In Deuteronomy, chapter thirty-four, verse one, Moses gets a glimpse of the promised land. Only after death does he inherit the city, which has a foundation whose builder and maker is God. Those who have lived in fellowship with God do not fear death. Due to their trust in God, they can even anticipate the …
After Israel had sinned with the golden calf, in Deuteronomy, chapter thirty-three, verse nine, the Levites stood with God even against their nearest relatives. They held fast to the covenant and chastened those who participated in the worship of the golden calf. God rewarded them for their zeal for His cause by appointing them as …
In Deuteronomy, chapter thirty, verse twenty, Moses’ song aims to impress upon the Israelites that their whole existence is due to God’s faithfulness and mercy. The Lord alone guided and sustained them. Israel’s response was, in measure, one of wickedness and folly. The song concluded by warning Israel that future infidelity, rebellion, and apostasy would …
In Deuteronomy, chapter thirty, verse twenty, the Israelites were to maintain their relationship with God by loving Him and obeying His voice. To express that obedience, however, they had to recognize their inability to fulfill the law by bringing sacrifices of atonement for their shortcomings. Life and salvation are not a guarantee as a reward …
In Deuteronomy, chapter twenty-nine, verse nineteen, among God’s people would be those who walk in their sinful way and claim to have peace. Similarly, the New Testament speaks about those within the church who profess peace, salvation, and eternal life. Yet, do not endeavor to follow God’s will. God says that the peace walkers’ profession …
Have peace and walk in the imagination of the heart? Read More »
Deuteronomy, chapter twenty-nine, verses eighteen through twenty-one, concerns an individual among God’s elected people who turned away from the Lord. The promises of life and blessing give Israel to experience this as a whole. However, as a corporate body or nation, an individual within God’s chosen people participates in the promised blessings only as they …
In Deuteronomy chapter twenty-eight, verse sixty-four, the scattering of Israel occurs several times throughout their history when they were taken captive by the Assyrians, the Babylonians, the Greeks, and the Romans. We do not know of Israel’s falling into actual idolatry in dispersion, except in Egypt of Jeremiah forty-four seventeen and possibly in Babylon of …
In Deuteronomy chapter twenty-eight, verse fifteen, Moses prophesied the consequences of turning away from God. Chastisement, destruction, great sorrow, captivity, dispersion among the nations. The curse for Israel, should they not hear to keep God’s commandments, would come upon as a disobedient nation. The curse is its extent as covering all the relations of life. …
Deuteronomy, chapter twenty-six, verse eight, begins with the first fruits and tithes. The Israelites should remember that their existence and redemption came because of what God had done for them. They are to confess the truth publicly and respond to God with offerings, thanksgiving, joy, goodness toward others, and obedience to God’s commandments. As believers …
Deuteronomy, chapter twenty-five, verse four, provides that working animals have the sufficient feed to maintain strength and health. They were to be treated humanely and rewarded for their labor. Even more, people deserve fair treatment for their work. The New Testament applies this principle to ministers of the gospel. Those who labor in the ministry …
