Monday 17 November 2025
For what other great nation has a god so near to it as the Lord our God is whenever we call to him? And what other great nation has statutes and ordinances as just as this entire law that I am setting before you today? (vs 7-8)
Background
For the remainder of the week, our readings come from the book of Deuteronomy, which in English means the 'second law.’ Its Hebrew title is taken from the opening words ‘these are the words,’ and it is sometimes called ‘the book of words.’ Apart from the last chapter, the whole book is written as the words of Moses to the Israelite people. They had wandered in the wilderness for 40 years and were now about to enter the land that God had promised them. On the brink of a new life, Moses gathered the people and urged them to be obedient to the commandments of the Lord their God.
The whole of Deuteronomy, including this passage, is oriented around the Ten Commandments (verse 13) which were given to Moses on Mount Sinai (or Horeb). They are recorded in Exodus 20 and in Deuteronomy 5. Moses urged the Israelites to obey the commandments, "so that you may live to enter and occupy the land." (v. 1) Obedience to the law of the Lord brought life. The first commandment, which says, "You shall have no other gods before me" (Deuteronomy 5:7) was broken by those who had worshipped other gods (Baal of Peor in v. 3) and were destroyed; those who were faithful to God lived (v. 4).
Moses also said that by keeping the law Israel would command the respect of the surrounding nations (v. 6). The law is portrayed as a positive thing, a gift to God’s people, to help them to live well (vs 7-8). This reminds me of the different perspectives between children and parents when rules are set in place. Children often see these as unfair, restricting their freedom, whereas parents put boundaries in place to keep their children safe.
One last point to note: when the passage refers to learning ‘to fear’ God, this is not so much about being afraid of God as having reverence, awe and respect for God.
To Ponder:
- How helpful do you find the Ten Commandments as a rule to live by today?
- Can you sum up the ‘rules’ you live by in a few sentences?
- Do you think there is a link between obedience to God’s commandments and a close relationship with God?
Prayer
Psalm 86:11:"Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth." Amen.
Bible notes author: The Revd Kate Cambridge
Kate is a presbyter in the Winchester, Eastleigh and Romsey Circuit. In her free time she enjoys doing laundry (!), spending time with her family and wrestling ball point pens off her miniature poodle.