Observations and Interpretations:
(1) The laws that Moses wanted Israel to hear v.1 was based on the Covenant they made with God v.2. Moses repeated the scenario when the Covenant made in v.3-33. God spoke face to face with Israel from the middle of the fire v.4. When they saw God's glory and heard His voice they had the proper fear of God and this fear would help them to obey Him v.29.
Application: Fearing God is the foundation of obeying God. Do we have the proper fear of God?
(2) Out of the 10 commandments, only a few of them had an explanation or with extended meaning. E.g. Those who violated the 2nd commandment, "You must not have any other gods besides me," were described as "rejecting God" while those who obey this commandment were described as "choosing God."
Application:
God made covenant with man through His words. He identifies with His commandments. Therefore, obeying God's commandment is seen as choosing God. Are we serious about our relationship with God? Or are we serious in keeping His commands (in the NT)?
(3) Moses called the attention of Israel to obey the commandments and said in v.4-5 that "You must love the LORD..."
(NET) “to love”= in this setting communicates not so much an emotional idea as one of covenant commitment. To love the LORD is to be absolutely loyal and obedient to him in every respect, a truth Jesus himself taught (cf. John 14:15).
A. Not only parents need to keep the commandments in their own mind, but also teach their children to do so v.6-7. In other words, if we are serious in our relationship with God we will not just keep that to ourselves, but we will teach our children.
The manner to teach the children was also prescribed in v.7-9: repeating them in all circumstances, everywhere you go, all the time; using teaching tools, using visual aids. However, do not be the hypocrites,like the Pharisees in Jesus' time who only wear the symbols, but with no sincerity (NET).
Application: Do we make use of the opportunities? Do we see from God's perspective of how to teach our children? Do we only teach the outward Christian "model"/behavior but short in teaching of the heart? What is our outward model and behavior?
B. The warning about keeping the commandments:
(BKC) The LORD was about to give the Israelites “instant prosperity” in their new land. But there is an inherent danger in prosperity, for when a person prospers he tends to forget God (cf. Prov. 30:7–9). It was at the height of his own prosperity that David committed his greatest acts of unfaithfulness (2 Sam. 11). When they would come into this prosperity the Israelites were to be all the more careful to fear Him (see comments on 4:10) and to serve Him.
Application: When we are rich, do we forget about God? When are we being "rich" or when is our "spiritual height?"
Audrey
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