George Ruheni, PhD.

Psalm 2 is known as a royal and messianic psalm, historically associated with King David [Acts 4:25]. It is among the most explicit references to mankind’s defiance against God in the entire Old Testament. In contrast to Psalm 1, which presents the righteous man versus the sinner, Psalm 2 is set on a wider scale, depicting a rebellion of nations, kings, and earthly powers against the divine authority. In Genesis 11, people gathered to build a tower “whose top is in the heavens,” seeking: autonomy, self-glory, and independence from divine rule [Genesis 11:1–9]. That same spirit reappears in Psalm 2.   The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying, 3 “Let us break Their bonds in pieces and cast away Their cords from us.” (Psalm 2:2-3). In Babel, humanity proclaimed, “let us make a name for ourselves.” It wasn’t only an act of architecture but a deliberate defiance of the commandment that God gave them t...

Covenant Relationship Covenants are not only contracts but commitments made between the parties involved and marked by solemn oaths and sacrifices. The covenant God makes with Israel in Exodus 24 happens after Israel is freed from slavery in Egypt. God enters the covenant by establishing Israel as His covenant partners who promise to obey His laws. Israel commits to the covenant by agreeing to obey God’s commands. Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read in the hearing of the people. And they said, all that the Lord has said we will do, and be obedient (Exodus 24:7). God’s covenant with Israel can be understood using the ancient suzerainty-vassal treaties in which a supreme ruler establishes conditions for his subjects. Unlike pagan rulers, however, God makes this covenant in grace, having redeemed His people before establishing His law. God later promises the new covenant, which will be written on their minds and hearts [Jeremiah 31:31–34].   Mosaic Law engraved t...

You shall have no other gods before Me The first command sets up the cornerstone for all Biblical faith. God starts off with exclusive loyalty since everything else rests on the correct relationship that God has with His people. The Israelites had just emerged from Egypt, a place where many gods were worshiped, gods like those associated with the Nile, the sun, fertility, and monarchy. So God calls for total devotion. This is more than simply commanding people to not worship other gods together with Yahweh but to worship Him as the one true God. You shall have no other gods before Me (Exodus 20:3) The phrase “before Me” refers literally to “before My face.” What this means is that God sees and knows what is taking place in our hearts regarding loyalties to Him. In other words, the command not only covers religious activities but any activity that could take center stage in one’s life apart from God.   God is unique and unique is the love and devotion demanded from Him. I...