Deuteronomy 10: The Memory of Moses

Is it just me or does Moses have a bit of a memory problem?

This is becoming a pattern. Maybe we should be concerned. See, a few chapters back he told us that the idea for spying out the land came not from God, but from some of the people and he agreed to it.

He also said that he wasn’t going to enter the land because God was upset with him on the people’s account. Not because he didn’t know how to bring water out of a rock. 

Now he is claiming that he built the ark. Twice.

What?

No, you commanded it to be built. Bezalel and Oholiab built that thing.

You doing ok, Moses? I mean, I know you are 120 years old but this seems a bit out of character for you.

Because you also think that the Levites were created as a result of Aaron’s death. That’s not what happened in Numbers.

Maybe you should lie down.

What the LORD Requires

Are you ready? This is kind of a big deal. In Deuteronomy 10, we finally find out exactly what God requires of his people! Hooray!

• Fear the LORD
• Walk in his ways
• Love him
• Serve him with all your heart and soul
• Keep his commandments and decrees.

What? That’s it? That’s the same stuff this book has been repeating over and over and over again!

What possible reason could you have for saying things like this so many times? Why on earth would Moses, in his farewell speech, repeat so often that obedience to God’s laws are life to God’s people? Why would he need to remind them that their whole lives, even in their hearts and souls, are lived in obedience?

I seriously can’t think of anything.

Further Proof

I don’t know why I am so proud of myself for this, but a few chapters ago I noticed that the whole law given in Deuteronomy was framed within Israel’s story. I have noticed the two things being linked ever since. I even coined a catchy little phrase:

Statutes need a story.

Chapter 10 did not disappoint!

You shall also love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt. You shall fear the Lord your God; him alone you shall worship; to him you shall hold fast, and by his name you shall swear. He is your praise; he is your God, who has done for you these great and awesome things that your own eyes have seen. Your ancestors went down to Egypt seventy persons; and now the Lord your God has made you as numerous as the stars in heaven.

You love strangers because you were strangers.

You worship God because he has been faithful to you and your people.

Statutes need a story. Obedience makes no sense if it is not tied to a story.

Don’t forget your story! I’m looking at you, Moses!