Deuteronomy Chapter 27
“We, the citizens of Singapore, pledge ourselves as …”
Though many of us know and are able to recite the Singapore Pledge by heart, are the words that we mouthed truly felt in our hearts. The Pledge bears deep significance and is integral to the welfare, “happiness, progress and prosperity of our nation”.
Which is the reason why the Pledge is “religiously” recited on a daily basis in school, so that the aspirations are engraved deeply in the hearts and minds of the people. To leave an indelible mark, lest we forget.
The great length and deliberation to prepare the Israelites for an event that will only take place in ‘the future, i.e. when they have crossed over the Jordan, is thus understandable. There is a strong need to impress upon the people of God, to ‘take heed and listen’ and the criticality in keeping (not some but) all the commandments of the Lord.
That though it they hear the words from the elders, Levites or priests, they regarded them as ‘the voice of the Lord God’ Himself.
It is also interesting to note that the main event takes place on Mt Ebal, rather than Mt Gerizim; the setting up of the stones, the writing of the words of the law, the burnt offering and the peace offerings. The laws are given to keep in check the actions of the people, to imbue in the people the awareness of the severe consequences of wrong (sinful) actions.
Keeping of the laws should not be a burden but a joyful affair (1 John 5:3, Ps 119:16, Jer 6:10).
May the Lord help us. Amen.
