1 These are the words of the covenant that the Lord commanded Moses to make with the people of Israel in the land of Moab, besides the covenant that he had made with them at Horeb.
2 And Moses summoned all Israel and said to them: “You have seen all that the Lord did before your eyes in the land of Egypt, to Pharaoh and to all his servants and to all his land,
3 the great trials that your eyes saw, the signs, and those great wonders.
4 But to this day the Lord has not given you a heart to understand or eyes to see or ears to hear.
5 I have led you forty years in the wilderness. Your clothes have not worn out on you, and your sandals have not worn off your feet.
6 You have not eaten bread, and you have not drunk wine or strong drink, that you may know that I am the Lord your God.
7 And when you came to this place, Sihon the king of Heshbon and Og the king of Bashan came out against us to battle, but we defeated them.
8 then we took their land and gave it for an inheritance to the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.
9 Therefore keep the words of this covenant and do them, that you may prosper in all that you do.
10 “You are standing today all of you before the Lord your God: the heads of your tribes, your elders, and your officers, all the men of Israel,
11 your little ones, your wives, and the sojourner who is in your camp, from the one who chops your wood to the one who draws your water,
12 that you may enter into the sworn covenant of the Lord your God, which the Lord your God is making with you today,
13 that he may establish you today as his people, and that he may be your God, as he promised you, and as he swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.
14 It is not with you alone that I am making this sworn covenant, ×
15 but with whoever is standing here with us today before the Lord our God, and with whoever is not here with us today.
16 “You know how we lived in the land of Egypt, and how we came through the midst of the nations through which you passed.
17 And you have seen their detestable things, their idols of wood and stone, of silver and gold, which were among them.
18 Beware lest there be among you a man or woman or clan or tribe whose heart is turning away today from the Lord our God to go and serve the gods of those nations.
19 one who, when he hears the words of this sworn covenant, blesses himself in his heart, saying, ‘I shall be safe, though I walk in the stubbornness of my heart.’ This will lead to the sweeping away of moist and dry alike.
20 The Lord will not be willing to forgive him, but rather the anger of the Lord and his jealousy will smoke against that man, and the curses written in this book will settle upon him, and the Lord will blot out his name from under heaven.
21 And the Lord will single him out from all the tribes of Israel for calamity, in accordance with all the curses of the covenant written in this Book of the Law.
22 And the next generation, your children who rise up after you, and the foreigner who comes from a far land, will say, when they see the afflictions of that land and the sicknesses with which the Lord has made it sick—
23 the whole land burned out with brimstone and salt, nothing sown and nothing growing, where no plant can sprout, an overthrow like that of Sodom and Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboiim, which the Lord overthrew in his anger and wrath—
24 all the nations will say, ‘Why has the Lord done thus to this land? What caused the heat of this great anger?’
25 Then people will say, ‘It is because they abandoned the covenant of the Lord, the God of their fathers, which he made with them when he brought them out of the land of Egypt.’
26 They went and served other gods and worshiped them, gods whom they had not known and whom he had not allotted to them.
27 Therefore the anger of the Lord was kindled against this land, bringing upon it all the curses written in this book,
28 and the Lord uprooted them from their land in anger and fury and great wrath, and cast them into another land, as they are this day.’
29 “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.
The True Meaning of Deuteronomy 29
The book of Deuteronomy was written by Moses, the great prophet and leader of the Israelites. Moses delivered a series of speeches to the people as they stood on the edge of the Promised Land, reminding them of God’s faithfulness and the importance of obedience to the covenant. Moses addresses the Israelites in this chapter, urging them to renew their commitment to the Lord and warning them of the consequences of turning away from Him. He reminds them of the miraculous events they have witnessed, from the Exodus to the conquest of the land, and emphasizes the need for unity and devotion to God’s commands.
The chapter also foreshadows the future challenges the Israelites will face, as Moses speaks of the temptation to worship other gods and the resulting judgment that will come upon them. This echoes the warnings found in other books, such as Leviticus 26 and Jeremiah 17, where the consequences of disobedience are clearly laid out.
Deuteronomy 29:1-9
Moses addresses the Israelites in Deuteronomy 29:1-9 as they prepare to enter the promised land. This passage begins with Moses recounting all that the Lord has done for His people, reminding them of the miracles and provisions they have witnessed during their time in the wilderness. This serves as a crucial reminder for the Israelites to remain faithful and obedient to God as they prepare to enter a new chapter in their journey.
Moses emphasizes the importance of remembering the covenant that the Israelites have with the Lord. This covenant was established at Mount Sinai and bound the Israelites to be God’s chosen people if they followed His commandments. Moses is urging the Israelites to stay true to their commitment to God as they face the challenges that lie ahead by reminding them of this covenant.
Throughout the passage, Moses highlights the role of leadership in guiding the people in their faithfulness to God. He mentions specific individuals like Eleazar the priest and Joshua, who will succeed him as the leader of the Israelites. This serves as a reminder of the importance of passing down faith and teachings from one generation to the next, ensuring the continuity of God’s covenant with His people.
