(REFLECTIONS ON Deuteronomy 29:1-29)

In the Book of Deuteronomy, Moses wanted to connect the new generation that would inherit the Promised Land, to the past generation that was delivered from Egypt. In the wilderness a generation had passed, but the promises of God would continue on in this new generation.

That is why Moses had to review the past, in order to connect the past with the present. In today’s Scripture, the covenant that Israel made with God at Horeb (Mount Sinai) needed to be made with this new generation in the land of Moab.

Israel needed to learn to be faithful to their covenant with the Lord, as the Lord was faithful to them. Israel needed to learn how to deal with the stubbornness of their heart and walk humbly with the Lord. Although they may not understand all the mysteries of the Lord, not understanding would not be an excuse for breaking their covenant with God.

It is as Moses said to Israel,

29 The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.

The secret things belong to the Lord our God, He may or may not reveal them, we may or may not understand completely His ways, His will, His heart, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of the Lord.

This reminds us that not knowing, not understanding, not agreeing with, is not an excuse. The God we worship, and the relationship that is established through Jesus Christ, His Son, is not to turn us into all-knowing, all-powerful people, equivalent to God Himself.

However, the things revealed, that we are sons and daughters of the Lord Most High, that we have a new identity in Christ, that we have eternal life, these are the things that have been revealed to us in Scripture, by His Son, and by the Holy Spirit.

As the church, we are to worship the Lord, love Him, and love our neighbor as ourselves, as it is commanded by Jesus in Mark 12:29-31,

29 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

This is what we should do, no matter if we agree with what is going on in our lives or in the world. This is what we should do, because the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of the Lord.

Pastor Michael Lu
Enduring Word Bible Commentary: Deuteronomy 29