Why do we worship? In You Are What You Love: The Spiritual Power of Habit, James K. A. Smith explained: “In worship we don’t just come to show God our devotion and give him our praise; we are called to worship because in this encounter God (re)makes and molds us top-down. Worship is the arena in which God recalibrates our hearts, reforms our desires, and rehabituates our loves. Worship isn’t just something we do; it is where God does something to us.” As the people of Israel finished ratifying the covenant, they certainly found this to be true. These worship events were intended for their spiritual transformation. Today’s reading resumes from Exodus 19:25 narrating the ratification ceremony. Exodus 20–23 was the “Book of the Covenant,” that is, the initial provisions of the Law and covenant written down by Moses. Ratification involved at least four elements: 1. Moses formalized the covenant by writing it down (24:4a). 2. Twelve stone pillars were erected, symbolizing all twelve tribes and reminding them of their commitment to obedience (vv. 4b, 7). 3. Altars were set up. Though the priesthood had not yet been inaugurated, Moses supervised burnt offerings for sin and fellowship offerings, symbolizing peace with God (vv. 5–6). The principle of blood atonement was prominent (v. 8). 4. And finally—as would have been expected within the formation of the suzerain-vassal treaty—a feast was held to mark the covenant’s beginning (vv. 9–11). Along with the leaders of Israel, God Himself participated in this incredible celebration! After all this, Moses went up the mountain to receive the rest of the Law. He would stay there 40 days and 40 nights, not coming down again until Exodus 32 and the golden calf episode.