After you have children and grandchildren and you have been in the land a long time, if you then act corruptly and make an idol of any form--doing evil in the sight of the LORD your God and provoking Him to anger-- After you have children and grandchildrenThis phrase emphasizes the passage of time and the establishment of generational continuity. In the Hebrew context, family lineage was crucial, and the mention of "children and grandchildren" signifies a settled and enduring presence in the land. The Hebrew word for "children" is "בָּנִים" (banim), which not only refers to direct offspring but also to descendants who carry on the legacy and covenantal promises of God. This highlights the importance of teaching and preserving faith across generations, a theme deeply rooted in the Torah. and have been in the land a long time
The phrase underscores the idea of dwelling and becoming comfortable in the Promised Land. The Hebrew word for "land" is "אֶרֶץ" (eretz), which often signifies not just physical territory but also a place of divine promise and blessing. The warning here is against complacency and the spiritual dangers that can arise from prolonged prosperity and security. Historically, Israel's time in the land was marked by cycles of faithfulness and apostasy, reflecting the challenges of maintaining covenant fidelity over time. if you then act corruptly
The Hebrew root for "act corruptly" is "שָׁחַת" (shachat), which conveys a sense of moral decay and destruction. This term is often used in the context of covenant unfaithfulness and idolatry. The warning is clear: moral and spiritual corruption leads to a breakdown in the relationship with God. The historical context of Israel's repeated lapses into idolatry serves as a sobering reminder of the human tendency to stray from divine commandments. and make an idol in the form of anything
Idolatry is a central concern in the Old Testament, and the Hebrew word for "idol" is "פֶּסֶל" (pesel), meaning a carved or graven image. The prohibition against idolatry is rooted in the Ten Commandments and reflects the unique monotheism of Israel. Creating an idol "in the form of anything" underscores the futility and offense of worshipping created things rather than the Creator. Archaeological findings have revealed the prevalence of idol worship in ancient Near Eastern cultures, highlighting the countercultural call of Israel to worship Yahweh alone. doing evil in the sight of the LORD your God
The phrase "doing evil" in Hebrew is "עָשָׂה הָרַע" (asah hara), which implies deliberate actions that are contrary to God's will. The "sight of the LORD" emphasizes God's omniscience and the personal nature of sin against Him. This phrase serves as a reminder that all actions are visible to God and that sin is not just a violation of law but a personal affront to the divine relationship. and provoking Him to anger
The Hebrew root for "provoking to anger" is "כָּעַס" (ka'as), which conveys the idea of inciting or stirring up wrath. This anthropomorphic expression reflects the seriousness with which God views idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness. In the biblical narrative, God's anger is not capricious but is a response to persistent disobedience and betrayal. It serves as a warning of the consequences of turning away from the covenant and the need for repentance and restoration. Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe speaker of this passage, Moses is delivering a warning to the Israelites about the consequences of idolatry. 2. IsraelitesThe audience of Moses' message, they are the chosen people of God who are about to enter the Promised Land. 3. Promised LandThe land of Canaan, which God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 4. IdolatryThe act of worshiping idols or false gods, which is strictly forbidden by God. 5. The LORD (Yahweh)The one true God who delivered the Israelites from Egypt and established a covenant with them. Teaching Points The Danger of ComplacencyAs the Israelites settled in the Promised Land, they were warned not to become complacent and turn to idolatry. We must remain vigilant in our faith and not allow comfort to lead us away from God. Generational FaithfulnessThe passage emphasizes the importance of teaching future generations about the dangers of idolatry. We are called to instill a strong foundation of faith in our children and grandchildren. The Seriousness of IdolatryIdolatry is not just a historical issue but a present danger. Anything that takes the place of God in our lives can become an idol, and we must guard against this. Provoking God to AngerThe passage highlights that idolatry provokes God's anger. Understanding God's holiness and righteousness should lead us to live in a way that honors Him. Repentance and RestorationWhile the passage warns of consequences, it also implies the possibility of repentance. Turning back to God can restore our relationship with Him. Bible Study Questions 1. What are some modern forms of idolatry that can distract us from our relationship with God? 2. How can we ensure that we are passing down a legacy of faith to our children and grandchildren? 3. In what ways can complacency in our spiritual lives lead us away from God, and how can we combat this? 4. How does understanding the seriousness of idolatry help us in our daily walk with God? 5. What steps can we take to repent and restore our relationship with God if we have allowed idols into our lives? