March 13

Deuteronomy 5-7 (biblegateway.com)

Obedience, Covenant, and God’s Faithful Love

Deuteronomy 5-7 continues Moses’ final addresses to Israel, emphasizing obedience, covenant faithfulness, and the call to wholehearted devotion to God.

As Moses concludes his first speech by reminding Israel of God’s faithfulness and justice (ch. 4), he now shifts to restating the covenant and laws given at Mount Sinai. In Deuteronomy 5, he calls the new generation to obedience, emphasizing that God’s commands are not just for their ancestors but for them as well. In this chapter, Moses reiterates the Ten Commandments.

Moses gathers all of Israel and commands them to listen carefully to God’s statutes and judgments, urging them to obey so that they may live and prosper (v. 1). He reminds them that the covenant made at Mount Sinai was not just with their ancestors but with them as well, reinforcing the ongoing nature of their relationship with God (v. 2-3). He recounts how God spoke to them directly from the fire, revealing His holiness and authority (v. 4-5).

Moses then restates the Ten Commandments, the foundational laws that govern Israel’s relationship with God and one another:

1. You shall have no other gods before Me– God should be the most important thing in your life. Nothing else should take His place. (v. 6-7, Exodus 20:3)

2. You shall not make for yourself an idol – Don’t let anything—money, popularity, sports, or even people—become more important to you than God. (v. 8-10, Exodus 20:4-6)

3. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain– Don’t use God’s name carelessly or as a joke. His name is holy and deserves honor. (v. 11, Exodus 20:7)

4. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy – Life is busy, but God commands us to take a day to rest, worship, and spend time with Him. (v. 12-15, Exodus 20:8-11)

5. Honor your father and your mother – Show respect, obedience, and love to your parents (and other leaders in your life). (v, 12, Exodus 20:12)

6. You shall not murder – Value life. Treat people with kindness and never let anger or hate control you. (v. 17, Exodus 20:13)

7. You shall not commit adultery – If you make a commitment, keep it. Be loyal and honor purity in all relationships. (v. 18, Exodus 20:14)

8. You shall not steal – Be honest. Don’t take what isn’t yours, whether it’s someone’s stuff, credit, or ideas. (v. 19, Exodus 20:15)

9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor – Be a person of integrity. Don’t lie, gossip, or spread false stories. (v. 20, Exodus 20:16)

10. You shall not covet – Don’t be jealous of what others have. Instead, be thankful for what God has given you. (v. 21, Exodus 20:17)

Moses highlights that these laws are not merely rules but express God’s moral character and His expectations for His people. He also reminds Israel that God spoke these commands directly from the fire, emphasizing their divine origin (v. 22). Moses recalls how the Israelites trembled in fear when they heard God’s voice from the fire and requested that Moses act as a mediator between them and God (v. 23-27). They recognized God’s greatness and holiness, but they feared they would die if He continued speaking directly to them.

God acknowledges the people’s fear and respect for His power but emphasizes that He desires a heart that remains faithful to Him always (v. 28-29). He then commands Moses to instruct them in all His commands so that they will live well in the land He is giving them (v. 30-31). Moses then urges Israel to be careful to do all that the Lord has commanded, not turning to the right or the left, so that they may live long and prosper in the land (v. 32-33). This call to wholehearted obedience is a theme repeated throughout Deuteronomy.

We see several key takeaways from Deuteronomy 5. First, God’s covenant requires obedience. The commandments were not just given in the past but are binding on every generation of God’s people. Consequently, His Word is not just for history but for our daily lives today. Do you take God’s commands seriously? Commit to actively studying and obeying God’s commands, seeking to live in full devotion to Him.

Second, God’s commands reflect His character. His laws call us to holiness, love, and justice, which mirror His own nature. Are you aligning your life with God’s moral standards? The Ten Commandments are not outdated; they are foundational to loving God and loving others. Examine your life in light of the Ten Commandments—are there areas where you are falling short? Seek repentance and renewal in Christ.

Next, God is holy and must be approached with reverence. The Israelites rightfully feared His presence. God’s holiness is overwhelming, and sinful people cannot stand in His presence without a mediator. Do you approach God with reverence? While we can come boldly before Him through Christ, we must never take His holiness lightly. Cultivate a heart of reverence in worship. Recognize God’s holiness and approach Him with humility and awe.

Finally, obedience leads to blessing. God calls His people to walk in His ways as His commands are given for our good and flourishing. Are you walking in obedience to God’s will? Following God’s commands is not just about avoiding sin—it’s about experiencing the fullness of His blessings. Commit to obedience in both big and small areas of life, trusting that God’s ways are always for our best.

