February 18, 2025
God's Commandments and the Fear of the Lord
Deuteronomy 4-6
Joshua Mallory
Big Book Idea
There are three sermons from Moses, but the greater Moses is still to come.
Key Verse | Deuteronomy 4:6, 8
"Keep them and do them, for that will be your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples, who, when they hear all these statutes, will say, 'Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.' . . . And what great nation is there, that has statutes and rules so righteous as all this law that I set before you today?"
Deuteronomy 4-6
Chapter 4
Moses Commands Obedience
1 And now, O Israel, listen to the statutes and the rules 1 4:1 Or just decrees; also verses 5, 8, 14, 45 that I am teaching you, and do them, that you may live, and go in and take possession of the land that the LORD, the God of your fathers, is giving you. 2 You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God that I command you. 3 Your eyes have seen what the LORD did at Baal-peor, for the LORD your God destroyed from among you all the men who followed the Baal of Peor. 4 But you who held fast to the LORD your God are all alive today. 5 See, I have taught you statutes and rules, as the LORD my God commanded me, that you should do them in the land that you are entering to take possession of it. 6 Keep them and do them, for that will be your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples, who, when they hear all these statutes, will say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’ 7 For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as the LORD our God is to us, whenever we call upon him? 8 And what great nation is there, that has statutes and rules so righteous as all this law that I set before you today?
9 Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children's children— 10 how on the day that you stood before the LORD your God at Horeb, the LORD said to me, ‘Gather the people to me, that I may let them hear my words, so that they may learn to fear me all the days that they live on the earth, and that they may teach their children so.’ 11 And you came near and stood at the foot of the mountain, while the mountain burned with fire to the heart of heaven, wrapped in darkness, cloud, and gloom. 12 Then the LORD spoke to you out of the midst of the fire. You heard the sound of words, but saw no form; there was only a voice. 13 And he declared to you his covenant, which he commanded you to perform, that is, the Ten Commandments, 2 4:13 Hebrew the ten words and he wrote them on two tablets of stone. 14 And the LORD commanded me at that time to teach you statutes and rules, that you might do them in the land that you are going over to possess.
Idolatry Forbidden
15 Therefore watch yourselves very carefully. Since you saw no form on the day that the LORD spoke to you at Horeb out of the midst of the fire, 16 beware lest you act corruptly by making a carved image for yourselves, in the form of any figure, the likeness of male or female, 17 the likeness of any animal that is on the earth, the likeness of any winged bird that flies in the air, 18 the likeness of anything that creeps on the ground, the likeness of any fish that is in the water under the earth. 19 And beware lest you raise your eyes to heaven, and when you see the sun and the moon and the stars, all the host of heaven, you be drawn away and bow down to them and serve them, things that the LORD your God has allotted to all the peoples under the whole heaven. 20 But the LORD has taken you and brought you out of the iron furnace, out of Egypt, to be a people of his own inheritance, as you are this day. 21 Furthermore, the LORD was angry with me because of you, and he swore that I should not cross the Jordan, and that I should not enter the good land that the LORD your God is giving you for an inheritance. 22 For I must die in this land; I must not go over the Jordan. But you shall go over and take possession of that good land. 23 Take care, lest you forget the covenant of the LORD your God, which he made with you, and make a carved image, the form of anything that the LORD your God has forbidden you. 24 For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.
25 When you father children and children's children, and have grown old in the land, if you act corruptly by making a carved image in the form of anything, and by doing what is evil in the sight of the LORD your God, so as to provoke him to anger, 26 I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that you will soon utterly perish from the land that you are going over the Jordan to possess. You will not live long in it, but will be utterly destroyed. 27 And the LORD will scatter you among the peoples, and you will be left few in number among the nations where the LORD will drive you. 28 And there you will serve gods of wood and stone, the work of human hands, that neither see, nor hear, nor eat, nor smell. 29 But from there you will seek the LORD your God and you will find him, if you search after him with all your heart and with all your soul. 30 When you are in tribulation, and all these things come upon you in the latter days, you will return to the LORD your God and obey his voice. 31 For the LORD your God is a merciful God. He will not leave you or destroy you or forget the covenant with your fathers that he swore to them.