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 20:4-5This passage reiterates the prohibition against making idols, emphasizing God's jealousy and the consequences of idolatry. Leviticus 26:1Reinforces the command against idolatry, highlighting the importance of worshiping God alone. Joshua 23:16Warns of the consequences of turning away from God to serve other gods, similar to the warning in Deuteronomy 4:25. 2 Kings 17:15-18Describes the downfall of Israel due to their idolatry, serving as a historical example of the consequences Moses warned about. Romans 1:21-23Paul discusses the folly of idolatry and how it leads people away from the truth of God. People Amorites, Baalpeor, Bezer, Gadites, Israelites, Manasseh, Manassites, Moses, Og, Reubenites, SihonPlaces Arabah, Aroer, Bashan, Beth-baal-peor, Bezer, Egypt, Gilead, Golan, Hermon, Heshbon, Horeb, Jordan River, Mount Sion, Peor, Pisgah, Ramoth, Sea of the Arabah, Valley of the ArnonTopics Act, Anger, Anything, Beget, Begettest, Children's, Corrupt, Corruptly, Deal, Engraved, Evil, Form, Graven, Grown, Idol, Image, Kind, Likeness, Making, Moving, Provoke, Provoking, Sight, Similitude, Sons, Sort, Wrath, YourselvesDictionary of Bible Themes Deuteronomy 4:25 5790 anger, divine Deuteronomy 4:25-26 4287 universe
5696 grandchildren
6218 provoking God Deuteronomy 4:25-27 7212 exile
8840 unfaithfulness, to God Deuteronomy 4:25-31 7520 dispersion, the
8764 forgetting God Library February the Sixteenth Crowding Out God
"Lest thou forget." --DEUTERONOMY iv. 5-13. That is surely the worst affront we can put upon anybody. We may oppose a man and hinder him in his work, or we may directly injure him, or we may ignore him, and treat him as nothing. Or we may forget him! Opposition, injury, contempt, neglect, forgetfulness! Surely this is a descending scale, and the last is the worst. And yet we can forget the Lord God. We can forget all His benefits. We can easily put Him out of mind. We can live as though He were …
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling YearDeuteronomy
(Third Sunday after Easter.) Deut. iv. 39, 40. Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the Lord he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else. Thou shall keep therefore his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee this day, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days upon the earth, which the Lord thy God giveth thee, for ever. Learned men have argued much of late as to who wrote …
Charles Kingsley—The Gospel of the Pentateuch Political and Religious Life of the Jewish Dispersion in the West - their Union in the Great Hope of the Coming Deliverer.
It was not only in the capital of the Empire that the Jews enjoyed the rights of Roman citizenship. Many in Asia Minor could boast of the same privilege. [327] The Seleucidic rulers of Syria had previously bestowed kindred privileges on the Jews in many places. Thus, they possessed in some cities twofold rights: the status of Roman and the privileges of Asiatic, citizenship. Those who enjoyed the former were entitled to a civil government of their own, under archons of their choosing, quite independent …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Of the Cities of Refuge.
Hebron, the most eminent among them, excites us to remember the rest. "The Rabbins deliver this; Moses separated three cities of refuge beyond Jordan, [Deut 4:41-43;] and, against them, Joshua separated three cities in the land of Canaan, [Josh 20:7,8]. And these were placed by one another, just as two ranks of vines are in a vineyard: Hebron in Judea against Bezer in the wilderness: Shechem in mount Ephraim against Ramoth in Gilead: Kedesh in mount Napthali against Golan in Basan. And these three …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica That the Devout Soul Ought with the Whole Heart to Yearn after Union with Christ in the Sacrament
The Voice of the Disciple Who shall grant unto me, O Lord, that I may find Thee alone, and open all my heart unto Thee, and enjoy Thee as much as my soul desireth; and that no man may henceforth look upon me, nor any creature move me or have respect unto me, but Thou alone speak unto me and I unto Thee, even as beloved is wont to speak unto beloved, and friend to feast with friend? For this do I pray, this do I long for, that I may be wholly united unto Thee, and may withdraw my heart from all created …
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ The First Covenant
"Now therefore, if ye will obey My voice, and keep My covenant, ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto Me."--EX. xix. 5. "He declared unto you His covenant, which He commanded you to perform, even ten commandments."--DEUT. iv. 13.i "If ye keep these judgments, the Lord thy God shall keep unto thee the covenant,"--DEUT. vii. 12. "I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, not according to the covenant which I made with their fathers, which My covenant they brake."--JER. xxxi. 31, 32. WE have …
Andrew Murray—The Two Covenants The Unity of God
Q-5: ARE THERE MORE GODS THAN ONE? A: There is but one only, the living and true God. That there is a God has been proved; and those that will not believe the verity of his essence, shall feel the severity of his wrath. Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord.' Deut 6:6. He is the only God.' Deut 4:49. Know therefore this day, and consider it in thy heart, that the Lord he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath, there is none else.' A just God and a Saviour; there is none beside …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity The Northern Coasts of Galilee. Amanah. The Mountain of Snow.
