Renewal of the Covenant and Moses' Final Days

Welcome to our final lesson on the book of Deuteronomy. Over the past sessions, we have embarked on a demanding journey through the first twenty-six chapters of this pivotal book, where Moses addresses the Israelites on the plains of Moab, just before they enter the Promised Land. As we prepare to conclude our study, let us briefly review the key themes and instructions Moses relayed to God's people, ensuring they carried these lessons with them as they crossed into their new home.

• Chapters 1-3: Historical Review Moses begins by recounting the journey from Horeb (Sinai) through the wilderness, highlighting pivotal moments such as the appointment of leaders and judges to assist him, the refusal to enter the land due to fear after the spies' negative report, and the subsequent wanderings as a consequence of their disbelief.
• Chapter 4: Exhortation to Obedience Moses urges the Israelites to remain faithful to God's statutes and judgments. He highlights the importance of their unique covenant with God and warns against idolatry, emphasizing that their success in the Promised Land hinges on their adherence to the laws given at Horeb.
• Chapters 5-11: The Covenant and the Law Moses reiterates the Ten Commandments and expounds further on the covenant between God and Israel. He reminds them of their special status as God's chosen people and the blessings that come from obedience, alongside the terrible consequences of turning away from God.
• Chapter 12-26: Specific Laws and Regulations These chapters lay out detailed laws that govern various aspects of Israelite life, including worship practices, dietary rules, annual festivals, social justice, and legal procedures. These laws are designed to set Israel apart from other nations and to ensure that they live in harmony and righteousness. Moses stresses the importance of central worship, the necessity of justice and fairness, and the need for compassion and generosity towards the less fortunate.

Throughout these chapters, Moses emphasizes that the law is not merely a set of rules but a way to cultivate a relationship with God and ensure the well-being of the community in a land "flowing with milk and honey." The recurring theme is clear: obedience to God's commandments leads to blessings, while disobedience leads to destruction and despair.

As we transition to the final chapters of Deuteronomy, we will see Moses preparing the Israelites not only with final instructions but with a sense of hope and responsibility. This foundation we have explored is critical as they stand on the brink of a new beginning, ready to fulfill the promise given to their forefathers.

This introduction sets the stage for the concluding lessons connecting the early teachings in Deuteronomy to the responsibilities and challenges that await the Israelites as they prepare to inherit the Promised Land.

Summary of Deuteronomy 27-34

Chapters 27 to 34 of the book of Deuteronomy present a sequence of events and instructions critical to the Israelites as they prepare to enter and possess the Promised Land. Here is a brief summary of these chapters with references and their significance which will enhance your reading assignments of this material.

Chapter 27: The Altar on Mount Ebal

Instructions: The Israelites are instructed to set up an altar of uncut stones on Mount Ebal upon entering the Promised Land, where they are to offer sacrifices and write the laws on these stones (Deuteronomy 27:1-8).

Significance: This serves as a reaffirmation of the covenant with God, emphasizing the permanence of the law in their new life and territory.

Chapter 28: Blessings and Curses

Instructions: Moses details the blessings that will come from obedience to God's commands and the curses that will result from disobedience (Deuteronomy 28:1-68).

Significance: This chapter underscores the conditional aspect of Israel's relationship with God, directly tying their prosperity and success in the land to their fidelity to His commands. Obedience = blessings – Disobedience = severe punishment.

Chapter 29: The Covenant Renewed in Moab

Instructions: Moses formally renews the covenant with the Israelites in Moab, warning them about the dangers of idolatry and the consequences of turning away from God (Deuteronomy 29:1-29).

Significance: This renewal is pivotal as it serves to remind the Israelites of their unique relationship with God and the history of their deliverance, reinforcing their commitment as they stand on the brink of the Promised Land.

Chapter 30: The Offer of Life or Death

Instructions: Moses presents a choice between life and death, urging the Israelites to choose life by loving and obeying God (Deuteronomy 30:1-20).

Significance: This chapter highlights the free will (no basis for Calvin's doctrine of depravity here) of the Israelites in their covenant relationship with God, emphasizing that their success in the new land hinges on their moral and spiritual choices.

Chapter 31: Joshua Becomes Moses' Successor

Instructions: Moses announces his impending death and appoints Joshua as his successor. Moses also commands that the Law be read every seven years to all Israel (Deuteronomy 31:1-13).

Significance: The transition of leadership to Joshua is crucial for maintaining continuity and stability. The public reading of the Law ensures that future generations remain knowledgeable and committed to the covenant. This was necessary at a time where written materials were scarce.

