As we approach the end of the Five Books, Moses issues a simple message to the people.
Here is the Covenant. After all of the rules and the warnings and the highs and lows, it comes down to a few phrases. Torah is not in the heavens, it is not in the seas, but in a place that you can access if you try. This relationship comes down to an agreement between God and the Hebrews, a relationship of faith and faithfulness for the love and favor.
God has chosen the people to be a cherished people, a beloved people. This poem is a poem about love and obedience, about the relationship between God and the Jewish people and the Jewish people and God. This is a poem that reflects a personal theological struggle with our relationship with God. I am not the first to wonder out loud about this relationship and of course, whatever I have written here is in the spirit of asking questions, rather than finding answers.
WED ME
Wed Me
as we enter The Land
Wed me
On the top of these mountains
under the clouds.
Wed Me.
Forever be mine
and I will be yours.
Let us make our vows to one another.
Wed Me and love Me
and I will treasure you like no other.
Wed Me without jewels
but with words
and with promises
Wed Me and our love will last forever.
Wed Me and obey.
Did I say obey?
I did.
I make no apologies for that.
Wed Me.
Obey Me
Heed My words,
said sometimes with impatience,
but always with love.
Obey Me.
Not for My sake, but for yours.
Because I know what is best for you.
Because I can see into your heart.
Because I can see the future.
Your soul connects us.
Share it with Me now and always.
Share it freely and without malice.
Because I love you
and I will provide for you.
I will treasure you.
Always.
Please obey.
I want you, my beloved,
to be good hearted,
to do justice
and be fashioned
In My Image
My Most Perfect Self.
Wed Me.
On top of these mountains we stand
Witnessed by the sun and the clouds.
The message is simple.
Although many words have been spoken
love is not about words.
You need not look far.
You can find the answers in your heart.
Not in the sky,
or in the sea,
nor in others.
For I am yours.
Forever and always.
Wed Me and I will be all to you.
A father,
A mother,
A brother,
A sister,
Your love.
Wed Me and my treasures will be yours.
Knowledge and justice,
Splendor and modesty
Victory and wealth
Family and health.
The Sabbath.
Wed Me,
love Me.
Don't say my name,
but look for me everywhere.
You will find Me.
Obey Me.
My precious.
My chosen.
My love,
for I love only you.
Deuteronomy 29:9-11
You stand this day, all of you, before the LORD your God—your tribal heads, your elders and your officials, all the men of Israel,
your children, your wives, even the stranger within your camp, from woodchopper to water drawer—
to enter into the covenant of the LORD your God, which the LORD your God is concluding with you this day, with its sanctions;