We are examining the book of Deuteronomy, the law given through Moses to the nation of Israel. Not only will we see how God regulated the Israelites’ behavior, but we will see principles that are universal. Principles on which the Law was based are the same principles on which the Gospel is based. Why? Because the nature of God does not change nor does the nature and needs of man change.
When we pick up with chapter 4, we see a call for obedience. If the Israelites wish to “live” in the land, then they must obey the commands of God (4:1). They are warned not to alter one word from the mouth of God (4:2). That same command is reiterated in the middle of the Bible (Prov 30:5-6) and at the end (Rev 22:18-19). The challenge is to “hold fast” to the Lord by “holding fast” to His commands (4:4). That verb is used 40 times in the OT, beginning with Adam’s relationship to Eve (Gen. 2:24).
It is “wisdom” and “understanding” to keep the commandments of God (4:6) and when Israel does that, their light will shine: other nations will see their “wisdom” and “understanding” (4:7-8). Sin begins and lies in the heart (4:9), so there is where obedience must begin. Additionally, God’s precepts must be taught to the children and the grandchildren. “Children” is used sixteen times in the book.
Several references to God and fire are found throughout the book, as Moses makes reference to the events at Mount Sinai where God revealed Himself in fire. It is because God is a “consuming fire” that Israel must be careful to obey His commandments (cf. Heb. 12:29; 6 times: 4:24; 5:9; 6:15; 32:16, 21). In 4:26, Moses warns that if Israel turns to idol worship, they will be expelled from the land. In hindsight, we know this was done in 722 B. C. (with Assyria) and again in 586 B. C. (with Babylon). However, if Israel were to “return” (used 13 times), and seek God, they will find Him (4:29).
In 4:31, we have a fundamental description of the nature of God and we see that His nature has two sides to the “coin:” a positive side (lovingkindness) and a negative side (justice). No other nation has ever experienced what Israel has experienced (4:34) and the signs and wonders were performed so that Israel would “know” God (4:35).
Moving into chapter 5 (through chapter 11), we see some principles of the covenant made at Mount Sinai. Moses reviews the ten commandments here in chapter 5 and we observe in verse 3 that the Law was given to Israel, not to the patriarchs nor to the Gentiles.
The last half of chapter 5 reviews the building of the golden calf and God calls on Israel, this new generation, to have a heart that fears God and keeps His commandments (5:29). In verse 33, we have the life of faith compared, as it is done frequently, to a walk.
In chapter 6, Moses continues the principles of the covenant. Israel must “be careful” to do God’s commandments (6:3). By one man’s count, there are fifteen different ways Israel can respond to the commands of God in Deuteronomy. “Being careful” is one of them. In verse 4, we have the fundamental “creed” of the Jewish faith, the “Shema,” which means “hear / obey:” The Lord our God, the Lord is One.”
The greatest commandment, in the words of Jesus (Matt. 22:37-39) is found in verse 5. The command to love God, within the Law, is found only in the book of Deuteronomy (6:5; 11:1, 13; 13:3; 30:6). These commandments are to be “on their heart” (6:6) and they are to talk endlessly about God, diligently teaching their children (6:7).
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Verses 8-9 are the basis for the “phylacteries” that are mentioned elsewhere, in Exodus 13:16 and Matthew 23:5. If I had been an Israelite at that time, this would have been one of those passages where I would go to Moses and say, “Does God mean this figuratively or literally?” The Israelites took it literally. Eugene Merrill believes it was figurative (167). He gives these reasons (168):
A.) The context involves nonliteral phrases (vss 6-7, 9);
B.) The impossibility of wearing these objects daily.
C.) Even in modern Judaism, they wear these objects only in worship when the context here does not limit them to worship.
In 6:12, Moses warns Israel that when life goes well, they must not forget God (9 times – 4:9, 23, 31; 6:12; 8:11, 14, 19; 9:7; 25:19)! Isn’t that an appropriate warning for all of us even today? We are to fear only God and worship Him only (6:13; Matt. 4:10). Idolatry would cause Israel to be wiped off the face of the earth (6:15), which I believe has happened. Moses warns Israel not to test the Lord God (6:16; 8:2, 16; 13:3; Matt. 4:7).
Finally, when your children will ask about God, give them the facts (6:21). And, fulfilling the commandments will make them “righteous” (6:25; 12 times: 1:16; 4:8; 6:25; 9:4-6; 16:18-19; 24:13; 25:1; 32:4; 33:19).
Can’t you see appropriate parallels here with NT teaching?
Paul Holland