The LORD Alone Is God
32 For ask now of the days that are past, which were before you, since the day that God created man on the earth, and ask from one end of heaven to the other, whether such a great thing as this has ever happened or was ever heard of. 33 Did any people ever hear the voice of a god speaking out of the midst of the fire, as you have heard, and still live? 34 Or has any god ever attempted to go and take a nation for himself from the midst of another nation, by trials, by signs, by wonders, and by war, by a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, and by great deeds of terror, all of which the LORD your God did for you in Egypt before your eyes? 35 To you it was shown, that you might know that the LORD is God; there is no other besides him. 36 Out of heaven he let you hear his voice, that he might discipline you. And on earth he let you see his great fire, and you heard his words out of the midst of the fire. 37 And because he loved your fathers and chose their offspring after them 3 4:37 Hebrew his offspring after him and brought you out of Egypt with his own presence, by his great power, 38 driving out before you nations greater and mightier than you, to bring you in, to give you their land for an inheritance, as it is this day, 39 know therefore today, and lay it to your heart, that the LORD is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is no other. 40 Therefore you shall keep his statutes and his commandments, which I command you today, that it may go well with you and with your children after you, and that you may prolong your days in the land that the LORD your God is giving you for all time.”
Cities of Refuge
41 Then Moses set apart three cities in the east beyond the Jordan, 42 that the manslayer might flee there, anyone who kills his neighbor unintentionally, without being at enmity with him in time past; he may flee to one of these cities and save his life: 43 Bezer in the wilderness on the tableland for the Reubenites, Ramoth in Gilead for the Gadites, and Golan in Bashan for the Manassites.
Introduction to the Law
44 This is the law that Moses set before the people of Israel. 45 These are the testimonies, the statutes, and the rules, which Moses spoke to the people of Israel when they came out of Egypt, 46 beyond the Jordan in the valley opposite Beth-peor, in the land of Sihon the king of the Amorites, who lived at Heshbon, whom Moses and the people of Israel defeated when they came out of Egypt. 47 And they took possession of his land and the land of Og, the king of Bashan, the two kings of the Amorites, who lived to the east beyond the Jordan; 48 from Aroer, which is on the edge of the Valley of the Arnon, as far as Mount Sirion 4 4:48 Syriac; Hebrew Sion (that is, Hermon), 49 together with all the Arabah on the east side of the Jordan as far as the Sea of the Arabah, under the slopes of Pisgah.
Chapter 5
The Ten Commandments
1 And Moses summoned all Israel and said to them, “Hear, O Israel, the statutes and the rules that I speak in your hearing today, and you shall learn them and be careful to do them. 2 The LORD our God made a covenant with us in Horeb. 3 Not with our fathers did the LORD make this covenant, but with us, who are all of us here alive today. 4 The LORD spoke with you face to face at the mountain, out of the midst of the fire, 5 while I stood between the LORD and you at that time, to declare to you the word of the LORD. For you were afraid because of the fire, and you did not go up into the mountain. He said:
6 ‘I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.
7 ‘You shall have no other gods before 5 5:7 Or besides me.
8 ‘You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. 9 You shall not bow down to them or serve them; for I the LORD your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, 10 but showing steadfast love to thousands 6 5:10 Or to the thousandth generation of those who love me and keep my commandments.
11 ‘You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.
12 ‘Observe the Sabbath day, to keep it holy, as the LORD your God commanded you. 13 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 14 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, you or your son or your daughter or your male servant or your female servant, or your ox or your donkey or any of your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates, that your male servant and your female servant may rest as well as you. 15 You shall remember that you were a slave 7 5:15 Or servant in the land of Egypt, and the LORD your God brought you out from there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore the LORD your God commanded you to keep the Sabbath day.
16 ‘Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God commanded you, that your days may be long, and that it may go well with you in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.
17 ‘You shall not murder. 8 5:17 The Hebrew word also covers causing human death through carelessness or negligence
18 ‘And you shall not commit adultery.
19 ‘And you shall not steal.
20 ‘And you shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
21 ‘And you shall not covet your neighbor's wife. And you shall not desire your neighbor's house, his field, or his male servant, or his female servant, his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor's.’
