God’s Holy People

Moses: ¹ “Since you are the people of the LORD your God . . . . ² You have been set apart as holy to the LORD your God, and He has chosen you from all the nations of the earth to be His own special treasure.” Deuteronomy 14:1-2 (NLT)

Israel and now all believers of God’s Son Jesus are children of the living LORD God and are set apart as holy to Him as His special treasure (Deuteronomy 14:1-2, 21; see also Exodus 19:5-6; Deuteronomy 7:6; John 1:12-13; 1 Corinthians 1:30; Galatians 3:26; 1 Peter 1:15-16; 1 Peter 2:5, 9-10). Because Israel and now all believers of Jesus are a holy people to God, they were not to imitate the wicked, immoral, and evil practices of the world (pagans) (e.g., see Leviticus 11:44-45; Leviticus 19:2; Leviticus 20:7-8, 26; Romans 12:1-2). As a holy people, God’s Holy Spirit – His Presence – was with Israel and now believers of God’s Son Jesus (e.g., see Deuteronomy 23:14; John 14:16-17, 26; Romans 5:5; 1 Corinthians 3:16-18). The people of God are to “demonstrate the difference” by how they lived and behaved, which brings honor and glory to the living God (e.g., Romans 8:13-14; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 1 Corinthians 10:31; James 1:27; 2 Peter 3:14).

In Deuteronomy chapter 14, Moses reminded God’s people of the creatures they were permitted and not permitted to eat to remain holy unto the LORD God (Deuteronomy 14:3-21; see also Leviticus 11:1-43). Many biblical scholars have suggested the dietary laws that prohibited eating certain foods were in some way associated with the pagan worship that Israel was to avoid. However, Jesus and His apostles later declared all foods clean, and the dietary laws no longer make people holy or unholy before the living God (see Mark 7:14-23; Acts 10:9-16, 28; Romans 14:1-15:13; 1 Corinthians 8:8; Colossians 2:16-23; 1 Timothy 4:3-5). Instead, Jesus and His apostles gave God’s people instructions on holy living, which begins with faith in the living God (e.g., see Romans 12:1-13:14; Ephesians 4:1-6:20; Colossians 3:1-4:6; 1 Peter 1:13-25). Now, whether we eat or drink, or whatever you do, we do all for the glory of God with humility and thanksgiving to God the Father through His Son Jesus’s Name (see 1 Corinthians 10:31; Ephesians 5:20; Colossians 3:17; 1 Peter 4:11). Our motive must always be to please God and glorify Him. Nevertheless, the lessons behind these dietary laws remain valid. God’s people still cannot approach Him carelessly, but each person must examine one’s life to be certain that God’s purity is not violated.

Next, Moses instructed Israel to set aside a tithe (one-tenth or 10%) of all their fields produce each year — grain, fruits, vegetables, and animals — as an offering to God (Deuteronomy 14:22-27). Giving a tithe (10 percent) was a practice as early as Abram, so the people would learn to revere the LORD God always (Deuteronomy 14:23; see also Genesis 14:20; Genesis 28:22). Israel was to bring this tithe to the designated place of worship where the LORD God chooses for His Name (Presence) to be honored and the people were to eat the tithe there in God’s Presence with celebration — thanksgiving feast (Deuteronomy 14:23, 26; see also Deuteronomy 12:17-18). God’s people were to bring the whole tithe into God’s designated place of worship where He chooses for His Name (Presence) to be honored so His dwelling may always have food (see Malachi 3:10). The tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belonged to the LORD God and holy to the LORD (see Leviticus 27:30).

In their celebration and giving, the people were not to ignore and neglect the Levites (God’s ministers or servants) who managed God’s dwelling where His Name (Presence) was honored (Deuteronomy 14:27; see also Deuteronomy 12:12, 19). The Levities had no portion or inheritance as the living God Himself was His servants’ inheritance (see Numbers 26:62; Deuteronomy 18:1-2). Instead, the living God gave the tithe to His ministers (servants) as their inheritance in return for their service to Him at His sanctuary (see Numbers 18:20-21, 23; Deuteronomy 18:1, 3-8). The LORD God appointed the Levitical priests—that is, the whole of the tribe of Levi, out of all Israel’s tribes to minister in His Name forever and pronounce blessings in His Name (see Deuteronomy 10:8; Deuteronomy 18:5).

Then every third year, the people’s tithe would be distributed to the Levites, the needy, the poor, and foreigners living within the town (Deuteronomy 14:28-29). At the end of every third year, Moses instructed Israel to bring the entire tithe of that year’s harvest to give the tithe to the Levites, the foreigners living among Israel, the orphans, and the widows in their towns, so they can eat and be satisfied (Deuteronomy 14:29; see also Numbers 18:20-21). Israel was never to neglect the Levites (ministers of God), the foreigners living among them, the orphans, the widows, and the poor in the land (Deuteronomy 14:27-29; see also Numbers 18:20-32). In collecting the tithe for Levites, the foreigners, the orphans, the widows, and the poor, Moses was appealing to Israel and now the church to always help people in need (see also 2 Corinthians 9:6-14; James 1:27). God accepted these gifts from Israel for these people as an offering to Himself. Giving to the poor and needy is giving to the LORD God (see Proverbs 19:17). The principle behind this practice was later powerfully expressed in a parable by Jesus (Matthew 25:31-46), who said, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me” (see Matthew 25:40). If God’s people demonstrated concern for the needs of others and His dwelling, God would bless them in all their work and labor (Deuteronomy 14:29; see also Deuteronomy 24:19; Psalm 41:1; Proverbs 28:27; Malachi 3:10; Luke 6:38).

Giving the tithe to the living God was to teach God’s people to always to love, fear, and honor the LORD God (Deuteronomy 14:23; see also Deuteronomy 4:10). As King David said, everything we give to God first comes from His Hand, and it all belongs to Him (see 1 Chronicles 29:16). Truly, the living God is the Giver of every gift – increase, peace, joy, and hope (e.g., see Deuteronomy 8:18; Romans 15:5, 13; 1 Corinthians 3:7; 1 Peter 5:10).

Even more, the New Testament instructs God’s people to give in proportion to the blessings they have received from the LORD God to help those in need (e.g., see Romans 12:13; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2; Hebrews 13:16). God has always been concerned with the poor, widow, orphan, the alien, prisoner, and needy, and His people are to share God’s concern (e.g., see Exodus 22:21; Psalm 146:9; Isaiah 1:17, 23). Even everyday farming in Israel was to be done in such a way that the poor and the foreigner could fend for themselves (e.g., see Leviticus 19:9-10; Deuteronomy 24:19-22). The reasons for such care are given: Israel and now believers of Jesus are to imitate the holy character of God (see Leviticus 19:2), who cares for the poor and we are to love our neighbor as ourselves (see Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 19:19; Matthew 22:39; John 13:34-35). These regulations were designed to prevent the land from sinking under crushing poverty and oppression (see Deuteronomy 14:28-29).

Next, Moses instructed Israel at the end of every seventh year to cancel the debts, indentures, and loans by fellow Israelites who owed them money (Deuteronomy 15:1-2, 12, 18; see also Leviticus 25:8-38). Loans were to be made at no charge and without interest (e.g., see Exodus 22:25; Leviticus 25:36; Deuteronomy 23:19; Psalms 15:5), or the debtor was to be allowed to work off the debt owed with dignity as bondservants (Deuteronomy 15:12-18; see also Leviticus 25:35-42). Foreigners still had to repay, for unlike sojourners, who were permanent members of the community, foreigners were temporary, commercial visitors (Deuteronomy 15:3; see also Deuteronomy 23:20). The living God did not want any poor among His people (see Deuteronomy 15:4). The LORD God promised His blessings to those who obeyed His moral commands of debt forgiveness and providing for the poor and needy (Deuteronomy 15:4-6, 10; see also Deuteronomy 28:1). The LORD God promised to bless His people and they will be lenders and rulers to many nations around the world (Deuteronomy 15:6; see also Deuteronomy 28:12-13, 44).  

Moreover, Moses instructed Israel and now believers of God’s Son Jesus to share with the poor and needy in our towns and not be hard-hearted, cheap, or tightfisted toward them (Deuteronomy 15:7, 9, 11; see also 1 John 3:17-18). It is a sin to refuse to help the poor and needy and take advantage of those in need (e.g., see Exodus 22:23-24; Leviticus 25:35; Deuteronomy 24:14-15; Psalm 72:4; James 5:4-6). Instead, Moses commanded Israel and now the church to be generous and give to the poor whatever they need (Deuteronomy 15:8-9; see also Matthew 5:42; Luke 6:34-36). God’s people were not to be mean-spirited and stingy but generous and giving to the poor and needy (Deuteronomy 15:9-10; see also 2 Corinthians 9:5). Once again, Moses reminded Israel and now the church that the living God would bless them in everything they do and the work of their hands through their generosity to the poor and needy (Deuteronomy 15:10; e.g., see also Deuteronomy 14:29; Deuteronomy 24:19; Psalm 41:1; Proverbs 14:21).

