Introduction
Deuteronomy 5:23–33: Fear had gripped the people’s hearts when they encountered God’s awesome power at Mount Sinai. In response, the Lord agreed to give his laws and commands to the Israelites through Moses. They are assured that if they follow these instructions carefully, future generations will succeed in the new land.
Today’s Key Verse: Deuteronomy 5:32 (GNT)
“People of Israel, be sure that you do everything that the LORD your God has commanded you. Do not disobey any of his laws.”
Read
23 “When the whole mountain was on fire and you heard the voice from the darkness, your leaders and the chiefs of your tribes came to me 24 and said, ‘The Lord our God showed us his greatness and his glory when we heard him speak from the fire! Today we have seen that it is possible for people to continue to live, even though God has spoken to them. 25 But why should we risk death again? That terrible fire will destroy us. We are sure to die if we hear the Lord our God speak again. 26 Has any human being ever lived after hearing the living God speak from a fire? 27 Go back, Moses, and listen to everything that the Lord our God says. Then return and tell us what he said to you. We will listen and obey.’
28 “When the Lord heard this, he said to me, ‘I have heard what these people said, and they are right. 29 If only they would always feel this way! If only they would always honor me and obey all my commands, so that everything would go well with them and their descendants forever. 30 Go and tell them to return to their tents. 31 But you, Moses, stay here with me, and I will give you all my laws and commands. Teach them to the people, so that they will obey them in the land that I am giving them.’
32 “People of Israel, be sure that you do everything that the Lord your God has commanded you. Do not disobey any of his laws. 33 Obey them all, so that everything will go well with you and so that you will continue to live in the land that you are going to occupy.
Reflect
What fears were expressed to Moses (verses 23–27)? What was the Lord’s response to what the people had said (verses 28–30)? Reread verse 29. What promise is given? What must the people do? How will you honor God today?
Pray
Great and glorious God, keep me faithful and obedient to your will. I want to obey you and honor you always. In your holy name, I pray. Amen.
And now, join us in thanking God for audio Bibles in the Kpelle heart language of the people in West Africa. Praise to you, Lord God, that you are revealing yourself and transforming lives among the people in West Africa through listening groups using audio Bibles in the Kpelle language. Thanks to the continuing commitment of Bible-A-Month Partners, entire villages are learning to follow Jesus through Bibles, audio Bibles, the Jesus Film, and other vital Scripture resources that are being placed into waiting hands and hearts. To you, holy God, be the glory! Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Deuteronomy 6:1–25: Moses tells the people the most important commandment.
