Overview
Moses’ historical review closes with this wonderful chapter of exhortation. The emphasis throughout is for Israel to serve God in obedience. Several reasons are given that warrant this obedience to their sovereign God, providing a necessary prelude to the laws He would soon declare in confirming the covenant. Before the close of the chapter, Moses himself was an example of obedience to God by setting up the three cities of refuge in Transjordan as the Lord had commanded (4:41-43; Num.35:14).
Moses based his appeal for obedience upon the greatness of God and His mighty deeds on their behalf, especially in graciously delivering them from bondage in Egypt and in speaking the Commandments to them from within the fire on Sinai, thus making a covenant with them because of His love for their fathers, the patriarchs, especially for Abraham. All this had been shown to Israel that they “might know that the Lord Himself is God; there is none other besides Him” (4:35). A second appeal for obedience was based on the perfection of His Law, for it was clearly evident that no other nation had a divinely given code (4:8). Most importantly, the appeal was made because their God was indeed true and present among them; He was accessible (4:7). No other god was like this, for the gods of other nations were false. Only the God of Israel could hear and answer prayer, for He dwelt among His people (cf. Ps.46:1, 5). What a privileged people the Israelites were, and what a privileged people we are today to be in the new covenant with God Through His Son Jesus Christ.
The Israelites were to be motivated to keep the laws of God when they entered the land and settled. They were to know that these laws were not just for that period of time, but for all their generations to come. Therefore, they were warned to be careful not to forget, nor change the Law, but to pass it on in its original form to their children and grandchildren (4:9). This shows the importance of parents teaching their children the Word of God within the home. Nothing can replace these special time within the family.
We see in this chapter several different motives offered for obedience to God’s Law, both positively and negatively: Positively, obedience leads to life, a rich inheritance, wisdom, closeness with God, enjoyment of the blessings of the covenant, and knowledge of righteousness. Negatively, disobedience leads to death, destruction, God’s wrath, and judgment.
Moses prophesied in this discourse to God’s chosen people that they would fall into the sin of idolatry. He repeatedly warned them concerning this evil. He explained that when they heard God’s voice from the midst of the fire, they saw no form, so neither were they to make any carved images to which they would bow down (4:15-16; cf. Ex.20:4, 5; John 1:18; 4:24). Yet later in their history, Israel did this very thing, provoking God’s wrath and leading to their national destruction and exile (4:25-28). However, Moses explained that their God was compassionate and merciful, never forgetting His covenant and promise to Abraham. He foretold that while in exile, “you will seek the Lord your God, and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul” (4:29). Because of this, God would renew His covenant with them and bring restoration. He would hear their desperate prayers, even in a distant, heathen land. Here we see expounded the graciousness and love of God.
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