Chapter 32: The Song of Moses

Instructions: Moses recites a song that recounts the history of the Israelites and predicts their future infidelity and God's mercy (Deuteronomy 32:1-43).

Significance: The song serves as a prophetic reminder of God's justice and mercy, intended to keep the Israelites committed to God's ways as they face future challenges.

Chapter 33: Moses Blesses the Tribes

Instructions: Before his death, Moses blesses the twelve tribes of Israel, speaking prophetically over their future in the land (Deuteronomy 33:1-29).

Significance: These blessings outline the roles and fates of the tribes, providing encouragement and divine assurances as they prepare to settle in the Promised Land.

Chapter 34: The Death of Moses

Events: Moses views the Promised Land from Mount Nebo and dies there. God buries him in Moab, and Joshua takes over as leader (Deuteronomy 34:1-12).

Significance: Moses' death marks the end of an era and the fulfillment of God's promise that he would see but not enter the land. Joshua's leadership symbolizes a new beginning and the continuation of the covenant.

These chapters collectively emphasize the importance of covenant fidelity, leadership transition, and moral choices as the basic elements for the Israelites' success in their new homeland. It won't be about wealth or strong armies, it will be about faithfulness to God and holy living that will guarantee their blessed lifestyle and abundance.

II. Main Differences Between Deuteronomy 1–26 and Deuteronomy 27–34

The book of Deuteronomy is structured as a series of speeches by Moses to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. While the first 26 chapters focus on reviewing history, reiterating the Law, and emphasizing the importance of covenantal obedience, chapters 27 to 34 shift towards preparing for immediate future actions, leadership transition, and the practical steps necessary for entering and living in the land. Here are the four main differences between these sections:

1. Content and Focus

Chapters 1-26

• Review of the Past: Moses recounts the journey from Egypt, the giving of the Law at Sinai, and their wanderings in the desert.
• Detailed Laws: Extensive coverage of civil, criminal, and ceremonial laws, including specifics on worship, justice, and societal norms.
• General Exhortations: Moses emphasizes general principles of obedience, faithfulness, and the consequences of Israel's choices between blessings and curses.

Chapters 27-34

• Immediate Instructions: Commands about building an altar on Mount Ebal, the procedure for blessings and curses, and the specific actions to take upon entering the land.
• Leadership Succession: Designation of Joshua as Moses' successor and instructions for the transfer of leadership.
• Future Predictions and Warnings: The Song of Moses serves as a prophetic outline of Israel's future disobedience and God's faithfulness.
• Blessings of the Tribes: Moses gives specific blessings to each tribe, which include prophecies about their roles and futures in the land.

2. Tone and Emphasis

Chapters 1-26

• Instructional and Directive: Moses teaches the laws as a foundational element for living as a community under God's rule.
• Exhortative: Encouraging adherence to the law through reminders of God's past deeds and the promise of future blessings for obedience.

Chapters 27-34

• Ceremonial and Prophetic: There is a strong ceremonial aspect as Moses directs the people to perform specific rituals that symbolize their covenant renewal.
• Reflective and Prophetic: Moses reflects on the nation's future challenges and God's ongoing relationship with Israel, focusing on the broader spiritual and historical implications of their covenant with God.

3. Audience Engagement

Chapters 1-26

• National Identity and Memory: Reinforcement of Israel's identity as God's chosen people, called to remember their history and the laws given to them.

Chapters 27-34

• Preparation for Immediate Future: Preparation for immediate and concrete actions they must undertake upon entering the land, emphasizing the practical outworking of their covenant relationship in the land.

4. Ultimate Goals

Chapters 1-26

• Holistic Understanding of the Law: Providing a comprehensive framework for living under God's rule, covering all aspects of personal and communal life.

Chapters 27-34

• Ensuring Covenant Continuity and Blessing: Ensuring that the transition into the Promised Land is marked by covenant renewal, leadership continuity, and divine blessing, setting the stage for future prosperity and faithfulness.

In essence, while the first 26 chapters lay a broad foundation of history and law, chapters 27 to 34 focus on immediate actions, future predictions, and final preparations for life in the Promised Land, all aimed at reinforcing the Israelites' commitment to their covenant with God as they face a significant transition.

III. Significance of the Use of Poetry

Moses' use of poetry in chapters 27-34 of the book of Deuteronomy, particularly in the Song of Moses (Deuteronomy 32), is significant for several reasons:

1. Emotional and Artistic Expression

Poetry, with its rhythmic and metaphorical qualities, is well-suited for expressing deep emotions and complex theological ideas in a powerful and memorable way. Moses uses poetry to evoke a strong emotional response from the Israelites, helping them to feel the gravity of their covenant with God and the serious consequences of obedience or disobedience.

