◄ Deuteronomy 4:44 ►
This is the law that Moses set before the Israelites.
Study Bible
This is the law
The phrase "This is the law" refers to the Torah, which is the foundational legal and ethical code given to the Israelites. The Hebrew word for "law" here is "Torah," which means instruction or teaching. It encompasses not just legal statutes but also moral and spiritual guidance. The Torah is central to Jewish and Christian traditions, serving as a guide for living a life that is pleasing to God. In a broader sense, it represents God's covenant with His people, a divine framework for maintaining a relationship with Him.

Moses
Moses is a pivotal figure in the Bible, chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage and to receive the law on Mount Sinai. His role as a prophet and lawgiver is unparalleled, and he is often seen as a type of Christ in Christian theology, prefiguring the ultimate deliverance and revelation brought by Jesus. Moses' faithfulness and humility are highlighted throughout the Scriptures, and his leadership is a model of obedience to God's will.

set before
The phrase "set before" indicates the act of presenting or laying out the law for the people to follow. In Hebrew, the word used can imply a formal presentation or declaration. This act signifies the importance of the law as a covenantal document that requires the people's attention and adherence. It is not merely a set of rules but a divine mandate that demands commitment and obedience. The setting before also implies a choice, echoing the later exhortation in Deuteronomy to choose life by following God's commandments.

the Israelites
The term "the Israelites" refers to the descendants of Jacob, also known as Israel. They are God's chosen people, set apart to be a holy nation and a kingdom of priests. The historical context of this passage is significant, as the Israelites are on the brink of entering the Promised Land after years of wandering in the wilderness. This moment is crucial as it marks a transition from a nomadic existence to establishing a nation under God's law. The identity of the Israelites is deeply tied to their covenant relationship with God, and the law is a key component of that identity, shaping their communal and individual lives.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The central figure in this passage, Moses is the leader and prophet who delivered God's law to the Israelites. He is a pivotal character in the Pentateuch, serving as a mediator between God and His people.

2. The Israelites
The chosen people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. They are the recipients of the law and are preparing to enter the Promised Land.

3. The Law
Refers to the commandments, statutes, and ordinances given by God through Moses. It is a comprehensive guide for the Israelites on how to live in covenant relationship with God.

4. The Promised Land
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, it is the context in which the law is given. The Israelites are on the brink of entering the land promised to their forefathers.

5. Mount Sinai (Horeb)
The place where Moses received the law from God. It is a significant location in the history of Israel's covenant with God.
Teaching Points
The Role of the Law
The law serves as a guide for righteous living and maintaining a covenant relationship with God. It reflects God's holiness and His expectations for His people.

Moses as Mediator
Moses' role as a mediator foreshadows Christ, who is the ultimate mediator between God and humanity. Understanding Moses' role helps us appreciate the greater work of Christ.

Covenant Relationship
The law is not just a set of rules but a framework for a covenant relationship. It calls for obedience out of love and reverence for God.

Holiness and Obedience
The law emphasizes the importance of holiness and obedience. As believers, we are called to live lives that reflect God's character and commands.

Preparation for the Promised Land
Just as the Israelites were prepared to enter the Promised Land, we are called to prepare our hearts for the eternal promises of God through obedience and faith.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding Moses' role as a mediator help us appreciate the work of Jesus Christ in the New Testament?

2. In what ways does the law given to the Israelites apply to Christians today, and how can we live out its principles in our daily lives?

3. How does the concept of a covenant relationship with God challenge or encourage you in your personal walk with Him?

4. What are some practical ways we can pursue holiness and obedience in our current cultural context?

5. How can the preparation of the Israelites to enter the Promised Land inspire us to prepare for the promises God has for us?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 20
The giving of the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai, which forms the core of the law Moses set before the Israelites.

Leviticus 19
Expands on the laws given to the Israelites, emphasizing holiness and ethical living.

Matthew 5:17-20
Jesus speaks about the fulfillment of the law, highlighting its enduring significance and His role in bringing it to completion.

Romans 7:12
Paul reflects on the law as holy, righteous, and good, underscoring its divine origin and purpose.
Sermons
The Circumstances Under Which the Law was ReiteratedR.M. Edgar Deuteronomy 4:44-49
People
Amorites, Baalpeor, Bezer, Gadites, Israelites, Manasseh, Manassites, Moses, Og, Reubenites, Sihon
Places
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 Arnon
Topics
Israelites, Law, Sons
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Deuteronomy 4:41-44

     5040   murder

Deuteronomy 4:44-45

     5376   law, purpose of

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 Year

Deuteronomy
(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

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