(REFLECTIONS ON Deuteronomy 4:1-24)

In today’s Scripture, we see Moses gather the Israelites together to prepare their hearts to once again receive the Ten Commandments. This new generation, the generation ready to enter into the Promised Land, need to hear what the Lord gave through Moses on Mount Sinai, to renew their covenant with God, and to be prepared to obey His commands.

What is interesting is Moses speaks of what was taught to the past generation, but at the same time addresses the new generation all in one breath.

5 See, I have taught you decrees and laws as the Lord my God commanded me, so that you may follow them in the land you are entering to take possession of it.

The decrees and laws were taught to the past generation, so that the new generation may follow these decrees and laws as they enter into the Promised Land. Within one verse, one sentence, Moses connects the past, with the present, the past generation with this generation.

It is a brilliant use of language, verb tense, and serves as a bridge to smoothly connect the two together.

6 Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear about all these decrees and say, “Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.”

Moses instructs the Israelites to observe the decrees and laws of the Lord. Observing the decrees and laws of the Lord will cause the other nations to speak positively about Israel saying, “Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.” The Law and the Ten Commandments, therefore, are a source of wisdom and understanding.

Not only wisdom and understand, but also relationship,

7 What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the Lord our God is near us whenever we pray to him?

The Law and the Ten Commandments, these decrees and laws from the Lord imply relationship. This means that God is not far away, but He is near to Israel, so near that He hears their prayers to Him. That the Lord would choose Israel, call them to be His people, give them His wisdom and understanding, implies relationship. The Law implies relationship.

We, like Israel, are a rebellious people with a rebellious heart because we think the Law and the Ten Commandments imply rules and regulations, control and a lack of freedom. However, the Law implies relationship, meaning that the Lord has chosen us, called us, and treats us as His sons and daughters. 

What other people are so great as to have their gods near them the way the Lord our God is near us whenever we pray to Him? Just as Jesus Christ implies relationship, calling us into a relationship with God, so are His commands to us, not just rules and regulation, but a relationship.

That is why the Psalmist wrote in Psalm 119:97, “Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long.”

Pastor Michael Lu
Enduring Word Bible Commentary: Deuteronomy 4