The Drama of Scripture: Finding Our Place In The Biblical Story

by Craig G. Bartholomew

The Lord intends that he should instruct Israel in every area of life. Only then will Israel truly become a light to the nations. “There is not a square inch of life of which he does not say, ‘That is mine!’”70 Religion is no merely private affair: the Lord wants his law (torah, “instruction”) to permeate every part of his people’s experience. His words should frame the personal life of each individual (being present in the mind and the heart, whether one is waking or lying down).71 They should shape the thoughts and actions of all his people, each day of their lives (being present on both the “forehead” and the “hand”).72 The Torah claims both family life and public life. Upon leaving the house, one sees God’s words of instruction written on the gate. Upon returning, one sees them again, written on the door of the house.