9 Then Moses wrote this law and gave it to the priests, the sons of Levi, who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and to all the elders of Israel. 10 And Moses commanded them, “At the end of every seven years, at the set time in the year of release, at the Feast of Booths,11 when all Israel comes to appear before the Lord your God at the place that he will choose, you shall read this law before all Israel in their hearing. 12 Assemble the people, men, women, and little ones, and the sojourner within your towns, that they may hear and learn to fear the Lord your God, and be careful to do all the words of this law, 13 and that their children, who have not known it, may hear and learn to fear the Lord your God, as long as you live in the land that you are going over the Jordan to possess.” (Deuteronomy 31)
When we look back at the chapters which have preceded these, that's a lot of laws to remember. It's worse that the Driver's handbook!. Since we have such a tendency to forget, God built in for His people a refresher course every seven years. Just like the Sabbath is a weekly reminder of God as Creator, sustainer and Sovereign Lord, this fest was to be a reminder of the covenant that bound them to God, and their responsibilities in that relationship. Most of us know what it is like to become a part of a new business or organization: there are not only a lot of details in the "handbook", there are even more unwritten "laws" which make up the culture of the group. This time was more than just a reading of the laws, but also a time to ask questions and put all the pieces together. It was especially helpful to children growing up and sojourners new to the community. When we do not remind ourselves and inform newcomers of these things everything disintegrates. So keep coming back for that refresher course, over and over again. Be reminded of Who He is and what He desires.
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