By Douglas K. Wilson, Ph.D.
Dean of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
GOD IS HONORED
Deuteronomy 4:1–9
An entire generation of Israelites failed to honor God after He delivered them from bondage in Egypt. The book of Numbers records their continual acts of rebellion against God, His appointed leaders and His commandments. They wandered from the wilderness of Sinai (aka Horeb) to Kadesh Barnea (in Zin) to Moab. As they made preparation for entering the promised land, Israelite men committed both physical and spiritual adultery at Peor in Moab (Num. 25:1–5).
God wanted Israel to honor His covenant with them, but they dishonored God and themselves.
Listen (1–5)
Several times in Deuteronomy, Moses called for Israel to listen (4:1, 5:1, 6:4 and 9:1, among others). This call meant more than simply acknowledging that God had spoken. To listen means both to hear and to heed, with the expectation of acting upon what has been communicated.
The group of men who prostituted themselves with the women of Moab, who bowed down and worshipped the fertility god Baal at Peor, were executed for their idolatry. They had not listened to Moses at Sinai, and they suffered for it.
Walking in covenant with God requires listening, and those who ignore God’s words face His judgment.
Honor (6–8)
Consider this legal reality: persons taken into custody will be read their Miranda rights. They may listen to those rights or not. They may choose to speak or to remain silent. If they choose to speak, they are inviting a prosecutor to use their words against themselves.
It takes more than listening to laws for justice to be done; those laws must also be honored.
Such is the case with Moses’ message to Israel. This passage begins with the words “carefully follow them.” Moses explained that Israel’s obedience would be a testimony to the surrounding nations. After all, God had called Israel to be a “royal priesthood” (Ex. 19:6) and to reflect God’s holiness (Lev. 11:44–45).
These commands were not simply words to be heard; they were to be honored and followed. Our Lord Jesus issued a similar calling to the disciples: “Follow Me” (Matt. 4:19 and 9:9). He also warned His listeners that hearing His words was insufficient. We must act upon them (Matt. 7:21 and 24–27).
Teach (9)
The first generation of Israelites from Egypt spent their time complaining. They complained about a pursuing army, an unchanging food supply, tainted water and dissatisfaction with leadership. Rather than passing on the Ten Commandments (and other instructions) to their children, they griped and complained about their discomfort.
By contrast, the second generation was specifically instructed to “teach them to your children and grandchildren.” The word for “teach” here is a causative form of the verb “to know.” In other words, parents and grandparents were commanded to “cause the family to know” what God had done and what God had spoken. This instruction is not to be rote memory by mere repetition; the content was to be presented in such a way that children would truly learn it.
How would this be possible? How could parents and grandparents make their children learn these things? The answer is this: in order to teach God’s revelation, one must first know it and live it.
Moses addressed Israel as if speaking to each individual: “Be on your guard and diligently watch yourselves [literally, “watch yourself”], so that you don’t forget the things your eyes have seen and so that they don’t slip from your mind.” Later, he said: “These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart” (Deut. 6:6).
In Ephesians 6:4, Paul wrote: “Fathers, don’t stir up anger in your children, but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” Spiritual leadership requires words and actions of faith.
Share with others: