Now that Moses has recounted the journey that has led them to their current location, Moses speaks to the people of Israel about obedience. He begins the chapter informing the people to obey the laws he is about to teach them so they can occupy and keep the land God is giving them. He states, “Do not add to or subtract from these commands I am giving you from the Lord your God. Just obey them. You saw what the Lord did to you at Baal-peor, where the Lord your God destroyed everyone who had worshiped the god Baal of Peor. But all of you who were faithful to the Lord your God are still alive today.” (Deuteronomy 4:2-4)
“If you obey them carefully, you will display your wisdom and intelligence to the surrounding nations. When they hear about these laws, they will exclaim, “What other nation is as wise and prudent as this!” For what great nation has a god as near to them as the Lord our God is near to us whenever we call on him? And what great nation has laws and regulations as fair as this body of laws that I am giving you today? But watch out! Be very careful never to forget what you have seen the Lord do for you. Do not let these things escape from your mind as long as you live! And be sure to pass them on to your children and grandchildren. Tell them especially about the day when you stood before the Lord your God at Mount Sinai, where he told me, “Summon the people before me, and I will instruct them. That way, they will learn to fear me as long as they live, and they will be able to teach my laws to their children. You came near and stood at the foot of the mountain, while the mountain was burning with fire. Flames shot into the sky, shrouded in black clouds and deep darkness. And the Lord spoke to you from the fire. You heard his words but didn’t see his form; there was only a voice. He proclaimed his covenant, which he commanded you to keep--the Ten Commandments--and wrote them on two stone tablets. It was at that time that the Lord commanded me to issue the laws and regulations you must obey in the land you are about to enter and occupy.” (Deuteronomy 4:6-14)
Moses then warns the people, “But be careful! You did not see the Lord’s form on the day he spoke to you from the fire at Mount Sinai. So do not corrupt yourselves by making a physical image in any form--whether of a man or a woman, an animal or a bird, a creeping creature or a fish. And when you look up into the sky and see the sun, moon, and stars--all the forces of heaven--don’t be seduced by them and worship them.” (Deuteronomy 4:15-19)
Moses continues by, again, reminding them that the Lord was very angry with him because of them, and that he will die and not cross the Jordan with them. He then says, “So be careful not to break the covenant the Lord your God has made with you. You will break it if you make idols of any shape or form, for the Lord your God has absolutely forbidden this. The Lord your God is a devouring fire, a jealous God.” (Deuteronomy 4:23-24)
Moses tells the people if they disobey, the Lord will strip them of the land and scatter them among the nations, and he then says, “There, in a foreign land, you will worship idols made from wood and stone, gods that neither see nor hear nor eat nor smell. From there you will search again for the Lord your god. And if you search for him with all your heart and soul, you will find him.” (Deuteronomy 4:28-29)
Text check! Is this another reference indicating that God was a living and breathing entity that eats and smells? It sounds like Moses is saying that other gods aren’t living beings with human/animal characteristics, like your God is, because they are made of wood and stone. Just thinking aloud.
Moses continues talking about being in a foreign land, lost without God. “When those bitter days have come upon you far in the future, you will finally return to the Lord your God and listen to what he tells you. For the Lord your God is merciful--he will not abandon you or destroy you or forget the solemn covenant he made with your ancestors.” (Deuteronomy 4:30-31)
Wow...God knows that we are eventually going to come crying back to Him! And when we do, He will be there for us! However, how much time will we waste being disobedient, away from God’s covering? Moses said, “When those bitter days have come upon you far in the future…”
Will it be far in the future for you? Lord, let it not be far in the future for any of us.
Moses concludes this chapter with a final declaration. There is only one God...a God that spoke from fire to the people of Israel; a God that rescued an entire nation with miraculous signs, wonders, and awesome power right before their eyes. “He showed you these things so you would realize that the Lord is God and that there is no other god. He let you hear his voice from heaven so he could instruct you. He let you see his great fire here on earth so he could speak to you from it...He drove out nations far greater than you, so he could bring you in and give you their land as a special possession, as it is today. So remember this and keep it firmly in mind: The Lord is God both in heaven and on earth, and there is no other god! If you obey all the laws and commands that I will give you today, all will be well with you and your children. Then you will enjoy a long life in the land the Lord your God is giving you for all time.” (Deuteronomy 4:35-40)
Lord, Thank you for your Word today! Help us focus our attention on your awesome power and miraculous blessings. You are amazing! Help us maintain our obedience to you and your commands. 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.
❤️ Yes, Amen!