Old Testament - Deuteronomy 29 - May 19, 2022

 5/19/2022 – Deuteronomy 29

In 29:2 Moses is talking to the Israelites, reminding them of their leaving Egypt and all the amazing blessings that the Lord “did before your eyes”. He then goes on to name them: “the signs and the great miracles” AND “the great temptations”.  The footnotes interpret ‘the great temptations’ they passed through as trials and tests, which were their opportunity to prove themselves. Moses reminds them of the fact that they are now in Canaan, and that they need to remember that this has happened because of the Lord’s help. He goes on to caution them to “keep therefore the words of this covenant, and do them, they ye may prosper in all that ye do.” (29:9).

Moses is also preparing them to make and keep their covenants with the Lord. He reminds them of the good things they should keep in their lives, and he also speaks of the feelings they have in their hearts, their secret thoughts and how these can be a help or a hindrance to themselves. He assures them that if they manage to cast the bad thoughts out, they will truly “in their hearts… have peace” (29:19)

Moses also reminds them of the people throughout the ages who did not keep their hearts pure: “the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboim, which the Lord overthrew in his anger and in his wrath.”  (29:23). I think of the United States, and the entire world, at this time, and the wickedness and meanness that seems to be rising up all around us, and I then think that now it is most important to us, for WE need to ponder those things the Lord told His children so long ago with the promise that doing those things would keep them safe and calm.

Chapter 29 ends with verse 29 “The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of his law.” That’s why making scripture study the first thing I do in my day makes my entire day better, and so much more satisfying. He has given us these scriptures solely for our benefit, and for the benefit of all those who come after us. These scriptures are our greatest treasures. The teach us how to live, they calm our hearts, they bring more happiness and meaning to our lives, they point us in the best directions, and they bring us closer to our Heavenly Father…and that often brings us closer to those around us. They certainly upgrade our efforts, and thus our lives.


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