Choosing Life: God’s Covenant, Renewal, and Promise

Welcome to Day 56 of The Glory Team Bible Reading plan and we are continuing the book of Deuteronomy. In Chapters 29-31, Moses renews the covenant with Israel, reminding them of God's power and blessings, and warns of the consequences of disobedience, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness to God's law. He also commissions Joshua to lead the people into the Promised Land and prepares them for the future, including the possibility of their own disobedience and God's continued faithfulness.

Deuteronomy Chapter 29 recounts Moses's call to the Israelites to renew their covenant with God, emphasizing both the blessings and curses that would follow their obedience or disobedience to the laws, and reminding them of God's past faithfulness and the need for their commitment.

Deuteronomy Chapter 30 emphasizes that even after exile and disobedience, God offers restoration and blessing to Israel if they repent and return to Him with all their heart, reminding them of the choice between life and death, blessing and curse.

Deuteronomy Chapter 31 recounts Moses' farewell speech to the Israelites, preparing them for the transition of leadership to Joshua, and assuring them of God's continued presence and protection as they enter the Promised Land.

"Choosing Life: God’s Covenant, Renewal, and Promise"

Origin & Meaning of the Name:

The name Deuteronomy comes from the Greek word Deuteronomion, which means "Second Law" or "Repetition of the Law." This name is derived from the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament) and refers to the book’s purpose—reaffirming God’s laws for the new generation of Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. The Hebrew name of the book, Devarim, translates to “Words,” taken from the first phrase in the book: “These are the words that Moses spoke to all Israel...” (Deuteronomy 1:1, ESV).

Purpose of the Book of Deuteronomy

Deuteronomy serves as Moses’ final speech to the Israelites before they enter Canaan. It reaffirms God’s covenant, laws, and instructions given at Mount Sinai, emphasizing obedience, faithfulness, and love for God. The book warns Israel against disobedience and idolatry, reminding them of the blessings that come from following God and the curses that result from turning away. Deuteronomy also prepares the nation for life without Moses, ensuring they understand their responsibilities as God’s chosen people.

Authorship & Sources Supporting Moses as the Author: Traditionally, Moses is credited as the primary author of Deuteronomy, as well as the other books of the Torah (Genesis–Deuteronomy). Multiple references within the book itself and other biblical passages support Mosaic authorship:

Internal Biblical Evidence:
- Deuteronomy 31:9 (ESV) – “Then Moses wrote this law and gave it to the priests, the sons of Levi, who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and to all the elders of Israel.”
- Deuteronomy 31:24 – “When Moses had finished writing the words of this law in a book to the very end...”
- Joshua 1:7-8 refers to the "Book of the Law" given by Moses, showing that Joshua, Moses’ successor, acknowledged his writings.
- Jesus and the New Testament writers also affirm Moses as the author (Matthew 19:7-8; John 5:46-47).
External Sources & References:
- The Jewish Talmud (Baba Bathra 14b-15a) affirms Moses as the author of the Torah, including Deuteronomy.
- The first-century Jewish historian Flavius Josephus (Antiquities of the Jews, Book 4) credits Moses with writing the law and leading Israel.
- The Samaritan Pentateuch, an ancient version of the Torah, attributes the book to Moses.
- While some scholars argue that later scribes may have edited parts of Deuteronomy (such as Moses’ death in Deuteronomy 34), the bulk of the book is widely accepted as written by Moses himself.

Key People in Deuteronomy:

Moses – The central figure in Deuteronomy, he delivers the final sermons and instructions to Israel before his death.
Joshua – Moses’ successor, who is commissioned to lead Israel into the Promised Land.
The Israelites – The new generation standing at the border of Canaan, preparing to enter the land after wandering in the wilderness for 40 years.
Aaron (mentioned in past references) – The first high priest of Israel, who had already passed away by the time of Deuteronomy’s events.
The Canaanite Nations – Various nations (Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites) that Israel is commanded to conquer and drive out.
King Sihon of the Amorites & King Og of Bashan – Two kings defeated by Israel before entering Canaan, demonstrating God’s power and faithfulness.