22 These words the LORD spoke to all your assembly at the mountain out of the midst of the fire, the cloud, and the thick darkness, with a loud voice; and he added no more. And he wrote them on two tablets of stone and gave them to me. 23 And as soon as you heard the voice out of the midst of the darkness, while the mountain was burning with fire, you came near to me, all the heads of your tribes, and your elders. 24 And you said, ‘Behold, the LORD our God has shown us his glory and greatness, and we have heard his voice out of the midst of the fire. This day we have seen God speak with man, and man still live. 25 Now therefore why should we die? For this great fire will consume us. If we hear the voice of the LORD our God any more, we shall die. 26 For who is there of all flesh, that has heard the voice of the living God speaking out of the midst of fire as we have, and has still lived? 27 Go near and hear all that the LORD our God will say, and speak to us all that the LORD our God will speak to you, and we will hear and do it.’
28 And the LORD heard your words, when you spoke to me. And the LORD said to me, ‘I have heard the words of this people, which they have spoken to you. They are right in all that they have spoken. 29 Oh that they had such a heart as this always, to fear me and to keep all my commandments, that it might go well with them and with their descendants 9 5:29 Or sons forever! 30 Go and say to them, “Return to your tents.” 31 But you, stand here by me, and I will tell you the whole commandment and the statutes and the rules that you shall teach them, that they may do them in the land that I am giving them to possess.’ 32 You shall be careful therefore to do as the LORD your God has commanded you. You shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. 33 You shall walk in all the way that the LORD your God has commanded you, that you may live, and that it may go well with you, and that you may live long in the land that you shall possess.
Chapter 6
The Greatest Commandment
1 Now this is the commandment—the statutes and the rules 10 6:1 Or just decrees; also verse 20 —that the LORD your God commanded me to teach you, that you may do them in the land to which you are going over, to possess it, 2 that you may fear the LORD your God, you and your son and your son's son, by keeping all his statutes and his commandments, which I command you, all the days of your life, and that your days may be long. 3 Hear therefore, O Israel, and be careful to do them, that it may go well with you, and that you may multiply greatly, as the LORD, the God of your fathers, has promised you, in a land flowing with milk and honey.
4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. 11 6:4 Or The LORD our God is one LORD; or The LORD is our God, the LORD is one; or The LORD is our God, the LORD alone 5 You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 6 And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. 8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
10 And when the LORD your God brings you into the land that he swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give you—with great and good cities that you did not build, 11 and houses full of all good things that you did not fill, and cisterns that you did not dig, and vineyards and olive trees that you did not plant—and when you eat and are full, 12 then take care lest you forget the LORD, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. 13 It is the LORD your God you shall fear. Him you shall serve and by his name you shall swear. 14 You shall not go after other gods, the gods of the peoples who are around you— 15 for the LORD your God in your midst is a jealous God—lest the anger of the LORD your God be kindled against you, and he destroy you from off the face of the earth.
16 You shall not put the LORD your God to the test, as you tested him at Massah. 17 You shall diligently keep the commandments of the LORD your God, and his testimonies and his statutes, which he has commanded you. 18 And you shall do what is right and good in the sight of the LORD, that it may go well with you, and that you may go in and take possession of the good land that the LORD swore to give to your fathers 19 by thrusting out all your enemies from before you, as the LORD has promised.
20 When your son asks you in time to come, ‘What is the meaning of the testimonies and the statutes and the rules that the LORD our God has commanded you?’ 21 then you shall say to your son, ‘We were Pharaoh's slaves in Egypt. And the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand. 22 And the LORD showed signs and wonders, great and grievous, against Egypt and against Pharaoh and all his household, before our eyes. 23 And he brought us out from there, that he might bring us in and give us the land that he swore to give to our fathers. 24 And the LORD commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the LORD our God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as we are this day. 25 And it will be righteousness for us, if we are careful to do all this commandment before the LORD our God, as he has commanded us.’
