Read Deuteronomy 10:12-22
Helpful Background Information:
The book of Deuteronomy was written by Moses, as the last book he wrote before his death. This passage functions as a summary of what God requires of Israel, considering their rebellious past. The truth is that Israel would not hold tightly to this passage and would go on to continue in their rebellious actions.
Circumcision, as referenced in verse 16, was a way that the Israelite people were to mark themselves before the Lord. In this passage, Moses is telling the people of Israel to bear the mark of their faith on their hearts and to be obedient to God. This action was meant to set them aside spiritually from the rest of the world, as God’s chosen people. It also displays how God’s desire is for the inner transformation of His people, as opposed to blind rule-following.
As Moses spoke to the Israelite people about Egypt, he was speaking to the people who God had taken out of the land of Egypt. They were the people from Exodus.
The fear of the Lord, as described in this passage, is meant to come forth from a realization of one’s awareness of how unworthy they are before the holy God. However, as Christians we are able to approach God with confidence because of Jesus (1 John 2:28, 5:14-15).
Reflection Questions:
How does this passage describe obedience? Why is that important for God? What role does Jesus play in this?
In verse 19, Moses tells the Israelites to love foreigners. What does this say about God’s will for His people in relationship to the world around them? How is the church meant to participate in God’s love for the nations of the world?
This passage describes how God wanted Israel to circumcise their hearts. How can your heart change to look more like Christ? What are sins in your life you need to leave behind? How can Jesus help with this?