When a toddler comes to age there are a variety of age markers that become apparent. A sense of independence being established, the concept of making a choice extending beyond reaction to the given environment, and the beginnings of coherent comuncation are some of these markers. Israel reaches this stage in the book of Exodus. here they come a nation now free of Egypt, they opt into covenants, and feel free to voice their wants and “needs” to their new leaders. However being that Israel is only a toddler, they do not always know what is best, yet assume they do, tending to place them contrary or event puposely opposed to their father: God. These events unfold not only in Exodus but all the way through Deuteronomy. Some stand-out moments are their first covenantal affirmation (Exodus 24:7), their first covenantal transgression (Exodus 32), the consequences of faithlessness (Numbers 14), and eventually covenantal renewal (Deuteronomy 29-30). But all of these events will help to raise Israel into a faithful and obedient youth, or so one would hope.
Tags: Covenant, Discipline, Exodus, Israel, Old Testament
