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Sometimes our English words have a hard time catching the intent and emotions behind ancient Hebrew words. English typically lists characteristics when describing something where Hebrew tries to paint a picture in their minds and emotions. Let’s say someone asks you to describe God. You would probably begin with His great love, grace, and mercy. Maybe telling of His omnipotent power. An ancient Hebrew might describe Him like “the first smell entering grandma’s kitchen as she is pulling freshly baked bread out of the oven”. Just think of the emotions and desires this would bring into your heart. Speaking of Jerusalem after Israel returns from captivity, Isaiah 66:11, 13 NIV, “11 For you will nurse and be satisfied at her comforting breasts; you will drink deeply and delight in her overflowing abundance. 13 As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you.”

You can hear this difference in the way Exodus 31:18 has been interpreted. Most modern translations say,” And he gave to Moses, when he had finished speaking with him on Mount Sinai, the two tablets of the testimony, tablets of stone, written with the finger of God”, ESV. There is nothing wrong or inaccurate with this interpretation, but something is missing when compared to the ancient Hebrew text. This makes it sound like Moses spent the better part of 40 days upon the mountain having God drill him with laws and commands. But trying to paint a picture in our minds the ancient Hebrew thought is closer to the KJV, “And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God.”

Notice the difference in phrasing. NIV, “When the Lord finished speaking to Moses” compared to KJV, “when he had made an end of communing with him”. In my mind there is a vast difference between “speaking” and “communing”. Speaking sort of reminds me of one of my elementary school teachers and her yardstick which she carried around while speaking to us. All I heard was the Charlie Brown teacher as I watched her carry that yardstick with intent and yes, she did know how to use it.

 Communing on the other hand is, “the act of sharing deep, intimate thoughts or feelings, or feeling a strong, close connection with someone”.  This is the idea behind the Hebrew word “communing”. So Moses wasn’t just up there soaking in words and thoughts about God and His will trying not to forget them. He was sharing deeply, intimately and developing a deep connection with God. Here is the great news. God was sharing with Moses the same things. His deep, intimate feelings and emotions for Moses and Israel. The Hebrew word carries the idea that nothing was left out of the communing. God wasn’t just throwing out laws and commands so we could stay close with Him, but so He is able to stay close to us. And it took Moses 40 days to even begin to grasp the love, devotion, and dedication God has for Israel and Gentiles today from their salvation through believing faith in Jesus Christ. Yeah that means all born-again children of God today as well.

God left Moses with a “testimony written in stone” of his time spent in communing with Him. We call them commands but once again that word is from a Gentile mindset. The word is not inaccurate, but the word testimony better defines God’s intent. Testimony in biblical Hebrew means, “a solemn declaration or eyewitness account that bears witness to God’s character, truth, and saving work.” They were given as the heart of a loving husband to his loving wife. God gave Moses a list of things to do to declare their undivided love for God.

We can hear it like this in a marriage: “I am your only husband/wife so don’t go chasing after other men/women. Never use my name in vain or in a derogatory manner. It only hurts us both and reflects negatively on our family. There is to be no adultery or lying.” Now these don’t sound so much like commands when stated like this. They sound logical in a marriage relationship but how much more so in our relationship with God.

Exodus 34:14 NIV, “Do not worship any other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.” Jealousy means He deeply loves His people and wants an exclusive, faithful relationship with them. You don’t want to share your spouse. Neither does God.

Randy Harwood, Pastor, Spokane First Baptist Church