“And the Lord spake unto you out of the midst of the fire: ye heard the voice of the words, but saw no similitude; only ye heard a voice. And he declared unto you his covenant, which he commanded you to perform, even ten commandments; and he wrote them upon two tables of stone” (Deuteronomy 4:12-13).
“And thou shalt write upon the stones all the words of this law very plainly” (Deuteronomy 27:8).
“But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it” (Deuteronomy 30:14).
The Bible is not a textbook; it is not structured like a math or science book. While it contains precepts and principles, its focus is not solely on these concepts. Instead, the Bible centers around a person: Jesus Christ. Both the Old and New Testaments tell the story of Jesus. For instance, after His death and resurrection, two disciples walked dejectedly toward Emmaus, unaware that Jesus had risen from the dead. As they walked, a stranger approached them to hear what they were discussing. Unbeknownst to the travelers, this Stranger was Jesus. He asked them why they were upset, and they responded, “Are you a stranger and not know that Jesus of Nazareth, a prophet we believed to be the Redeemer, has been executed” (Lk. 24:13-24). The Stranger replied: “Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself” (Luke 24:25-27).
The Law and Prophets was another way of saying the entire Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) pointed and revealed Jesus Christ.
What these two disciples needed was a revelation. The Bible is more than just information about God; it’s a revelation of God in Christ. Information, plus interpretation and revelation, leads to transformation. History and science books are informational but not transformational.
The greatest education you could get is a Bible education.
Deuteronomy
Many Christians try to read through their Bible this time of year. Beginning with Genesis, the narrative is quite straightforward, and Exodus continues that story. However, things become challenging when you reach Leviticus, which contains 27 chapters filled with complex topics like sacrifices, purification rituals, festivals, and the duties of priests. After that, you encounter Numbers—despite its name, it’s not focused primarily on numbers. If you manage to get through Leviticus and Numbers, you finally reach Deuteronomy. This is the last book of the Pentateuch or the Law. While rereading these laws may appear tedious, there is much more to it than that.
The original name of this book was “These are the words,” which was taken from the first verse (Deut. 1:1). The name Deuteronomy is made up of two Greek words, “deuteros” and “nomos,” which means “Second Law” when put together. The reason behind the name Deuteronomy is that Moses repeated the Law to the new generation as they approached the Promised Land. Deuteronomy isn’t a new law but a review of the original Law.
The Hebrew Bible name for this book is in the first sentence of the first verse: “These be the words of which Moses spake..” It’s been called “These Are the Words” and “The Book of Remembrance.”
The setting of this final book is in the plains of Moab. In the plains, Israel’s next generation stood poised to possess the Promised Land of Canaan. Miriam and Aaron had died, and the grandparents and parents of the present generation, who escaped Egypt’s slavery, had all died in the wilderness. Deuteronomy is a compilation of three addresses given by Moses. At this moment, he’s not calling down signs and wonders. He’s not erecting a Tabernacle. He’s not judging the people’s problems and issues. No, Moses is a pastor at this point. Pastor is just another word for “shepherd.” Moses’ last message for this new generation would have to be important.
If you remember, while he was shepherding Jethro’s flock of sheep, the Lord appeared to him a burning bush. The Great I AM called Moses to lead Israel out of Egypt’s oppression like a shepherd would lead a flock. Remember Moses’ reluctance to be God’s spokesman because he was worried about his inability to speak eloquently. The Lord gave him Aaron, who would be his voice. But now, Aaron was dead, and Moses stood alone before the congregation.
Note his eloquence of speech in these final sermons. Forty years of leading can make something of you and take a lot out of you. The wilderness and experience can grow and mature you. This new generation needed the statesman and shepherd to remind them of their past and point them to their future.
The New Generation
The generation that emerged from Egypt had passed away, and now, a new generation was prepared to take possession of the Promised Land. For this reason, Moses recounted the exploits and failures of the previous generation (Deuteronomy 1-3). Their failures served as a reminder for the new generation. Despite the unfaithfulness of the earlier generation, God remained faithful. Therefore, the purpose of Deuteronomy is to call the new generation to faithfulness and commitment.
It is important to note that this new generation had not witnessed God’s mighty acts in Egypt. They had not seen the Red Sea part, nor were they present when God revealed Himself to Israel at Mount Sinai. This generation only knew the wilderness; there was so much they had not experienced. Figures like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph were mythic heroes from a distant past.
The three dangers that Canaan posed for this generation were comfort, conformity, and complacency.
Comfort
Considering they had only known the hardships of the wilderness, the plush environment of Canaan would be a constant lure to forget what it was like struggling in the wilderness. The Feast of Booths was given as a reminder of the wilderness days.
Success and plenty can become stumbling blocks for spiritual hunger. Living in the wilderness, waiting upon God to provide manna from heaven and water from rocks, can increase one’s faith. Once they crossed the Jordan River, the manna would cease, and they would live off the hills and valleys of Canaan.
