Deuteronomy 30: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Deuteronomy 30 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

When the blessings and curses come upon the people, they are to remember them among the nations where Yahweh has driven them (vv. 1-2). They are instructed to return to Yahweh, and he will have compassion and gather them from their scattered places (vv.

Key verse

“I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. Therefore choose life, that you may live, you and your descendants;”
Deuteronomy 30:19 (WEB)

Outline

Deuteronomy 30:1–2 Call to Remember Blessings and Curses
Deuteronomy 30:3–4 Promise of Restoration
Deuteronomy 30:5–6 Possessing the Promised Land
Deuteronomy 30:7–10 Consequences of Obedience and Disobedience
Deuteronomy 30:11–14 Accessibility of God's Commandments
Deuteronomy 30:15–18 Choosing Between Life and Death
Deuteronomy 30:19–20 Call to Choose Life

Discussion questions

In v6, what does Yahweh promise to do with the hearts of His people?
What two options does Moses set before the people in v19?
The phrase 'blessing and the curse' in v1: what does it imply about the people’s choices and consequences?
The commandment in v11 states it is 'not too hard': what does this suggest about God’s expectations of the Israelites?
When have you felt compelled to 'return to Yahweh' as described in v2?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Deuteronomy 30: Hebrews 8, Ezekiel 36, Romans 10.

Before next time: read Deuteronomy 31.