Deuteronomy
The Second Pair of Tablets
Moses reminded the Israelites of God’s great mercy to them. The Lord acting on Moses’ request not to destroy the people, rewrote the Ten Commandments (vv. 1-5). When Moses broke the Commandments after Israel had made a golden calf, that symbolically broke their covenant …
The Ten Commandments
Moses calls Israel together and exhorts them with four key words (vv. 1-2). The words are hear, learn, keep, and do. It is a restating of the Law, but the emphasis is still on love and obedience. What the Lord demanded of Israel is still required of His people today (v. 3). The only difference …
The Principles of Slavery
Moses teaches Israel the principles of the Hebrew bond- slave and the conditions for setting him free (vv. 12-18). The Lord had previously made it clear that six full years of a person’s life were enough to have to work as a slave for defaulting on a loan (Exodus 21:2). At the end of that time …
A Faithful God And a Corrupt People
Moses was a great prophet, but he was also a song leader. After three sermons, he changed the presentation of his message to singing. This song gives a brief history of Israel. It reminds the people of their mistakes while warning them to avoid and repeat from them. It offers hope that …
The Lord’s Judgment on Israel
Keep in mind that when Moses composes this song, Israel is not yet in the promised land. It is prophetic as it is intended to challenge them to godliness. It shows how prosperity is more dangerous than adversity (v. 15). In adverse circumstances a believer is reminded of ho …
Moses Blessings on The Tribes
Moses pronounced his blessing upon each tribe just before his death. Only ten tribes were listed. The tribe of Simeon was omitted, perhaps due to Jacob’s prediction that Simeon would be scattered (Genesis 49:7) and her land would be divided with the children of Judah (Joshua 19:1). Joseph’s …
Blessing For Obedience
The key word in this chapter is “if†(v. 1). If this great nation (Israel) which God had miraculously brought out of Egypt obeyed the Lord, every aspect of her life would be blessed. If, as a nation, she failed she would be scattered throughout the earth to endure suffering and great tribulation…
The Consequences of Neglected Warnings
After a strong warning against idolatry (v.v. 15-20), Moses for the third time refers to the Lord’s refusal to let him cross the Jordan and enter Canaan (v. 21; Deut. 1:37; Deut. 3:26-27). Certainly, his repetition of the Lord’s prohibition points out his deep disappointment. Since the people were …
Obedience Brings Life
As we think about Israel’s future, their stay in the land will be determined by their obedience (vv. 15-16). Some day He will return them to the Land, and they shall never go out again. When He brings them back, they will obey Him. Moses never taught the Israelites that they were justified …
Preparation For Moses Death
The enemies who bring God’s judgment on Israel were as evil as Sodom and Gomorrah (v. 32). This points out the depth of evil into which Israel had fallen. Through this detailed analysis of the law, it has been made clear that God’s standards are absolute and that He will not tolerate sin. Even …