The psalmist is a teacher who implores the people to listen to him. He will give an account of God’s dealing with his chosen people, both in anger and approval. This story of Israel’s past must be told to all generations. Nothing, especially the dark side of this history, must be withheld from the children. A censored report of God’s actions is impossible. The children have to learn the account of God’s punishment and blessing—the dark sayings from the old and the glorious deed, might, and wonders that God has done.
This is an extraordinary form of tradition. It is handed down from generation to generation by means of teaching. Children and adults are to be reminded of God’s presence with his people. The people’s history with God is their fate; their tradition gives them identity. What happened to Israel is the past is like a pointer to the future. Obedience to God’s testimony gives them identity. What happened to Israel in the past is like a pointer to the future. Obedience to God’s testimony and law will give rise to hope in God, remember of the works of God, and the will to keep God’s commandments.
An especially unpleasant example of disobedience against God are the Edomites, the descendants of Esau, the twin brother of Jacob. The Old Testament describes the Edomites as a kindred nation, always ready to engage in fraternal strife. They forgot God’s work, the wonders in the land of Egypt, Israel’s passing through the waters of the sea, the leading cloud at day and the blazing fire at night, the water from the rock, the rebellion in the wilderness, manna and meat to eat. They, now including Israel at large, still sinned, so God shortened their life until they earnestly repented, but their confession was one of the lips, not of the heart. Even so, God was compassionate because they were but flesh, like a passing wind that does not come again.
The main stations of God’s help are a staple bedrock of Israel’s profession: liberation from Egypt, passing through the sea, God’s wonderful deeds in the wilderness, and God’s leading them into the promised land. Nowadays, the church, the people of God, congregations, and individuals have, often unnoticed, a tradition that shapes their identity. Are you aware of the history of God’s presence in your own life? Is your life marked by the tradition of the Christian faith?
Prayer: God of help and protection, let me see the works of your hand in my life; make me an active member of the church, living according to your will, and teaching the story of salvation to old and young. Amen.
Manfred Hoffmann
