In this chapter, Moses reviews the covenant with the people of Israel. He begins by reminding them of everything the Lord did for them in Egypt, all the miraculous signs and wonders; he reminded them that during their forty years in the wilderness, their clothes and sandals never wore out, and how they defeated armies that came out to fight against them.
At this time, Moses tells them to obey the covenant so that they will prosper in all they do. He then says, “You are standing here today to enter into a covenant with the Lord your God. The Lord is making this covenant with you today, and he has sealed it with an oath. He wants to confirm you today as his people and to confirm that he is your God, just as he promised you, and as he swore to your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. But you are not the only ones with whom the Lord is making this covenant with its obligations. The Lord your God is making this covenant with you who stand in his presence today and also with all future generations of Israel.” (Deuteronomy 29:12-15)
Moses then reminds the people of the detestable idols made of wood, stone, silver, and gold that other nations worshiped, and that the Lord made this covenant with the people of Israel so no one would turn away from the Lord to worship other gods. He tells them that if they walk in their own stubborn way, it will lead to ruin. He states, “The Lord will not pardon such people. His anger and jealousy will burn against them. All the curses written in this book will come down on them, and the Lord will erase their names from under heaven.” (Deuteronomy 29:20)
Moses then tells the people that for generations people from distant lands will come and see the devastation of the land, finding not even a blade of grass growing, and they will ask, “Why has the Lord done this to his land? Why was he so angry?” (verse 24)
Moses finishes the chapter saying, “And they will be told, “This happened because the people of the land broke the covenant they made with the Lord, the God of their ancestors, when he brought them out of the land of Egypt. They turned to serve and worship other gods that were foreign to them, gods that the Lord had not designated for them. That is why the Lord’s anger burned against this land, bringing down on it all the curses recorded in this book. In great anger and fury the Lord uprooted his people from their land and exiled them to another land, where they still live today!” (Deuteronomy 29:25-28)
Lord, thank you for your Word today! Help us to worship you and not walk in our stubborn ways, so we can enjoy the blessings you have waiting for us. We love you!
“May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
….AND MAY WE ALL PRACTICE THIS WITH ONE ANOTHER.
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