Deuteronomy 5 serves as a powerful reminder of God’s covenant, His holiness, and the call to obedience. By restating the Ten Commandments, Moses reinforces that God’s laws are the foundation of Israel’s identity and relationship with Him. The people’s fear at Mount Sinai demonstrates that God’s holiness demands reverence, yet He graciously provides a mediator. Finally, Moses calls them to wholehearted obedience, assuring them that following God’s commands leads to blessing and life. Are you truly living according to God’s commands, or do you just know them? Obedience is more than just understanding God’s Word—it’s about applying it daily in our thoughts, actions, and decisions. Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commands” (John 14:15). This week, choose one command from Deuteronomy 5 to focus on and put into practice.

Deuteronomy 6 is one of the most significant chapters in the Old Testament, emphasizing wholehearted devotion to God, the importance of teaching future generations, and the blessings of obedience. This chapter contains the famous Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-5), which calls Israel to love the Lord with all their heart, soul, and strength.

Moses begins by emphasizing that the commandments, statutes, and judgments given by God must be obeyed and taught so that Israel may fear the Lord and prosper (v. 1-2). This obedience is not just for the present generation but for all future generations, ensuring that they enjoy long life in the Promised Land. Moses calls Israel to listen carefully and be diligent in obeying God’s commands, promising that if they do, they will experience blessing and multiplication in the land flowing with milk and honey (v. 3).

Moses then proclaims the Shema, one of the most important declarations in Judaism: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength” (v. 4-5). This verse is called the Shema from the Hebrew word for “Hear.” The statement in this verse is the basic confession of faith in Judaism, and to this day, it is recited morning and evening by Jews.

This passage of Scripture portrays the great confession of Israel’s monotheistic faith. Monotheism—belief in only one God—was a distinctive feature of Hebrew religion. This statement affirms that God is one, emphasizing His exclusive authority and sovereignty. He is unique, and He alone is God. Many ancient religions believed in many gods. But the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is the God of the whole earth, the only true God.

 The Israelites could, therefore, have a sense of security that was totally impossible for their polytheistic neighbors. The “gods” of the ancient Near East rarely were thought of as acting in harmony. Each god was unpredictable and morally capricious. So, a pagan worshiper could never be sure that his loyalty to one god would serve to protect him from the capricious wrath of another. The monotheistic doctrine of the Israelites lifted them out of this insecurity since they had to deal with only one God, who dealt with them by a revealed consistent righteous standard.

This was an important insight for the nation of Israel because they were about to enter a land filled with people who believed in many gods. Both then and today, there are people who prefer to place their trust in many different values, belief systems, and “gods.” But the day is coming when God will be recognized as the only one. He will be the king over the whole earth (Zechariah 14:9).

The command to love God with all their being means that devotion to Him must be total and undivided, affecting every aspect of life. This verse was later quoted by Jesus as the greatest commandment (Matthew 22:37-38). This command, combined with the command to love your neighbor (Leviticus 19:18), encompasses all the other Old Testament laws. True faith is about wholehearted love for God. Is your love for God wholehearted, or is it divided? God calls us to full devotion, not just religious obligation. Examine your heart—are there things competing for your love and devotion to God? Remove distractions and renew your commitment to love Him above all else.

Moses commands Israel to keep God’s words in their hearts and to diligently teach them to their children (v. 6-7). This teaching is not just occasional but must happen throughout daily life—when sitting at home, walking, lying down, and rising up. He instructs them to bind God’s Word on their hands and foreheads and to write them on their doorposts as a constant reminder (v. 8-9). This passage highlights the central theme of Deuteronomy and establishes a pattern for applying God’s Word to our daily lives. We are called to love God, continually reflect on His commandments, teach them to our children, and live according to His guidelines each day. God places significant emphasis on the role of parents in teaching the Bible to their children.

The responsibility of teaching God’s Word cannot be outsourced to the church or Christian schools alone. The Bible offers numerous opportunities for object lessons and practical application, making it a shame to study it only once a week. Eternal truths are best learned in the loving, faith-filled environment of a God-centered home. Are you intentionally passing down God’s truth to others? Whether as a parent, mentor, or friend, we are all called to spiritually invest in others. Make a habit of regularly sharing Scripture and discussing God’s Word with children, friends, or family members.

Moses warns that when Israel enters the Promised Land and experiences abundance, they must be careful not to forget the Lord (v. 10-12). The danger of self-sufficiency and complacency could lead them to idolatry and disobedience. He reminds them that God is a jealous God and will not tolerate divided worship (v. 13-15). Blessings should lead to gratitude and continued dependence on God, not self-reliance. Are you remembering God in times of blessing? We must cultivate a heart of gratitude and humility, acknowledging that all we have comes from Him. Practice gratitude daily—thank God for His blessings and commit to remaining faithful regardless of circumstances.