Sadly, the living God knew there will always be some in the land who are poor and needy, and that is why He commanded His people to share freely with the poor and God’s people who are in need (Deuteronomy 15:7, 11). God’s blessings in His Promised Land ought to have eliminated poverty – if the people of Israel and now the church obeyed completely. Since some people always fall short, poverty remands a problem. Jesus confirmed Deuteronomy 15:11 in a passing remark regarding poverty. In fact, Jesus spoke harshly against the rich and wealthy who ignored God and the poor (see Luke 12:13-21) and comprised their commitment to the living God (see Matthew 19:16-23). Jesus declared that the love of money and wealth could steal people’s hearts away from the living God (Matthew 6:24; see also 1 Timothy 6:6-10, 17-19; James 2:5-7). As a result in our time as Moses’ time, generosity is essential for God’s people. The LORD God knew that there would always be poor people in the land (see Matthew 26:11; Mark 14:7; John 12:8) because Israel would not consistently obey these moral commands. The theological point is that there need not be any poor in our communities if God’s people practiced the mutual generosity and kindness to others. God’s people would have to trust Him to continue providing produce – the grain, vegetables, and fruits they needed for themselves and their community.

The living God has always been concerned for the poor and needy – widows, orphans, the aliens, blind, the prisoner, etc. – in both the Old and the New Testament (e.g., see Isaiah 1:15-20; Amos 4:1; Amos 8:4; James 2:14-17). As such, The LORD God wanted everyone to be kind and merciful to one another, particularly opening their hearts and hands to love and help the widows, orphans, the poor, and needy in our towns (e.g., see Proverbs 14:21, 31; Proverbs 19:17; Proverbs 21:13; Proverbs 28:27; Micah 6:6-8; 1 Timothy 6:17-19; 1 John 3:14-18). Even more, the living God did not want the rich and wealthy exploiting and taking advantage of the poor and needy in their community (see James 5:1-6). The LORD God is not advocating laziness and idleness because He wants His people to work hard and be diligent (e.g., see Ephesians 4:28; 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13). However, we must never forget the Source and Giver of every good and perfect gift (Deuteronomy 8:10; see also John 3:27; John 15:1-10; James 1:17). The living God is the Giver of all wealth and increase (see Deuteronomy 8:14, 18).

In Deuteronomy chapter 16, Moses described three annual festivals Israel was to celebrate unto the LORD God. These three festivals were the Passover, the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost), and the Feast of Tabernacles (see also Exodus 23:14-17). All these festivals focused on Israel and their families honoring and rejoicing with the LORD God at a central location where God’s Name (Presence) would be honored (see Deuteronomy 16:1-2, 6-7, 10-11, 15-16). Each year every male in Israel was to celebrate these three festivals and appear before the LORD God with a gift for Him (see Deuteronomy 16:16). Females and children were free to join in these feasts but they were mandatory for all males. All males must give unto the LORD as they are able, according to the blessings graciously given to them by the LORD God (see Deuteronomy 16:17).

First, Israel was to celebrate the Passover (also known as the Festival of Unleavened Bread) (Deuteronomy 16:1-8; see also Exodus 12:14-20; Leviticus 23:4-8; Numbers 28:16-25). Passover was Israel’s “Independence Day” for the nation of Israel as the nation was the birth on the Passover. Passover celebrated the LORD God Almighty’s gracious deliverance and redemption of Israel from Egyptian slavery. In fact, the LORD God came back to this event throughout the Old Testament as a way of describing Himself: “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt” (e.g., see Exodus 20:2, ESV). Israel was to celebrate this annual festival in the early spring, in the month of Abib at the designated place of worship where the living God chooses for His Name (Presence) to be honored (see Deuteronomy 16:1-8). The Exodus was such a significant event in Israel’s history that the month of Abib when the Exodus took place, became the beginning of Israel’s annual calendar usually occurs within March and April (see Exodus 12:2).

In the New Testament, the Passover took on an even broader importance (see John 13:1; John 19:31). During one particular Passover celebration, as thousands of Jews brought their lambs to Jerusalem, the living God selected His Son Jesus as the Passover Lamb to save all humanity (see 1 Corinthians 5:7-8). Jesus Christ is described as the Passover Lamb or the Lamb of God who graciously gave His life for the sins of the world (see John 1:29; Hebrews 9:26; 1 Peter 1:19; Revelation 5:12). Jesus Christ’s sacrificial death occurred on Passover outside the city of Jerusalem. The blood shed by many lambs in Egypt delivered Israel on that first Passover night (see Exodus 12:1-13), but the blood of Jesus, slain on the Cross, delivers everyone from God’s judgment who trust in Him (see Romans 3:25; Hebrews 10:1-18; 1 Peter 2:21-25; 1 John 2:6). Today, though Jewish people continue to celebrate the Passover, many believers of Jesus Christ do not. Rather, believers of Jesus Christ have incorporated the Passover celebration into a new one called the Eucharist, or the Lord’s Supper, with Jesus Christ representing the Passover Lamb. When we observe the Lord's Supper (Eucharist), we remember Jesus’ sacrificial death and look forward to His return.

Next, Israel was to celebrate the Feast of Weeks (also known as the Feast of Harvest or Pentecost) to honor the LORD God (Deuteronomy 16:9-12; see also Leviticus 23:15-23; Numbers 28:26-31). The Greek name for this festival is Pentecost, meaning 50 days, counting inclusively, or seven weeks (see Acts 2). This feast celebrated God’s harvest season. Israel was to bring an offering to the LORD in proportion to the blessings they received from Him (Deuteronomy 16:10; see also 1 Corinthians 16:2; 2 Corinthians 8:12). The Feast of Weeks was to be celebrated and rejoiced with family and friends as well as the Levities, the foreigners, orphans, and widows who were living among Israel before the LORD God at a designated place of worship where He chooses for His Name (Presence) lived (see Deuteronomy 16:11-12). Israel was to share what God had graciously given them and feast joyfully before the Lord (see Deuteronomy 16:11).

For believers of Jesus Christ, the Pentecost celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit and the “birthday of the church” (see Acts 2). Before His death, Jesus promised that He and His Father would send the Holy Spirit to all faithful believers (see John 14:16-17). When the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost, God baptized all believers into Jesus Christ and began a great harvest season for the church (see Acts 1:4-5; Acts 2:38-40; 1 Corinthians 12:13). The Apostle Peter’s message at Pentecost brought 3,000 people to Christ, and the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved (see Acts 2:41, 47).

Then, Israel was to celebrate the Festival of Shelters (also known as the Feast of Ingathering, the Feast of Tabernacles or Booths) for seven days at the end of the harvest season (Deuteronomy 16:13-15; see also Leviticus 23:34-43; Numbers 29:12-39). This festival was also a joyous and happy time and celebrated the completion of the harvest (see Deuteronomy 16:14-15). As with the Pentecost, Israel was to celebrate this festival with family and friends as well as the Levities, the foreigners, orphans, and widows who living among Israel in their towns (see Deuteronomy 16:14). As with other festivals, this festival was to honor the LORD God for seven days at the place He chooses for His Name (Presence) to be honored to celebrate all God’s blessings (see Deuteronomy 16:15).

As believers of Jesus, Christians have many reasons to celebrate the greatness and goodness of God. The living God has redeemed believers from their sins the blood of Christ (Passover), indwelled and empowered believers with the Holy Spirit (Pentecost), and generously supported believers in our pilgrim journey (Tabernacles).

References

ESV Study Bible, English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008).

New Student Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1992).

NLT Study Bible (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Pub., 2008).

Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).

Wiersbe, Warren W. Bible Exposition Commentary – Old Testament (Victor Books, 1989).

Exclusively Worship God

Moses: ⁴ “Do not worship the LORD your God in the way these pagan peoples worship their gods. ⁵ Rather, you must seek the LORD your God at the place of worship He Himself will choose from among all the tribes — the place where His Name (Presence) will be honored. . . . ³⁰ do not fall into the trap of following their customs and worshiping their gods. Do not inquire about their gods, saying, ‘How do these nations worship their gods? I want to follow their example.’ ³¹ You must not worship the LORD your God the way the other nations worship their gods, for they perform for their gods every detestable act that the LORD hates. They even burn their sons and daughters as sacrifices to their gods.” Deuteronomy 12:4-5, 30-31 (NLT)

¹ “Suppose there are prophets among you or those who dream dreams about the future, and they promise you signs or miracles, ² and the predicted signs or miracles occur. If they then say, ‘Come, let us worship (serve) other gods’ — gods you have not known before — ³ do not listen to them. The LORD your God is testing you to see if you truly love Him with all your heart and soul. ⁴ Serve only the LORD your God and fear Him alone. Obey His commands, listen to His voice, and cling to Him.” Deuteronomy 13:1-4 (NLT)

⁹ “When you enter the land the LORD your God is giving you, be very careful not to imitate (follow) the detestable customs of the nations living there. ¹⁰ For example, never sacrifice your son or daughter as a burnt offering. And do not let your people practice fortune-telling, or use sorcery, or interpret omens, or engage in witchcraft, ¹¹ or cast spells, or function as mediums or psychics, or call forth the spirits of the dead. ¹² Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD. It is because the other nations have done these detestable things that the LORD your God will drive them out ahead of you. ¹³ But you must be blameless before the LORD your God. ¹⁴ The nations you are about to displace consult sorcerers and fortune-tellers, but the LORD your God forbids you to do such things.” Deuteronomy 18:9-14 (NLT)

Every few years a person will create some title or designation to bring fame and popularity to him or herself or some object and draw people away from the living God. Such idol worship has existed since biblical times. However, Moses warned Israel and now the church that all humankind must always worship the true and living God first and exclusively.

