DBG - March 10 - Deuteronomy 29-31

In this chapter Moses reminds the Israelites of their covenant with God.  Many see this as an introduction to the covenant in Chapter 30.

vs. 1-15 – Moses reminds the nation of the covenant made with God in Exodus 24:2-4 and exhorts them to follow it.  We have in vs. 5-6 the words of God and not Moses, where it is revealed that God had supernaturally provided for Israel not only food but prolonging the life of their clothes and shoes.  We have mentioned in vs. 11 the “hewer of wood” and “drawer of water”, phrases that are repeated in Joshua 9:21.  Overall, this section is a positive encouragement to follow God which contrasts with that follows.

vs. 16-29 – Moses now reminds the people of the cost of rebellion against God and His Law.  This fits well with the curses of the previous chapter.  I find it interesting in vs. 24-28 how God says the heathen will respond to the judgment of Israel.  You would assume that in the polytheistic world that they would simply claim that Israel’s God had been weaker than other gods.  But the heathen that witness the wrath of God are convinced that God has punished His people.  I think this speaks to the severity of the judgment.

In this chapter we have what some call the Palestinian Covenant which promises that God will restore Israel to the Promised Land.

vs. 1-10 – The previous chapters have been based on conditional statements: IF you obey God, IF you rebel against Him.  There is no IF in these verses.  This is a promise – no, it is a prophecy.  God says WHEN Israel has been scattered in judgment that they will turn their hearts back to God and He will restore them to the land.  We see this partially in the return from the Babylonian Captivity, but its fullest fulfillment is the before Armageddon when Israel finally accepts Christ as their Messiah (Matthew 23:37-39, Zechariah 12:10, Hosea 5:15, also note the “will return” in vs. 3).  Prophecy is pre-written history.  This day will come.

vs. 11-20 – Moses makes his final appeal for the hearts of Israel to choose to serve God.  He has faithfully led them and taught them for forty years, but his ministry is almost over.  His final plea is for the people to be faithful and obey the truth God had given to him.

In this chapter Israel is prepared for the passing of Moses.,

vs. 1-8 – Moses encourages the people to conquer the Promised Land after his death.  Joshua is appointed to take his place as the new leader of Israel.

vs. 9-13 – Israel is commanded to publicly read the Law during the Sabbath Years at the Feast of Tabernacles in the fall.  Moses faithfully recorded the words of the Law and entrusted them into the care of the Kohathite Levites.  I do not know of any record of this happening, though there are three occasions where the Law was publicly read in Old Testament: by Joshua in Joshua 8:35, by Josiah in II Kings 23:2, and by Ezra in Nehemiah 8:3.

vs. 14-23 – Three things occur in this passage that are noteworthy.  First, Joshua is publicly and solemnly appointed as Moses’ successor at the Tabernacle.  Second, God reveals that Israel will not remain faithful in the future in vs. 16-18.  Third, that Moses is to compose a song to teach to the people, which we will see in the next chapter.

vs. 24-30 – Again it is mentioned, as in vs. 9, that Moses wrote down the Law and gave it to the Kohathite Levites.  Note the purpose of the Law: it is a witness against the sins of Israel.  This theme is picked up by Paul in Romans 3:19-20 and Galatians 2:19.  The Law cannot bring righteousness; it can only reveal our lack of it.  Last, the leaders of Israel are to gather so Moses can teach them his son.

vs. 31 – This verse transitions us into Chapter 32, which contains the so-called “Song of Moses”.  There are two other songs written by Moses in Scripture.  The first is the song of celebration after the Red Sea crossing in Exodus 15:1.  The other is Psalm 90. 

There is no mystery to God’s will and way.  He gave Moses the Law and Moses gave the Law to the people.  Not one word was withheld.  Most man-made religions keep secrets that only initiates or sufficiently elevated leaders may know.  But God gives it out freely.  It is read publicly.  It is taught privately.  In the Bible God reveals His expectations and desires for us.  In English at least, you can get a Bible easily at many stores or download a digital copy.  We really have no excuse not to be familiar with God’s will.

Any time that I can find a good hymn by Anne Steele I try to use it.  Today we will feature “The Christian’s Resolution”, which I feel echoes a true response to the choice set before Israel and us – to serve God or to reject Him. 

Ah wretched souls, who strive in vain,
Slaves to the world, and slaves to sin!
A nobler toil may I sustain,
A nobler satisfaction win.

I would resolve with all my heart,
With all my pow'rs, to serve the Lord,
Nor from his precepts e'er depart,
Whose service is a rich reward.

O be his service all my joy,
Around let my example shine,
Till others love the blest employ,
And join in labours so divine.

Be this the purpose of my soul,
My solemn, my determin'd choice,
To yield to his supreme controul,
And in his kind commands rejoice.

O may I never faint nor tire,
Nor wand'ring leave his sacred ways;
Great God, accept my soul's desire,
And give me strength to live thy praise.