Deuteronomy 10
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1At that time Yahweh said to me, “Cut two stone tablets like the first, and come up to me onto the mountain, and make an ark of wood. 2I will write on the tablets the words that were on the first tablets which you broke, and you shall put them in the ark.” 3So I made an ark of acacia wood, and cut two stone tablets like the first, and went up onto the mountain, having the two tablets in my hand. 4He wrote on the tablets, according to the first writing, the ten commandments, which Yahweh spoke to you on the mountain out of the middle of the fire in the day of the assembly: and Yahweh gave them to me. 5I turned and came down from the mountain, and put the tablets in the ark which I had made; and there they are as Yahweh commanded me. 6(The children of Israel traveled from Beeroth Bene Jaakan to Moserah. There Aaron died, and there he was buried; and Eleazar his son ministered in the priest’s office in his place. 7From there they traveled to Gudgodah; and from Gudgodah to Jotbathah, a land of brooks of water. 8At that time Yahweh set apart the tribe of Levi, to bear the ark of Yahweh’s covenant, to stand before Yahweh to minister to him, and to bless in his name, to this day. 9Therefore Levi has no portion nor inheritance with his brothers; Yahweh is his inheritance, according as Yahweh your God spoke to him.) 10I stayed on the mountain, as at the first time, forty days and forty nights: and Yahweh listened to me that time also; Yahweh would not destroy you. 11Yahweh said to me, “Arise, take your journey before the people; and they shall go in and possess the land, which I swore to their fathers to give to them.” 12Now, Israel, what does Yahweh your God require of you, but to fear Yahweh your God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve Yahweh your God with all your heart and with all your soul, 13to keep Yahweh’s commandments and statutes, which I command you today for your good? 14Behold, to Yahweh your God belongs heaven and the heaven of heavens, the earth, with all that is therein. 15Only Yahweh had a delight in your fathers to love them, and he chose their offspring after them, even you above all peoples, as it is today. 16Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiff-necked. 17For Yahweh your God, he is God of gods, and Lord of lords, the great God, the mighty, and the awesome, who doesn’t respect persons, nor takes reward. 18He does execute justice for the fatherless and widow, and loves the foreigner, in giving him food and clothing. 19Therefore love the foreigner; for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt. 20You shall fear Yahweh your God; you shall serve him; and you shall cling to him, and you shall swear by his name. 21He is your praise, and he is your God, who has done for you these great and awesome things, which your eyes have seen. 22Your fathers went down into Egypt with seventy persons; and now Yahweh your God has made you as the stars of the sky for multitude.
World English Bible (public domain)
“And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, and to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul,”
Deuteronomy 10:12
Summary
In Deuteronomy chapter 10, Moses reiterates the covenant relationship between God and Israel following the incident with the golden calf. He recounts how God instructed him to carve two new tablets of stone, symbolizing a fresh start for the people. This act of God’s grace emphasizes His willingness to forgive and restore His people despite their failures. Moses then emphasizes the importance of obedience to God’s laws and commands, reminding the Israelites to love the Lord with all their heart and soul as a response to His faithfulness and grace. The chapter also highlights God's unique love for Israel, which is not based on their merits but on God's sovereign choice. Moses reminds the people that they were chosen to be His people and, as such, are called to be a reflection of God's holiness and justice in the world. Additionally, he encourages them to care for the vulnerable, including the orphan, widow, and foreigner, as a demonstration of their covenant commitment. Overall, Deuteronomy 10 serves as a reminder of the importance of heart obedience to God’s commands, the significance of covenant identity, and the call to live out one’s faith through loving actions towards others. This chapter underscores the theological significance of grace, love, and community responsibility, inviting readers to reflect on their own faithfulness to God and to one another.
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Chapter outline
How Deuteronomy 10 unfolds
Deuteronomy 10:1–5 New Tablets and the Ark
God instructs Moses to create new stone tablets and an ark to hold them, representing a renewal of the covenant after the golden calf incident.