Moses then reminds Israel not to test God as they did at Massah (Exodus 17:1-7), where they doubted His provision (v. 16). Instead, they must diligently keep His commands and do what is right, trusting that obedience leads to victory and blessing (v. 17-19). Finally, Moses tells Israel that when their children ask about God’s laws, they must explain the story of God’s salvation—how He rescued them from Egypt and brought them into the Promised Land (v. 20-23). They must teach that God’s commands are for their good and will lead to righteousness and blessing (v. 24-25).

Sharing how God has worked in our lives helps future generations trust Him (Psalm 78:4). Are you sharing your testimony with others? Our personal experiences of God’s faithfulness can encourage and strengthen others’ faith. Share a testimony this week—tell someone how God has worked in your life.

Deuteronomy 6 calls us to love God fully, obey His commands, and faithfully pass down His truth to future generations. It warns against the dangers of spiritual complacency and emphasizes that God’s Word must shape every part of life. As we reflect on this passage, let us ask: Are we wholeheartedly devoted to God? Are we teaching and living out His truth daily? May we commit to loving, obeying, and remembering God always.

Deuteronomy 7 emphasizes God’s call for Israel to remain a holy and set-apart nation, warning them against making compromises with the pagan nations in Canaan. Moses instructs the Israelites to completely destroy the idolatrous nations, avoid intermarriage with them, and remain faithful to God’s covenant.

Moses begins by instructing Israel that when they enter the Promised Land, God will drive out seven powerful nations before them: the Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites (v. 1). He commands Israel to completely destroy them, leaving no room for compromise or alliances (v. 2). They are strictly forbidden from making treaties or intermarrying with these nations because such actions would lead them into idolatry (v. 3-4). Instead, they must tear down pagan altars, break sacred pillars, cut down Asherah poles, and burn idols (v. 5). Moses reminds Israel that they are God’s holy and chosen people, set apart to belong exclusively to Him (v. 6). They were not chosen because they were numerous or great, but simply because of God’s love and His faithfulness to His covenant with Abraham (v. 7-8). Since God is faithful, Israel is called to keep His commandments, love Him, and walk in obedience (v. 9-11).

Just as God called the Israelites to holiness, He also calls us to holiness. Mixing with ungodly influences can lead to us to compromise and idolatry (2 Corinthians 6:14-17). Therefore, God calls us to be in the world but not of it (John 17:14-16). Are you allowing ungodly influences to weaken your faith? Identify areas of compromise in your life—are there relationships, habits, or entertainment choices that pull you away from full devotion to God?

Furthermore, God’s love and calling are based on His grace, not our worthiness. Just as Israel was chosen not for their greatness, we are saved by grace, not by our own merits (Ephesians 2:8-9). Are you living as someone set apart for God? We are called to be holy and reflect God’s character in all we do (1 Peter 2:9). Reflect on how you live out your identity in Christ. Are you fully devoted to Him, or are you blending in with the world?

Moses assures Israel that if they obey God’s commandments, He will keep His covenant and love them, blessing them with prosperity, fruitfulness, and protection (v. 12-13). God promises to remove sickness from them, make them numerous and successful, and protect them from their enemies (v. 14-15). However, they must also destroy the idolatrous nations completely, showing no mercy, lest they fall into the same sins (v. 16).

Moses acknowledges that Israel may fear the strength of the enemy nations, but he reminds them to trust in the Lord who delivered them from Egypt (v. 17-19). Just as God performed signs and wonders to defeat Pharaoh, He will do the same in Canaan (v.19-20). However, God will drive out the nations gradually, not all at once, so that the land remains stable and uninhabited by wild animals (v. 22). Israel is commanded to completely destroy the idols and false gods of the nations, for bringing them into their homes would lead to destruction and spiritual defilement (v. 25-26).

Deuteronomy 7 is a strong call to faithfulness, obedience, and trust in God’s power. Moses reminds Israel that they are God’s chosen people, set apart for holiness and obedience. They must fully trust in God’s strength, reject idolatry, and follow Him wholeheartedly to experience His blessings. This chapter challenges us today: Are we living as people set apart for God? Are we removing sinful influences from our lives and trusting Him completely? Just as Israel had to trust God to drive out their enemies, we must trust Him to overcome obstacles in our lives. Are you trusting in God’s power to fight your battles, or are you relying on your own strength? Will you commit to living in full devotion to God, trusting Him to guide and strengthen you in every battle? Let your fear be replaced by faith.

In conclusion, Deuteronomy 5-7 reinforces the fundamental principles of obedience, love for God, and holiness. By restating the Ten Commandments, Moses reminds Israel that God’s laws are not just rules but the foundation of a covenant relationship. Through the Shema, they are called to love God with undivided devotion and pass His truth down to future generations. In warning against compromise with pagan nations, Moses makes it clear that faithfulness to God requires separation from sin and complete reliance on His strength. These chapters challenge us today to obey God’s Word fully, love Him with all our hearts, and remove anything that competes with Him for our devotion.