It seems that in this life, we are often faced with big decisions that test our loyalty to God, both personally and in the community. For the Israelites who had just returned from exile, loyalty and efforts to renew commitment became part of an expression of gratitude to a faithful God. They realized that deviation from God's law had brought them suffering, and now they consciously and voluntarily promised to be faithful to His commandments. The covenant that was made contained an agreement that involved the entire people, including the leaders, priests, Levites, and everyone who was old enough to understand. They were ready to accept the curse if they violated God's law, not as a cruel punishment, but as a form of divine discipline that brought them back to the right path. This covenant was made openly, showing their seriousness in obeying God's law.

There are at least two promises expressed in the text we read. First, loyalty to God in the marriage relationship. "We will not give our daughters to the peoples of the land, nor will we take their daughters for our sons" (verse 30). This promise was addressed to parents, because in those days, parents were the ones who arranged the marriages of their children. This promise affirms the important principle that a follower of God should only marry someone who is equally committed to God. Marriage is not only a bond between two individuals, but also between two families, cultures, and beliefs. Second, the covenant to honor the Sabbath (verse 31), both the Sabbath week and the Sabbath year. In the Old Testament law, God commanded that no one should buy or sell anything on the Sabbath. The people of Jerusalem in the past (before the exile) had broken this law, so now those who had just returned from exile committed themselves to a covenant with God to obey His law. The Sabbath is not just about prohibiting work, but about putting God first above all else.

Bible friends, through this story we learn that life choices must be made based on obedience to God with all His provisions. The post-exilic Israelites understood very well the consequences of disobedience. Although we must admit that remaining obedient to His commands was not easy. Especially being in the midst of a society that often has different values ​​from what we believe in. But that is the price we must pay as a form of gratitude for all the goodness of God that we have received.