Day 39 Reading Schedule: Deuteronomy 28-32

Deuteronomy 28: Curses and Blessings According to Obedience to the Law 

[Overview]

This chapter mentions the specific contents of the blessings and curses according to obedience to the law proclaimed in the previous chapter. First, the contents of personal blessings according to obedience are presented: you will be blessed in all areas of your life (verses 1-6), and you will be blessed to be the head and excel over all people (verses 7-14). On the other hand, the curses that fall on those who disobey are that they will fail in all areas of their lives (verses 15-24), be exploited by their enemies (verses 25-35), and become a laughingstock among all people (verses 36-45). On the other hand, these curses apply not only to individuals but also to all of Israel. Therefore, it is declared that those who do not obey the law will be destroyed by foreign nations, placed in a miserable state, and scattered throughout the earth as slaves (verses 47-48).

Chapter 28 of Deuteronomy is a section where the blessings for obedience to the word and the curses for disobedience are sharply contrasted. Moses specifically mentions the contents of blessings and curses and advises the Israelites to make wise choices. Today, all believers should listen to the unique structure of Moses’s exhortation and the contents of the exhortation to hear the voice of God. Even today, the Word is the only essential element in the lives of our believers.

Deuteronomy 29: Renewal of the Covenant on the Plains of Moab 

[Overview]

This chapter records the covenant made in the land of Moab. The Moabite Covenant is not different from the Horeb Covenant, but refers to the same content that Moses reminded the second generation born in the wilderness once more. Moses first recalled the Exodus of Israel and their 40 years of wilderness life and reminded them of God’s grace (verses 1-9). Then, he commanded that a covenant be made with all the people before God, fearing that the new generation would abandon God and serve idols after entering the land of Canaan (verses 10-21). Finally, he declared the curses that would follow disobedience to the law in order to raise awareness (verses 22-29).

After Moses had discussed in detail the blessings and curses that would follow obedience to the law in the previous chapter, he now makes a covenant with God on the Plains of Moab with the new generation that would enter Canaan. For the new generation who could not participate in the Horeb Covenant, this Moab Plains Covenant was essential. This covenant, which continues up to chapter 30, summarizes the contents of the covenant well, and in particular, this chapter describes God who led Israel with grace and describes in depth the judgment of those who break the covenant.

Deuteronomy 30: Moses' exhortation to observe the law 

[Overview]

This chapter concludes Moses' last sermon, opening the way for Israel to return to God even if they are cursed for disobeying the law. Moses says that even if they are cursed for disobeying the law, they will be blessed if they remember the law again, repent, and return to God (verses 1-10). These laws are not difficult at all; anyone can keep them and should always keep them in mind and practice them (verses 11-14). Finally, Moses swears a blessing and a curse with heaven and earth as witnesses and once again urges them to observe the law (verses 15-20).

Following the previous chapter, Moses records the covenant between Israel and God on the plains of Moab in this chapter. This chapter especially talks in detail about obeying the word of Jehovah and specifically about keeping the law. It emphasizes that the provisions of the law are not for the sake of law itself, but are specific and practical words that regulate the lives of the people of Israel.

Deuteronomy 31: Moses' Last Ministry 

[Overview]

This chapter records Moses' personal will to the Israelites before his death. Moses encouraged the Israelites that God would help them and encouraged his successor, Joshua, to trust in God and be strong and courageous (verses 1-8). Meanwhile, Moses wrote down all the laws and gave them to the leaders, commanding them to read them in front of the people and teach them to their children (verses 9-13). Finally, Moses prophesied that Israel would betray God and be judged (verses 14-18), and wrote a song about God's grace and laws for them to sing so that they could serve as a lesson for future generations (verses 19-30).

Moses, who preached the law again to the new generation of Israel who were about to enter Canaan, is now almost at the end, and is preparing for his death by informing the people about his end and writing a song to prophesy the future of Israel. This process also included appointing Joshua as his successor and ensuring that Israel would be established after his death. This chapter deals with Moses' preparations for his death.

Deuteronomy 32: The Testament of Moses 

[Overview]

This chapter records Moses' song foretelling the future fall of Israel and God's judgment. Through this song, Moses wanted to prevent the fall of Israel and have them repent and return to God even after their fall. Moses first sang about how much the just and upright God loved and protected Israel (verses 1-14). This is to show how evil Israel's betrayal was in comparison. However, he foretells that Israel will betray God and receive God's wrath and be destroyed (verses 15-25). However, God did not lose His love for His people even in the midst of judgment, and delivered a message of hope that He would destroy Israel's enemies and save them (verses 26-41). Moses delivered this song to the Israelites, and God informed Moses of his impending death (verses 42-52).

This chapter records a song that Moses composed and sang for the Israelites. This long song is relatively simple in its content, singing of Israel's apostasy and God's judgment. Ultimately, it is a gloomy prophecy about the future of God's people. However, this song does not say that Israel will perish, but rather that God will have Israel repent and return to God, so it can be said to have hopeful content.