Footnotes
[1] 4:1 Or just decrees; also verses 5, 8, 14, 45[2] 4:13 Hebrew the ten words
[3] 4:37 Hebrew his offspring after him
[4] 4:48 Syriac; Hebrew Sion
[5] 5:7 Or besides
[6] 5:10 Or to the thousandth generation
[7] 5:15 Or servant
[8] 5:17 The Hebrew word also covers causing human death through carelessness or negligence
[9] 5:29 Or sons
[10] 6:1 Or just decrees; also verse 20
[11] 6:4 Or The LORD our God is one LORD; or The LORD is our God, the LORD is one; or The LORD is our God, the LORD alone
Table of Contents
Introduction to Deuteronomy
Timeline
Theme
Deuteronomy, the final book in the Pentateuch, contains Moses’ last three sermons and two prophetic poems about Israel’s future. Reflecting on the nation’s past mistakes, Moses urges the people not to repeat those errors when they enter the Promised Land. Possessing Canaan will fulfill the promises made to the patriarchs, but if the people fall into idolatry or fail to keep the law, they will be exiled.
Purpose and Background
Deuteronomy is largely a sermon, or set of sermons, preached by Moses to all of Israel shortly before his death. It is a motivational sermon, urging Israel’s faithful obedience to the covenant laws given 40 years previously at Sinai (Exodus 19–40).
The sermon is especially important because of Israel’s earlier failure to conquer the land (see Deut. 1:19–46). Now that they are back at the eastern border of the Promised Land, Moses wants to ensure that the people will be obedient this time. The sermon encourages obedience by constantly reassuring them of God’s faithfulness and his power to keep his promises. God is still faithful, despite Israel’s persistent sin (e.g., 1:19–46; 9:1–29). He is merciful to his sinful people, for the sake of his promises to Abraham.
In Deuteronomy, Moses urges Israel to trust and obey, and to conquer the land. He highlights God’s uniqueness (e.g., ch. 4), his power over other nations and armies (e.g., 2:1–23), and his grace and faithfulness. He reminds the people that God promised the land, that God’s gift of the land is undeserved (9:4–6), and that the land is full of good things (e.g., 6:10–12).
Moses emphasizes the importance of God’s law, given at Sinai (e.g., see 5:1–3). The large central section of Deuteronomy (12:1–26:19) recites the law and urges Israel to keep it. The law is wide-ranging, incorporating all areas of life (economics, family and sexual relationships, religious observance, leadership, justice, guidance, food, property, and warfare). The details of the laws expand upon the great command of 6:5, that Israel is to love the Lord with all its heart, soul, and strength. Chapters 12–16 show what such total love of God will look like and provide examples of what the Ten Commandments (ch. 5) mean in practice.
Key Themes
- God’s uniqueness (4:1–40).
- Israel’s election (4:37–38; 7:6–8; 10:14–15; 14:2).
- The land’s goodness (1:25; 6:10–11; 8:7–13; 11:8–15).
- God’s faithful promise-keeping (1:8, 19–46; 7:1–26; 8:1–20; 9:1–10:11).
- God’s power to defeat the enemies in the land (2:1–3:11; 4:1–40; 7:1–26).
- Exhortations to Israel to love, serve, fear, and obey God (6:5; 10:12–13; 13:4).
- Warnings against idolatry and instruction for proper worship of God (4:9–31; 5:6–10; 7:1–5; 8:19–20; 12:1–32; 13:1–18).
- The impact of God’s laws (12:1–27:26).
- Moses’ imminent death (1:37; 3:26; 4:21; 32:51; 34:1–12).
Outline
- Prologue (1:1–5)
- Moses’ First Speech: Historical Prologue (1:6–4:43)
- Moses’ Second Speech: General Covenant Stipulations (4:44–11:32)
- Moses’ Second Speech: Specific Covenant Stipulations (12:1–26:19)
- Moses’ Third Speech: Blessings and Curses (27:1–28:68)
- Moses’ Third Speech: Final Exhortation (29:1–30:20)
- Succession of Leadership (31:1–34:12)
The Setting of Deuteronomy
c. 1406 B.C.
The book of Deuteronomy records Moses’ words to the Israelites as they waited on the plains of Moab to enter Canaan. Moses begins by reviewing the events of Israel’s journey from Mount Sinai to the plains of Moab.
Fact: Genesis through Deuteronomy
Genesis through Deuteronomy are the foundation of the Bible. They introduce the key promises that show God’s purposes in history and prepare for the coming of Jesus Christ.
