Next Stage in God’s Covenant: Deuteronomy 30, 31 (7)

Opening Prayer: Psalm 19.12-14
Who can understand his errors?
Cleanse me from secret faults.
Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins;
Let them not have dominion over me.
Then I shall be blameless,
And I shall be innocent of great transgression.
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight,
O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.

Psalm 19.12-14
(St. Christopher: Beneath the Cross of Jesus)
Who, Lord, can know his errors? O keep sin far from me!
Let evil rule not in my soul that I may blameless be.
O let my thoughts, let all my words, before Your glorious sight
be pleasing to You, gracious Lord, acceptable and right!

Review Deuteronomy 31; meditate on Deuteronomy 31.12, 13

Preparation
1. Summarize Moses’ charge to Joshua.

2. What were the people supposed to do with God’s Law?

Meditation
This is the first of three chapters of transition, in which Moses turned over the leadership of Israel to Joshua, who had served him and the Lord faithfully for forty years. Some very important things happen during this transitional period, beginning in chapter 31.

First, of course, Joshua is inaugurated and set before the people. He is charged to be strong and of good courage, to show no fear of the enemies of Israel, and to trust always in God, Who would be with them (vv. 1-8, 23).

Second, the Book of the Law is finished, and the Levites receive it and set in next to the ark of the covenant, which contains the tablets of the Ten Commandments (vv. 9, 24-26). The Book of the Law thus stands as the interpretive key to the Ten Commandments. It is to be read to the people of Israel, gathered in assembly, every seven years (vv. 10-13). That way, every generation will be refreshed in the Law.

Third, the people are given a glimpse into their future, which is not encouraging (vv. 16-18, 21, 26-29). Only after the Lord comes to give them new hearts will they readily and happily obey Him (Deut. 30.1-10). For now, they are motivated by short-term gains – the promised blessings of the land (Deut. 28.1-14) – which will ultimately lead them into idolatry and full-blown rebellion against the Lord.

Finally in chapter 31, Moses is told to compose a song for the people to sing and to teach to their children for the generations to come (vv. 19-22). We’ll have a detailed look at this song when we look at Deuteronomy 32. It is interesting that God chose a song for the people, to remind them of His greatness and grace, and to indict them of their rebellion against Him. Music and song have power to work deep in our souls in ways that mere narrative cannot.

Treasure Old and New: Matthew 13.52; Psalm 119.162
Here’s an idea: Why doesn’t the transportation department just send out a yearly notice of where they’d like people to stop their cars before moving into a busy intersection? You know, “At the corner of Main and Federal, you might want to remember to stop.” No sign. Just a reminder. How do you think that would work? Even the big red sign posted at the corner doesn’t always work; but at least it’s there as a constant reminder that stopping would be beneficial for your health, and that of others. As dumb as that idea is, it’s not unlike the way many people treat the Word of God. We have access to God’s Word all day, every day. In it are signs and warnings and flashing lights about what is good and what is not; yet sometimes it appears people would just prefer not to look. But God and His Word are our life (Deut. 30.20). We are to read and learn to fear the Lord, and carefully observe all the words of His Law (v. 12). We are to teach our children to do the same, and anyone else who happens to be in our Personal Mission Field. When you see that big red octagon, obey and stop! When you read God’s Word day by day, obey and abide! As Jesus said, “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing” (Jn. 15.5). In perpetuity.

Reflection
1. Why is an occasional reminder about God’s will for our lives not sufficient?

2. How can daily reading and meditating in the Book of the Law make us strong and courageous to claim the promises of God?

3. How can believers help one another be more consistent in daily reading and study of Scripture?

Again, we see that their present assembly is not referred to, but that which was to be repeated every seven years, in order that their posterity might be retained in the path of duty. John Calvin (1509-1564), Commentary on Deuteronomy 31.13

Thank You for Your Word, O Lord; help me to hide it in my heart, so that I…

Closing Prayer: Psalm 19.7-11
Thank God for His Law and all His Word. Seek specific guidance from the Word for the day ahead.

Psalm 19.7-11
(St. Christopher: Beneath the Cross of Jesus)
The Law of God is perfect, His testimony sure;
the simple man God’s wisdom learns, the soul receives its cure.
God’s Word is right, and His command is pure, and truth imparts;
He makes our eyes to understand; with joy He fills our hearts.

The fear of God is cleansing, forever shall it last.
His judgments all are true and just, by righteousness held fast.
O seek them more than gold most fine, than honey find them sweet;
be warned by every word and line; be blessed with joy complete.

T. M. and Susie Moore

Listen to our summary of last week’s study in Deuteronomy by going to today’s column at the website. You can download all the studies in the series by clicking here.

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All quotations from Church Fathers from Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy: Ancient Christian Commentary Series III, Joseph T. Lienhard, S. J. ed. in collaboration with Ronnie J. Rombs, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2001). All quotations from John Calvin from John Calvin, Commentaries on The Four Last Books of Moses Arranged in the Order of A Harmony, Rev. Charles William Bingham M. A., tr. and ed. (Edinburgh: The Calvin Translation Society, 1863. All psalms for singing are from The Ailbe Psalter (available by clicking here).