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“May the Lord keep watch between you and me when we are away from each other.”
Genesis 31:50b
The Mizpah emotional bond is strong…
Devotion Day 22: The Mizpah Emotional Bond
Growing up half Jewish, I always pay particular interest to ways my Jewish and Christian faith intersect. Perhaps this is why I love digging into my Hebrew-Greek Keyword Study Bible.
So in today’s reading when I came across the word “Mizpah”, I paid attention. After Laban pursued Jacob and eventually cauhgt up with him in the hill country of Gilead, Jacob set up a stone as a pillar and had his relatives gather stones to pile them in a heap (Gen 31:45-47).
Laban then said, “This heap is a witness between you and me today.” (That is why it was called Galeed.)
“It was also called Mizpah, because he said, ‘May the Lord keep watch between you and me when we are away from each other.'”
One thing I always appreciated about my Jewish heritage is the traditions. Jews remember well. Their ceremonies and celebrations serve as memorials to remember the stories, miracles and lives of those that went before them.
While we may not ascribe to all the same beliefs and laws of the Old Testament Jews, I love the Mizpah emotional bond. As the mom of teenagers who will soon leave home, this verse stood out in a new way to me today.
No matter where you find yourself today, especially if you’re away from those you love, remember the watchtower of the Mizpah. Whether literal or figurative, you can make your own Mizpah as an agreement between you, with God always serving as your witness.
Once A Day Chronological Bible Reading Plan & Devotion
Day: 22
Scripture: Genesis 30:1-31:55
You can use this daily Bible reading plan with any Bible, but it’s patterned from NIV Once-A-Day Bible: Chronological Edition (which you can buy by clicking the title or the image below).
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