Deuteronomy 29

Deuteronomy 29:1

E. Narrative interlude 29:1 Chapter 29 Deuteronomy 29:1 is the last verse of chapter 28 in the Hebrew Bible. Moses probably intended it to be a summary statement of what precedes rather than an introduction to what follows. The renewed Mosaic Covenant to which Moses now called on his hearers to commit themselves contrasts somewhat with the original Mosaic Covenant to which the Israelites committed themselves at Mt. Sinai.

“. . . the verse forms an inclusio with the preamble section of Deu 1:1-5. Both passages begin with the phrase ’these are the words .. . which Moses,’ both locate the setting in Moab, and both make reference to Horeb and the earlier covenant. Thus the covenant text proper may be said to have been brought to a conclusion in Deuteronomy 29:1.. . .

“It seems quite clear, then, that a major break occurs between Deuteronomy 29:1 and Deuteronomy 29:2, with the former bringing all the previous material to a close and the latter introducing at least the epilogic historical review.” [Note: Merrill, Deuteronomy, p. 373. Cf. Craigie, The Book . . ., p. 353; and Driver, p. 319.

Deuteronomy 29:2-8

1. Historical review 29:2-8 The emphasis in this section is on God’s faithfulness in bringing Israel to its present position (cf. Deuteronomy 1:6 to Deuteronomy 4:40). To do this God had provided for the people in the wilderness and had given them victory over some of their enemies (e.g., Sihon and Og). He had also given them some of the land He had promised them. One writer concluded that most of the Israelites could not respond to God because they did not enjoy a faith relationship with Him, but those who did trust Him could. [Note: See Michael A. Grisanti, “Was Israel Unable to Respond to God? A Study of Deuteronomy 29:2-4,” Bibliotheca Sacra 163:650 (April-June 2006):176-96.

Deuteronomy 29:9-15

2. The purpose of the assembly 29:9-15 In view of God’s past faithfulness the Israelites should keep “this covenant” (Deuteronomy 29:9), the Mosaic Covenant, so that they might prosper in the future. Moses assembled the people to commit themselves anew to their covenant with God. God had made the Mosaic Covenant with all the Israelites, not just the generation that stood before Moses on this occasion (Deuteronomy 29:14-15).

Deuteronomy 29:16-29

3. The consequences of disobedience 29:16-29 This generation needed to obey the laws of the Mosaic Covenant (Deuteronomy 29:21) under which the nation already lived to experience the maximum benefits of this covenant. The maximum benefits included not only ownership of the land but also the use (occupation) of it. The rebellious Israelite could anticipate physical death (Deuteronomy 29:20). Disobedience to the Mosaic Covenant (Deuteronomy 29:25) would result in the Israelites being driven out of the Promised Land. In Deuteronomy 29:29 the “secret things” refer to those things God knows but has not revealed (cf.

Isaiah 55:8-9). In the context this refers specifically to how Israel would respond to the covenant in the future. The “things revealed” refer to what God has revealed so that humankind may enjoy God’s blessings. In the context this refers to the Mosaic Covenant.