Fact: The Sadducees
The Sadducees were a small but powerful group of Jewish leaders who did not believe in the resurrection (12:18). This may have been because of their emphasis on the Pentateuch (Genesis–Deuteronomy), which does not seem to explicitly mention the resurrection. But Jesus showed them that the idea of resurrection can, in fact, be found in the Pentateuch (Mark 12:26–27).
Fact: Was Deuteronomy a treaty?
Was Deuteronomy a treaty? There are many similarities between the book of Deuteronomy and various ancient Near Eastern treaties that date from the time of Moses. When a nation made a treaty with a less powerful nation, the document began with the past relationship between the countries. Next, the treaty stated the laws that would govern the relationship from that point on. Finally, the treaty concluded with a list of blessings and punishments for obedience or disobedience.
Fact: A book of sermons?
A book of sermons? Deuteronomy consists of at least three addresses or sermons from Moses to Israel. Moses encourages Israel to obey all the commandments of God.
Fact: Jesus quoted from
Jesus quoted from the book of Deuteronomy more than any other OT book. He quoted 8:3 when tempted by Satan (Matt. 4:4).
Fact: The Book of the Law of the Lord
The Book of the Law of the Lord. The high priest discovered this forgotten book while the temple was being repaired (34:14). After reading the Law, King Josiah called the nation to further measures of repentance and reform. The book may have included part or all of Deuteronomy.
Fact: Shema
Deuteronomy 6:4 is called the Shema, from the Hebrew word for “hear.” Today many people of the Jewish faith fulfill the commands of 6:8–9 literally: They write Bible verses on pieces of paper, place them in small boxes, and then they either tie the boxes to their arm or their forehead, or attach them to the doorposts of their home.
Fact: Forgetting the name of God
Forgetting the name of God (44:20). Many of the pagan religions of OT times taught that a god’s power was tied directly to its name. The false prophets of Jeremiah’s time believed that, if they could erase God’s name from the people’s memory, they would follow Baal instead (Jer. 23:26–27). However, God does not forget his people, even when they have forgotten him (Deut. 4:31).
Fact: Renewed minds
Renewed minds. Christians sometimes distinguish between “head knowledge” and “heart knowledge.” But the Bible clearly teaches that we are to love and serve the Lord with all that we are, including both our hearts and our minds (4:23; see Deut. 6:5; Matt. 22:37).
Fact: Phylacteries
Phylacteries (23:5) were small cube-shaped leather cases that were tied to the left arms and foreheads of Jewish men attending the synagogue. In the cases were passages of Scripture written on pieces of parchment. This was done in an effort to literally fulfill the OT command to keep the words of the Lord on their hands and between their eyes (Ex. 13:9; Deut. 6:8).
The Setting of Deuteronomy
c. 1406 B.C.
The book of Deuteronomy records Moses’ words to the Israelites as they waited on the plains of Moab to enter Canaan. Moses begins by reviewing the events of Israel’s journey from Mount Sinai to the plains of Moab.
Ancient Treaty Structures and Deuteronomy
| Ancient Treaty Structure | Deuteronomy |
|---|---|
| Preamble | 1:1–5 |
| Historical Prologue | 1:6–4:49 |
| General Stipulations | 5:1–11:32 |
| Specific Stipulations | 12:1–26:19 |
| Blessings and Curses | 27:1–28:68 |
| Document Clause | 31:9–29 |
| Witnesses | 32:1–47 |
Deut. 4:1 And now. After summarizing Israel’s history, Moses begins to encourage the people. Listen means “pay attention and obey.” that you may . . . take possession. Possession of the Promised Land is linked to obeying the statutes and the rules that govern life.
Deut. 4:3–4 Your eyes have seen. See also 3:21. Baal-peor. See Num. 25:1–5. Held fast describes faithfulness to a covenant, as in marriage (Gen. 2:24).
Deut. 4:6 Israel’s obedience to God will show other nations their wisdom and understanding. It will draw attention to Israel’s God.
Deut. 4:7–8 God is so near to his people, especially in answering their prayers (whenever we call upon him). God is also “very near” them through his word (30:14).
Deut. 4:9 Make them known. Each generation is responsible to instruct the next generation in the faith.
Deut. 4:10 To fear the Lord means to respect, obey, and worship him.