Conformity
However, conforming to Canaan would pose an even greater danger. It is relatively easy to remain separate and distinct in the wilderness; as an outsider, you live differently. In Canaan, though, being separate might mean standing out when you would rather blend in. Following strange dietary laws is manageable when your only food is manna, and you’ve never encountered the aroma of pig roasting over an open flame.
The inhabitants of Canaan worshiped a multitude of false gods, and their idolatrous practices would constantly tempt Israel. With this in mind, God commanded them to destroy the abominable altars and places of worship. He clarified that He was not to be worshiped alongside these false gods. Yahweh was not to be added to the list of idols in Canaan; instead, the Israelites were to commit themselves solely to Him.
Israel’s mission was to stand out as distinct from other nations and serve as an example to them. In Deuteronomy, God emphasizes this unique calling by referring to Israel as His “treasured possession” on three occasions (7:6; 14:2; 26:18-19). He declared that Israel was set apart to bring praise, fame, and honor to His name above all other nations. Their holiness reflected their relationship with God and testified to His greatness.
Complacency
Besides comfort and conformity, complacency often leads to a lack of vigilance or mindfulness, which can result in forgetting God and His laws. In the book of Deuteronomy, the verb “remember” appears 15 times, while “forget” is used 14 times.
It’s easy to forget. When you’re old, they say, you can forget easily. But when you’re young, it’s just as easy. Mom used to tell me, “You’d forget your head if it weren’t attached.”
Here is Moses, 120 years old, telling a large congregation a third of his age not to forget. They must not forget God and His Word. What will keep you in a hostile place? The Word of God. What will keep you when you’re rocked to sleep with comfort? The Word of God. What will keep you from forgetting the Lord? The Word of God. What will keep you from conforming to the world? The Word of God.
Please note that Moses wasn’t giving them a new law; he reminded them of the original Law. New doctrines aren’t going to help a new generation, and removing old doctrines isn’t going to help. No, that new generation needed the original truth.
Not a Form, but a Voice
“And the Lord spake unto you out of the midst of the fire: ye heard the voice of the words, but saw no similitude; only ye heard a voice. And he declared unto you his covenant, which he commanded you to perform, even ten commandments; and he wrote them upon two tables of stone” (Deuteronomy 4:12-13).
When God revealed Himself to Israel at Mt. Sinai, He did not take on a visible form; instead, He spoke to them with His voice. This demonstrates that God is not limited to physical images but is revealed through His Word. Instead of providing an image for them to worship, God gave them His Word. When God created the heavens and the earth, He spoke it into existence with His Word. His creation vibrates with the power of that Word.
The Stones: The Written Word as a Reminder
“And thou shalt write upon the stones all the words of this law very plainly” (Deuteronomy 27:8).
When Israel entered the Promised Land, they were commanded to write the Law on stones at Mount Ebal (27:1-8). This act served as a public declaration and a lasting reminder of God’s covenant. Instead of creating an image of God to worship, they were instructed to take stones, plaster them, and write the Law upon them.
Mount Ebal would have the Law they were to obey inscribed on it. If they failed to keep the Law, curses would follow. Unlike the dramatic voice from a mountain of fire and smoke, this would be a mountain with Words written on it. Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim are located in Shechem, in central Canaan. Thus, the Law was meant to be central to Israel’s identity.
Shechem, located between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim in Canaan, served as a central gathering place for the tribes of Israel. With a rich history tied to the patriarchs, including Abraham, who built an altar there, and Jacob, who settled in the area, Shechem became significant for covenant renewal. Its convenient location facilitated gatherings of tribes from both sides of the Jordan River, promoting unity among the newly settled nation.
With all of this information, we can gather that the Word of God was to be a central location for Israel early in their settlement of Canaan. Likewise, the Word of God is to be central to the believer’s life.
The Heart: The Word is Near You
“But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it” (Deuteronomy 30:14).
In Deuteronomy 30, Moses calls Israel to a deep understanding: the Word of God is not confined to the thunder and smoke of Mount Sinai, nor is it merely inscribed on stones that can be left behind in Shechem. It is not something that they must travel far to find or cross rivers to grasp. Instead, the Word of God has astonishingly drawn near. It is not distant but is present—in their very hearts and on their lips. This is God’s great kindness, making His will accessible and His truth intimately close. They are not left wondering where to go or what to do. God’s Word is with them, ready to shape their hearts and guide their lives.
Moses connects this idea to the call in Deuteronomy 10:12-17 to “circumcise” their hearts. The nearness of the Word emphasizes that God desires more than mere external obedience, whether out of fear at Sinai or reverence before stones in Shechem. He wants their hearts to be tender and wholly His, free from pride and rebellion. The Word residing in their mouths and hearts is not distant or foreign—it is the life-giving truth implanted by God Himself, urging them to love Him with all they are. Their obedience does not require extraordinary feats or distant journeys; it requires surrender—a heart turned toward Him and a mouth ready to proclaim His truth. This is the essence of choosing life: to accept the Word that has come near and allow it to transform their whole being.
Conclusion
Call to Action: Now!