2. Memorability

The poetic form simplifies the memorizing of Moses' message. Poetry, by its very nature, is easier to recall than prose, which is particularly important in an oral culture where laws and histories are handed down from one generation to another using oral tradition. The Israelites could more easily remember and pass down the teachings and warnings contained in Moses' song.

3. Prophetic and Didactic (teaching/educational) Nature of the Content

The Song of Moses serves both prophetic and instructional purposes. It outlines the history and future of Israel, warning about the dangers of apostasy and the assurance of God's justice and mercy. Poetry enhances these themes, making the prophetic message more striking and the instruction more profound.

4. Covenant Renewal and Solemnity

The use of poetry in this context underscores the solemnity and sacredness of the covenant renewal process. As the Israelites prepare to enter the Promised Land, the poetic form serves as a solemn reminder of their responsibilities and the seriousness of their commitment to God.

5. Cultural and Historical Continuity

In many ancient Near Eastern cultures, important historical and legal texts were often composed in poetry. Moses' use of poetry connects these traditions with the Israelite experience, providing a sense of continuity and legitimacy. It aligns the Israelites' covenant experience with broader cultural practices of that time, emphasizing its importance and sacredness.

6. Theological Depth

Poetry allows for a depth of theological expression that prose may not as easily convey. Through vivid imagery and dramatic presentation, Moses communicates complex ideas about God's character, His justice, mercy, and faithfulness, and the ideal behavior expected from His people.

7. Enhancing Community Identity

Finally, the poetic sections of Deuteronomy serve to strengthen community identity. As the Israelites recite and remember these poems collectively, they reinforce shared values and communal commitments under their covenant with God.

In summary, Moses' use of poetry in these critical chapters of Deuteronomy is a strategic and effective way to communicate, commemorate, and deepen the covenantal experience as the Israelites stand on the threshold of a new phase in their relationship with God. It's a powerful literary choice that enhances the spiritual impact of his final messages.

Final Lessons

The book of Deuteronomy is rich in teachings and lessons that span theological, practical, and unique aspects, each deriving from the varied layers of content it presents. Here are three takeaway lessons from three different perspectives:

1. Theological Perspective: The Centrality of the idea of Covenant

Lesson: The book of Deuteronomy emphasizes the centrality of the covenant between God and Israel. It reiterates the laws given at Sinai and details the blessings of obedience and the curses of disobedience, underlining the covenant as not merely a legal agreement but as a deep, relational bond between God and His people.

This highlights a fundamental theological principle: the relationship with God is governed by faithfulness to His commands and is rooted in His unchanging character and promises.

Application: This theological insight invites believers to reflect on the nature of their relationship with God. It encourages a commitment that goes beyond mere rule-following to embrace a relationship based on love, trust, and obedience to God's will.

2. Practical Perspective: The Importance of Memory in Sustaining Faith

Lesson: Throughout Deuteronomy, Moses continually calls on Israel to remember their past – both the miraculous deliverance from Egypt and their failures of faith. This act of remembrance serves a practical purpose: it grounds the people's faith in concrete historical realities, ensuring that future generations understand their identity and moral obligations.

Application: Practically, this teaches the importance of memory and history in sustaining faith and moral conduct. By remembering God's past actions, we are inspired to trust and obey Him in the present.

3. Unique Lesson to Deuteronomy: God's People Love Other People

Lesson: Deuteronomy is unique in its detailed requirements for loving others as a sign of credibility, which includes the care for the poor, the widow, the orphan, and the foreigner. The book provides specific laws that ensure these vulnerable groups are protected and supported.

This emphasis is a distinctive aspect of Deuteronomy, highlighting a society where justice and compassion go hand in hand with faithfulness to the covenant with God.

Application: This unique focus on loving one's neighbor challenges both individual believers and congregations of the church alike to consider how their actions affect the most vulnerable and to actively engage in practices that fulfill Jesus' mandate in Matthew 25 to care for the poor, sick, imprisoned, hungry and others who suffer in our society today.

This was not a new thing that Jesus introduced, but rather something that went as far back as Moses and his instructions to the people who were entering the Promised Land.

These lessons from Deuteronomy teach us something vital about living a life that is pleasing to God on one hand while being beneficial to the community in which we live and worship on the other.

This was combining a holistic approach to spirituality and ethics which was unknown outside the nation of Israel and constituted the light in the darkness that God was bringing to mankind through His chosen people then, and through His church today.