Deuteronomy 10:6–9 Levi's Unique Role
Moses recounts the death of Aaron and highlights the special role of the Levites in serving God and maintaining the covenant.
Deuteronomy 10:10–11 Moses' Intercession
Moses recalls his forty-day intercession for Israel, emphasizing God's mercy and His command for Israel to enter the promised land.
Deuteronomy 10:12–15 Requirements of God
Moses reminds Israel of God's expectations: to fear Him, walk in His ways, and love Him, reaffirming their covenant identity.
Deuteronomy 10:16–19 Heart Obedience
Moses calls for a heart circumcision, urging the Israelites to respond to God's love and to care for the vulnerable among them.
Deuteronomy 10:20–22 Praise and Remembrance
Moses emphasizes the importance of clinging to God and remembering their origin, reflecting on God's faithfulness and their significant growth.
Key verses
Deuteronomy 10:12Deuteronomy 10:12 summarizes God's expectations, highlighting the essence of covenant obedience and the relational aspect of faith.
Main themes in Deuteronomy 10
Covenant Relationship
The theme of covenant relationship is prominently featured in Deuteronomy 10, particularly in verse 12, where Moses outlines God's expectations for His people. This chapter develops the idea by reminding Israel that their identity is intertwined with their unique status as God's chosen nation, which carries both privileges and responsibilities. Understanding this covenant relationship is crucial for Israel as they navigate their role in God's overarching plan for humanity.
Grace and Forgiveness
God's grace and forgiveness are clearly illustrated in Deuteronomy 10, especially in verses 1-5, where Moses is instructed to create new tablets for the law. This act symbolizes God's readiness to forgive Israel's transgressions and emphasizes His desire to restore their broken relationship. The chapter reinforces that grace is integral to Israel's covenant identity, encouraging them to renew their commitment to God in light of His enduring mercy.
Obedience to God's Commands
Obedience to God's commands is emphasized in Deuteronomy 10, particularly in verses 12-13, where Moses specifies what God requires of His people. The chapter urges Israel to align their hearts with God's will, highlighting that genuine obedience arises from a place of love and reverence for Him. This obedience is portrayed as essential for fulfilling their covenantal responsibilities and maintaining their relationship with God.
Social Justice and Care for the Vulnerable
The call to social justice is made clear in verses 18-19, where Moses urges Israel to care for the orphan, widow, and foreigner. This demand reflects God's own justice and compassion, showing that their faithfulness to the covenant extends beyond themselves. The chapter stresses that caring for the vulnerable is a key component of their identity.
Cross-references
Passages that echo Deuteronomy 10
- Micah 6Micah 6 echoes the themes of justice and covenant requirements, calling for the faithful response to God's grace.
- Deuteronomy 6Deuteronomy 6 connects by reinforcing the importance of loving God and teaching His commands to future generations.
- Matthew 22Matthew 22 develops the concept of loving God and neighbor, linking it to the teachings found in Deuteronomy.
- Deuteronomy 30Deuteronomy 30 connects through its focus on choosing life and obedience within the covenant relationship.
- Ecclesiastes 12Ecclesiastes 12 echoes the call to fear God and keep His commandments, reinforcing the importance of obedience.
- Romans 2Romans 2 develops the theme of God’s impartiality in judgment, relating to His expectations for justice and obedience.
Study questions
Questions for studying Deuteronomy 10
- What does God command Moses to do with the tablets in verses 1-5?
- How does Deuteronomy 10 explain the role of the Levites in Israel?
- What key requirements does God present to Israel in verses 12-13?
- In what way does Moses connect Israel's identity to their past in verse 22?
- How does the call for heart circumcision in verse 16 reflect Israel's relationship with God?
- What actions are the Israelites encouraged to take towards the vulnerable in verses 18-19?
- How does Moses' intercession in verse 10 highlight God's character?
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