What do you think of when you heard the word “covenant”? How about the word “oath”?
Covenant, to me, implies some sort of mutual deal. But oath, to me, implies something like a one-way, but immutable, promise.
In this brand new parasha, what did we enter into when we entered into both a covenant and an oath? The covenant clearly implies the mutuality of - if we follow the commandments (or not), then certain things will happen. But the oath? That seems to be almost a confirmation that this deal, it’s for eternity, and there is no one who keeps their word like G-d does.
It’s something we don’t think about too often. As I’ve reflected previously, both in Torah and non-Torah contexts, someone’s word used to mean something. Long before three hundred page contracts and everything needing to be memorialized in writing and “don’t write it if you can say it,” there was simply words. And if you read the Torah, or other old texts, there were oaths and “swearings” and affirmations - all verbal - and that meant something. Now, I think it’s fair to say without much elaboration that there is very little value placed on a verbal promise or oath.
What was the source and what caused the devolution? Well, being made in the image of G-d, surely it must be that just as G-d’s Word in an oath is eternal and truthful, man’s once was, too - to the extent it could be eternal. But as humanity sort of unraveled and its drive was less and less focused, the power of the spoken word became less meaningful too. But that certainly doesn’t mean, G-d forbid, that H’s does as well.
Amazingly, this may be why I do like working in law, as challenging and stressful as it is. There, sure, everything is transcribed and available for later review, but until then, the verbal word still packs a huge punch. When something is said, it is etched into the record and has real and immediate consequences. I wouldn’t dare say the word “create,” but “things happen,” most definitely happen, based upon the oral word alone. In how many other contexts can we say the same?
And so this oath which is given “this day” - it is an oath of G-d. And oath that still means something - a lot, more than anything else, as it is eternal and guaranteed and forever - but also ever-present and available. And what is this oath? That G-d will protect us and bless us and give us joy in all of our endeavors as long as we fulfill our end of the covenant (mitzvot, Torah study, and simply walking in The Way). And if we don’t, then G-d will withdraw slightly and negative things will happen until we draw closer once again. It’s an oath that we don’t have to question - we can’t question - and we only need look at history to prove it.
May I always remember the oath and draw ever closer and near and be present to the presence of H’.
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