The mention of the events of the Israelites crossing the Red Sea and their time in the wilderness serves as a historical reference point for the Israelites. These events not only remind them of God’s faithfulness and provision but also serve as lessons from the past that they can learn from as they move forward. Throughout the Bible, the stories of the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness are often used as examples of God’s faithfulness and the consequences of disobedience. We reflect on this passage, reminding ourselves of the importance of remembering God’s faithfulness in our own lives. Just as the Israelites were called to remember the covenant and the miracles of the past, we are also called to reflect on God’s goodness and provision in our lives. This passage encourages us to stay faithful to God’s commandments, to pass down our faith to the next generation, and to trust in the Lord as we journey through the wilderness of life.
Deuteronomy 29:10-15
Several important themes can be extracted in Deuteronomy 29:10-15. The passage opens with Moses assembling the Israelites, a recurring event where he gathers the people to speak to them in a collective manner. This act symbolizes unity and community, showing the importance of coming together as a group to hear the word of God. It highlights the role of leadership, as Moses, the appointed leader, addresses the people on behalf of the Lord.
The verse goes on to mention the covenant that the Israelites are entering into with God. This covenant is not only binding for that generation but for all future generations as well. The notion of a covenant between God and His people is a central theme throughout the Bible. It signifies a sacred agreement, a promise, and a commitment from both parties. The Israelites are committing to follow God and His laws, while God promises His protection and blessings upon them.
The text also refers to various groups within the Israelite community, such as the leaders, officials, elders, and all the men, women, and children. This demonstrates the inclusivity of God’s covenant. It is not limited to a specific group or class of people but encompasses the entire community. Everyone is called to be part of this covenant and play a role in upholding it. This idea is reflective of the Christian notion of the body of Christ, where every individual has a part to play in the larger community of believers.
Moses emphasizes that the covenant is made with those who are physically present at that moment but also with those who are not there, signifying that the covenant is perpetual and extends through time. This highlights the concept of generational faith and the passing down of spiritual values from one generation to the next. It stresses the importance of maintaining a relationship with God not only for oneself but for the benefit of future descendants. The passage alludes to the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt, linking their past experiences to their present situation. Moses reminds the Israelites of God’s faithfulness and power in rescuing them from bondage by referencing the liberation from slavery in Egypt. This historical context serves as a foundation for their current commitment to the covenant, as they are to remember how God has been with them throughout their journey. We see the importance of unity, leadership, covenant, inclusivity, generational faith, historical remembrance, and God’s faithfulness in interpreting this passage. These themes are not only relevant to the Israelites in the Old Testament but hold timeless significance for Christians today. They underscore the enduring nature of God’s promises and the responsibilities we have as His chosen people to walk in obedience and faith. The idea of a covenant relationship with God is a powerful reminder of His love and grace extended to all who choose to enter into that eternal agreement.
Deuteronomy 29:16-21
Moses in Deuteronomy 29:16-21 reminds the Israelites of the consequences of turning away from God and following after other gods. Let’s break down this passage into key sections for a detailed commentary:
-
“You yourselves know how we lived in Egypt and how we passed through the countries on the way here.” – Moses starts by recounting the journey of the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt and their travels through various lands before reaching the promised land. This serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness in delivering them from bondage and guiding them to the land He had promised to their ancestors. It also sets the stage for Moses to warn them about the dangers of forsaking the covenant they made with God.
-
“You saw among them their detestable images and idols of wood and stone, of silver and gold.” – Here, Moses is highlighting the temptation the Israelites faced as they journeyed through foreign lands filled with idol worship. The vivid description of these detestable images serves to emphasize the contrast between the true God of Israel and the lifeless idols worshipped by the nations around them. This serves as a cautionary tale for the Israelites to remain steadfast in their devotion to the one true God and not be enticed by the idolatry of their neighbors.
-
“Make sure there is no man or woman, clan or tribe among you today whose heart turns away from the Lord our God to go and worship the gods of those nations.” – Moses issues a stern warning against the dangers of idolatry and apostasy within the community of Israel. The emphasis is on the individual and collective responsibility to maintain faithfulness to God and to guard against the influences of false gods. This underscores the importance of personal piety and communal accountability in the worship of God. Violation of this covenant would bring severe consequences upon the entire nation.
-
“You yourselves know how we lived in Egypt and how we passed through the countries on the way here. You saw among them their detestable images and idols of wood and stone, of silver and gold.” – This repetition by Moses reinforces the seriousness of the matter at hand. The Israelites are being reminded of their own experiences and the clear contrast between the lifestyle of idolatrous nations and the way God had led them out of slavery. The visual imagery of idols made of wood and stone, silver and gold, serves to highlight the futility of worshipping such man-made objects compared to the living God who had shown His power and faithfulness to them. Deuteronomy 29:16-21 serves as a solemn warning against the allure of idolatry and the consequences of turning away from the covenant with God. The passage emphasizes the importance of faithfulness, obedience, and vigilance in maintaining a relationship with the true God and avoiding the pitfalls of false worship. This message resonates throughout the Bible, with numerous examples of the Israelites’ struggles with idolatry and the faithfulness of God in calling them back to Himself. It stands as a timeless reminder for believers to remain steadfast in their devotion and to guard against anything that may lead them astray from the true path of faith.
