ELTBefore Dalet ד
...with a command
The Letter ד (Dalet): Obeying God’s Commands
The letter ד (Dalet) reminds us of God's commands—clear instructions that must be followed without arguing or questioning. It shows us that God has absolute authority, and when He gives a command, He expects it to be obeyed right away. Throughout the Bible, God gives commands to show His power and guide us in living the way He wants.
Here are some Bible verses that show how God gives commands and expects obedience:
- Genesis 1:3 "And God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light."
- This was the very first command in the Bible. God spoke, and it happened instantly, showing His power and authority in creation.
- Exodus 20:3 "You shall have no other gods before me."
- This is the first of the Ten Commandments. God commands us to worship Him alone, leaving no room for debate or compromise.
- Deuteronomy 5:33 "Walk in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess."
- God tells His people to follow His commands carefully, promising blessings for their obedience.
- Matthew 28:18-20 "Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.'"
- Jesus gives His followers a command to share the good news and teach others to obey His instructions.
- John 14:15 "If you love me, keep my commandments."
- Jesus makes it simple: if we love Him, we’ll show it by obeying what He says, without excuses or hesitation.
- Romans 6:17 "But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance."
- Paul explains that true followers of God obey His teachings from the heart, showing a changed life.
- James 1:22 "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says."
- James reminds us that hearing God’s Word isn’t enough—we need to act on it and follow His commands.
Conclusion
The ד (Dalet) teaches us that when God gives a command, it is meant to be obeyed immediately and completely. These verses show us that God’s authority is final, and following His instructions is a way to show our love and trust in Him. Obeying God is how we honor Him and live under His guidance and care.
Discussion
1. Dalet as Symbolizing God’s Command
- Why do you think the letter ד (Dalet) is a good symbol for God’s commands?
- How does the idea that God’s will must be obeyed without question affect how we view our relationship with Him?
2. The Authority and Sovereignty of God’s Commands
- What does it mean that God’s commands are "non-negotiable"?
- How can understanding God’s ultimate authority help us trust Him more, even when we don’t understand His instructions?
3. Obedience as the Measure of Love for God
- In John 14:15, Jesus says, "If you love me, keep my commandments." How does obedience show love for God?
- Can you think of a time when following God’s command was hard but showed your love for Him?
4. The Non-Negotiable Nature of God’s Law
- When God said, "Let there be light," and it happened immediately (Genesis 1:3), what does this tell us about His authority?
- Why do you think people sometimes delay or question God’s commands? How can we learn to respond like creation did in Genesis—immediately and completely?
5. Personal Reflection
- What does it feel like to think of God as someone whose commands should be obeyed without hesitation?
- How can we practice being more obedient to God in our daily lives?