Deut. 4:13–14 The Ten Commandments (literally, “Ten Words”) are a concise summary of the Sinai covenant (Ex. 20:1, 18–19; 24:12). The statutes and rules are the other laws given at Sinai. God spoke these laws to Moses and told him to teach them to Israel (Exodus 21–Leviticus 27).
Deut. 4:15–19 Because God does not have a visible form, the worship of idols and images is prohibited (see the second commandment, 5:8–9).
Deut. 4:20 The people should worship the Lord because he saved them from slavery in Egypt (iron furnace; see also 1 Kings 8:51; Jer. 11:4). his own inheritance. Israel enjoys the privilege of being God’s special family (see Deut. 9:26, 29).
Deut. 4:21–22 because of you. See note on 1:37–38. good land. Compare 1:25, 35. The repeated emphasis encourages Israel to enter the land.
Deut. 4:23–24 Take care suggests how easy it is to fall into idolatry (see v. 19). consuming fire (compare 5:25; 9:3). God is jealous for his people’s faithfulness.
Deut. 4:27–28 scatter. See 28:64–68. few in number. See 28:62. The punishment for idolatry is exile to a pagan land.
Deut. 4:29–30 Exile is not the end. There remains hope of repentance and return (see 30:1–10). with all your heart and . . . soul. See note on 6:5.
Deut. 4:31 merciful. God’s mercy does not contradict his jealous anger (v. 24; compare 5:9–10; Ex. 34:6–7). God is merciful because of his covenant with Abraham (Deut. 4:23; 9:27; 30:5, 20; compare Rom. 3:3–4). He will maintain his covenant, even if Israel forgets it.
Fact: Forgetting the name of God
Forgetting the name of God (44:20). Many of the pagan religions of OT times taught that a god’s power was tied directly to its name. The false prophets of Jeremiah’s time believed that, if they could erase God’s name from the people’s memory, they would follow Baal instead (Jer. 23:26–27). However, God does not forget his people, even when they have forgotten him (Deut. 4:31).
Deut. 4:32–34 The Lord’s approach to Israel at Sinai was unique. By a mighty hand and an outstretched arm represents God’s power (see 7:19; 11:2; 26:8; Ex. 3:19–20).
Deut. 4:35–36 there is no other. The Bible clearly teaches monotheism, that is, belief in only one true God (compare Mark 12:32).
Deut. 4:37–39 loved. A key theme of Deuteronomy is God’s love for the patriarchs (compare 10:15) and for his people in general (5:10; 7:9; 23:5).
Deut. 1:6–4:43 Moses’ First Speech: Historical Prologue. Moses’ first speech reviews Israel’s past failure at Kadesh; its passing through Edom, Moab, and Ammon without fighting; its successes over Heshbon and Bashan; and the distribution of those two lands. The purpose of chs. 1–3 is not simply to retell history but to use history to persuade Israel to trust God so that they can conquer the land. Chapter 4 is a transition from the history in chs. 1–3 to the repetition of the Ten Commandments in ch. 5.
Deut. 4:41–43 Three cities of refuge are set apart in the east beyond the Jordan. A person guilty of unpremeditated murder could flee to one of these cities to escape revenge from the dead person’s family. In 19:1–13, three cities west of the Jordan are set apart for the same purpose. Compare Num. 35:9–28.
Deut. 5:1 Statutes and the rules covers all the ethical teaching of Deuteronomy.
Deut. 5:3 Not with our fathers . . . but with us. God made his covenant at Horeb (Exodus 19–24) with the previous generation of Israel. However, it applies to the current generation just as it did to their parents. See notes on Deut. 1:20–21 and 1:29–31.
Deut. 5:6 The Ten Commandments begin by taking note of Israel’s preexisting relationship with the Lord (your God). Obedience to the laws does not earn the relationship but is in response to it.
Deut. 5:8 God’s people shall not worship any carved image of him (see 4:12, 15–19, 23). At Horeb, God’s revelation of himself was audible but not visible.
Deut. 5:9–10 jealous. See 4:24 and note on 4:23–24. visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the . . . fourth generation. This punishment is not for those who follow the Lord but for those who hate him. Such people may suffer the effects of their ancestors’ sins or even continue in the same sins. See also Ex. 34:6–7. For those who love God, his steadfast love far outlasts the effects of sin on future generations.
