Image generated with ChatGPT by OpenAI. Moses reminding Israel of God’s covenant, with Joshua behind him and families listening beneath the midday sun. The children bring out the verse’s promise concerning the generations to come.
“Keep his decrees and commands, which I am giving you today, so that it may go well with you and your children after you and that you may live long in the land the LORD your God gives you for all time.”
Deuteronomy 4:40 NIV
We’re heading back into the Old Testament today, to the Book of Deuteronomy. That name (Deuteronomy) comes from the Latin Deuteronómion, literally translated as “second law”. It is also the fifth and last book of the Jewish Torah, where it is known as דְּבָרִים (Devarim), literally translated as “the words of Moses.”
What’s the main theme of Deuteronomy? From BibleHub:
Deuteronomy recounts Moses’ final speeches to the Israelites before entering the Promised Land, emphasizing covenant renewal and obedience to God’s laws. It reiterates the Ten Commandments, outlines blessings for obedience, and warns of curses for disobedience. Moses urges faithfulness, love for God, and adherence to God’s commandments.
Today’s verse comes at the end of the “second reading” of the וָאֶתְחַנַּן (Va'etchanan), translated as “and I will plead.” In the annual cycle of Torah reading in the Jewish faith, this is the 45th פָּרָשָׁה (parashah) or weekly reading on Sabbath. Verse 40, which we’re studying today, is the last verse of the second reading.
The person delivering the message is, of course, Moses. He’s reminding them of all that God has done for them on their long journey, and exhorting them to follow His laws and adhere to the covenant to which they have agreed… just before they are to finally enter the Promised Land — Canaan — under the guidance of Joshua.
The life of Israel in Canaan depended wholly on their obedience to the covenant laws God gave to them through Moses. What were those laws? They governed all aspects of the lives of the people of Israel — worship, justice, family life, and their personal conduct. God gave Israel those laws to set them apart from the nations around them.
Renewing a commitment to the commands there on the plains of Moab was important: God wanted a response from the generation of Israelites who were about to enter Canaan. Responding with faithfulness to His covenant would not only bring God’s favor upon the current generation, but shape the lives of the following generations as well. Part of the covenant commanded parents to teach God’s words to their children, so that they too would know the Lord and walk in His ways.
God wanted the chosen people of Israel to “live long in the land” that He was giving them. If the people were obedient and lived their lives in accordance with the Law, they would live in Canaan with security and peace as God’s blessing to them. Moses warned the people of Israel later in this Book that if they rebelled against God, those blessings would disappear. The people would be disciplined, and eventually removed from the land.
It may seem that Deuteronomy has little relevance to today’s Christians, but let’s look a bit closer. In Deuteronomy, Israel was told to keep God’s statutes and commandments. For today’s Christians, we need to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ. The Israelites were promised well-being and longevity in the Promised Land; today we receive spiritual blessings and grace through our obediences. The Israelites had their covenant with God; we live under the New Covenant through Christ.
The same warning found in Deuteronomy applies in our present time — rebelling against God results in the loss of God’s blessings. We don’t have a complex law and system of sacrifices to follow — Jesus condensed it all to two commandments:
“Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.””
Heaven On Wheels Daily Prayer:
Lord, help us to keep Your statutes and commandments, so that current and future generations may receive Your blessings. Grant us long life in the homes and communities that You have blessed us with. AMEN.