Numbers 31-Deuteronomy 12: Keeping the land by first keeping the heart

Prov 4:23 states - "Keep your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life. Despite the first five books of the Bible being full of statutes, ordinances, and God's commandment, this final book of the Torah - Deuteronomy - has a consistent focus on what is internal, not just concerning external conformance but on matters of the heart. In fact, the word heart appears 46 times in the book of Deuteronomy. Furthermore, as this book constitutes Moses' farewell discourse and instructions to the Israelites, the writings reveal a more heartfelt approach - appealing for conviction and not mere conformance.

As you read through Numbers 31 to Deuteronomy 12 this week, whenever you come across the word "heart", mark it down. You may be surprised at the highly relational nature of the Torah. Furthermore, there is also a passing on of the leadership mantle from Aaron to Eleazar and from Moses to Joshua. In coming to the end of the 40 wandering wilderness years, the seed of Abraham has definitely multiplied and now the promise of the land is just around the corner. However, Deuteronomy reminds us to put first things first - keeping the heart precedes keeping the land.

Click here to down load the overall graphical illustration for the books of Numbers and Deuteronomy.

Connecting the dots
In winding down the book of Numbers, it is a worthwhile reminder to note that Israel was a theocratic nation and they act to extend the rule and judgment of a righteous God. Even the timing of the Israelites' entry into Canaan is in line with the prophecy given to Abraham in Gen 15:16 where the sin of the Amorites needed to reach its full measure before judgment is meted out. Yahweh is not only the righteous God for Israel but also for all nations as well. In as much as all families of the earth shall be blessed through Abraham, Yahweh is both the source of blessing and also the source of righteous judgment. That is why Moses needed to speak the law the second time (Deuteronomy in Greek means "second law") so that the sons of Israel will be reminded that Yahweh is about about justice and mercy, grace and truth. In other words, "do not be deceived, God is not mocked for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap." (Gal 6:7).

Despite the congregation being the new generation, the message is still the old, consistent message which addresses the issues of the heart - our state of relationship, the revelation of character and addressing inner rebelliousness.

  • Relationship matters:
    The commandments given are to facilitate a love relationship between Yahweh and His treasured possession (Deut 6:4-6). "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments" (John 14:15).
  • Revelation of character:
    The wilderness journey was a revealer of what was in the people's heart. Humility was what Yahweh was looking for but haughtiness and pride became the downfall for the first generation (Deut 8:2,14,16 and Prov 16:18).
  • Rebelliousness addressed:
    Although circumcision of the flesh was the mark of the Abrahamic covenant (Gen 17:10-11), Yahweh was aiming for the circumcision of the heart - to address the sin of rebelliousness rather than just ritualistic adherence (Deut 10:16, 30:6).
Activity idea
Take a second look at the Ten Commandments (Deut 5) and compare that with Jesus' sermon on the mount (Matt 5-7) and begin to make the "heart-connection" behind the commandments. For example, the heart of murder is unresolved anger (compare Deut 5:17 with Matt 5:21-22) or the heart of adultery is the spirit of lust (compare Deut 5:18 with Matt 5:27-28). Talk to your children not only about the letter of the commandment but about the spirit or the heart of the commandment as well.

Christ in Scripture
Jesus said, "Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill. For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass away from the Law, until all is accomplished." (Matt 5:17-18). 

God required active obedience of the Israelites in the Old Testament. That active obedience was detailed and difficult because God wanted them to realize that they could not be righteous enough to deserve His mercy and grace. He was setting the stage for the entrance of His Son, Jesus, who would fulfill every letter of the law (Matthew 5:17). Through Jesus’ active obedience, He fulfilled the totality of the law’s requirements. He said, “I always do those things that please Him” (John 8:29).

Where the sons of the first Adam failed, the Last Adam - Jesus Christ succeeded in perfectly obeying the Law so that we now share in the redemptive benefits of double imputation - our filthy rags given to him in exchange for His robe of righteousness - made possible by His death on the cross and His perfect life of obedience to the Father. What a marvelous exchange!

Ref: https://www.gotquestions.org/active-passive-obedience.html

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