Deuteronomy chapter 12 starts a new section in the book of Deuteronomy. Here, Moses provides Israel and now the church specific applications of the covenant – the Ten Commandment (see Exodus 34:28; Deuteronomy 4:13; Deuteronomy 9:9-10; Deuteronomy 10:1-4). First, Moses wanted to assure that Israel and the church will never place another god, human, nor idol before the true and living God of Israel nor follow the evil worship practices of other nations (Deuteronomy 12:1-4, 29-31; see also Deuteronomy 6:4-6). God’s first commandment is, “You shall have no other gods before Me” (Exodus 20:3, 23; Deuteronomy 5:7; see also Exodus 34:14; Deuteronomy 6:14; 2 Kings 17:35; Psalm 81:9; Jeremiah 25:6; Jeremiah 35:15). Moses made it clear to Israel and now the church that we must remove and turn away from any false worship and idols in our lives such as people, activities, attitudes, possessions, greed, relationships, places, or habits that tempts us to turn our whole hearts away from the living God (Deuteronomy 13:1-5, see Exodus 23:33; Exodus 34:11-14; 1 Corinthians 10:14). Greed is idolatry (e.g. see Matthew 6:24; 1 Timothy 6:6-10, 17-19; Colossians 3:5). The whole earth belonged to the LORD God (e.g., see Exodus 19:5; Leviticus 25:23), and the living God wanted Israel to turn away from and purge the land of evil, idolatry, and wickedness (Deuteronomy 12:2-4; see also Numbers 33:50-56; Deuteronomy 7:1-5, 23-26).

Also, God’s people were commanded not eat the blood or shed human blood, for the blood is the life, and Israel must not eat the lifeblood with the meat (Deuteronomy 12:16, 23, 25; see also Genesis 9:4; Leviticus 3:17; Acts 15:19-21). Instead, God commanded Israel to pour out the blood on the ground like water (see Deuteronomy 12:24, 27). Sadly, eating blood was an integral part of the evil practices of the land the Israelites were about to enter. Importantly, this emphasis on the blood is at the heart of the message of the Gospel. The blood is divinely earmarked for the atonement of human sins (e.g., see Leviticus 17:10-12; Acts 15:20). The living God graciously saves and cleanses us from our sins by our faith in the sacrificial death of His Son, Jesus Christ, “in whom we have redemption through his blood” (e.g., see Romans 5:9; Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:14; 1 Peter 1:19; 1 John 1:7).

Moreover, Moses warned Israel and also the church not to corrupt themselves by following, imitating, or even examining about the evil customs of these wicked nations but worship only God according to His ways (Deuteronomy 12:4, 29-31; see also Deuteronomy 18:9-10; Jeremiah 10:2-5). The living God wanted Israel and now the church to be “wise in what is good, and innocent in what is evil” (see Romans 16:19, NASB). Sin is both deadly and destructive. Therefore, Moses encouraged Israel and now the church not give any place to evil nor to follow the evil practices of these nations (see Exodus 23:2;  Ephesians 4:27)

The religions of these evil nations were false, filthy, and detestable. These evil nations worshiped a multitude of worthless gods and goddesses, chiefly Baal, the storm god, and Asherah, his partner. Even worse, these evil nations in worshipping their gods and various idols did horrible and detestable practices that God hates, including sacrificing their sons and daughters, eating blood in worship of their false gods and idols, and using deception and trickery (Deuteronomy 12: 16, 23, 25, 27, 31; Deuteronomy 18:10; see also Leviticus 18:21; Leviticus 20:2-5; Deuteronomy 25:13-16). Moreover, these evil nations made use of temple prostitution, mutilation (cutting themselves), and other inhumane features as they sought to worship their gods. Even worse, their immoral religion practiced a form of magic and divination with which they hoped to please the gods, see guidance, and influence the powers of nature to give them bountiful crops (e.g., see Deuteronomy 18:9-14). As the people of God, Moses warned Israel and the now the church to worship the living LORD God in the ways He commands and not imitate the evil religious practices of others.

Moreover, Moses warned Israel and now the church not to follow and practice black magic, divination, witchcraft, sorcery, fortunetelling, serpent charmer, mediums and wizards, or calling forth the spirits of the dead (Deuteronomy 18:10-14; see also Leviticus 19:26, 31; Leviticus 20:6). For the church, the Apostle Paul specifically listed idolatry and witchcraft among the sins of the flesh (see Galatians 5:19-21). Moreover, the book of Revelation warns that anyone engaging in these evil practices of sorcery, witchcraft, and divination is destined for the lake of fire (see Revelation 21:8; Revelation 22:14-15). Moses warned the people that anyone doing these evil things is an object of horror and disgust to the living LORD God (see Deuteronomy 18:12). Instead, Moses encouraged Israel and now the church to always walk blamelessly before the LORD God and seek the living God for our help, needs, and guidance (Deuteronomy 18:13-14; see also Psalm 119:1). God’s people are not to resort to such sources for their guidance, information, and strength. Rather, people are to listen and obey God’s true prophets (see Deuteronomy 18:14-22; Isaiah 8:19-20); the greatest of which is Jesus the Messiah (see Acts 3:22; Acts 7:37). Divination, witchcraft, sorcery, black magic, and other such consulting evil spirits were wrong because they sought power and guidance totally apart from God (see also Isaiah 8:19-22). Furthermore, seeking such mediums, horoscopes, fortune-telling, witchcraft, or seeking out spiritists bring defilement and evil into one’s life (see Leviticus 19:31). With the trustworthy guidance of the living God by His Holy Spirit, the Holy Bible and His church, we have all the help and guidance we need.

Sadly, when Israel finally entered into God’s long-awaited Promised Land, Israel did not purge the land of evil and their false gods but instead mingled among the nations and followed their evil and detestable practices. The Israelites did not fully follow these instructions in destroying the “high places,” which were the centers of idol worship (see Deuteronomy 12:2-5). Instead, Israel served foreign gods and idols and mixed (syncretism) the worship of God with other evil practices (see Deuteronomy 12:4). which were a snare unto them (e.g., see Judges 2:1-3; Judges 3:5-6; Ezra 9:12; Psalm 106:34-36; 2 Kings 17:7-23; 2 Kings 21:1-10). Moreover, Israel worshipped foreign gods and idols on high places, erected altars to Baal and made an Asherah pole (e.g., see 1 Kings 12:25-32; 2 Kings 21:3). Even more, Israel bowed down to all the starry hosts (the sun, moon, and constellations) and worshiped and sought guidance from them instead of the living God of heaven and earth (e.g., see 2 Kings 21:3, 5; 2 Kings 23:4-5). Even worse, Israel sacrificed their sons and daughters to worship their gods, practiced divination, sought omens, and consulted mediums and spiritists (e.g., see 2 Kings 17:15-17; 2 Kings 21:6). Israel did much evil in the eyes of the LORD, arousing His anger (e.g., see 2 Kings 21:6).

Hundreds of years after Moses’ instruction in Deuteronomy, a dramatic event took place under King Josiah’s reign. In the midst of temple renovation in Judah (the southern kingdom of Israel), workers came across an old scroll containing the Book of the Law (see 2 Kings 22:8-11). Discovery of the book had an electrifying effect on Judah. When godly King Josiah heard about the Book of the Law, he ushered in a sweeping spiritual revival that included a campaign against idolatry and “high places.” Many biblical scholars believe that Deuteronomy was the book that godly King Josiah discovered that stirred a dramatic revival and religious reform in Judah (see 2 Kings chapters 22 and 23; 2 Chronicles chapters 34 and 35). For all King Josiah’s reforms, it was a little too late for Israel and Judah because of evil so ingrained the people (see 2 Kings 23:26-28). In fact, soon as King Josiah’s death, the people reverted to evil and wickedness against the living God. Because of the people’s idolatry, Israel fell to Assyria in 722 BC, and Judah fell to Babylon in 606-586 BC.