Deuteronomy serves as a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness, justice, and love, calling His people to live in obedience and trust in His promises.

What is God's Name in these Chapters?

In this portion of our journey we want to dive deep into the character of God described in His name. By identifying who God is, we can further relate to Him personally and build a stronger relationship and connection with Our Father.

Names are important. They give significance to places, people, and things. We identify with so much based off what it's name is. This is considerably notable when it comes to the names of God.

"Jehovah" is considered a Latinized version of the Hebrew name "Yahweh" (represented by the consonants YHWH) where the vowels of the Hebrew word "Adonai" (meaning "my Lord") were added to the Tetragrammaton (YHWH) when pronounced by Jewish readers who avoided saying the sacred name directly; essentially, Christian scholars combined the consonants of YHWH with the vowels of Adonai to create the pronunciation "Jehovah" in the Latin alphabet.

Looking for the Names of God from the previous chapters? Due to the overwhelming amount of names we had to dedicate a special place for them for the sake of space. Click the link to see them:

REVIEW GOD'S NAMES FROM PREVIOUS CHAPTERS

In Deuteronomy Chapter 29, the Hebrew names of God reveal His character and covenant relationship with Israel. Yahweh is used frequently, emphasizing God as the covenant-keeping Lord who remains faithful to His promises. Elohim appears, highlighting His supreme power and authority over all nations. God’s character in this chapter is just, sovereign, and merciful—He reminds Israel of His mighty acts, His provision in the wilderness, and His expectation of obedience. The key lesson in Deuteronomy 29 is that God calls His people to remain faithful to the covenant. He warns against idolatry, hidden sins, and turning away from Him, making it clear that disobedience leads to consequences. Yet, His desire is for Israel to walk in obedience so they may receive His blessings and remain in His favor.

In Deuteronomy Chapter 30, the Hebrew names of God emphasize His faithfulness, mercy, and sovereignty. Yahweh is used to highlight God as the covenant-keeping Lord who desires a relationship with His people. Elohim appears, showcasing His supreme authority and power to restore and bless. God’s character in this chapter is compassionate and just—He offers Israel the choice between life and death, blessings and curses, demonstrating both His justice in holding them accountable and His mercy in allowing repentance and restoration. The key lesson in Deuteronomy 30 is that God calls His people to love and obey Him with all their heart. He assures them that if they turn back to Him, He will restore them, gather them from exile, and bless them abundantly. This chapter teaches that God’s desire is not to punish but to bring His people into a life of prosperity and joy through obedience to His commands.

In Deuteronomy Chapter 31, the Hebrew names of God reveal His faithfulness, strength, and divine leadership. Yahweh appears repeatedly, emphasizing God as the covenant-keeping Lord who goes before His people. Elohim is used to highlight His supreme authority and power over all nations. Yahweh Elohecha —"The Lord your God"—reinforces His personal relationship with Israel. God's character in this chapter is steadfast, trustworthy, and protective. He reassures Israel and Joshua that He will never leave nor forsake them, calling them to be strong and courageous. The key lesson in Deuteronomy 31 is that God’s presence is constant, even in times of transition and uncertainty. He reminds His people to trust Him, obey His Word, and pass down His teachings to future generations, showing that His faithfulness endures beyond any leader or circumstance.

Christ in Every Book of the Bible

Christ is the theme throughout the Bible. From Genesis to Revelation, God reveals His Son, Jesus Christ.

