“And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee.”
This verse captures part of a dialogue between God and the Israelites, specifically Moses, after they witnessed the miraculous parting of the Red Sea and the subsequent destruction of Pharaoh’s army. The Israelites had just sung a triumphant song of praise to God for their deliverance, known as the Song of Moses (Exodus 15:1-19). In response to their praise, God spoke to them, promising to be their healer if they remained faithful to Him.
This verse highlights several key principles:
- Listening to God’s voice: The verse begins with the condition, “If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God.” The Israelites were called to attentively listen to God, obey His commands, and follow His guidance. This emphasizes the importance of having a close relationship with God, being receptive to His leading, and seeking His wisdom through prayer, study of His Word, and listening to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.
- Doing what is right: The verse continues, “…and wilt do that which is right in his sight.” God expects His people to live in obedience to His moral standards. Doing what is right involves aligning our actions with God’s principles, displaying integrity, and demonstrating love, justice, and compassion towards others. It implies living a life that reflects God’s character and seeking righteousness.
- Giving ear to His commandments and keeping His statutes: The verse emphasizes the importance of adhering to God’s commandments and statutes. This reinforces the idea that God’s Word serves as a guide for His people, providing instructions for righteous living. It suggests that obeying God’s commands and following His statutes are essential for experiencing His blessings and protection.
- God as the healer: The verse concludes with the promise, “for I am the LORD that healeth thee.” In this context, God’s promise of healing is primarily related to physical well-being. God assures the Israelites that if they faithfully follow Him, He will protect them from the diseases that afflicted the Egyptians during the plagues. However, it’s important to note that God’s healing encompasses more than physical healing; it also includes spiritual, emotional, and relational healing. God is the ultimate source of restoration and wholeness.
