastrophes of invasion from Syria and Babylon, the destruction of Jerusalem, their exile and diaspora to many parts of the earth, prove that God was faithful to his word, and they were not.
The Lord punished their infidelity but never cancelled his covenant or abandoned his people. Against all odds, they have returned to their homeland. The Lord has done this, it is wonderful in our sight.
Deuteronomy, unlike the histories of most regimes and dynasties, records the nation’s wickedness. Where surviving Roman, Egyptian, Syrian, and Babylonian monuments commemorate the triumph of armies and the power of rulers, Deuteronomy recalls the sins of rulers, priests, prophets, and the populace.
But, ironically, this history of sin and forgiveness remains as a living document for prayer and contemplation, while ancient ruins -- like Ozymandius -- which remember success, power, and conquest, fascinate only historians and tourists.
The test found in this passage from Exodus involves the people’s reliance on God. They will be blessed with prosperity and security in full sight of their enemies, as Psalm 23 assures them; but failure to trust in God's providence will lead to catastrophe. Scripture records innumerable chances to learn and relearn the lesson. The blessings are given gratuitously despite their sins; and the punishments, one would think, should be persuasive.
But no one can stand in judgment against God's chosen people or their history. They have done well in keeping and treasuring the unhappy history of sin; they have done better by recalling it primarily as a record of God’s merciful and gracious fidelity.
The test remains for those Jewish, Christian, and Muslim nations who believe they have inherited the promises of God’s mercy. Do we trust God to protect us while we invest in health care, education, and economic equality? Or do we neglect those human necessities to build defenses against improbably threats?
At what point does the cost of defending the homeland become so great there is nothing worth defending in the homeland? Historians recall the lackluster performance of English troops against German incursions in North Africa. Apparently, the Tommies were not persuaded the Empire (on which the sun never sat) was worth fighting for.
The Bible reminds us of the consequences of sin. If we are eager to see the LORD's promises fulfilled, we will not ignore his warnings.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.