The Binding of the Testimony is a term that refers to the sacred and covenantal aspects of the tablets of the Law, which were given to Moses on Mount Sinai. These tablets, also known as the Tablets of the Covenant or the Tablets of the Testimony, were inscribed by the finger of God and contained the Ten Commandments, serving as a foundational element of the covenant between God and the people of Israel.

Biblical Context

The concept of the Testimony is rooted in the narrative of the Exodus, where God delivers the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and establishes a covenant with them at Mount Sinai. The term "Testimony" (Hebrew: עֵדוּת, edut) is often used in the Old Testament to refer to the tablets themselves, which were placed inside the Ark of the Covenant. The Ark, in turn, was housed within the Most Holy Place of the Tabernacle, and later the Temple, signifying the presence and authority of God among His people.

In Exodus 25:16, God instructs Moses, "And put into the ark the Testimony, which I will give you" . This command underscores the importance of the Testimony as a divine witness to the covenantal relationship between God and Israel. The tablets served as a perpetual reminder of God's laws and His expectations for His chosen people.

Theological Significance

The Binding of the Testimony carries profound theological implications. It represents the binding nature of God's covenant with Israel, emphasizing the unbreakable and eternal nature of His promises and commandments. The Testimony is not merely a set of legal stipulations but a reflection of God's character and His desire for a holy and obedient people.

The presence of the Testimony within the Ark also symbolizes God's faithfulness and His commitment to dwell among His people. The Ark, as the earthly throne of God, was central to Israel's worship and religious life, and the Testimony within it served as a constant reminder of God's sovereignty and holiness.

Covenantal Relationship

The Binding of the Testimony is integral to understanding the covenantal relationship between God and Israel. The Ten Commandments, as the core of the Testimony, outline the moral and ethical standards that God requires of His people. They are a summary of the Law and a guide for righteous living, reflecting God's holiness and justice.

In Deuteronomy 4:13, Moses reminds the Israelites, "He declared to you His covenant, which He commanded you to follow, the Ten Commandments that He wrote on two tablets of stone" . This passage highlights the centrality of the Testimony in the covenant and its role as a divine mandate for the nation of Israel.

Symbolism and Worship

The Binding of the Testimony also holds symbolic significance in the context of Israel's worship. The Ark of the Covenant, containing the Testimony, was carried by the Levites during the Israelites' journey through the wilderness and into the Promised Land. It was a tangible representation of God's presence and guidance.

In the Tabernacle and later the Temple, the Ark and the Testimony were central to the sacrificial system and the Day of Atonement rituals. The high priest would enter the Most Holy Place once a year to make atonement for the sins of the people, underscoring the need for holiness and the seriousness of sin in light of God's perfect law.

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, the Binding of the Testimony finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the living Word of God, the embodiment of the Law, and the mediator of a new covenant. In Matthew 5:17, Jesus declares, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them" . Christ's life, death, and resurrection fulfill the righteous requirements of the Law, offering salvation and reconciliation to all who believe.

The Binding of the Testimony, therefore, points to the continuity and fulfillment of God's redemptive plan through Christ, who perfectly embodies the divine will and establishes a new covenant with humanity.