Day 82, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Deuteronomy 29:2–32:47
Witnesses to a Covenant With God
On July 4, 1776, fifty-six men met to approve the Declaration of Independence. It was documented to separate the colonies’ control from the tyranny of King George III of England. By later signing it (August 2), they placed their lives and fortunes in jeopardy (more...). Today, other kinds of documents— general contracts, agreements, deeds, guarantees, mortgage documents, and other finance agreements require signatures. The importance of having them is that they make the documents legal and binding, and they serve as a witness to those who would violate them.
Our Witness
In today’s Bible reading, while the Israelites are in Moab, just east of the Jordan River, the LORD enters into a covenant with them. He preempts the covenant by telling them to remember how the LORD delivered them from Egypt and led them through the wilderness for over forty years. He provided food and water for them, kept their clothes and shoes from wearing out, and gave them victories over their enemies. Many second-generation Israelites were eyewitnesses to God’s faithfulness.
Have we seen God’s faithfulness? For the benefit of the next generation, we need to share it (more...).
We have covered other treaty elements and now come to the final section: witnesses to the treaty. Typically, the nation’s gods are called to witness it, but the LORD does not do this since he alone is God. He does, however, call heaven and earth to testify to it (Deuteronomy 30:19).
God’s Word and Song
The words of Deuteronomy and a song composed by the LORD also serve as witnesses to the treaty. God tells Moses to take the scroll of the book of Deuteronomy and place it beside the Ark of the Covenant, and then teach the song to the Israelites. These will serve as instructions to succeeding generations and testimonies against those who would violate the covenant.
Do we do anything to help us remember the words of the LORD? In the United States, the Ten Commandments were once posted on school walls and in courtrooms as visual reminders (witnesses) of God’s holy standards. Now that they have been removed, we often have to look in our homes and churches to witness his covenants and works. Sunday School is one place where people rehearse God’s wondrous deeds through Bible stories and songs.
What to do about the Witness
At the end of the covenant, the LORD gives the purpose for carrying out his law and asks the Israelites to make a choice (Deuteronomy 29:9, 12-13 and Deuteronomy 30:19-20). God tells them to choose life with him and obedience, so they might prosper and keep the land and his blessings.
We have a similar choice today. If we choose to live our own life apart from God, it will be meaningless, and we will die in our sins. However, if we decide to turn from our wrongdoings to God, we can have forgiveness, spiritual life, and peace in our souls. Furthermore, we can have confidence that we have an eternal home in heaven (John 1:12; 3:16; more...). Let us choose life with God and obedience so the LORD’s blessings and favor will be upon us.
God wants us to choose life with obedience and his blessings, instead of his displeasure and discipline.
What happens if we mess up? Is there no hope? Yes, there is hope. As God gives hope to Israel if she messes up, we have hope if we turn to God from our wickedness. The Apostle John says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1John 1:9, NIV). We can be restored and once again enjoy the favor and blessings of God!
A New Witness
During this time, a new leader is chosen, Joshua. Joshua is a type of Christ. His Hebrew name means “Jehovah saves.” In the New Testament, the name “Jesus” is the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew word “Joshua.” Joshua is faithful in everything he does, as Christ would later be faithful in everything the Father gives him to do. As Joshua is chosen to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land of Canaan, Jesus Christ, God’s Son, is chosen to lead us into the Promised Land of heaven (John 14:1-3).
A Reminder of our Witness
After Israel is in the land, every seven years, during the Feast of Tabernacles, the Law (probably the book of Deuteronomy) must be read. This will remind the Israelites of their commitment to the LORD, along with the blessings and curses associated with it.
The song composed by God will also be sung. Songs are good memory tools, especially if they have a lilt to them. God’s song is a testimony of his favor if they obey, and the LORD’s curses upon them if they disobey. If they repent, humbly confess their sins, and follow him again, God promises to forgive them and renew his favor and blessings.
It would be beneficial for us Christians to be reminded of our commitment to the Lord and renew it periodically.
1. https://www.google.com/search=types of legal agreements
2. Deuteronomy’s structure follows the Suzerainty treaty’s pattern (see index).
3. source: Vines Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, ISBN 0-917006-03-8, p.614.
Focus Verse
Deuteronomy 31:12 (NIV)
Assemble the people-- men, women and children, and the aliens living in your towns-- so they can listen and learn to fear the LORD your God and follow carefully all the words of this law. Their children, who do not know this law, must hear it and learn to fear the LORD your God.
Do you like these discussion questions so you can come up with your own answers, or do you prefer the Take-Away Lessons? email me with your answer.
Discussion
Although our signatures are not on paper, how can we be witnesses to the covenant we have with God?
What choice does God want us to make and why?
What do we do if we mess up?
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Looking Ahead: Moses, the mighty leader of Israel, leaves a blessing for each of the tribes before he dies. Then, Joshua takes over as the chosen military leader to bring Israel into the Promised Land. Join us for our Next Lesson about Transferring Leadership
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