Originally, Moses wanted to assure the people would only worship and glorify the living LORD God – Yahweh and enjoy Him with their families (see Deuteronomy 12:5-7). Therefore, Moses instructed the people to build the living God a place of worship (a sanctuary) where His Name to be honored in the land (see Deuteronomy 12:5, 11, 18). The “Name” of God is equivalent to God’s gracious presence and strong power (e.g., see Exodus 3:14-15; Exodus 34:5-7; Proverbs 18:10). In the sanctuary where God’s Name (Yahweh) is honored, then the people can bring their offerings and tithes and celebrate their festivals and feasts unto the living God with their family and friends (Deuteronomy 12:6-7, 12-14, 26-31; see also Hebrews 10:24-25). Such worship and obedience to the living God would be pleasing and right in God’s eyes and bring God’s blessings to Israel and their children (Deuteronomy 12:28; see also Deuteronomy 4:40).

Then, Moses warned Israel and now the church that if a prophet, visionary, or dreamer comes and performs signs, wonders, and miracles that becomes true but says, ‘Come, let us worship the gods of the other nations,’ Moses said do not listen to such wicked and false prophet (Deuteronomy 13:1-3; see also Jeremiah 23:25-27; Jeremiah 29:8-9; Zechariah 10:2). Even more, Moses warned Israel and now the church not even to listen to your nearest relative, closest friend, even a brother, son, daughter, or beloved spouse who whispers to you to come and worship other gods or idols (see Deuteronomy 13:6-8). Moses encouraged Israel and now the church to NEVER turn one’s heart, love, and allegiance from the living LORD God and His moral commandments and NEVER worship any other god nor idol but worship God only (Deuteronomy 13:4-5; see also Deuteronomy 6:13, 16; Matthew 4:7, 10; 1 Corinthians 5:13; 2 John 1:5-6). Such evil and false prophets, diviners, and mediums prophets appear and perform great signs and miracles, even in God and Jesus’ Name, to exploit and turn people’s hearts away from the living God and His moral commands (e.g., see Jeremiah 23:25-26, 30-32; Matthew 24:24-25). Therefore, Moses warned Israel and now the church to be on guard against such lying workers of evil, even if a close friend or family member, who perform such counterfeit miracles, signs, and wonders to deceive God’s people away from loving and obeying Him (e.g., see Mark 13:22-23; 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12; 2 Peter 2:1-3). The living God and His moral commands must always be first in our lives, even before our spouses, family, and friend (e.g., see Luke 14:25-27).

Many people – cult members as well as believers of Jesus Christ – claim that God has spoken to them. So how do God’s people evaluate those claims? The book of Deuteronomy offers two tests. First, a prediction made in God’s Name must, in fact, come true (see Deuteronomy 18:21-22). Eventually, fulfillment is one test of a true prophet. The second and more stringent test states that if a prediction does come true, but the prophet tries to lead people to worship some other god or idol, that prophet must be rejected and expelled (see Deuteronomy 13:1-5, 6, 13). Israel and now the church must only worship and serve the LORD God (Yahweh) and obey His moral commands (Deuteronomy 13:4). A true and faithful prophet speaks in God’s Name and only gives God’s message for God's glory for the good of the people. A mark of a false prophet or evil worker is messages that say; “Let us go after other gods” (see Deuteronomy 13:2, 6, 13). Evil workers of Satan can perform miracles (e.g., see 2 Thessalonians 2:9) and not everybody who addresses Jesus as “Lord” is a genuine child of God or servant of God (see Matthew 7:21-23).

References

ESV Study Bible, English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008).

New Student Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1992).

The Living Bible Paraphrase (Tyndale House, 1971).

Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).

Wiersbe, Warren W. Bible Exposition Commentary – Old Testament (Victor Books, 1989).

Always Love and Obey God

Moses: ¹² “And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you? He requires only that you (reverentially) fear the LORD your God and live (walk) in a way that pleases Him, and love Him and serve Him with all your heart and soul. ¹³ And you must always obey (keep) the LORD’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good.

¹⁴ Look, the highest heavens and the earth and everything in it all belong to the LORD your God.¹⁵ Yet the LORD chose your ancestors as the objects of His love (affection). And He chose you, their descendants, above all other nations, as is evident today. ¹⁶ Therefore, change (circumcise) your hearts and stop being stubborn (rebellious, stiff-necked). ¹⁷ For the LORD your God is the God of gods and Lord of lords. He is the great God, the mighty and awesome God, who shows no partiality and cannot be bribed. ¹⁸ He ensures that orphans and widows receive justice. He shows love to the foreigners (aliens) living among you and gives them food and clothing. ¹⁹ So you, too, must show love to foreigners (aliens), for you yourselves were once foreigners (aliens) in the land of Egypt.

²⁰ You must (reverentially) fear the LORD your God and worship (serve) Him and cling to Him. Your oaths must be in His Name alone. ²¹ He alone is your God, the only One who is worthy of your praise, the One who has done these mighty miracles that you have seen with your own eyes. ²² When your ancestors went down into Egypt, there were only seventy of them. But now the LORD your God has made you as numerous as the stars in the sky!” Deuteronomy 10:12-22 (NLT)

What does God want? Many people have asked that very question of what does the living God require of humanity. In Deuteronomy chapters 10 and 11, Moses gives not only Israel but also the church the central answer of what the living God needs of all humankind (see Deuteronomy 10:12-11:32).

The living God created humankind in His image (e.g., see Genesis 1:1, 26-28; Genesis 5:1; Psalm 100:3). As our Creator, the living God requires all humankind to reverentially fear Him as our LORD God, to walk in all His ways, and to love Him, to serve the LORD our God with all your heart and with all our soul, and to obey and keep His moral commandments (Deuteronomy 10:12-13, 20; Deuteronomy 11:1, 22). How often we complicate faith with our man-made rules, regulations, and requirements. The living God wants more than external rituals and going through the motions such as baptism, confirmation, and church membership, although such ceremonies are important (e.g., see Ephesians 6:6). The living God wants our wholehearted love for Him first (see Deuteronomy 6:4-6; Matthew 6:33; Matthew 22:37). Moses encouraged Israel (and now the church) to submit to the LORD God inside, in their hearts, as well as outside, in their bodies. Here, Moses gives everyone a simple summary to remember: (1) fear God and have reverence and respect for Him; (2) walk in all God’s ways (e.g., see Exodus 34:6-7); (3) to love God (e.g., see Deuteronomy 6:4-6); (4) serve and worship Him with all our heart and soul (see Exodus 20:3-7); and (5) keep His commands (see 1 John 5:3).

The central elements in Deuteronomy chapters 10 and 11 is the command to love, fear, serve, obey, respect, follow, and worship the LORD God with all your heart and soul  and His moral commandments (Deuteronomy 10:12, 15-16, 19; Deuteronomy 11:1, 13, 16, 18, 22; see also Ecclesiastes 12:13-14). Throughout the book of Deuteronomy, love for God and obeying His commands are inseparably linked (e.g., see Deuteronomy 5:10; Deuteronomy 6:4-6; Deuteronomy 8:11; Deuteronomy 11:1, 13, 22). In fact, this theme flows throughout the entire Old Testament (e.g., see Joshua 22:5; Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; Daniel 9:4) and on into the New Testament (e.g., see Matthew 22:37-40; John 14:15-16, 20-21, 23; John 15:9-10; 1 John 2:3-5; 1 John 5:3; 2 John 1:6). The chief and highest end for all humankind are to love, serve, and glorify God and fully to enjoy Him forever (e.g., see Deuteronomy 6:4-6; Psalm 100:1-2; Matthew 22:37; see also Westminster Larger and Smaller Catechisms). The earth and highest heaven belong to the living LORD God, who created the heavens and the earth, and He is from everlasting to everlasting (Deuteronomy 10:15; see also Exodus 19:5; 1 Kings 18:27; Nehemiah 9:5-6; Psalm 24:1; Acts 17:22-29). Moses reminded Israel (and the church) that obedience to the living God and His moral commandments is for their good, reveal their wisdom, and leads to life (Deuteronomy 10:13; see also Deuteronomy 4:6-8; Deuteronomy 5:32-33; Deuteronomy 6:24-25; Deuteronomy 12:28; 1 Kings 2:2-4). Obedience to the Lord is the key to every blessing!

Therefore, Moses encouraged Israel to circumcise (or change) their hearts by turning and surrendering their whole hearts and minds away from sin and wickedness, and turning to the living God with all love, obedience, and service to Him and His moral commandments (Deuteronomy 10:16; see also Deuteronomy 30:6; Jeremiah 4:4; Matthew 3:2-3; Matthew 4:17; Mark 1:14-15; Acts 20:21; Romans 2:28-29). The living God of Israel is the God of gods and Lord of lords, and He is awesome, mighty, and faithful (Deuteronomy 10:17; see also Deuteronomy 7:9, 21; Joshua 22:22; Psalm 135:5; Psalm 136:2-3; Daniel 2:47; 1 Timothy 6:15-16). The LORD God is the great and mighty God who so loves the world He created (Deuteronomy 10:17; see also Psalm 145:17-20; Psalm 146:6; John 3:16). Therefore, Moses encouraged Israel (and now the church) to give God alone our first allegiance and worship.

