Deuteronomy 29
The Covenant is renewed with the people (the new generation). Even
though they saw the miraculous works of the Lord, He did not give
them understanding in these things 1-4. Amazing that God kept them
fed and clothed for 40 years 5-6. They had victory in Moab and 2
and ½ tribes received their inheritance 7-8. The Covenant
affirmed that they were God's people and the He was their God 9-15.
Their part was was to carefully followers the terms (ie. obey God)
9. This was a recommitment of sorts. Moses again warns about idols
16-18. Just saying the words of the covenant and 'claiming' God was
not enough to 'save' or protect the person who then persists in his
own way 19. The Lord would bring all the curses on that person
which were written in His book (previous chapters) 19-21. Note: God
judges willful persistence in sin Just calling one's self a "Jew"
or "God's chosen" or "Christian" did not guarantee the favor and
blessing of God in life, nor secure a place in heaven (see: Romans
3:17-29). God requires faith and heart commitment to Him. The
future of the nation would be a testimony to the truth of God's
Word 22-23. The curses detailed by the Lord that would fall upon
the nation (28:20-68) for their rebellion and the curses that fall
upon the individual who rejects the Lord (29:19-21) is a
picture of Israel (as a whole) through most of her history.
Surrounding nations would see this occur and understand the
principles of God's judgment upon them, however they themselves
would be blind to it and suffer as a result 24-28. Thus, they never
did experience the fullness of God's blessing which He promised
them. This is hard for us to grasp and explain. Maybe that is why
we are told "the secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the
things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we
may follow all the words of this law" (29:29). This statement also
sets up and ties in with what follows in the next chapter (30).
Deuteronomy 30
Here Moses foretells the dispersing of Israel 1-2, their
restoration to the land 3-5, their transformation of the heart by
the Lord 6, and the blessings that will come upon them as a result
of obedience to the Lord 7-10. This looks forward, even from our
day today, to what God will do with the Jewish people and nation of
Israel who are beloved and called by God (see: Romans 11:25-29).
They are still His people. Note: This can not be spiritualized and
applied to the church just because it never occurred in Israel's
history. (This could be called one of the 'secret things' that will
one day be 'revealed' (29:29 cf Romans 11:25 & 26-28). This
would not have been known by the original hearers, but has been
clear as the purposes and plan of the Lord have unfolded.
The commandments Moses set before the people (all that he has
spoken to them) was not an impossibility 11-14, but required a
heart commitment to the Lord and a definite personal choice for the
Lord. Note: The Lord sets before each of us the same choice when we
are confronted with our sin and the Good News of salvation through
Jesus Christ (Acts 26:22-29) You and I must choice (by an act of
our will) to receive Jesus Christ by faith alone for salvation and
the forgiveness of sin. (John 1:10-13, Romans 1:16-17; 10:5-13 note
that Paul cites Moses words in Deuteronomy 30:12-14) To choose the
Lord (Jesus) is life, to reject Him is death. The choice is yours.
Ask the Lord to help you make the right one ! Moses appeal was
'choose life' (choose the Lord and His ways).
Deuteronomy 31
Moses speaks with the people about Joshua who was to succeed him as
their leader as they enter the promised land 1-5. He says to both
the people and Joshua "Be strong and courageous" 6-7. This was no
mere 'pep' talk to muster up their own courage to go and do, but a
command to look to the Lord who was with them and was the source of
their courage and strength 6-8. Note: I think that I often lie far
below the potential and ability I have through the Lord. The reason
is that my focus is in the wrong place (myself). The remedy is to
look to the Lord and have faith in Him. He will enable when He
commands me to do.
The Law was to be read every seven years in the hearing of all the
people during the feast of Tabernacles 9-13. This was so they and
their children could listen and learn to fear the Lord 12-13. (I am
sure they received instruction more than every seven years). Note:
To fear the Lord involves a learning process as we hear more and
more of Him through His word. The Lord tells Moses of the rebellion
of the people which will soon happen 14-18. Moses is told to write
a song and teach it to them as a witness against them 19. The Lord
knows their bent to do evil 21. Joshua (maybe hearing this too ?)
is encouraged by the Lord 23 because he will be leading this bunch
!) The law is written down and placed by the ark as a witness
against them 24-26. Moses calls heaven and earth to testify against
them in the hearing of all the elders and tribal officials 28. All
these witnesses to show them the error of their ways yet they will
still suffer because they will "do what is evil in the sight of the
Lord" 29. This is the very opposite and antithesis of what the Lord
called them to do over and over again (12:25, 28; 13:18, 21:9)
Note: It is truly amazing that God loves such a "rebellious and
stiff-necked people" 27 cf. Exodus 32:9 & Deuteronomy 9:6,24,
however He does (7:7-9, 23:5). The judgment that would fall upon
them was not a removal of His love but an indication of it. (see:
Deuteronomy 8:5, Psalm 94:12-14, Proverbs 3:11-12, Hebrews 12:4-3,
Revelation 3:19) The Lord disciplines those whom He loves with the
goal of repentance, restoration, and training in righteousness. He
does this so that His people will not be condemned with the world
(1 Corinthians 12:31-32)
Deuteronomy 32
This is the song of Moses in 1-43. It is some song; declaring the
Lord to be the only true God 39, He is the Rock 4,15,18,30-31, the
One who executes judgment on His people 23-27 and vengeance on His
enemies 40-42. Yet the Lord will also have compassion on His
servants 36 by avenging their blood and making atonement for His
land and His people 43. The people are guilty of turning from the
Lord to false gods and idols 15-21,37-38. Moses challenges
them to 'take to heart' the words of this song, for they are not
merely idle words having no power or authority, but were in fact a
very real warning 44-47. Note: The Lord goes to great lengths (so
to speak) through word and song to teach the people His ways. Maybe
we should carefully and humbly examine our own hearts before the
Lord least we become dull of hearing what He is saying to us. The
Lord allows Moses to see all the promised land before he dies
48-52.
Deuteronomy 33
Moses blesses each of the tribes with a prophetic word concerning
them. Note: Were these blessings in the form of a prayer; that God
would grant this or was this (in some way) indicating how the Lord
would work among each of these tribes with His blessings ? I also
wonder if their might be a future fulfillment with these as well
when God's kingdom comes in fullness (through King Jesus
reign).
Deuteronomy 34
The death of Moses is recorded here (possibly by Joshua). Moses was
shown all the promised land by the Lord 2-3. This was the land God
swore by an oath to give to Abraham and his descendants 4. Note:
God always keeps His word ! Moses was the servant of the Lord 5,
the Lord knew him 'face to face' 10, and he did miraculous signs in
the sight of all of Israel 10-12. Note: The prophet 'like unto
Moses' was the Lord Jesus Christ, the Messiah (see: Deuteronomy
18:15-19) God buried Moses and the place of his grave in unknown to
man but known only to God 5-6. Moses is mourned for thirty days 8.
Thus, the life of Moses comes to an end. Note: All God's people
will eventually die and their ministry will come to an end. What
great comfort to know that the Lord is with His saints even in
death. For every believer death is not the end, only the beginning
of an eternity with the Lord !