Deut. 5:11 To take the name of the Lord is to utter it, as in an oath. In vain means “for a worthless purpose.” For example, one should not use God’s name when making a vow or an oath that he or she does not intend to fulfill. The commandment also prohibits assigning the wrong character or motive to God (such as in 1:27).
Deut. 5:12–14 Sabbath rest also applies to domestic animals and to the sojourner who is within your gates. These were foreigners who became permanent residents in Israel and followed its rules but who could not own land (see note on 1:16–17). The work prohibited on the Sabbath is not defined here, but see Ex. 34:21; 35:3; Num. 15:32–36.
Deut. 5:15 In Ex. 20:11, Israel is told to keep the Sabbath as an imitation of God’s rest after the creation (see Gen. 2:1–3; compare Ex. 31:17). Here, the motivation for keeping the Sabbath is Israel’s liberation from slavery.
Deut. 5:16 that your days may be long. See also 4:40; 6:2. This does not mean merely a long life, but a life filled with God’s presence and favor: that it may go well with you.
Deut. 5:17 You shall not murder. The verb used here includes both intentional and accidental killing (compare 19:4–6; Num. 35:22–25). However, this verb is never used in the OT to describe killing in war.
Deut. 5:18 you shall not commit adultery. This specific law forbids having sexual relations with a person married to someone else. A later section (21:10–23:14) gives more detailed laws about other kinds of sexual sin.
Deut. 5:20 you shall not bear false witness. The term “bear witness” suggests a legal trial in which false testimony could lead to unfair punishment for the neighbor. For detailed laws concerning false witness, see 19:16–21; 25:1–16. For the importance of telling the truth, see Lev. 19:11.
Deut. 5:1–21 These verses restate the Ten Commandments (Ex. 20:1–17). The detailed laws recorded later, in Deuteronomy 12–26, follow the general pattern of these ten laws. This suggests that they are a summary of God’s requirements for his people. All but the Sabbath commandment (5:12–15) and the commandment against carved images (vv. 8–10) are explicitly reinforced in the NT.
Deut. 5:32–33 not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. God’s way is a straight path. See also 17:11; 28:14. walk in all the way. See also 10:12; 30:16.
Deut. 6:3 milk and honey. This description of the land is an added incentive to obedience. See also 11:9; 26:15.
Deut. 6:4 Hear, O Israel. This verse is called the Shema, from the Hebrew word for “hear.” The LORD our God, the LORD is one. See ESV footnote. The Lord alone is Israel’s God. It is a statement of exclusivity. Compare ch. 4; and 5:6–7.
Fact: Shema
Deuteronomy 6:4 is called the Shema, from the Hebrew word for “hear.” Today many people of the Jewish faith fulfill the commands of 6:8–9 literally: They write Bible verses on pieces of paper, place them in small boxes, and then they either tie the boxes to their arm or their forehead, or attach them to the doorposts of their home.
Deut. 6:5 love. See 4:37. all. Because the Lord alone is Israel’s God, they should give him their exclusive and total devotion. Israelites are to love the Lord with all their heart, soul, and might. Jesus called this the “great and first commandment” (Matt. 22:38). In quoting the commandment, Jesus added “with all your mind” (Matt. 22:37). In early Hebrew, “heart” included what today is called the “mind.”
Fact: Renewed minds
Renewed minds. Christians sometimes distinguish between “head knowledge” and “heart knowledge.” But the Bible clearly teaches that we are to love and serve the Lord with all that we are, including both our hearts and our minds (4:23; see Deut. 6:5; Matt. 22:37).
Fact: Phylacteries
Phylacteries (23:5) were small cube-shaped leather cases that were tied to the left arms and foreheads of Jewish men attending the synagogue. In the cases were passages of Scripture written on pieces of parchment. This was done in an effort to literally fulfill the OT command to keep the words of the Lord on their hands and between their eyes (Ex. 13:9; Deut. 6:8).
