“…They stiffened their necks and determined to return to their slavery in Egypt. But you are a God ready to forgive, gracious and merciful slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love and you did not forsake them.” Nehemiah 9:17
At the mention of this movie I bet I could guess the first couple of images that pop into your mind. And I’d also bet it’s not the golden calf. This multiple Oscar winner has been a regular must see since 1956. Running a full 2 hours before the intermission meant that so many visual effects were available for viewing prior to the break, (think burning bush, the plagues and the sinister angel of death floating through the ) that when it typically aired on Easter Sunday night most people probably tuned out after the parting of the Red Sea. I know I was sent to bed and didn’t see the end of the film til my teenaged years when I could stay up past 11.
This film, which in 1999 was selected for inclusion in the National Film Registry partly for its historic significance, was based on the Book of Exodus and other biographies. The movie dramatized the life of Moses from his birth into his transformational adulthood when he is shaped and used by God to liberate the enslaved Hebrews from Egypt, through the wilderness and finally to the brink of the promised land.
In the movie, not long after their spectacular rescue, those same chosen people began to complain and actually say that their life of slavery in Egypt was better than the freedom God provided. Their grumbling escalated to idolatry and debauchery. While Moses was physically away from them communicating with the Lord, they crafted a golden calf and actually said (in the Bible and in the movie) that it was this idol which was responsible for their deliverance from Egypt. Exodus 32:4 and Nehemiah 9:18.
Although written some 1000 years after the Exodus, the book of Nehemiah describes a new chapter – essentially a ReStart for the nation of Israel. After a Millenia of relapses between rebellion and repentance, Nehemiah recounts the Israelites eventual return to rebuild Jerusalem, their promised homeland. In an attempt to turn over yet another leaf, Nehemiah along with Israel’s leaders approach God with words of repentance Nehemiah chapter 9 is actually a corporate prayer confessing their own and their ancestors’ many betrayals against God, acknowledging their constant need for him as they seek to restore and re inhabit their homeland. More than once throughout this prayer Israel admits that despite their treasons, God remains gracious and ready to forgive and restore time and again.
Since launching this site in 2018, it has become more and more popular to point out the foibles in history and criticize the actions of America’s founding fathers. There is an equally strong opinion which denies the need to admit anything. Neither vilifying nor absolving our ancestors (or ourselves) is a satisfactory solution. If we hope to go forward with God’s mercy/blessing upon America, confession and repentance are equal portions of the equation. This Tuesday marks the primary voting day in the state of Illinois. Essentially a new chapter or ReStart for our state and nation. For those of us who acknowledge the authority of Scripture, we have the play book from, Nehemiah 9 as the blueprint to influence our attitudes and actions in this, yet another, election cycle.
Although I usually fill this site with classic Christmas movies and the Biblical references tied to their quotable characters, I would wager that if you enjoy those films you are also familiar with this Easter blockbuster. Being convinced that timeworn classics have earned their reputation for a reason, the epic 10 Commandments offers up the relevant juxtaposition between a classic film and the lifechanging Biblical Scripture that forms the basis for this site. And maybe reading this particular Nehemiah 9 passage will change attitudes, behaviors and approaches to God. Then- if so- it will be life changing.
Information for this post comes from Wikipedia
https://en.m.wikipedia.or/wikiThe_Ten_Commandments_(1956_film).
ReelMeaningful 