Deuteronomy 4:1-14: Remembering When and Why
WEDDINGS ARE life-changing events for everyone from the bride and groom to their parents and their friends. That may be one of the reasons that so much planning goes into a wedding and the service is so elaborate. The bride in her white dress accompanied by her attendants, the groom and groomsmen in their tuxedos, the walk down the aisle. These rituals show outwardly that this is a turning point in life. In the years to come the wedding service will become a fond memory to be shared with children and mused on in passing moments between husband and wife.
The giving of the Ten Commandments was just such a life-changing event. Not just for two people, but for a couple of million people. In fact, in many ways it was like a marriage ceremony. Israel was making a commitment to God and God was making a commitment to Israel. And so God made sure that there was an elaborate display of his glory. God wanted to create an event that would be recalled with reverence and awe by generations to come.
Warming Up to God
Recall a time when God seemed very close and caring. What impressed you about him, and what difference did it make in your life? How can recalling that previous experience be a help and encouragement to you right now?
Read Deuteronomy 4:1-14. »
Discovering the Word
- What responsibilities do the Israelites have regarding the law (look throughout the passage)?
- What benefits were to come to Israel through the Ten Commandments?
- How was the law to make Israel an international witness (vv. 6-8)?
- If you were standing at the mountain when the law was given, according to verses 11-13, what would you have seen and heard?
- How would it have affected your attitude toward the law?
Applying the Word
- In what ways might we add to or subtract from God's law (v. 2)?
- What benefits have come to you through God's laws?
- Moses warns Israel to be careful so they won't forget or let God's Word "slip" from their hearts. Note several things you can do to keep God's laws fresh in your heart and mind.
Responding in Prayer
Ask God to give you an appreciation for his law. Pray that your faithful obedience to his law will make you a witness to others who don't yet know the privilege and freedom of obedience to him.
For Further Study
The Ten Commandments by Rob Suggs