Deuteronomy 28:1-6; 15-19
Read Deuteronomy 28:1-6; 15-19
The word for the title of Deuteronomy comes from the Greek words “Deuteros” (Second) and “Nomos” (Law), which together literally means “Second Law.” Deuteronomy records Moses’ last appeal to the Israelites to live in a holy manner before they enter the Promised Land under Joshua. In our passage for today, Moses’ exhortations about keeping the covenant reach a climax.
This covenant is known as the Mosaic Covenant, and unlike the other covenants in Scripture, such as the Abrahamic Covenant from Genesis 15 or the Davidic Covenant, the Mosaic Covenant was conditional or bilateral. If Israel is obedient, then God will bless them, but if they disobey, then God will punish them. The Mosaic Covenant and Law have since been fulfilled by Christ, who kept it perfectly; for this reason, it no longer applies to the New Covenant believer.
Disobedience to the covenant commands (aka “the Law”) showed a lack of faith and love for the God who redeemed them. One of the consequences for disobedience would be Israel forfeiting its right to remain in the Promised Land, which we see take place in the exile in Daniel 1.
In no way did their obedience or disobedience determine their salvation because the Mosaic Law was never meant to save anyone. Faith in God is what saved them. Instead, the Law revealed sinfulness and pointed the way towards the coming of Christ (Gal. 3:24-25). This can be seen in the book of Daniel itself: while the Israelites disobeyed and failed to keep the covenant, the Israelites still remained God’s people, and God remained faithful to them.
Reflection Questions:
Despite their failure, God remained faithful to Daniel and Israel. What does this say about God’s covenant love? How have you seen that faithfulness in your own life?
How does this text inform your understanding of the circumstances Daniel and his friends find themselves in?
Deuteronomy 28 shows how sin has real consequences. List some of the consequences Daniel and his friends had to face because of Israel’s sins. Although we are not under the same covenant as the Israelites, have you experienced or witnessed the consequences of sin in your life?