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double-edged witness

Deuteronomy 31:23-27 (JDV)

Deuteronomy 31:23 Yahveh commanded Joshua son of Nun, and this is what he said, “Be strong and tough, because you will bring the Israelites into the land I swore to them, and I will be with you.”
Deuteronomy 31:24 When Moses had finished writing down on a scroll every single word of this instruction,
Deuteronomy 31:25 he commanded the Levites who carried the ark of Yahveh’s covenant, and this is what he said:
Deuteronomy 31:26 “Take this book of the instruction and place it beside the ark of the covenant of Yahveh your God so that it may stay there as a witness against you.
Deuteronomy 31:27 You see, I know how rebellious and hard-necked you are. Notice, if you are rebelling against Yahveh now, while I am still alive, how much more will you rebel after I am dead!

double-edged witness

The scroll inside the Ark of the Covenant was a witness of that covenant. As such, if the Israelites obeyed, it would witness to that obedience in favor of the Israelites. But if they disobeyed, this same sword would manifest its other edge. Moses told the Levites to put the book in there as a witness against the people. Every act of rebellion and unfaithfulness was already recorded in the scroll.

The Bible is a faithful witness of God’s grace and love, demonstrated by Christ. But it is also a double-edged sword, attesting to every act of rebellion and transgression and omitted act of righteousness. By it we learn how high and holy God is, and how low and depraved we can be. We travel with that witness. It helps us stay true to the one who called us to himself, and commands repentance when we fail him.

Lord, thank you for your sacred word, a double-edged witness.