Moreover, Moses proclaimed that the LORD God defends the cause of the fatherless and widows, and He loves foreigners and gives them food and clothing (Deuteronomy 10:18-19; see also Exodus 22:21-24; Leviticus 19:33-34; Deuteronomy 27:19; Isaiah 10:1-3). The LORD God is a Father to the fatherless and a Defender of widows (see Psalm 68:5). Even more, the living God graciously helps the aliens and oppressed, sets the prisoner free, and gives food to the poor (see Psalm 146:7-9). For that reason, the living God requires His people to also give fairness and justice, show mercy, and compassion to one another, and not oppress but love the widows, the fatherless, the aliens and the poor (Deuteronomy 10:18-19; see also Deuteronomy 24:17-18; Isaiah 1:11-15; Jeremiah 7:22-23; Micah 6:6-8; Hoses 6:6; Isaiah 1:17; Jeremiah 22:3; Zechariah 7:9-10). Amazingly during His public ministry, Jesus also taught His disciple not to neglect the more important matters of the Law – justice, mercy and faithfulness – and commanded His disciples to love one another (see Matthew 9:13; Matthew 12:7; Matthew 22:39; Matthew 23:23; Mark 12:33; Luke 11:42; John 13:34-35).

True love for God also means love for others – you cannot have one without the other (e.g., see Matthew 7:12; Luke 10:25-37; Romans 10:8-10; Galatians 5:14). A covenant relationship with the living God will always cause one to express love in both a vertical and horizontal dimension. To love God is to love one’s neighbor (see Deuteronomy 10:12, 20). Good news is that if our hearts are surrendered to God with all love and obedience, then we will naturally want to do good and love others too (see Ephesians 2:10). Truly, a Spirit of love runs throughout Deuteronomy – love for God and love for others (see also Mark 12:28-31). In the Holy Scriptures, love is more than a feeling; true love is a decision to serve another person’s best interest (e.g., see Romans 13:8-10). Only through God’s help can one genuinely love another with all our heart!

Furthermore, Moses reminded the Israelites they too were refugees and foreigners in the land of Egypt, and the living God graciously cared for Israel (Deuteronomy 10:19; see also Exodus 22:21; Exodus 23:9; Leviticus 19:34; Deuteronomy 24:18). Israel’s ancestors – Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob – were immigrants. When Israel (Jacob) and his twelve sons went down into Egypt, there were only seventy of them (Deuteronomy 10:22; see also Genesis 46:26-27; Exodus 1:5; Acts 7:14). However, the living God graciously multiplied and increased Israel and his descendants to as many as the stars in the sky as He promised His servant Abraham (Deuteronomy 10:22; see also Genesis 12:2; Genesis 13:14-16; Genesis 15:4-6; Genesis 22:17-18; Genesis 26:4; Deuteronomy 1:10).

Once more, Moses instructed Israel (and the church) to honor, love, and respect the living God, obey and keep every one of His righteous commandments, and worship and serve Him only (Deuteronomy 10:20; Deuteronomy 11:1, 8, 13, 22; see also Deuteronomy 6:4-6; Deuteronomy 8:3; Deuteronomy 13:4; Deuteronomy 30:19-20; Matthew 4:4). The LORD God is our praise and our living God (Deuteronomy 10:21; see also Exodus 15:22; Jeremiah 17:14). The living God is great, awesome, all-powerful, good, and forever faithful (Deuteronomy 11:2-4; see also Deuteronomy 7:9, 21; Deuteronomy 10:17; Joshua 22:22; Psalm 136:1-3; Daniel 2:47; Lamentations 3:22-23; 1 Corinthians 1:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:24; 2 Thessalonians 3:3). Besides, Moses reminded Israel they had strong reasons to believe in God and obey God’s commands because they personally eye witnessed a parade of God’s mighty miracles against the Egyptians (see Deuteronomy 11:7). The LORD God will care for you, protect you, and provide for your every need (Deuteronomy 11:5; see also Deuteronomy 8:4; Deuteronomy 29:5-6; Psalm 37:4-5; Psalm 55:22; Nehemiah 9:21; Matthew 6:9-13, 25-34; Luke 11:1-4; Hebrews 13:5-6; 1 Peter 5:7). God has promised never to leave us nor forsake us (see Matthew 28:20; John 14:1, 15-18, 27; John 16:33; Romans 8:37-39).

Moses once again warned Israel not to rebel against the living and His righteous ways by worshipping and serving other gods (e.g., money, material possession, status, job promotion, etc.) because such evil and disobedience will lead to their death, disease, and destruction (Deuteronomy 11:16, 28; see also Deuteronomy 4:19; Deuteronomy 6:13-15; Deuteronomy 28:15-68). Such disobedience and unfaithfulness against the living God brings God’s wrath, punishment, and anger (Deuteronomy 11:17; see also Leviticus 26:18-22; Deuteronomy 30:18; Joshua 23:14-16; 1 Kings 8:35-36). Often in Jewish history, the living God closed the windows of heavens and disciplined His people until they confessed their sins and returned wholeheartedly to Him (e.g., see Deuteronomy 28:23-24; 2 Chronicles 7:13-14). The LORD God’s anger against Israel would cause Him to shut up the heavens so that it will not rain and the ground will yield no produce (e.g., see Deuteronomy 28:23-24; 1 Kings 17:1). All-important seasonal rains are controlled by the living God (see Deuteronomy 11:14).

However, faithfully loving and obeying the living God and His righteous commandments with all our hearts, souls, and minds lead to life, contentment, and blessings for not only you and your family but for their nation (Deuteronomy 11:8-15, 21, 27; see also Deuteronomy 28:1-14; 2 Chronicles 7:13-14; Matthew 6:33; John 5:24). Once again, Moses encouraged the people to seek forever and love God and keep His commands on their hearts, souls, and minds and teach God’s righteous ways to their children and grandchildren (Deuteronomy 11:18-20; see also Deuteronomy 6:4-9). God will be our Divine Protector and Warrior, and He will increase our lands and defeat all our enemies if we will always love, serve, and obey Him (Deuteronomy 11:12, 22-25; see also Deuteronomy 1:30-31; Deuteronomy 6:21-23; Deuteronomy 7:1-2, 20-24; Deuteronomy 8:14-16; Deuteronomy 9:3; Deuteronomy 26:6-9; Deuteronomy 31:4). Moses promised that if the people loved, feared, and obeyed God; He would graciously bless their land and the people.

God does not “buy” our obedience, but He does reward our faith and obedience to Him (see Romans 8:1). On the other hand, God’s people cannot blame suffering on God because our sin deserves God’s punishment. Thus, Deuteronomy chapters 10 and 11 teach a forceful statement of a universal principle: those who are faithful to God will receive God’s blessings, and those who are unfaithful to God can expect to receive His judgment. God is faithful to His people and expects us to be faithful to Him in return. LOVE AND OBEY THE LIVING GOD!

References

Disciple's Study Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 1988).

ESV Study Bible, English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008).

Life Application Study Bible (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Pub., 2005).

Life Essentials Study Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2011).

The Living Bible Paraphrase (Tyndale House, 1971).

Merrill, Eugene H. New American Commentary: Deuteronomy (Nashville, TN: B and H Publishing Group, 1994).

Wiersbe, Warren W. Bible Exposition Commentary – Old Testament (Victor Books, 1989).

Blessings Because of God’s Grace

Moses: ¹ “Listen (hear), O Israel! Today you are about to cross the Jordan River to take over the land belonging to nations much greater and more powerful (mightier, stronger) than you. They live in cities with walls that reach to the sky! ² The people are strong and tall—descendants of the famous Anakite giants. You have heard the saying, ‘Who can stand up to the Anakites?’ ³ But recognize today that the LORD your God is the One who will cross over ahead of you like a devouring fire to destroy them. He will subdue them so that you will quickly conquer them and drive them out, just as the LORD has promised.

