Beginning with Deuteronomy 4, Moses is no longer speaking of the past Israelite experiences. He now addresses the congregation in the present with exhortations and reminders. He instructs the Israelites (this 2nd generation) to listen to both the statutes and rules that he is continuing to teach them, for the express purpose of them obeying them, for in such devotion to God, they will find life. Because God’s Word is perfect, they must not add or remove anything from His commandments. They saw the immediate judgment of God upon the rebellious apostates at Baal-peor, with 23,000 people being destroyed by God.
But these people, still alive, did not follow those rebels, instead clinging to the Word of God. And they must continue to obey them as they enter the Promised Land. Not only are they to do them, but they are also to guard and protect them. This will display their measure of loyalty to Yahweh, but it will also be the display of their wisdom as a nation to all the pagan people groups around them. It won’t be some type of academic success, military prowess, or accumulation of wealth. Rather, the people around them will declare that “this great nation is a wise and understanding people” because it will be evident how close and accessible their God is, and it will be clear that they have the most righteous statutes and rules of any nation around … a tribute to the righteousness of their God.
You can listen to this teaching on Deuteronomy 4:1-8 by clicking on the following link: For What Great Nation