This coast is described by Moses, Numbers 34:7: "From the Great Sea to mount Hor: from mount Hor to the entrance of Hamath," &c. Mount Hor, in the Jewish writers, is Amanah; mention of which occurs, Canticles 4:8, where R. Solomon thus: "Amanah is a mount in the northern coast of the land of Israel, which in the Talmudical language is called, The mountainous plain of Amanon; the same with mount Hor." In the Jerusalem Targum, for mount 'Hor' is the mount Manus: but the Targum of Jonathan renders it …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Ninth Sunday after Trinity Carnal Security and Its vices.
Text: 1 Corinthians 10, 6-13. 6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. 7 Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. 8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. 9 Neither let us make trial of the Lord, as some of them made trial, and perished by the serpents. 10 Neither murmur ye, as …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III Epistle cxxvii. From S. Columbanus to Pope Gregory .
From S. Columbanus to Pope Gregory [89] . To the holy lord, and father in Christ, the Roman [pope], most fair ornament of the Church, a certain most august flower, as it were, of the whole of withering Europe, distinguished speculator, as enjoying a divine contemplation of purity (?) [90] . I, Bargoma [91] , poor dove in Christ, send greeting. Grace to thee and peace from God the Father [and] our [Lord] Jesus Christ. I am pleased to think, O holy pope, that it will seem to thee nothing extravagant …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great The Second Commandment
Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am o jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of then that hate me; and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.' Exod 20: 4-6. I. Thou shalt not …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments "They have Corrupted Themselves; their Spot is not the Spot of his Children; they are a Perverse and Crooked Generation. "
Deut. xxxii. 5.--"They have corrupted themselves; their spot is not the spot of his children; they are a perverse and crooked generation." We doubt this people would take well with such a description of themselves as Moses gives. It might seem strange to us, that God should have chosen such a people out of all the nations of the earth, and they to be so rebellious and perverse, if our own experience did not teach us how free his choice is, and how long-suffering he is, and constant in his choice. …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning A Reformer's Schooling
'The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah. And it came to pass in the month Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the palace, 2. That Hanani, one of my brethren, came, he and certain men of Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, which were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem. 3. And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Second visit to Nazareth - the Mission of the Twelve.
It almost seems, as if the departure of Jesus from Capernaum marked a crisis in the history of that town. From henceforth it ceases to be the center of His activity, and is only occasionally, and in passing, visited. Indeed, the concentration and growing power of Pharisaic opposition, and the proximity of Herod's residence at Tiberias [3013] would have rendered a permanent stay there impossible at this stage in our Lord's history. Henceforth, His Life is, indeed, not purely missionary, but He has …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Covenant Duties.
It is here proposed to show, that every incumbent duty ought, in suitable circumstances, to be engaged to in the exercise of Covenanting. The law and covenant of God are co-extensive; and what is enjoined in the one is confirmed in the other. The proposals of that Covenant include its promises and its duties. The former are made and fulfilled by its glorious Originator; the latter are enjoined and obligatory on man. The duties of that Covenant are God's law; and the demands of the law are all made …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting Subjects of Study. Home Education in Israel; Female Education. Elementary Schools, Schoolmasters, and School Arrangements.
If a faithful picture of society in ancient Greece or Rome were to be presented to view, it is not easy to believe that even they who now most oppose the Bible could wish their aims success. For this, at any rate, may be asserted, without fear of gainsaying, that no other religion than that of the Bible has proved competent to control an advanced, or even an advancing, state of civilisation. Every other bound has been successively passed and submerged by the rising tide; how deep only the student …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Wisdom and Revelation.
"Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him: the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness …
W. H. Griffith Thomas—The Prayers of St. Paul Links Deuteronomy 4:25 NIVDeuteronomy 4:25 NLTDeuteronomy 4:25 ESVDeuteronomy 4:25 NASBDeuteronomy 4:25 KJV
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