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The promise of love 1 - Deuteronomy 5:1-21
Introduction
Deuteronomy is made up of two parts: ‘second’ and ‘law’. The law had been given to the people of Israel in the book of Exodus. Now nearly forty years later, the next generation need to hear it as they are about to enter the promised land. On the east of the Jordan River, just before entering the land, Moses gives, in virtual sermon form, the retelling of the law – this comprises nearly the whole book of Deuteronomy.
The ‘law’ was not some arbitrary rulebook but guidelines or directions for a life pleasing to God. Some of these are quite specific to the situation they would be in at this time in their history. Others are universal in character. All tell us something about God’s character.
The Book of Genesis ends with Joseph dying in Egypt. At that time his whole family, the descendants of Abraham, have moved down to Egypt. Initially to get relief from famine, but then they settled there.
- What are some of the key events between Joseph and the Book of Deuteronomy? ie. when the people are on the brink of going in and conquering the promised land.
Read Deuteronomy 5:1-21
- In verses 1-6 what do we learn about the God who has given the people the Ten Commandments? What does this say about why this people might be eager to receive these commandments?
Read verses 7-21
- If you are doing this study in a group, divide the group into pairs and give every pair two to three commandments each. They are to say what they think is at the heart of the meaning of each commandment and if and how they think the commandment has relevance or could be responded to by a Christian today.
All the sub-groups can then feed back to the whole group what they have discovered.
» Go to Study 2
Notes for this study
1. It would be good to include things like:
- God giving his Name to Moses in the burning bush;
- Rescue from Egypt – by the plagues;
- The first Passover;
- Crossing the Red Sea;
- The giving of the ten commandments and the law, including the sacrificial system, at Mount Sinai (or Mountt Horeb – same place);
- Wandering and rebellion in the desert;
- God providing manna and all their needs.
2. Note it is God’s initiative – he made the covenant; he spoke to them; he delivered them from slavery – all these things point towards the context of the commandments – one of grace.
3. All the commandments except observing the Sabbath Day are mentioned in the New Testament. So they carry over. The Sabbath one is a bit more difficult. It is good to remember again that these are guides that help us please God in the context of his acceptance and rescue of us as his people.
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