THE COMMANDMENTS IN REVIEW – Deuteronomy 4:44-5:33

Posted by Pastor Greg Allen on April 6, 2011 under AM Bible Study |

AM Bible Study Group; April 6, 2011

Deuteronomy 4:44-5:33

Theme: This chapter describes the review of the Ten Commandments that Moses gave to the second generation of the children of Israel, before they took possession of the promised land.

This morning’s passage introduces the second major speech of Moses. The first (1:6-4:40) was largely preparatory for the second (5:1-26:19)—which constitutes the main body of the book. Here, Moses reviews to the second generation of the people of Israel the law that God gave to the first generation when it stood before Mount Sinai.

The main verse of this chapter would be verse 29; where Moses recalls what God said to that first generation:"Oh, that they had such a heart in them that they would fear Me and always keep all My commandments, that it might be well with them and with their children forever!"

I. THE DESCRIPTION OF THE ORIGINAL SETTING (4:44-5:5):

A. An ‘editorial’ review of the setting (4:44-49). This section begins with a review which describes the setting from a third-party’s view. Perhaps these words were written later by Joshua. It introduces what is to come as "law" (i.e., torah; which means "teaching"); but also as "the testimonies, the statutes, and the judgments". These names all show forth the various aspects of God’s law. These words were spoken on the east side of the Jordan river; after the people had conquered and taken possession of the lands of King Sihon of the Amorites, and King Og of Bashan.

B. Moses’ review from eyewitness experience (5:1-5). Moses now takes up his second speech; and specifically tells the people that he is about to review the law that had been given to the first generation. Note that he specifies, "The LORD did not make this covenant with our fathers, but with us, those who are here today, all of us who are alive" (v. 3). Though it had been spoken to the first generation, they broke it and died in the wilderness. And now; Moses lets that second generation know that it was for them. He reminded them of the seriousness of the situation—and of how fearful they were when the law was first given (see Exodus 19-20; Hebrews 12:18-21).

II. THE REVIEW OF TEN COMMANDMENTS (5:6-22).

A. A review of the preamble to the commandments (v. 5). Just as with the covenants that conquering kings made with the people of a land, God entered into a covenant with His people. Note that the law is not based on God’s power to punish, but on His great act of mercy and love toward the people of Israel in setting them free from their bondage.

B. A review of the first table of the law (vv. 7-11). The presentation of the law as we read it here is much the same as what we find in Exodus 20. The reason given for the fourth commandment, however, is different. In Exodus, it was based on God’s work of creation. Here, it is based on God’s work of deliverance. Both stand as the basis of the command to rest.

C. A review of the second table of the law (vv. 12-22). Just as the first table governs man’s relationship with God, the second governs man’s relationship with his fellow man. These are summed up in Jesus’ words about the two greatest commandments (Matthew 22:34-40). Note that when it was done, these words were objectively written down—not for mere recollection through utterances but for review through sight.

III. THE REMEMBERANCE OF THE REACTION OF THE PEOPLE (5:23-31).

A. The request of the people (vv. 23-27). Moses reminded the people of how terrifying the experience was. It was also terrifying for him (see Hebrews 12:21). But just as the people requested, God made him a mediator between Him and the people. This would be a picture of the ministry of the Lord Jesus (see Deuteronomy 18:15-19).

B. The response of the Lord (vv. 28-31). God expressed a hope that they would remember the seriousness of His law—as shown through the terror they felt—and would be careful to keep it for their own good and enrichment.

IV. THE OBLIGATION OF THE PEOPLE TO WHAT WAS HEARD (5:32-33).

The reminder of that past experience moved Moses speak in words that were very much like those of God in verse 29: that they "be careful to do as the LORD your God has commanded you; you shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. You shall walk in all the ways which the LORD your God has commanded you, that you may live and that it may be well with you, and that you may prolong your days in the land which you shall possess."