Deut. 6:7–9 The two pairs of opposites—sit/walk and lie down/rise—suggest that the teaching is to take place at any and all opportunities. bind them . . . write them. Many Jews have fulfilled these commands literally, placing the text of vv. 4–5 and other Scripture verses in boxes bound on the arm and forehead (v. 8) or attached to doorposts (v. 9). See also 11:18–20.
Fact: Shema
Deuteronomy 6:4 is called the Shema, from the Hebrew word for “hear.” Today many people of the Jewish faith fulfill the commands of 6:8–9 literally: They write Bible verses on pieces of paper, place them in small boxes, and then they either tie the boxes to their arm or their forehead, or attach them to the doorposts of their home.
Deut. 6:12 To forget the LORD is a moral problem, parallel to disobedience (8:11).
Deut. 6:13 fear. See 4:10. Jesus quotes this verse to Satan in the wilderness (Matt. 4:10).
Deut. 6:14–15 other gods. As seen elsewhere in Deuteronomy, the greatest tragedy for Israel would be unfaithfulness to God (compare 4:16–19; 8:11–20). jealous. See 4:24 and note on 4:23–24.
Deut. 6:16 You shall not put the LORD your God to the test. Testing God is an act of disobedience and shows a lack of trust in him. Jesus quoted this verse during his wilderness temptations (Matt. 4:7).
Deut. 6:20–24 What is the meaning . . . ? When future Israelite children ask their parents the reason for any law, the parents should explain how the law relates to their being freed from slavery in Egypt. See also 5:6; Ex. 12:26.
Deut. 6:25 Righteousness for us does not mean righteousness as a means of salvation. In this context, it means simply that keeping the Passover is the right thing to do. See also 24:13.
S4:042 Deuteronomy 4-6
Listen NowDive Deeper | Deuteronomy 4-6
In Deuteronomy 4-6, Moses reflects on Israel's past failures to exhort a new generation of Israelites to diligently heed God's commandments, fear Him, and avoid idolatry. In Deuteronomy 4:44-45, Moses defines the law as "the testimonies, the statutes, and the rules":
- Testimonies, because the law of God testifies to the nature of His character;
- Statutes and rules, because the words of the Supreme God exact a debt of obedience.
Why was the law important to Israel? As God's chosen nation, God designed it to be a testimony to the nations. By keeping God's commandments, Israel would testify to the world about God's righteousness and Israel's own God-given wisdom and understanding (Deuteronomy 4:5-8). Two primary motivations for Israel to keep God's law were: (1) a proper understanding of who God is, and (2) God's promised blessings to Israel if they remained obedient. Before Moses even introduces the law in chapter 5, he spends the majority of Deuteronomy 4:9-40 painting a proper depiction of who God is—the only God and a jealous God—and how His people should relate to Him by fearing Him, worshiping Him alone, and obeying Him.
Moses proclaims to Israel in Deuteronomy 6:24 that obeying and fearing the Lord works for their good. God, in His goodness, promised blessings to Israel if they kept His law. The call to fear and obey God and the promised blessings for obedience are recurring themes throughout chapters 4-6.
In 1 Corinthians 10:11, Paul tells us that the story of Israel was written for our instruction and admonition. And, in 1 Peter 1:14-19, Peter directs his readers, as followers of Christ, to be "obedient children" of a holy Father and to "conduct yourselves with fear." Like the Israelites, we, too, should be motivated by a proper understanding of who God is and by His promises to us, which are both revealed in Scripture.
This month's memory verse
"Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might."
– Deuteronomy 6:4-5
Discussion Questions
1. Is your view of God defined by culture or by how God revealed Himself in the Scriptures?
2. In what ways has the world made false images of God? Have you ever had a false image of God that differed from Jesus Christ, the image of God (Colossians 1:15) as revealed by Scripture?
3. Is your drive to obey God foremost motivated by the knowledge of who He is (relationship-oriented) or by the expected benefits of obedience (i.e., "vending machine mentality")?
4. Read 1 Peter 1:14-19. As a follower of Christ, do you feel uncomfortable or struggle with the fear of the Lord? If so, why?
5. Read 1 John 2:3-6. Have you ever been tempted to think that Christ's sacrifice on the cross frees us from our spiritual mandate to obey God? If so, why do you think that is? How should we respond when God's commandments seem hard to follow or require us to surrender certain pleasures?