Deuteronomy 4: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Deuteronomy 4 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Israel is commanded to listen to Yahweh's statutes and ordinances for life in the land (vv. 1-2). They are reminded of their experience at Baal Peor, where Yahweh destroyed those who worshiped false gods, affirming that those faithful to Him remain alive (vv.

Key verse

“Only be careful, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things which your eyes saw, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life; but make them known to your children and your children’s children;”
Deuteronomy 4:9 (WEB)

Outline

Deuteronomy 4:1–10 Call to Obedience and Remembrance
Deuteronomy 4:11–24 The Covenant at Horeb
Deuteronomy 4:25–31 Warning of Consequences for Idolatry
Deuteronomy 4:32–40 God's Unique Relationship with Israel
Deuteronomy 4:41–49 Cities of Refuge and Summary of Law

Discussion questions

In v6, what do the statutes and ordinances represent for Israel's relationship with other nations?
What does Moses mean in v24 when he calls Yahweh a 'devouring fire'?
Moses warns against idolatry in vv. 16-19: what might this say about Israel's future challenges?
In v31, how does Moses balance God's mercy with the consequences of forgetting the covenant?
When have you struggled to remember a commitment made to God or others, as noted in v9?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Deuteronomy 4: Deuteronomy 6, Proverbs 4, Deuteronomy 11.

Before next time: read Deuteronomy 5.