“May the LORD keep watch between you and me when we are away from each other” (Genesis 31.49 NIV).
These words have always been to me the “Mizpah Benediction.” They were usually uttered as a concluding blessing of worship gatherings, and sometimes as a “Christian goodbye” between friends. The benediction was understood to be a prayer wishing God’s watchful care over every person concerned. Perhaps it even expressed a hope of reuniting at some future occasion. They were words of encouragement and affection.
Recently, as I read the passage again I paid closer attention to the context of the benediction. And I discovered that it was less a benediction and more a covenant provision. There seems to be less affection and more distrust.
For twenty years, the relationship between Jacob and his father-in-law Laban was characterized by deception, suspicion, and resentment (Genesis 31.38-42). Now, as Jacob was leaving, the relationship had not changed. They decided to enter into an agreement that would ensure that neither would act in a way that may be unfavorable to the other. They set up a heap of stones as witnesses to their agreement. And as they parted ways, how could each be sure that the other would fulfill his part of the agreement? From this perspective, the “Mizpah Provision” was really about looking to God to monitor the actions of the persons concerned to ensure that they keep the agreement (Genesis 31.50-53). Instead of a prayer for God’s provision and protection, it was a request for divine regulation.
While I may now hesitate to use the words uttered at Mizpah as a benediction, as a covenant provision they still offer spiritual lessons to consider. For example, it is a continuing human challenge to conduct ourselves with integrity even when “away from each other” (that is, when others are not present). Thus, from time to time, we may need a reminder like: “Just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence but even more in my absence, continue working out your salvation with awe and reverence” (Philippians 2.12 NET). We must keep watch over our conduct.
This recent encounter with the Genesis passage also reminds me of the importance of keeping watch over my scripture reading, that is, paying attention to what scripture actually says. What we read may challenge our presumptions about the meaning of some passages, or even certain things we have been taught. On the other hand, it may also expand or enrich what we already know. Either way, the issue is to allow scripture to mean what it means, not what we want it to mean or what we presume it means.
—Keith Y. Jainga