Deuteronomy 29:1-29
We find in this chapter that there is a difference between the covenant made at Sinai, or Horeb, and that made here in the land of Moab. At Sinai it was pure law, which if they had remained under, God would have had to cut them off from being a nation. But since the sacrifices had been instituted, God could go on with His people, not according to the full purposes of His grace which will be made good in a coming day through the work of Christ, but, as it were, in government mingled with mercy. They are therefore reminded here of how the Lord had cared for them every step of their wilderness journey. Their clothes had not worn out, nor their shoes. They had not needed any stimulants, nor bread for food since God had fed them with manna from heaven. He had given them the victory over their enemies, too, when they came out against them. How wondrous His grace, but they did not have eyes to see, ears to hear, nor a heart to appreciate what the Lord had done for them. Surely it all shows that no external manifestation of God’s power or goodness will change the heart of man, for unless God by His Spirit works, there is nothing abiding.
An Appeal to Walk in Obedience
This touching appeal for them to walk in obedience was made before all the people, even with their little ones and their servants present. It was an individual thing that applied to all, even to those who were not there to hear it. How precious to think that we are never lost in the crowd to God. He knows us individually, and seeks our blessing according to His own purposes of love and grace. There is a solemn warning here to anyone who hardened his heart in the face of this lovely appeal, and thought he could do as he liked without hearkening to the voice of the Lord, Surely there are many such today who presume to go on in their sins and despise the grace of God. They will not, however, escape the judgment of God, as we find from our chapter. God’s judgment will be openly manifested before all some day, especially upon the fair lands of Christendom, just as it has already been upon Israel.
The Secret of Israel’s Blessing
How lovely to find, at the end of the chapter, that the Lord had better things in view for His people, but for the time they must remain a secret. The telling of the secret things which belonged to the Lord awaited the accomplishment of the work of Christ, and the coming of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. Now, as we read the chapters that follow here, with their precious prophecies of Israel’s future blessings, we can rejoice in them, for the Spirit is here to guide us into all truth. If Israel had sought to “keep all the words of this law” they would have proved the blessings that are revealed here, but the richer and fuller blessings are still in store for them, though they will not know or enjoy them nationally until the Spirit is poured upon them from on high (Isaiah 32:15).
It is precious, at this point, to think of how we, the church, have been brought into a still more wonderful secret than that of Israel’s blessing. We have learned by the same Spirit the marvelous truth of the church as the bride of Christ. We are members of His body, to share with Him as His bride (in the nearest possible place), His headship over all things in that future day. What unbounded grace to us, who were Gentiles outside of all these covenants and promises.
Further Meditations
1. What are some of the practical ways in which God cared for Israel during their wilderness journey?
2. What are some of the scriptures that show what God has in store for His earthly people Israel? You can start your search in Isaiah 11 and begin writing a very long list.
3. Surprisingly enough Hopes of the Church by J. N. Darby provides a wonderful view of the future blessing of Israel that is both refreshing and encouraging to the soul.