⁴ After the LORD your God has done this for you, do not say in your hearts (minds), ‘The LORD has given us this land because we are such good (righteous) people!’ No, it is because of the wickedness of the other nations that He is pushing them out of your way.” ⁵ It is not because you are so good (righteous) or have such integrity (uprightness) that you are about to occupy their land. The LORD your God will drive these nations out ahead of you only because of their wickedness and to fulfill the oath (promise) He swore to your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. ⁶ You must recognize that the LORD your God is not giving you this good land because you are good (righteous), for you are not—you are a stubborn (stiff-necked) people. Deuteronomy 9:1-6 (NLT)

In Deuteronomy 9, Moses continues his history lesson to a new generation of Israelites on the border of God’s Promised Land. From a historical standpoint, Deuteronomy 9:1-10:11 is a travel narrative much like Deuteronomy 1:6-3:29. As before, Moses repeatedly urges Israel’s faithfulness and obedience to the living God (Deuteronomy 9:1; see also Deuteronomy 4:1; Deuteronomy 5:1; Deuteronomy 6:4). A new generation of Israelites was about to cross the Jordan River and begin to defeat and overthrow nations much greater and more powerful than they were (Deuteronomy 9:1; see also Deuteronomy 4:38). Even more, Israel would have to defeat nations living in high walled cities and among the people were the strong and tall descendants of the famous Anakite giants (Deuteronomy 9:2; see also Numbers 13:22, 28-29, 33; Deuteronomy 1:28). The Anakites were large people, and Goliath was probably a descendant of these giants, who stood over nine feet tall (see also 1 Samuel 17:4-7).

By human sight, Israel was facing an impossible challenge. Sadly, the first generation of Israelites leaving Egyptian bondage did not trust and believe in the LORD God Almighty, when they heard about the giants and the walled cities in God’s Promised land (Deuteronomy 9:1-2; see also Numbers 13:26-33; Deuteronomy 1:26-28). Moses encouraged Israel not to live by sight and fear but by faith in their God because He would fight for and protect Israel (Deuteronomy 1:29-31; see also Habakkuk 2:4; 2 Corinthians 5:7; Galatians 3:11; Hebrews 10:38). The LORD God of Israel is the God of gods and Lord of lords, and He is the great God, the mighty and awesome God (e.g., see Deuteronomy 7:21; Deuteronomy 10:17; Joshua 22:22; Psalm 136:1-3; Daniel 2:47). What is impossible for humans are never impossible with the living God (e.g., see Jeremiah 32:27; Zechariah 8:6; Matthew 19:26). The Name of the LORD is strong and mighty (see 1 Samuel 17:45). The battle was the Lord’s battle (see 1 Samuel 17:47). Everything is possible with God for those who believes and obeys Him (see Mark 9:23; Mark 10:27; Luke 1:37; Luke 18:27). By themselves and their limited resources, Israel had no possibility of conquering the land, but with God’s power, everything is possible (see Matthew 17:20; Matthew 21:21; Mark 11:22-26). Without faith in Him, it is impossible to please the living God (see Hebrews 11:6). For everyone that comes to God must believe that He exists and that He graciously rewards everyone that wholeheartedly seek, love, and obey Him (see also 1 Chronicles 28:9; Jeremiah 29:11-14).

Therefore, Moses encouraged Israel not to be afraid or fearful. The LORD God Almighty was going ahead of His people as a strong, consuming, and devouring fire (Deuteronomy 9:3; see also Exodus 15:7; Deuteronomy 31:3-6). The living God is a devouring fire and not even a giant could stand up Him (see Deuteronomy 4:24, 35-36; Hebrews 12:29). Even more, Moses proclaimed to Israel that the LORD God Almighty would destroy these great and powerful nations living in walled cities and defeat the strong and tall Anakite giants (Deuteronomy 9:3; see also Exodus 23:31; Deuteronomy 4:35-39; Deuteronomy 7:23-24). The living God would defeat Israel’s giants so that Israel could quickly conquer them and drive them out, just as the LORD promised their ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (see Deuteronomy 9:3, 5). Truly, unbelief is the chief and root of many sins and problems and cause people to look everywhere but to God for their help and guidance (see Psalms 81:6-12; Psalm 95:8-11; Psalm 106:13-20; Hebrews 3:12).

However, Moses warned Israel that when the LORD God defeats their enemies and the giants, Israel must not say in their hearts and minds, “It is because of my righteousness that the LORD has brought me in to possess this land” (Deuteronomy 9:4, ESV). Moses proclaimed repeatedly to Israel that the living God was defeating their enemies and giants not because of their goodness or righteousness but because of the wickedness and evil of the other nations and His promises to their ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Deuteronomy 9:4-6; see also Deuteronomy 8:10-18). Thus, Israel did not earn God’s Promised Land because the wicked nations forfeited their rights to the land. Once again, Moses reminded Israel of God’s goodness, grace, and divine love. Just like believers’ salvation, the Promised Land was a gift from the living God to Israel and not a reward for their righteousness (Deuteronomy 9:4-5; see also Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5). Moses was making clear to Israel (and the church) that all people are wicked and undeserving of God’s grace (see also Romans 3:9, 19, 23-24). God had graciously promised Abraham to give him and his descendants the land of Canaan – the Promised Land (see Genesis 12:1-3; Genesis 13:14-17; Genesis 15:7-21). God is faithful to keep His promises (see Deuteronomy 7:9; 2 Corinthians 1:20). Even with His grace, the living God still reminded Israel that they must carefully do and obey His commandments — to love the LORD your God, to walk in obedience to Him and to hold fast to Him and He would defeat their enemies and giants (e.g., see Deuteronomy 10:12-13; Deuteronomy 11:1, 22-25). If Israel obeyed Him and His moral commandments, the living God promised Israel that no one would be able to stand against them (see Deuteronomy 11:25).

Moses reminded the new generation of Israelites of the first generation’s repeated rebellion, wickedness, and stubbornness towards the living God and His moral commandments – the covenant (Deuteronomy 9:6-12, 22-24; see also Psalm 106:6-71 Corinthians 10:1-14). Sadly, the first generation of Israelites leaving Egyptian bondage repeatedly disobeyed and rebelled against the living God and His covenant expectations – the Ten Commandments (see Deuteronomy 9:6-8). The LORD God’s finger personally wrote His covenant – the Ten Commandments – on the stone tablets for Israel (and the church) to obey (Deuteronomy 9:9-11, 15; see also Exodus 31:18; Exodus 32:15-16; Exodus 34:1, 27-28; Deuteronomy 4:13; Deuteronomy 5:22; Deuteronomy 10:1-4; Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; John 14:15-16, 20-21, 23; John 15:9-10; 1 John 2:3-5; 2 John 1:6). God’s personal attention to the covenant, that is, the Ten Commandments, underscores the fundamental importance of the entire covenant relations. The true and living God had called Israel (and now the church) to live wholly devoted to Him and free from adultery, sexual immorality, murder, falsehood, theft, greed, jealousy, drunkenness, anger, covetousness, and envy because these actions are improper for God's holy people (see Exodus 19:5-6; Exodus 20:1-17; Deuteronomy 5:6-21; Deuteronomy 32:35; Matthew 19:16-19; Romans 12:9-21; Romans 13:8-10).

However, the first generation of Israelites leaving Egyptian were unthankful of God’s grace, repeatedly rebelled against the living God, worshipped an idol – the golden calf, and did not trust in God’s faithfulness and goodness (Deuteronomy 9:7, 12-13, 16, 22-24; see also Exodus 32:1-35; Psalm 106:13-33; Hebrews 3:7-12). During their march from Egyptian slavery to the border of God’s Promised Land at Kadesh-Barnea, Israel visibly saw the mighty and powerful hand of the living God to defeat the Egyptians and meet their every need (e.g., see Deuteronomy 32:7-12; Psalm 106:8-12). At Taberah, the people complained to God about their “hardships” in the wilderness, and God sent fire that consumed some of the people on the outskirts of the camp (see Numbers 11:1-3). Then at Massah, Israel complained to God and Moses because they were thirsty, so Moses struck the rock and God provided Israel water (see Exodus 17:1-7). At Kibroth Hattaavah, Israel became weary of God’s miracle food from heaven – the manna and craved meat to eat (see Numbers 11:4-6). The living God miraculous sent flocks of quail over the camp of Israel to feed His people meat (see Numbers 11:31-34). Finally, Moses reminded Israel of the great failure at Kadesh-Barnea where they failed to trust in the living God’s power and obey His voice to enter into His good Promised Land (Deuteronomy 9:23-24; see also Numbers 13:1-14:38; Deuteronomy 1:26-40).

Because of Israel’s repeated idolatry and rebellion, God wanted to destroy all of Israel, blot out their name from under heaven, and begin a new mighty nation with Moses (Deuteronomy 9:8, 13-14, 19; see also Exodus 32:9-10; Numbers 14:11-12). However, Moses refused God’s offer to begin a new nation with him (Deuteronomy 9:14; see also Numbers 14:12). Instead, Moses placed the glory of God and the good of Israel ahead of personal promotion and fame (see Deuteronomy 9:27-28). Moses was more concerned with the glory of God and God’s reputation before the nations, for he knew that the fear of God had to go before Israel if they were to conquer the land and claim their inheritance (see Deuteronomy 9:29). In fact, Moses was willing to die for the people rather than see God destroy Israel (see Exodus 32:31-34; Numbers 12:7; Hebrews 3:2, 5). A true shepherd lays down his life for the sheep (see John 10:11).

