REMEMBER
Deuteronomy 4:1–9,15–20
Deuteronomy is Moses’ farewell address to Israel before they enter the promised land. In chapter 4, Moses exhorts the people to obey God’s law, avoid idolatry and remember their unique calling as God’s covenant people.
Obedience (1–4)
Moses begins by summoning Israel to pay attention. The Hebrew word used is “sh’ma,” which means “hear.” It implies not just listening, but listening with the intent to obey. Their obedience is directly tied to life, blessing and possessing the land.
Moses then issues a stern warning. He emphasizes that God’s Word is complete; they are not to dilute it by additions or omissions. This verse emphasizes the sufficiency of God’s revelation and the danger of human innovation in worship. Moses urges obedience to God’s laws, not adding to or subtracting from them. To do so would bring judgment and destruction. Moses recalls the incident with Baal of Peor, when many Israelites perished because of idolatry and immorality (Num. 25). By contrast, those who held fast to the Lord survived. It’s a reminder that obedience preserves life.
Wisdom (5–9)
Obeying God would not only protect their lives, but Israel’s obedience would also serve as a witness to the surrounding nations. The laws of God were so just and righteous that other peoples would marvel at Israel’s wisdom. God would display His character through their distinct way of life. Israel’s wisdom and greatness among the nations would be shown in their obedience. Israel’s holiness and justice would also testify to surrounding nations about the greatness of their God.
Moses points out that other nations would look upon Israel and envy their position. Moses emphasizes the uniqueness of Israel’s relationship with God. No other nation had heard God’s voice, been redeemed from slavery with mighty acts or been chosen to know Him. And then there are God’s righteous laws — a gift far superior to the arbitrary, oppressive laws of other nations.
Moses then admonishes them to watch themselves closely regarding forgetfulness. The danger is not merely outside from enemies and idols but is also inside. The human heart is prone to drift from God. He calls for acts of remembrance to remind His people of His faithfulness, covenant promises and past actions in order to foster faith and obedience. Moses tells Israel they have an additional responsibility to remember what God has done and then to pass it on to future generations.
Worship (15–20)
Moses then forbids Israel to make images of humans, animals, birds, fish or heavenly bodies. Near Eastern practices depicted gods in creaturely form. Israel must resist this temptation and worship the unseen, transcendent God. He reminds them that at Sinai, Israel heard God’s voice but saw no physical image. Idolatry always distorts God’s nature. God cannot be reduced to images. He is far above creation. He then goes on to discuss celestial bodies, which were widely worshipped in ancient cultures such as Egypt and Babylon. Moses reminds Israel that these are created things, appointed by God for all nations but not objects of worship.
He reminds them that Israel’s identity is grounded not in idols but in God’s redeeming act. They were delivered from Egypt (the “iron furnace” — a metaphor for suffering and oppression) to become God’s treasured possession. Their calling is to reflect His holiness in the world.
By Darrell Nimmo
Retired Baptist pastor living in Goodlettsville, Tennessee
