Covenant of Love

Scholars believe that the book of Devarim (Deuteronomy) is covenant document – it follows the pattern of Middle Eastern written treaties and covenants. In the Complete Jewish Study Bible, there is a commentary on page 235, called The Nature of Covenant, that I would like to read to you. That’s when the words of the V’Ahavta really jumped out at me. You are to…what? You are to LOVE ADONAI your God. This was not just a business relationship. If you perform these 613 things, then I will perform my side of the agreement. This was not just a religious agreement. If you sing these songs and pray these prayers and offer these sacrifices, then I will be your God and bless you. This was a love relationship. We are supposed to LOVE God. That’s a pretty radical idea, if you think about it. How can you l...