As we come to the end of the book of Deuteronomy, we see the final blessing given to Moses—a glorious view of the promised land. And we are invited to look at God’s larger purposes, as Moses did, by faith. “And Moses went up from the plains of Moab unto the mountain of Nebo, to …
Tread Upon the High Places
Despite the dire warnings God has given Israel through Moses, He does not leave them without a blessing. And we know that in the time of the new covenant, these blessings come to full fruition for God’s final Israel, the Christian church. “And this is the blessing, wherewith Moses the man of God blessed the …
The Song of Moses
We have been anticipating this song, but the time has now come to learn it. The theme of the song echoes many of the themes of the entire book of Deuteronomy. Give ear, O ye heavens, and I will speak; and hear, O earth, the words of my mouth . . . (Dt. 32:1-52). The …
The Law of Liberty
Although Israel will ultimately fail in their invasion of Canaan, the second Israel will never fail in His invasion of the world. Although the ancient people of God were corrupted by idolatry, the people of God today cannot ultimately fall in the same way. Jesus Christ is victor. “And Moses went and spake these words …
The Rebirth of Israel
This chapter, filled with promise, brings hope to all those battered by the curse of the law. Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. And in this place Moses points to the coming glory. “And it shall come to pass, when all these things shall come …
The Secret Things
The covenant is now presented to the people. They will not be faithful to it, and this defection is important in the teaching of the New Testament. “These are the words of the covenant which the Lord commanded Moses to make with the children of Israel . . .” (Dt. 29:1-29). The first nine verses …
Because They Did Not Eat the Fat, or Drink the Sweet
The covenant sanctions include fearsome curses. This section is significantly longer than the blessings, but given the situation the warnings are to the point. This section is not so much an argument as it is a painted picture—it contains a good deal of repetition. These are warnings, not proofs. The proof comes in the judgment. …
Fear of Being Blessed
In this chapter, we come to the covenant sanctions. The first part contains the blessings which follow obedience, the latter portion, four times as long, contains the curses. The terms have been set out, the covenant renewed. What will happen if Israel keeps covenant? What will happen if they do not? “And it shall come …
The Mountains of the Covenant
The exposition of each of the ten commandments has now been concluded. Once the terms are established and made clear, the covenant is made (Dt. 27-30). One of the great features of covenants, the blessings and curses, is now set plainly before the people. The blessings and curses are mountains on either side of the …
Give to Get to Give Again
In the hearts and minds of the faithful, the prohibition of covetousness is grounded in a right relationship of grace, obedience, and blessing. This blessing is of course grace, which leads to grateful obedience, and more blessing. We receive, and we give, in order to receive again, so that we might grow mighty in giving. …