Deuteronomy 29:22-28
The verses in Deuteronomy 29:22-28 focus on the consequences of turning away from God and breaking the covenant. Sections can be identified in these verses to delve into their meaning and significance within the broader scope of the Bible.
Verse 22 describes a future generation, particularly the children who would come after the Israelites, who would see the afflictions and diseases that God had brought upon the land. This verse serves as a warning of the consequences of disobedience and serves as a reminder of the importance of following God’s commandments. Throughout the Bible, we see instances where the actions of one generation impact those who come after them. This emphasizes the idea of responsibility and the interconnectedness between generations. God speaks of visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Him in Exodus 20:5. This reiterates the concept of consequences passing down through generations.
Verse 23 mentions that the land would become like the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboiim. These cities were known for their wickedness and were ultimately destroyed by God. The mention of these cities serves as a stark reminder of the destruction that can come upon a people who turn away from God. The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah due to their great wickedness is read about in Genesis 19. This serves as a cautionary tale throughout the Bible, warning against the dangers of moral corruption and disobedience.
Verse 24 highlights the reason behind these calamities – the Israelites had forsaken the covenant of the Lord. The covenant was a central agreement between God and His people, outlining their responsibilities and the blessings and curses that would come based on their obedience or disobedience. Breaking this covenant was a severe offense, as it represented a breach of trust and faithfulness. The establishment of the covenant between God and the Israelites in Exodus 24 emphasizes the importance of fidelity and obedience.
Verses 25 and 26 speak of the repercussions of breaking the covenant, leading to the anger and wrath of the Lord being kindled against the land. The mention of the curses detailed in the covenant serves as a reminder that God’s justice is intertwined with His mercy, and disobedience will not go unpunished. Throughout the Bible, we see instances where God’s judgment is carried out against those who disobey Him. Leviticus 26 provides a detailed account of the blessings for obedience and the curses for disobedience, reinforcing the consequences of not following God’s commandments.
Lastly, in verses 27 and 28, we see the theatrical imagery of casting the Israelites out of their land into another land, resulting in them serving other gods made of wood and stone. This paints a picture of exile and serves as a continuation of the theme of consequences for disobedience. Throughout the history of Israel, we see instances where the people were exiled due to their sins, highlighting the importance of faithfulness and loyalty to God. The exile of the northern kingdom of Israel in 2 Kings 17 underscores the repercussions of their persistent disobedience and turning away from God. Deuteronomy 29:22-28 illustrates the severe consequences of turning away from God and breaking the covenant. The verses underscore the importance of fidelity, obedience, and the repercussions of disobedience. Through the narrative of warning, rebuke, and consequence, the timeless message of the enduring covenant between God and His people resonates, emphasizing the need for faithfulness and adherence to His commandments.
Deuteronomy 29:29
Deuteronomy 29:29 reads, “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.” This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the boundaries of human understanding and the necessity of faith in God’s wisdom and sovereignty. “The first part of the verse, ‘The secret things belong to the Lord our God,’ emphasizes the limitations of human knowledge and understanding.” It acknowledges that there are aspects of God’s plan and purposes that are beyond human comprehension. This concept is humbling and reminds us of our dependence on God’s omniscience. It encourages us to trust in God’s wisdom, even when we cannot fully understand His ways.
The second part of the verse states, “but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever.” This portion highlights the importance of the revelations that God has chosen to share with humanity through His Word. The Bible contains the essential truths and principles that guide us in living a life pleasing to God. It is our responsibility to study and apply these revealed truths in our lives and pass them down to future generations. This emphasizes the concept of passing down faith and knowledge of God’s Word to ensure continuity in the practice of obeying and following God.
The verse concludes with the purpose behind understanding and following the revealed truths: “that we may follow all the words of this law.” The ultimate goal is obedience to God’s commands and living in accordance with His will. This obedience is a foundational aspect of faith in God, demonstrating our love for Him and our trust in His guidance. We align ourselves with God’s purposes and experience the blessings that come from a life lived in obedience to Him by following His law.
This verse echoes similar sentiments found throughout the Bible. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your
After Deuteronomy 29
The people had witnessed the Lord’s mighty acts in Egypt and during their journey through the wilderness. Yet, their hearts had often turned away from Him. Moses solemnly warned the Israelites of the consequences of disobedience as they stood on the edge of the Promised Land. He urged them to choose life by remaining faithful to the covenant. The future of the nation hung in the balance. What decision would the people make? The answer would determine their destiny.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.