Journal Through the Bible: Week 26 Saturday

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Deuteronomy 4:25-49

Moses predicted that the people would not be able to keep their covenant with God and called upon heaven and earth to be witnesses against them. But even when reproving them he gave them words of comfort. God would not cast them off forever. In the meantime, he reminded them of the glorious things that had been done on their behalf.

For ask now of the days that are past, which were before thee, since the day that God created man upon the earth, and ask from the one side of heaven unto the other, whether there hath been any such thing as this great this is, or hath been heard like it? Did ever people hear the voice of God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as thou hast heard, and live? Or hath God assayed to go and take him a nation from the midst of another nation, by temptations, by signs, and by wonders, and by war, and by a mighty hand, and by a stretched out arm, and by great terrors, according to all that the LORD your God did for you in Egypt before your eyes? (vv.32-34)

The answer is "no." It is purely by grace that all these things happened to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob! (v. 37)

Does God issue any commands in this passage?

• Through Moses God commanded them to keep His statutes and commandments.

Does God make any promises?

• Through Moses God promises to forgive and restore, even in the latter days.

Does this passage teach anything about Jesus?

• This passage is a testimony of the patience, mercy, and grace of God that is given to man upon the redemptive work of Jesus Christ.
• At the end of Moses' sermon he told of the 3 cities of refuge to the east of the Jordan River that were set aside. These cities are a picture of Jesus, our protection and defense.

Does this passage teach anything about yet-future events?

• When Moses told the people that they would rebel against God and be scattered among the nations he also told them that they would be restored "in the latter days" (v. 30) if they would turn to the LORD and be obedient. This is happening in these latter days and will continue to happen in the future. Many will repent and believe on Jesus the Messiah (even Revelation tells of 144,000 that will do so) and God will keep His part of the covenant with them (v.31).