As any preacher worth their salt, Moses pleads for his audience to make a decision for the Lord. Moses uses the word “today” 48 times in his sermons. The word calls for a decision to be made immediately without delay. The previous generation failed to believe and obey, and their graves stood as witness to their refusal. The same holds true today; you must decide to commit your life to Jesus. Yesterday is gone, tomorrow isn’t promised, all that’s left is today.
Jesus the Prophet Like Moses and the Better Israel
Earlier, I mentioned that the Bible is more than just a set of rules. When reading Deuteronomy, it might seem like an exaggeration to say that, as it primarily serves as a reminder of God’s Law. However, I also noted that the entire Bible is centered around Jesus. Both of these statements hold true when it comes to Deuteronomy.
First, while Deuteronomy is heavy with Law, it’s the first time in the Old Testament that God’s love is mentioned:
“And because he loved thy fathers, therefore he chose their seed after them, and brought thee out in his sight with his mighty power out of Egypt” (Deuteronomy 4:37).
“The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people: But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt” (Deuteronomy 7:7-8).
God’s love and His Law are inseparably linked, flowing together as a display of His covenantal faithfulness and our responsive obedience. The Law is not a burdensome checklist but a pathway of delight for those who know the steadfast love of the Lord. Just as Deuteronomy reveals that God set His love upon His people, calling them to love Him with all their heart, soul, and might, Jesus echoes this in John’s Gospel: “If you love me, keep my commandments” (Jn 14:15). Love and obedience are two sides of the same coin—our obedience springs from love, and our love is proven in obedience. John’s epistle reaffirms this truth: “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not grievous” (1 Jn. 5:3). God’s love gives us the power to obey, and His Law shows us the shape of love, pointing us to Jesus, the one who perfectly kept the Law for us and now calls us to walk in His ways.
The key to loving God and keeping His commands is Jesus Christ.
In the middle of Deuteronomy, there is a prophecy concerning Jesus. Moses says God will raise up a Prophet like himself. He says that God will “put my words in His mouth; and He shall speak unto them all that I shall command him” (Deut. 18:18).
Do you know which Old Testament book Jesus quoted more than any other? Deuteronomy. His detractors asked him, “what is the greatest commandment?” Jesus answered: “The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment” (Matt. 12:28-30).
Jesus is a better Prophet than Moses. But He’s also the true Israel. Standing on the banks of the Jordan, the new generation of Israel prepared to enter the Promised Land, fresh from forty years of wilderness failure. Centuries later, Jesus stepped into those same waters of the Jordan, baptized by John, and declared to be the beloved Son of God in whom the Father was well pleased (Matt. 3:17). But unlike Israel, Jesus was not led into a land of milk and honey but driven by the Spirit into the wilderness for forty days of testing—a deliberate echo of Israel’s forty years of wandering. The devil’s opening attack—”If you are the Son of God”—was a calculated taunt aimed at unseating Jesus as Adam was in Eden (Lk. 3:38) and Israel was in the wilderness (Ex. 4:22). Adam ate what was forbidden, Israel grumbled against the manna, but Jesus, the true and better Israel, met each temptation with the sharp edge of Deuteronomy: “Man shall not live by bread alone” (Deut. 8:3). Where Israel demanded proof of God’s presence, Jesus refused to test the Lord His God (Deut. 6:16). And where Israel bowed to golden calves, Jesus rebuked the devil, declaring worship for God alone (Deut. 6:13). The Word was in His mouth because He was the Word made flesh, standing in perfect obedience where Adam and Israel had fallen. The wilderness that had exposed Israel’s rebellion became the proving ground of Jesus’ perfect faithfulness, as He triumphed as the faithful Son, the true Israel, and the one in whom all of God’s covenant promises are fulfilled.
Finally, through Jesus’ faithfulness to obey the entirety of the Law, He enacted a New and better covenant. One of which we can enter today. Jesus took the curse of the Law upon Himself so we could receive the blessings and benefits of a covenant with God (Deut. 21:22-23; Gal. 3:13).
The New Covenant, enacted through the precious blood of Jesus, is the final and decisive fulfillment of what the Old Covenant foreshadowed but could not accomplish. Israel failed to keep the Law because they did not mix it with faith (Heb. 4:2). Though holy and good, the Law was powerless to save because it depended on human effort, not the grace of God received through faith. But now, through Jesus, we can have our hearts circumcised—not by the hands of men, but by the Spirit, through faith and repentance (Deut. 30:6; Rom. 2:29; Col. 2:11). Just as Israel crossed through the waters of the Jordan, we pass through the waters of baptism, identifying with Christ in His death and resurrection (Rom. 6:3-4). Paul reminds us that just as Israel was baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, so we are baptized into Christ, our greater Deliverer (1 Cor. 10:1-2; Gal. 3:27). And just as the Spirit descended upon Jesus at His baptism, so the Spirit will descend upon us to fill our hearts, marking us as sons and daughters of God (Rom. 8:14-16; Gal. 4:6). By faith, we are brought into this New Covenant, not as those who labor under the weight of the Law, but as those who are freed to walk in the Spirit, live as children of God, and enjoy the fullness of His promises forever.