Moses interceded and prayed to the living God forty days and nights to forgive Israel’s sin and wickedness (Deuteronomy 9:18, 25; see also Exodus 32:10-11, 30-33; Exodus 34:28, 31-32). During his prayers and intercession, Moses reminded the living God that Israel was His special inheritance and treasure saved from Egypt by His mighty power and glorious strength (Deuteronomy 9:26, 29; see also Exodus 32:12-13; Deuteronomy 4:34). Moreover, Moses reminded God of His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and to overlook Israel’s sins (see Deuteronomy 9:27-28). The living God listened to Moses’ prayers and intercession, forgave Israel’s sins, and did not destroy Israel (Deuteronomy 9:19-20; Deuteronomy 10:10; see also Exodus 32:14). Truly, the living God listens to the prayers of the righteous and humble (e.g., see Genesis 18:23-32; 2 Kings 4:33; Psalm 145:18-19; Proverbs 15:8, 29; James 5:16).

Despite Moses’ faithfulness, Jesus is counted as better than Moses (see Hebrews 3:3). Jesus has also taught His disciples that we “should always pray and not give up” (Luke 18:1; see also Luke 11:5-8; Ephesians 6:18; Colossians 4:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:17) because Jesus Himself is “at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us” (see Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25; 1 John 2:1). Jesus is truly our perfect prayer partner – the Friend, who intercedes for us at the right hand of God (see 1 Timothy 2:5). Likewise, as believers of Jesus, God sends believers of Jesus the Holy Spirit who also intercedes for us through wordless groans (Romans 8:26-27; see also John 14:15-16). Thus, the Jesus the Son of God and the Holy Spirit are interceding with believers with the Father, the LORD GOD Almighty.

Then, the living God instructed Moses to cut two more stone tablets like the first ones, and God also instructed Moses to make a wooden Ark — a sacred chest — to keep the covenant, which is the Ten Commandments or Testimony (Deuteronomy 10:1, 3; see also Exodus 34:1-2; Hebrews 9:4). Moses returned to the mountaintop of Mount Sinai (Horeb), and the living God rewrote on the stone tablets the same Ten Commandments that were on the first tablets Moses previously smashed, and Moses placed the covenant inside the Ark (Deuteronomy 10:2-5; see also Exodus 24:12; Exodus 25:10, 16, 21; Exodus 34:4, 28; Exodus 40:20-21; 1 Kings 8:9; 2 Chronicles 5:10). These were the same Ten Commandments the living God gave Moses from the heart of the fire at Mount Sinai (Horeb) (Deuteronomy 10:4; see also Exodus 20:1; Deuteronomy 9:10).

Then, the LORD God commanded Moses to appoint and set apart the tribe of Levi as priests (Deuteronomy 10:8-9; see also Deuteronomy 18:1). The living God instructed the tribe of Levi to carry the Ark containing the Ten Commandments of God, to stand before Him as His ministers to perform His work, and to pronounce blessings in His Name (Deuteronomy 10:8-9; see also Numbers 3:6-10; Numbers 8:14; Deuteronomy 18:5, 7). Because of Levi’s ministry responsibilities to the living God, the tribe of Levi never received an inheritance of land in the Promised Land as the other tribes of Israel (see also Deuteronomy 18:1-2). Instead, the living God became Levi’s inheritance, and God set apart Levi’s tribe to serve Him (Deuteronomy 10:9; see also Numbers 3:11-12; Numbers 18:20-24).

In the New Testament, Apostle Paul used Israel’s desert experience to remind the church the importance of our wholehearted faithfulness, thankfulness, and obedience to the living God (1 Corinthians 10:1-14; see also Deuteronomy 9:7-8, 11-12, 16). Like Moses’ farewell address to a new generation of Israelites, the Apostle Paul did not want the church to make the same mistakes as the first generation of Israelites living Egyptian slavery. The living God graciously and miraculously parted the Red Sea to deliver Israel from Egyptian bondage (see 1 Corinthians 10:1-2), and then supernaturally fed Israel manna and water in the wilderness (see 1 Corinthians 10:3-4). Despite God grace and goodness, many of the Israelites rebelled against God by worshiping a golden calf (1 Corinthians 10:7; see also Exodus 32:4-6, 19); engaging in sexuality immorality (1 Corinthians 10:8; see also Numbers 25:1-9); and failed to give God’s thanksgiving for His blessings (1 Corinthians 10:9-10; e.g., see also Numbers 11:1-6; Numbers 21:4-7). Because of Israel’s repeated sin and rebellion, God severely punished Israel (see 1 Corinthians 10:5). The Apostle Paul warned the church that what happened in these Old Testament settings with Israel should be “examples” or a “warning” to believers of Jesus today (see 1 Corinthians 10:1, 6, 11-13). Therefore, the Apostle Paul rebuked the church flee from idolatry and sinful cravings, and wholehearted follow God (1 Corinthians 10:14; see also 1 Peter 2:11-12; 1 John 5:21).  

References

ESV Study Bible, English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008).

Life Application Study Bible (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Pub., 2005).

Life Essentials Study Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2011).

The Living Bible Paraphrase (Tyndale House, 1971).

Merrill, Eugene H. New American Commentary: Deuteronomy (Nashville, TN: B and H Publishing Group, 1994).

Wiersbe, Warren W. Bible Exposition Commentary – Old Testament (Victor Books, 1989).

God’s Grace

Moses:  ¹ “Be careful to obey (do) all the commands (commandments) I am giving you today. Then you will live and multiply (increase), and you will enter and occupy the land the LORD swore to give your ancestors (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob). ² Remember how the LORD your God led you through the wilderness for these forty years, humbling you and testing you to prove your character (what was in your heart and mind), and to find out whether or not you would obey His commands. ³ Yes, He humbled you by letting you go hungry and then feeding you with manna, a food previously unknown to you and your ancestors. He did it to teach you that people do not live by bread alone; rather, we live by every Word that comes from the mouth of the LORD. ⁴ For all these forty years your clothes did not wear out, and your feet did not blister or swell. ⁵ Think about it: Just as a parent disciplines a child, the LORD your God disciplines you for your own good.

⁶ So obey the commands (commandments) of the LORD your God by walking in His ways and fearing (loving, honoring, respecting) Him. ⁷ For the LORD your God is bringing you into a good land of flowing streams and pools of water, with fountains and springs that gush out in the valleys and hills. ⁸ It is a land of wheat and barley; of grapevines, fig trees, and pomegranates; of olive oil and honey. ⁹ It is a land where food is plentiful and nothing is lacking. It is a land where iron is as common as stone, and copper is abundant in the hills. ¹⁰ When you have eaten your fill, be sure to praise (bless) the LORD your God for the good land He has given you.

¹¹ But that is the time to be careful! Beware that in your plenty (fullness) you do not forget the LORD your God and disobey His commands (commandments), regulations, and decrees that I am giving you today. ¹² For when you have become full and prosperous and have built fine homes to live in, ¹³ and when your flocks and herds have become very large and your silver and gold have multiplied along with everything else, be careful! ¹⁴ Do not become proud at that time and forget the LORD your God, who rescued you from slavery in the land of Egypt. ¹⁵ Do not forget that He led you through the great and terrifying wilderness with its poisonous snakes and scorpions, where it was so hot and dry. He gave you water from the rock! ¹⁶ He fed you with manna in the wilderness, a food unknown to your ancestors. He did this to humble you and test you for your own good. ¹⁷ He did all this so you would never say to yourself, ‘I have achieved this wealth with my own strength and energy.’ ¹⁸ Remember the LORD your God. He is the One who gives you power to be successful, in order to fulfill the covenant He confirmed to your ancestors with an oath.

¹⁹ But I assure you of this: If you ever forget the LORD your God and follow other gods, worshiping and bowing down to them, you will certainly be destroyed. ²⁰ Just as the LORD has destroyed other nations in your path, you also will be destroyed if you refuse to obey the LORD your God.” Deuteronomy 8:1-20 (NLT)

On the border of the Promised Land, Moses reminded a new generation of Israelites about God’s goodness and grace that comes to all who faithfully love, honor, and obey the living God and His moral commandments – the covenant (Deuteronomy 8:1; see also Exodus 19:5-6; Exodus 20:1-17; Deuteronomy 4:1, 39-40; Deuteronomy 6:1-6). Love and obedience to the living God and His moral commandments with all humility brings life, increase, and fullness (Deuteronomy 8:1; see also Deuteronomy 5:32-33; Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; John 14:15-16, 20-21, 23; John 15:9-10; 1 John 2:3-5; 2 John 1:6).

