Doorposts and gates

Doorposts and gates April 28, 2016

This is the last of our series on the constitution of the Old Testament–the Shema (Deut 6.4-9).

The last verse is v. 9, where we are told to write the words of God in our houses where we see them entering and exiting, and in the places where we conduct business and enact or write laws for our community.

Hebrew
Ukh’tav’tam al m’zuzot beitekha uvish’arekha.
And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

The word for “doorposts” is familiar to some of us–mezuzot.  Perhaps you have seen these slim silver or gold rectangles with Hebrew letters inscribed (and a portion of Scripture on paper is enclosed), placed on the doorposts of Jewish homes or stores.  They are there because of this verse, and the purpose then as now is to remind God’s people of his instructions every time they leave their houses and return to them.

We Christians might want to get our own mezuzot and place them at home or in our offices.  The presumption behind this is that we are creatures who tend to forget.  We need to be reminded.

It is also suggested here that each reminder can help give further understanding, for each day is different, and the meaning of that scripture for that day might be different.  For Scripture is an ocean, and the layers of meaning for every part are nearly endless.

Then we are told to put them on our gates.  These are the gates of the town or community, not our homes.  Most homes in the ancient world did not have gates.  But the towns did, and this was where both financial and legal transactions would be conducted.  The idea here is that we need to be reminded of God’s words when we buy and sell, and when we participate in public discussion or enactment of laws for our community.

Now in America we have separation of church and state.  Yet this verse was in mind when in former days courthouses typically were built with the Ten Commandments prominently displayed.  I would argue that these are still necessary, for they express the natural law that is common to all, even atheists.

But we Christians can apply this half-verse to our Christian communities.  It is good to have visible reminders of God’s words in our churches, when we conduct the administration of our congregations and denominations, and in our reflection on the public order of our land.  So we should not be afraid to use art and beauty to display the words of God in our churches.

That is the end of the Constitution of the Old Testament.  In one sense, all of God’s redemption and law are contained in these words.  This is why Jews memorize these verses (Dt 6.4-9) and recite them three times a day.

Suggestion to Christians: memorize these verses and meditate on them regularly.  Your faith will be enriched.


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