Cling to God

The only way Israel will be able to avoid the temptation of idolatry and the wrath of God is not by constantly remembering the “don’ts” of the covenant, but by fostering a conscious and consistent allegiance to the Lord. The same verb, “to cleave, adhere” to the Lord (see Deut. 4:4), is also used to describe the marriage covenant that was intended between wife and husband (02:24 &version=KJV&src=tools" target="_self">Gen. 2:24 ) or the loyalty of Ruth to Naomi (01:14 &version=KJV&src=tools" target="_self">Ruth 1:14 ). It is important to note that, according to Joshua’s evaluation, such faithfulness has characterized Israel as a nation “to this day.” Unfortunately, the same assertion will not be true for later periods of Israel’s history, as the book of Judges sadly demonstrates (Judg. 2:2, 7, 02:11 &version=KJV&src=tools" target="_self">11; Judg. 3:7, 03:12 &version=KJV&src=tools" target="_self">12; Judg. 4:1, etc.)

Joshua appeals to Israel to love the Lord their God (23:11 &version=KJV&src=tools" target="_self">Josh. 23:11 ; compare with Deut. 6:5). Love cannot be forced; otherwise, it will cease to be what it essentially is. Yet in what sense can love be commanded?

In order for Israel to continually enjoy the blessings of the covenant, they will have to stay loyal to God. The Hebrew is extremely emphatic: “Be very careful for the sake of your own soul.” The word ’ahabah, “love,” can refer to a wide range of human affections, including friendly attachment, sexual intimacy, maternal tenderness, romantic love, and loyalty to God. If we understand love for God as a conscious commitment and devotion to Him, it can be enjoined without violating its true nature (compare with 13:34 &version=KJV&src=tools" target="_self">John 13:34 ). God always intended that obedience to His commands should spring from a personal relationship with Him (Exod. 19:4 [“I . . . brought you to Myself,” NKJV], Deut. 6:5, compare with 22:37 &version=KJV&src=tools" target="_self">Matt. 22:37 ) based on what He has done for them in His great mercy and love.

The command to love God also expresses the mutual, but not symmetrical, nature of divine love. God desires to enter into an intimate, personal relationship with every person who reciprocates His love. Thus, His universal love to all constitutes the framework for the manifestation of our voluntary, mutual love.

Jesus gave a new commandment to His disciples. In what sense was this commandment new and old at the same time? Read 13:34 &version=KJV&src=tools" target="_self">John 13:34 , 15:17 &version=KJV&src=tools" target="_self">John 15:17 , and 03:11 &version=KJV&src=tools" target="_self">1 John 3:11 ; compare with 19:18 &version=KJV&src=tools" target="_self">Lev. 19:18 .