Windows to the Word
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Berit Olam
Moses had led the people to Mt Sinai, where the people are given instructions to prepare to meet their God. All were to wash their clothing and be consecrated for two days, in preparation for the third. (Exodus 19:10-11)
“On the third day” (a literary marker found throughout the Bible that alerts one that God is about to do something amazing!), there is a theophany of tremendous proportion. There is thunder and lightning, a loud trumpet blast, the mountain wrapped in thick smoke, and violent earth tremors. (Exodus 19:16-18) The throng of thousands is approached by God, who enters into a covenant with the people.
A covenant is a binding relationship, like an adoption or marriage. The Jewish perspective is this everlasting covenant (berit olam in Hebrew) relationship was as intimate and permanent as a marriage was intended to be. This wedding with the Divine, as it is consecrated, remembered, renewed, recreated, from the pages of Exodus to the concluding chapters of Revelation, is the great marriage metaphor this chapter will explore.
After God’s expectations are shared, with the mediation of Moses, (we call these the commandments), there is a blood ceremony to ratify the covenant. (Exodus 24:4-11) The wedding vows are exchanged as the people all say, “All the words that the LORD has spoken we will do.” (Exodus 24:3) Then the wedding “reception” followed: “. . . they beheld God, and they ate and drank.” (Exodus 24:11)
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About the Book
Have you ever noticed that particular images, such as “bread” or “breath” seem to recur throughout the Bible? The more you read the Bible, the more you hear these echoes.
Windows to the Word explores seven Biblical metaphors, based on the “I am the . . .” sayings in John’s Gospel : I am the bread of life. I am the light of the world. I am the gate for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I am the resurrection and the life. I am the way, the truth, and the life. I am the vine.
When compared to the full scope of scripture, we find that these metaphors have long been used to explain the mystery of the Divine. Windows to the Word will provide structure and insights to these symbols to give you fresh perspective for your own understanding of the Divine. Two additional essays explore the great marriage metaphor that also pervades the Bible and the possibility that John’s Gospel was an early catechism, or teaching text, for Followers of the Way.
About the Author
Rhonda K. Kindig, an experienced educator and scholar, shares popular Bible Study topics from the classes she leads at an historic Episcopal Church in the mountains of southwest Virginia. She has also written Found in Translation, Volumes 1 & 2, which reflect upon Biblical passages through the lens of Greek and Hebrew word translation choices.