38“In view of all this, we are making a binding agreement, putting it in writing, and our leaders, our Levites and our priests are affixing their seals to it.”
Sometimes you just have to put it in writing and make it official. This verse ends a chapter that records the prayer confession of the Levites on behalf of the people. They have read the Law and understood its implications. They know their history of turning away and of the Lord’s grace in accepting them back when they repent. They want to do something different. They want to keep their word, so they write down their commitment and put their official signature to it, sealing it with their rings in wax. The ring was the pin number to their identity. Anyone could forge a signature, but the ring impression was theirs alone. They wanted their commitment to stick this time. They have received a new start in the land of promise, and they don’t want to have to go back to captivity in order to learn another lesson in humility. We sign our marriage certificates in front of witnesses as a way to make our vows legally binding on us. We sign contracts to rent or purchase a car or a home. We click “Agree” on the internet when we start up using an online retailer. But how many of us have broken these promises? Have we strayed in thought or deed from our marriage vows? Have we not kept up the payments? Have we made other commitments that now force us into default? Maybe it is time to drop the luxuries and pay the basics. Drop the cable or satellite. Stop the money draining hobbies. Sell the toys, the grownup toys, that is. Cut back and live within your means. Keep your promises to your spouse.
The Arnold Journey 