Deuteronomy 29
Today's Passage: Deuteronomy 29
If you’ve been keeping up with Deuteronomy, you may see several repeated ideas and themes in chapter 29. It is the “narrative interlude” to what is some of the most important chapters in the whole Old Testament.
In chapter 27, Moses assembled the people at Shechem in a covenant renewal ceremony. They’re about to enter the Land God had sworn to them. Moses was about to die. Joshua was about to lead. This assembly was of vital importance to assure clarity regarding God’s desire and demands for Israel. Deuteronomy 28 provides clarity regarding the blessings for obedience in the Land, and curses for disobedience. Understanding chapter 28 provides background for many events in the biblical story. Chapter 29 steps back to remind the audience of the story so far whereas chapter 30 brings the nation to the point of decision. As one commentator wrote:
It's important to note the literal fulfillment of all these things—the blessings, the curses, the removal of Israel from the Land (Babylonian Exile), and the restoration of Israel to the Land (by Persia). These things came to pass. And yet, there is a greater sense in which Deuteronomy 28–30 will ultimately be fulfilled in the rest of the biblical story.
Verse 29 really stands out, “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.” What does forever mean? When people talk about God’s promises, they often us the word “unconditional.” And yet, what does Deuteronomy 28 contain? It’s a bunch of if/then statements, which grammatically we call “conditional clauses.” Rather than “unconditional,” it’s more precise to say “irrevocable.” God’s promise is irrevocable. The promise isn’t based on obedience—the blessings and curses sure are—but not the promise.
Chapter 30 offers the most beautiful (hopeful) language in Scripture. Not to steal the thunder of tomorrow’s Jumpstart, but when all the blessings and curses come to mind and Israel “remembers” the Lord and his promises, and by remembering they humble themselves and repent, the Lord will restore Israel to the Land and fulfill the promises made. This irrevocable promise remains veiled in the heart of God that is continuing to unfold in human history. Paul, speaking of this “secret” unfolding of God’s plan, wrote, “Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith—to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.” (Romans 16:25–27)
God’s irrevocable promises hinge on the saving work of Jesus Christ—the bodily fulfillment of God’s heart and Law. Just as God commanded Israel to “remember” in this covenant ceremony, so believers today must “remember” all that God has accomplished on our behalf in Christ. Remembering leads to repentance. So, remember, repent, look at what God has done, and prepare yourself for what he is doing.
Written By: Tyler Short
If you’ve been keeping up with Deuteronomy, you may see several repeated ideas and themes in chapter 29. It is the “narrative interlude” to what is some of the most important chapters in the whole Old Testament.
In chapter 27, Moses assembled the people at Shechem in a covenant renewal ceremony. They’re about to enter the Land God had sworn to them. Moses was about to die. Joshua was about to lead. This assembly was of vital importance to assure clarity regarding God’s desire and demands for Israel. Deuteronomy 28 provides clarity regarding the blessings for obedience in the Land, and curses for disobedience. Understanding chapter 28 provides background for many events in the biblical story. Chapter 29 steps back to remind the audience of the story so far whereas chapter 30 brings the nation to the point of decision. As one commentator wrote:
The form of this section argues for it being a covenant renewal [ceremony]. There is a historical prologue (29:2-9), reference to the parties covenanting (29:10-15), and basic stipulations (29:16-19). Then follow the curses (29:20-28), Moses’ preaching of repentance and restoration (29:29—30:14), and the covenantal decision (30:15-20). The last section has three parts: the choice (30:15-18), the witnesses (30:19a), and the call for decision (30:19b-20).
Verse 29 really stands out, “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.” What does forever mean? When people talk about God’s promises, they often us the word “unconditional.” And yet, what does Deuteronomy 28 contain? It’s a bunch of if/then statements, which grammatically we call “conditional clauses.” Rather than “unconditional,” it’s more precise to say “irrevocable.” God’s promise is irrevocable. The promise isn’t based on obedience—the blessings and curses sure are—but not the promise.
Chapter 30 offers the most beautiful (hopeful) language in Scripture. Not to steal the thunder of tomorrow’s Jumpstart, but when all the blessings and curses come to mind and Israel “remembers” the Lord and his promises, and by remembering they humble themselves and repent, the Lord will restore Israel to the Land and fulfill the promises made. This irrevocable promise remains veiled in the heart of God that is continuing to unfold in human history. Paul, speaking of this “secret” unfolding of God’s plan, wrote, “Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith—to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.” (Romans 16:25–27)
God’s irrevocable promises hinge on the saving work of Jesus Christ—the bodily fulfillment of God’s heart and Law. Just as God commanded Israel to “remember” in this covenant ceremony, so believers today must “remember” all that God has accomplished on our behalf in Christ. Remembering leads to repentance. So, remember, repent, look at what God has done, and prepare yourself for what he is doing.
Written By: Tyler Short
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