Christ is the Seed of the woman Genesis 3:14 , He is the Passover Lamb Exodus 12:3, The Atoning Sacrifice Leviticus 17:11, The Smitten Rock Numbers 20:8, 11, The Faithful Prophet Deuteronomy 18:18, Christ is the Captain of the Lord's Host Joshua 5:15, The Divine Deliverer Judges 2:18, The Kinsman Redeemer Ruth 3:12, Christ is the anticipated as the Anointed One,1 Samuel 2:10, The Son of David 2 Samuel 7:14, The Coming King 1 & 2 Kings, Builder of the Temple 1 & 2 Chronicles (1 Chronicles 28:20), Ezra represents Christ as the Restorer of the Nation Ezra 6:14, 15, Nehemiah shows Him as the Restorer of the Temple Nehemiah 6:15, and Esther portrays Him as the Preserver of the Nation Ester 4:14, Christ is seen as the Living Redeemer Job 19:25, The Praise of Israel Psalm 150:6, The Wisdom of God Proverbs 8:22, 23, The Great Teacher Ecclesiastics 12:11, The Fairest of Ten Thousand Song of Solomon 5:10. Christ is the Suffering Servant Isaiah 53:11, The Maker of the New Covenant Jeremiah 31:31, The Man of Sorrows Lamentations 3:28-30, The Glory of God Ezekiel 43:2, The coming Messiah Daniel 9:25, The Lover of the Unfaithful Hosea 3:1, The Hope of Israel Joel 3:16, The Husbandman Amos 9:13, the Savior Obadiah 21, the Resurrected One Jonah 2:10, the Ruler in Israel Micah 5:2, the Avenger Nahum 2:1, the Holy God Habakkuk 1:13, the King of Israel Zephaniah 3:15, the Desire of Nations Haggai 2:7, the Righteous Branch Zechariah 3:8, and the Sun of Righteousness Malachi 4:2.

The King of the Jews Matthew 2:2, the Servant of the Lord Mark 10:45, the Son of Man Luke 19:10, and the Son of God John 1:1. Christ is the Ascended Lord Acts 1:10, the believer's Righteousness Romans 1:17, Sanctification 1 Corinthians 1:30, Sufficiency 2 Corinthians 12:9, and Liberty Galatians 2:4. He is the Exalted Head of the church Ephesians 1:22, the Christian's Joy Philippians 1:26, and the Fullness of Deity Colossians 2:9. In the Thessalonian epistles Christ is the believer's Comfort 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17 and Glory 2 Thessalonians 1:12. The Christian's Preserver 1 Timothy 4:10, Rewarder 2 Timothy 4:8, Blessed Hope Titus 2:13, and Substitute Philemon 17. He is the High Priest Hebrews 4:15, the Giver of Wisdom James 1:5, the Rock 1 Peter 2:6, and Precious Promise 2 Peter 1:4. John represents Christ as the Life 1 John, the Truth 2 John, and the Way 3 John, Jude portrays Christ as the Advocate and Revelation shows Him as King of Kings and Lord of Lords Revelation 19:16. The whole Bible is literally all about Christ!

Questions: Let's expand how these chapters expanded your faith and your relationship with God.

Questions About God's Character:

How does God’s name Yahweh in these chapters reveal His covenant-keeping nature?
What does God’s use of Elohim in these passages teach about His supreme authority and power?
How is God’s justice and mercy balanced in His warnings and promises to Israel?
What does Deuteronomy 31 teach about God’s faithfulness, especially in times of transition?
How does God’s assurance that He will never leave nor forsake His people reflect His unchanging character?

Questions About Themes:

What is the significance of God renewing His covenant with Israel in Deuteronomy 29?
How does Deuteronomy 30 emphasize the power of choice in following God?
Why does God repeatedly warn Israel against idolatry and turning away from Him?
How does Deuteronomy 31 highlight the importance of leadership and passing down God’s Word?
What role does obedience play in receiving God’s blessings and avoiding His judgment?

Reflective Application Questions:

In what areas of your life is God calling you to greater faithfulness and obedience?
How do you respond to God’s promises of restoration when you have strayed from Him?
What steps can you take to ensure you are choosing “life” and not “death” in your spiritual walk (Deut. 30:19)?
How can you find strength and courage in God’s presence during times of transition or uncertainty?
What practical ways can you ensure that future generations are being taught God’s Word and truth?

These questions can help deepen understanding of the themes of these chapters, while encouraging trust in God's sovereignty, justice, faithfulness, and timing. We hope thoughts to these questions invite you to reflect on your own journeys, grow in faith, and understand more about God's nature.

Reference Guides:

Life Application Study Guide

A Popular Survey of the Old Testament by Norman L. Geisler

The Power of God's Names by Tony Evans