Moses repeatedly urges the Israelites to talk about their experiences with their children, because they didn’t see what happened when he brought the people out of Egypt. They didn’t see the Red Sea parted and the people crossing on dry land. They didn’t see the Egyptians covered by the Red Sea water as they tried to follow. They didn’t see how the Lord cared for them in the wilderness on the way and so much more. They didn’t see these mighty deedsm of the Lord. If they don’t share the Lord’s greatness with their children, how are they to know?
This is instructive to anyone who has children. Talk openly about the Lord’s goodness and His loving kindness. Constantly remind each other of the Lord’s commands and His blessings.
The Lord wanted to contrast the difference in whether they would receive blessings or curses so much that after they took possession of the land of Canaan, they were to pronounce the blessing at Mount Gerizim and the curse at Mount Ebal. This would make it clear that they recognized obedience brought the blessing, but disobedience brought the curse.
Moses tells them their way of worship would undergo a change. They couldn’t sacrifice their burnt offerings anywhere they liked. They could only do so at the place the Lord would choose within their tribal territories.
Moses keeps repeating that they must be careful to obey all the commands he gives the, but also that they must not add or subtract anything from them.
In chapter 13, he gives a lot of examples of ways they might be tempted to worship other gods. In short, he tells them not to fall for it. Worship only the Lord their God and do what pleases Him.
Tomorrow, its Deuteronomy 14 – 16.
Until next time…
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