As we wrap up reading the Book of Deuteronomy, Moses is nearing the end of his life. We have already been reading Moses calling the people of Israel to renew their commitment to the Lord. Now we read a final message from Moses that sums up everything. The repetition usually emphasizes the importance of receiving the message. We find God speaking through Moses to his people.
In verses 29:2-15, Moses urges the people to remember what they had seen. He reminds them that they saw great trials in Egypt but they also saw miraculous signs and great wonders as God delivered his people out of Egypt. He also reminds the people that for 40 years they were being led by the Lord through the desert and all the while their physical needs were being met. Moses declares the renewal of the covenant between the Lord and all the people.
In verses 29:16-28, Moses warns the people to not turn their hearts away from the Lord or they will experience destruction. When destruction comes upon the people verse 25 says “…It is because this people abandoned the covenant of the Lord, the God of their fathers, the covenant he made with them when he brought them out of Egypt.”
In verses 30:1-14 Moses encourages the people. He declares that even if the people let their hearts wander and that leads to banishment, they have the opportunity to turn their hearts back to the Lord and he will restore them once again. Verse 6 says “The Lord your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, so that you may love him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live.”
In verses 30:15-20, Moses confronts the people with a choice: Life or Death, Blessing or Curse.
Loving the Lord, keeping his commands and walking in his ways would lead to having the Lord’s blessing. If hearts remained turned away from the Lord and living in disobedience (worshiping other gods) then the people would be cursed and destroyed. The people are given the opportunity to choose life. We have the added benefit of seeing that this ultimately pointed to Jesus. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
In chapter 31, we find the succession plan. Joshua will lead the people across the Jordan into the land God promised to them. God was going to lead the way and Joshua was commanded to be strong and courageous. Gods commands were to continue being reviewed so even the future generations would know God’s heart for his people. God even instructed Moses to write a song to teach all the people and future generations. I know songs get stuck in my head; they are a great way to memorize. Unfortunately, this song, found in Chapter 32, was about how the people would once again rebel and turn away from the Lord. Even though God knew what his people would do, he continued to make a way for them to once again turn to the Lord.
Let’s hear God’s heart for his people. Even though they stray, God is always there to redeem and restore. Let’s be encouraged with the words Moses had for Joshua in Deut. 31:8: “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
