1 At that time the LORD said unto me, Hew thee two tables of stone like unto the first, and come up unto me into the mount, and make thee an ark of wood.
2 And I will write on the tables the words that were in the first tables which thou brakest, and thou shalt put them in the ark.
3 And I made an ark [of] shittim wood, and hewed two tables of stone like unto the first, and went up into the mount, having the two tables in mine hand.
4 And he wrote on the tables, according to the first writing, the ten commandments, which the LORD spake unto you in the mount out of the midst of the fire in the day of the assembly: and the LORD gave them unto me.
5 And I turned myself and came down from the mount, and put the tables in the ark which I had made; and there they be, as the LORD commanded me.
6 And the children of Israel took their journey from Beeroth of the children of Jaakan to Mosera: there Aaron died, and there he was buried; and Eleazar his son ministered in the priest’s office in his stead.
7 From thence they journeyed unto Gudgodah; and from Gudgodah to Jotbath, a land of rivers of waters.
8 At that time the LORD separated the tribe of Levi, to bear the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to minister unto him, and to bless in his name, unto this day.
9 Wherefore Levi hath no part nor inheritance with his brethren; the LORD [is] his inheritance, according as the LORD thy God promised him.
10 And I stayed in the mount, according to the first time, forty days and forty nights; and the LORD hearkened unto me at that time also, [and] the LORD would not destroy thee.
11 And the LORD said unto me, Arise, take [thy] journey before the people, that they may go in and possess the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give unto them.
12 And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul,
13 To keep the commandments of the LORD, and his statutes, which I command thee this day for thy good?
14 Behold, the heaven and the heaven of heavens [is] the LORD’S thy God, the earth [also], with all that therein [is].
15 Only the LORD had a delight in thy fathers to love them, and he chose their seed after them, [even] you above all people, as [it is] this day.
16 Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiffnecked.
17 For the LORD your God [is] God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward:
18 He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment.
19 Love ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.
20 Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God; him shalt thou serve, and to him shalt thou cleave, and swear by his name.
21 He [is] thy praise, and he [is] thy God, that hath done for thee these great and terrible things, which thine eyes have seen.
22 Thy fathers went down into Egypt with threescore and ten persons; and now the LORD thy God hath made thee as the stars of heaven for multitude.
Overview of Deuteronomy Chapter 10
Deuteronomy Chapter 10 serves as a pivotal moment in the narrative of the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. This chapter emphasizes God’s covenant with His people, the importance of obedience, and the character of God as merciful and just.
Key Themes
- Covenant Renewal: The chapter reiterates the covenant between God and Israel, highlighting the significance of the tablets of the law.
- Divine Mercy: It reflects on God’s compassion and willingness to forgive, showcasing His nature as a loving deity.
- Call to Obedience: The Israelites are reminded of their responsibilities and the importance of adhering to God’s commandments.
- God’s Sovereignty: The chapter emphasizes God’s power and authority over all creation, reinforcing His role as the ultimate leader of Israel.
Detailed Analysis
1. The Renewal of the Tablets (Verses 1-5)
In the opening verses, Moses recounts the event where God instructed him to create new tablets to replace the ones he broke. This act symbolizes renewal and restoration of the covenant:
- God’s Instruction: Moses is commanded to carve out two stone tablets, akin to the first ones, indicating the continuity of God’s law.
- God’s Presence: The mention of God writing on the tablets signifies His direct involvement in the covenant.
- Placement in the Ark: The tablets are to be placed in the Ark of the Covenant, which serves as a physical representation of God’s presence among His people.
2. The Journey to the Promised Land (Verses 6-9)
The narrative transitions to recount the Israelites’ journey, emphasizing the transition from a state of wandering to one of belonging:
- Historical Context: The mention of the Israelites’ travels reinforces their identity as a chosen people with a unique history.
- Levi’s Role: The Levites are designated as the tribe that serves God, highlighting their special status and responsibilities.
3. God’s Character and Expectations (Verses 10-15)
Moses reflects on God’s nature and the expectations He has for the Israelites:
- God’s Faithfulness: The chapter underscores that God is faithful and just, reminding the Israelites of His unwavering support.
- Call to Fear and Love God: The Israelites are urged to fear, love, and serve God wholeheartedly, emphasizing the relational aspect of their covenant.
4. The Call to Obedience (Verses 16-19)
Moses urges the Israelites to circumcise their hearts, a metaphor for spiritual renewal and commitment:
- Inner Transformation: The call to circumcise the heart emphasizes the need for genuine devotion rather than mere external compliance.
- Compassion for Others: The chapter concludes with a reminder to love the foreigner, reflecting God’s inclusive nature and the call to justice.
5. Conclusion and Reflection (Verses 20-22)
The final verses encapsulate the essence of the chapter, urging the Israelites to hold fast to their relationship with God:
- Commitment to God: The call to fear and serve God highlights the importance of loyalty and devotion.
- Remembrance of Heritage: The reference to their forefathers serves as a reminder of their identity and the promises made to them.
Significance of Deuteronomy Chapter 10
This chapter is significant as it encapsulates the essence of the covenant relationship between God and Israel. It emphasizes themes of mercy, obedience, and the importance of a transformed heart. As the Israelites stand on the brink of entering the Promised Land, this chapter serves as a critical reminder of their identity, responsibilities, and the nature of the God they serve.
