Saturday - Deuteronomy 5 - Why?

Back in Exodus 20 we were introduced to the Decalogue; the Ten Commandments (Deuteronomy 4:13). Here they are again, repeated by Moses for emphasis as well as to clarify that the covenant that God made with Israel was not just with the first generation of post-Egypt Jews (Deuteronomy 5:3). The audience that Moses was speaking to here was full of adults who had been children at Sinai. So, Moses reminded them of the spectacular sight that they had witnessed 40 years earlier. Surely the memory of God's presence on Mt. Sinai was particularly unforgettable in light of the fact that they experienced it while still so young and impressionable.

The people had responded so well... initially. They were humble and respectful. God was pleased with their spirit (Deuteronomy 5:28). But He sadly recognized that it wouldn't last (Deuteronomy 5:29). He clearly wanted to bless them, but God's passion for generosity doesn't cancel His ability or willingness to insist on obedience from his children.  Study the Decalogue again and consider the reasons behind each commandment that God issued.