In Deuteronomy 8, Moses reminded a new generation of Israelites that the living God led Israel through the wilderness for forty years, humbling them and testing them (see Deuteronomy 8:2). God had a unique relationship with Israel, who were a band of refugees roaming the Sinai wilderness for 40 years (see Deuteronomy 10:15; Deuteronomy 14:2). Israel was God’s treasured possession (see Exodus 19:5). Like Israel, the church is also God’s chosen people and His treasured possession (see 1 Peter 2:5, 9-10).

During the wilderness wandering, the LORD God wanted to find out what was really in Israel’s hearts, and whether or not they would obey Him and His moral commandments during hardships, testing, and trials (Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 15-16; see also Romans 5:1-5; James 1:2-4). The LORD God humbled and tested Israel by letting the people go through hungry and thirsty (see Deuteronomy 8:3, 16). Thus, Israel’s wilderness wandering period was not only punishment for their disobedience but also a test (Deuteronomy 8:2-3; see also Numbers 13 and 14). The wilderness test was to reveal the state of Israel’s heart condition.

Then, the living God graciously fed Israel with manna (bread) and quail (meat) from heaven and water from a rock until they reached His Promised Land (Deuteronomy 8:3; see also Exodus 16:1-35; Exodus 17:6; Numbers 11:6-9; Numbers 20:11; Numbers 21:5; Psalm 78:23-28; Psalm 105:39-42). Manna was the bread of angels and look white like coriander seed and resin and tasted like wafers made with honey (see Exodus 16:31; Numbers 11:7-9; Psalm 78:25). Even during those forty years of wilderness testing, Israel’s clothes never grew old, and their feet were never blistered or swell (Deuteronomy 8:4; see also Deuteronomy 29:5-6; Nehemiah 9:21).

The living God wanted Israel to take one day at a time and always depend upon and trust Him for all their daily food, needs, and clothing (see also Matthew 6:9-13, 25-34; Luke 11:1-4). This is the point Jesus made to the evil one when He quoted Deuteronomy 8:3 while being tempted to deny the living God in exchange for food, glory, and riches (see Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 41-13). Real life and peace comes by wholeheartedly and faithfully loving God and obeying God’s moral commandments, even during difficult and hard times (Deuteronomy 8:3; see also Matthew 24:13; Luke 21:19; John 6:35, 46-51; John 15:1-10; Romans 5:3; Hebrews 10:35-38). In the desert, God was teaching Israel, and also the church today, which He would provide all they needed. Like Israel, God wants the church to know we can cast all our cares, worries, and needs upon Him for He cares and loves us (e.g., see Psalm 37:4-5; Psalm 55:22; Matthew 6:25, 32; Hebrews 13:5-6; 1 Peter 5:7). God the Father and His Son Jesus have promised never to leave His people as orphans (see John 14:1, 15-18, 27), but to faithfully be with His people by the Holy Spirit, even during times of hardship, persecution, and suffering (see Matthew 28:20; John 16:33; Romans 8:37-39).

Even more, Moses reminded the Israelites that the living God was good and gracious (see also Psalm 100:5; Nahum 1:7, 15). As good parents punish and discipline their children, the LORD God as our loving Heavenly Father also punishes and disciplines His people to help and grow us (Deuteronomy 8:5; see also Deuteronomy 4:35-38; Proverbs 29:17; Hebrews 5:11; Revelation 3:19). In fact, God’s discipline is evidence of God’s love and our membership in God’s family (see John 1:12-13; Hebrews 12:5-8; Proverbs 3:5-6, 11-12).So Moses encouraged the people to always faithfully love and reverentially honor the living God, obey His righteous ways, and shun evil (Deuteronomy 8:6; see also Proverbs 8:13). God’s people must live by faith in God and not grow weary and lose heart (e.g., see Habakkuk 2:4; Hebrews 12:2-3, 9-10).

By His grace and goodness, Moses proclaimed to Israel that the living God was giving Israel a good land filled with brooks, pools, gushing springs, valleys, hills; wheat, and barley, of grape vines, fig trees, pomegranates, olives, and honey (Deuteronomy 8:7-8; see also Deuteronomy 11:8-13). Moses assured Israel that the living God was giving Israel a land where food is plentiful, and nothing is lacking nor scarce; a land where iron is as common as stone, and copper is abundant in the hills (Deuteronomy 8:9).

When the people have eaten their fill, Moses reminded Israel always to bless and praise the LORD God for His goodness and wealth He had given them and their families (see Deuteronomy 8:10). In fact, Deuteronomy 8:10 is traditionally cited as the reason we say grace before or after meals. The living God is a good and gracious Father, and He was the One that provided for Israel and their families. All we have is of God’s grace and goodness. Therefore, our blessings from God should always result in praise and thanksgivings to Him!

Nevertheless, Moses warned the people to be careful and beware that in their fullness and plenty they never forget God’s goodness and grace and begin to disobey His commandments (Deuteronomy 8:11, 14; see also Deuteronomy 4:9; Deuteronomy 6:10-12). When Israel has become full and prosperous, built fine homes with large flocks and herds, silver and gold have multiplied, Moses warned Israel to watch out and be careful that they do not become proud and forget that God’s grace brought them out of bondage in the land of Egypt (see Deuteronomy 8:12-14). Again, Moses counseled the people never to forget that God’s grace led and protected Israel from great evil and harm and provided Israel water from the rock (Deuteronomy 8:14-15; see also Exodus 17:6; Numbers 20:11). Even more, Moses reminded Israel that the living God graciously fed Israel with manna in the wilderness so that Israel would become humble and so that their trust in Him would grow, and He would do Israel good (see Deuteronomy 8:16).

The living God gave Israel testing so that they would never feel that it was their power, smarts, and might that made them wealthy and successful (Deuteronomy 8:17; see also Deuteronomy 9:4, 7, 24). Moses warned the people always to remember that the living and gracious God gives people His power (Spirit) to become rich and therefore fulfill His promise to their ancestors – Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Deuteronomy 8:18; see also Deuteronomy 7:8, 12; Proverbs 10:22). Truly, God is the source of all success, wealth, and achievement – past and future – and not our independence nor self-righteousness! Moses warned Israel against such self-congratulatory and prideful attitude by taking the credit for their success and wealth.

God hates and punishes all self-dependent, selfish, prideful, overconfident, and arrogant people (e.g., see Proverbs 16:5; Proverbs 8:13). In fact, the book of Proverbs warns, “there are six things the LORD hates, . . . haughty (prideful) eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers” (see Proverbs 6:16-19, NIV). Pride causes a person to take credit for one’s successes and neglect God’s grace. Even worse, a prideful and ungrateful heart can quickly become a haven for all sorts of sinful attitudes and evil schemes. In Deuteronomy 8, Moses is reminding Israel that our talents, skills, and abilities, which lie behind our achievements and plenty, are all God’s gifts by His grace and goodness. Only the living God gives one the ability to produce wealth (see Deuteronomy 8:18). Yes, we are to work hard and educate ourselves. Education and hard work can develop the gifts God gives. However, we must never forget the Source and Giver of every good and perfect gift (Deuteronomy 8:10; see also John 3:27; John 15:1-10; James 1:17). We achieve success and wealth because of God’s goodness and grace, not because of our education, intellect, or hard work (see Deuteronomy 8:14, 18). With our wealth and achievements, we must continually depend upon and glorify God and help others in need (e.g., see 1 Corinthians 10:31; 2 Corinthians 11:8-16; 1 Timothy 5:4, 8; 1 John 3:16-17).

Finally, Moses cautioned Israel that if they forget and neglect the living God and worship other gods or worship their wealth, they would certainly surely perish (Deuteronomy 8:19; see also Deuteronomy 4:25-27; Deuteronomy 6:13-15; Deuteronomy 30:17-18). God is faithful (see 1 Corinthians 1:9; 1 Corinthians 10:13), and Moses warns Israel always to remain faithful to the living God, who is the King and Creator of the heavens and earth (see Deuteronomy 4:25-26; Deuteronomy 6:4-6, 13-15; Deuteronomy 30:17-18). Our covenant disloyalty and adultery by worshipping others gods would surely result in our destruction. Just as the living God caused other nations in the past to perish, Israel will also perish if they do not faithfully worship and obey the living LORD God (see Deuteronomy 8:20).

In the book of Deuteronomy and throughout the Scriptures, the “key” that opened the door God’s grace and blessings was simple: to love and remain faithful to the living God, obey God’s moral commandments, and walk in God’s righteous ways (Deuteronomy 8:6; see also John 15:1-17). The heart of all commandments is to love the LORD God with all our heart, with all our soul, and with all our strength first (e.g., see Deuteronomy 5:7-10; Deuteronomy 6:4-6, 12-15; Matthew 6:33; Matthew 22:37). The living God wants all our heart and love fully devoted and faithful to Him and His commandments (see Ecclesiastes 12:13-14)!

References

Disciple's Study Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 1988).

The Living Bible Paraphrase (Tyndale House, 1971).

Merrill, Eugene H. New American Commentary: Deuteronomy (Nashville, TN: B and H Publishing Group, 1994).