Through the Bible: 2 KingsSample

Commandments, Testimonies, and Statutes

 … The king (Josiah) stood by the pillar and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD and to keep his commandments, and his testimonies and his statutes with all his heart and all his soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book.

2 Kings 23:3  (ESV)

Josiah became king at the age of 8 and he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. When he was 26, he began to repair the temple. While repairing the temple, the high priest found “the Book of the Law”. After hearing the Word, Josiah tore his robes in sadness as he knew the country was still far away from obeying God’s commandments. 

Josiah and his people made a covenant to walk after God and to keep three important orders – His commandments, His testimonies, and His statutes. 

Commandments (mitsvah in Hebrew) are laws or precepts that establish principles by which God wants His people to obey while Testimonies (eduth) mean to bear witness or to testify. In other words, if generosity is the principle which we live by, then giving and sharing are our testimonies. We are therefore to live in such a way that the principles of the Word would be reflected in our conduct. 

The final part of the covenant is Statutes (chuqqah) which mean to inscribe or to write a decree or custom. Paul wrote in Rom. 2:15 “they show the work of the Law written in their hearts,”. This highlights the importance of a sincere heart and a lifestyle to walk in obedience to God.

Prayer:

Dear God, ruler of all things, I pray today that I keep Your commandments, testimonies, and statutes. I want to be more righteous, more loving, and more forgiving. Be with me, correct me, and lead me to do Your will. I ask all these in Jesus’ name. Amen.