Deuteronomy 29 Commentary
The many failings in the wilderness mean the LORD God repeats the Laws to Israel as many times – probably even more times.
However, the Law at Horeb and the Law in the plains of Moab are more than reminders of the obvious. At Horeb (Sinai), Israel says yes to the covenant just before the conquest of Canaan. But there is no conquest and the entire generation must be wiped out.
In the plains of Moab, Israel must say yes to the covenant. This is a different generation. They must agree to the terms of the covenant as they enter the Promised Land.
Each generation has its own say on the covenant. Each generation has its own opportunity to serve the LORD. But the Law in the plains of Moab is recorded for successive generations to look at and sign accordingly. Verse 15.
The LORD God makes a covenant and seals it with an oath. Israelites are God’s people. They are to live as God’s people in a kingdom defined by God’s Law.
It means Israel won’t worship idols.
We may remember the wilderness for its troubles: Lack of water, food, and security. But we also have another version. Israel is here today because she survived these killers! Their clothes didn’t wear out. Verse 5.
The saint can remember his affliction. He can also remember the many kindnesses of the LORD God. Interestingly, the troubles weren’t purposeless! Of course, we can talk about the lack of water – the tests. We specifically exclude the afflictions suffered by Israel as a consequence of rebellion against the LORD God.
Suffering can be a lecture room. At another time, it can be a torture chamber. It’s pure grace that the latter can also be a lecture room from which the sinner can escape to salvation.
Apply the Law to the nation and also to the individual. One sinner affects the lot. The lot has the duty to educate individuals concerning the Law of the LORD God. Unlike Cain, this lot must know how to be a brother’s keeper.
The saint learns to pray for others, if that’s all you can do. He grieves when sin is found in one section of the community.
The Law is sufficient. Forget the other things beyond the Law. Leave it God. Do your part. Fulfill the contract conditions. Nothing else matters. Among other things, the last verse underlines and elevates obedience to the Law. It’s everything!
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