Deuteronomy 4:10-5:33
The children of Israel are here reminded of how, when God spoke to them at Mount Sinai, they did not see Him at all — only the fire, clouds and darkness, and therefore they must not make any similitude of Him to worship. The one true God who had spoken to them was not to be represented by works of men’s hands, nor were they to worship the sun, moon or stars — not anyone, or anything, but Him. God is a jealous God, and they were to have no other gods beside Him. He warned the children of Israel that if they went after other gods to worship them, He would soon have to drive them out of the wonderful land He was giving them. Then they would have their idols elsewhere, and suffer the sad results of their choice.
God’s Love and Grace
Nevertheless the Lord told them that even in the land of their captivity and scattering, if they turned to Him with all their heart, He would hear them. How gracious the Lord is! Even if it takes trouble to make us turn to Him, He will hear and bless when we do. As to Israel, He will never forget the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and all will be fulfilled on the ground of sovereign grace in a future day. Israel, as well as the Gentiles, can only come into blessing on this one ground — sovereign grace! The Lord reminded His people here that they were the objects of His special favor, and that He had not done for any other nation on the face of the earth what He had done for them. Yes, Israel are God’s earthly people, and He tells them here that He chose them because He loved them — what a touching appeal! Many years later, in a time of their rebellion too, He reminded them that He loved them “with an everlasting love” (Jeremiah 31:3). What a day it will be for that nation when they have a new heart, capable of entering into and responding to that love!
When speaking of Israel’s place as God’s earthly people, it is interesting to contrast the “better thing” of Hebrews 11:40, which is ours. We, the Church, have been brought into a nearer place than Israel, for we are members of the body of Christ and will have the nearest place possible to Him as His bride for all eternity. What an appeal this should have to our hearts!
God told Moses that he was to appoint three cities of refuge on the wilderness side of Jordan for the man-slayer. We have already spoken of the meaning of this in previous papers, but will remark here that for us, Christ is the true “City of Refuge” from coming judgment. Reader, are you safe in Him?
The Law Repeated
In the fifth chapter we find the law — the ten commandments — repeated, for it was upon the ground of obedience to this that the people had entered into a covenant with God. Even when it was given, they were afraid, as Moses reminds them here, and did not want to hear the voice of God again. They failed utterly in keeping it too, and yet how strange to find many in Christendom today who still put themselves under law, and enter into a similar covenant to get blessing on that ground, although God has solemnly declared that “by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in His sight” (Romans 3:20). Israel’s trial under law only proved that there was no good in man, and when they finally rejected and crucified Christ, the trial was over. Christ then bore the curse of the broken law in order forever to deliver from it those who trust in Him.
Further Meditations
1. What reason did God give for choosing Israel as His earthly people?
2. God’s faithfulness to His promises is essential to the blessing of His people. In addition to this portion in Deuteronomy where else in God’s Word is that principle shown?
3. A very refreshing little booklet on the subject of God’s faithfulness and delight to bless can be found in J. G. Bellett’s booklet God Exceeds His Promises.