An Exhortation to Obedience

Deuteronomy 4:1–10
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This chapter concludes Moses’ review of Israel’s wilderness journey. Moses stops talking about Israel’s past and emphasizes the present. He wanted to make sure that the people did not soon forget all they had seen God do. At the same time he wanted Israel to know the importance of keeping God’s laws and statues. They were not to delete from or add to the law (v. 2). To add to the law would make them a burden. This is what the religious leaders did at the time of Christ (Matthew 23:1-4). To subtract from the laws would make them incomplete. Therefore the laws were to remain unchanged (vv. 1-2).

1. One purpose of the law was to give the Israelites a full life as they obeyed God (vv. 1-4). It is true that many of the laws we read in the books of Moses were specifically directed to the people of that time and culture. However, even though a specific law may not apply to us today it has a principle that does apply.
2. Another purpose of the law is to make Israel morally and spiritually unique (vv. 5-8). If she would obey the instructions she would be the envy of all Nations. God’s laws were designed to guide all people toward life styles that are healthy, upright and devoted to God. They point out sin (or the potential for sin) and show the proper way to deal with it (v. 8). Moses wanted to make sure that the people did not forget all that they had seen God do so he urged parents to teach their children about God’s great miracles (vv. 9-10). 

Application

It is easy to forget the wonderful ways God has worked in the lives of His people. I can remember God’s great acts of faithfulness by telling our children, friends, or associates what we have seen him do in and through our lives.