Exodus 34:23, 24

"Thrice in the year shall all your men appear before the LORD God, the God of Israel. For I will cast out the nations before thee, and enlarge thy borders: neither shall any man desire thy land, when thou shalt go up to appear before the LORD thy God thrice in the year."

Three times in a year the men of Israel were to appear before the LORD. They were not to go just anywhere, but were required to go to the place where the LORD had placed His name. At the time of this command that place had not been identified. But in time that place was established as Jerusalem. There was the place where God had placed His name. And there was the place to which they were to go. They also were not to go at just any time. The passage specifies the occasions on which they were to come. This was not a general requirement, but a very specific one.

That being the case, there was a long trip to undertake for many. Though not as large as the U.S. or Canada, the nation of Israel was not a small piece of land. Especially when it is remembered that the main mode of transportation in those days was walking. Animals would also be employed by some, but that did not quicken the travel. For some, then, a trip to Jerusalem might require an extra week or so to accommodate travel. Nonetheless, God Himself here commands that they were to come. And they were to do so three times in a year.

It was also required that the men come. They couldn't send their wives or children. It was they that were to come to Jerusalem to appear before the LORD. Immediately two issues spring to mind. During the times of these gatherings in Jerusalem the men of Israel were not in their villages and so were not available to care for their families. They would need to arrange for the care of their families. Also, they were not there to defend their village from attack. An enemy reading these commands would find in them a golden opportunity to take advantage of the villages of Israel, and to spoil them. This would be a very serious threat and concern.

At the end of the verses quoted above is this phrase, "... neither shall any man desire thy land, when thou shalt go up to appear before the LORD..." Fears concerning their family and wealth were no excuse when it came to this command. And this is because God took it in hand Himself to assure that their earthly concerns were protected as they carried out their spiritual duty. During the time that they were in Jerusalem, the LORD Himself would keep it out of the hearts of their enemies to desire their goods. The Israelite men could freely obey the LORD in these things because He was looking out for them. And they were also without excuse.

Two things are significant. First, God's attention to detail. He knew full well that these concerns would be on the hearts of the men and their families. And He told them outright that He would be looking out for their interests as they did His bidding. Some would say that God is not paying attention. They point to the awful state of the world as evidence. The awful state of the world is only evidence of mankind's sinfulness. In the lives of those that are His He is watching the details, and promising His hand. "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." In this portion there is even the assurance that it will not even enter the hearts of their enemies to take advantage of them. God is well able to the task of looking out for us.

Second, He left His people without an excuse. Once we have heard what God wants of us, He expects that we will follow His ways. Our minds generate a million and one excuses for why we cannot follow Him. For the most part these excuses are only smoke. Yet some are seemingly legitimate. But since God is looking out for the details, we are left with the option of either taking Him at His word concerning our legitimate concerns, or not believing Him. No matter the legitimacy of our excuses, to let them get in the way of following God's ways is to expose unbelief in our hearts. We just don't think that He is able to manage on our behalf. But our God is able, and the smallest detail does not escape His notice and control. Let us then go forward, following Him.

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I've proved Him o'er and o'er
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust Him more!

HJK