Moses 2nd address to the Israelites

Deuteronomy Chapter 5

Moses is reviewing the history of Israel's journey out of Egypt and across the wilderness for 40 years. He urges the new generation of Israelites to obey the Ten Commandments and other laws given by God.

The Law that Moses handed down all the laws and regulations and told of the covenant God made with the people. He stressed the fact that God makes the same covenant today with these people through his intermediary, Moses. God asks the people to not worship any other gods before him. Not make idols of any kind. Never worship or bow down to them, for (he says) I am a jealous God and do not leave unpunished the sins of those who hate me, but I punish the children for the sins of their parents to the third and fourth generations. But God lavishes love on those who love him and obey his commands for a thousand generations.

Do not misuse the name of the Lord, he will not let this go unpunished.
Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days are set aside for daily duties and on the seventh day it is a day of rest and dedication to the Lord. On that day no one in the household may work, including the family, the livestock, foreigners living among the people and all servants.
Honor you father and mother as the Lord commanded you and you will live a long, full life.
Do not Murder.
Do not commit adultery.
Do not steal.
Do not testify falsely against your neighbor.
Do not covet your neighbor's wife, or home or land or servants, or livestock or anything else that is your neighbor's.

The Lord spoke these words in a loud voice to all of you from the heart of the fire, surrounded by clouds and deep darkness. Then he wrote his words on two stone tablets and gave them to me, said Moses. Then the people asked if God speaks again, they were afraid they would be consumed by this fire. Moses told them God heard their fears and told them to go back to their tents and he would give Moses the commands, laws and regulations to teach the people. Then, he said, they could obey them in the land I give them as their inheritance.

Moses told the people they must obey all the commands and follow the Lord's instruction in every detail. Then they would live long and prosperous lives in the land they were about to enter and occupy.

BIBLE NOTES show that some people put other Gods or religions first in their lives. But to put God first in your life: 1. Recognize what is taking place in your life. 2. Renounce this substitute God as unworthy of your devotion. 3. Ask God for forgiveness. 4. Restructure your priorities so that love for God is the motive for everything you do. 5. Examine yourself daily to be sure you are giving God first place.

How does this chapter relate to us today? Do not murder, has a two-fold meaning. It can also mean that you are so full of hate and anger that you wish someone dead. So this is murder in your heart and is makes us every bit as guilty as if we had committed murder. We can be legally innocent, yet morally guilty and need to ask for God's forgiveness.

Envy (covert) is probably one of the most common ways to break the commandments. Envy is useless and can lead to other sins, such as stealing. Keep your thoughts in perspective and strive to be content. Thank God for what you have and remember that the most important possession is free - eternal life thru Christ!

Poor aged Moses. He preached to the new generation of Israelites because he didn't just want them to obey out of a requirement. But rather he wanted them to obey because he wanted them to keep the rules out of the love in their hearts. This is what he wants even today: to have us love him so much that obedience follows!

Yours in Christ,
Mary