"Do Not(s)" Of The Bible

Scriptures: (Exodus 19:5,6 NKJ) Now if you will carefully listen, to Me and keep My covenant, You will be My own possession out of all the peoples, although the whole earth is mine, (6) and you will be My kingdom of priests and My holy nation.

As little children, living with our parents, there were rules that comprised of things that we were deterred away from partaking of or its practices. We can say, our young lives were being shaped by many “Do Nots” to protect us, to guide, to set us apart from unhealthy/unsafe practices. To ignore, we’d be subjected to unpleasant results.

There are several “Do Nots” of the Bible. Some “Do Nots” were directed toward Nations and others toward individuals.  For the Lord called His people (Hebrew children) to be holy and pure and not defile themselves with the things of the heathen practices. For many horrible things were going on in land where the Israelites were to possess. The people in the land were worshiping and sacrificing to the Asherah (Deut. 16:21); (Deut. 18:9);  (Deut. 18:10). The Canaanites sacrificed their children by having them pass through the fire. They boiled the baby goat’s flesh in his mother’s milk (Exodus 34:26); (Deut. 14:21); (Exodus 23:19). Heathens used that practice as a ritual. The Israelites’ dietary laws prohibited the mixing of milk and meats for a good reason. The Israelites were warned not to imitate the detestable customs of those nations (Deut. 18:9).

The Israelites were commanded to not practice the practices of the land they were to possess. God wanted such people/ nations to be destroyed. He continued to remind the Israelites while teaching/instructing them to be different. Moses kept all the Words of the covenant Law before them. (Exodus 20:1-17) “Do not have other gods besides Me.”  There should be no other to hinder the relationship between them and Jehovah God.  If this one is broken, then there is no reason to respect the other “Do Nots.” God alone is able to save from Hell, deliver from crises, and bless with His promises.  “Do Not” make idols (Exodus 20:4), meaning to not attempt to create  a visible representation of an invisible God.  Even sinful desire are idols. (Col. 3:5) , such things can become ruler of our lives. “Do not misuse the name of the Lord (Exodus 20:7). God does not want His name defamed (abused); but honored, respected, valued . Too often in Christendom, we hear “Thank God,” “ I swear to God,” and the list goes on of do nots.  Ignoring the do not’s in our lives could result in serious  consequences, even death.

The Lord called His people (Israelites) to be holy and pure,  undefiled with heathen practices. Obey the voice of the Lord; keep His covenant (Law) for safety and spiritual growth, to be guided by His hand, set apart from unhealthy evil practices, To learn to live holy unto the Lord their God. The Israelites were to appoint judges to judge the peoples with righteous judgement (Deut. 16:18-19) (“Do not deny Justice;” “Do not accept a bribe)”. Today, the Lord calls to Believers through Jesus  (Word), His Son, to live a holy separated, set apart life. We have the power to do so by the Holy Spirit who indwells us to help, to guide instruct and teaches. We have the free will to choose to do or not to do all that is in the Word of God (Bible). *(Referenced T. Evans CSB/Commentary)

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Your Words puts things very plainly for me especially where you simplify the do nots of the Bible. I  immediately take heed. For You do mean what You say, and You say what You mean to me. To ignore could result in serious consequences.  I admit, You know all things afar off and You respond out of Grace, love and mercy. You do not speak in such language to frighten me, but to warn and protect me and to keep me from the many pit falls in this life. In Jesus’ name. Amen    *Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

(by Novella D. Carpenter)