Moses' exhortation to obey is a central theme in the Pentateuch, particularly emphasized in the book of Deuteronomy. As the leader chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage and guide them through the wilderness, Moses stands as a pivotal figure in the history of Israel. His exhortations are not merely calls to obedience but are deeply rooted in the covenantal relationship between God and His people.

Context and Background

The exhortation to obey is primarily found in the book of Deuteronomy, which serves as a series of speeches delivered by Moses to the Israelites on the plains of Moab, just before they enter the Promised Land. Deuteronomy is often considered a restatement of the Law, intended to remind the Israelites of their covenant obligations and the blessings and curses associated with obedience and disobedience.

Key Passages

1. Deuteronomy 4:1-2 : "Now, O Israel, listen to the statutes and ordinances I am teaching you to follow, so that you may live and enter and take possession of the land that the LORD, the God of your fathers, is giving you. You must not add to or subtract from what I command you, so that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God that I am giving you."

Here, Moses emphasizes the importance of adhering strictly to God's commandments without alteration. The call to obedience is linked directly to the Israelites' ability to thrive in the land promised to their ancestors.

2. Deuteronomy 6:4-9 : "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One. And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as reminders on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorposts of your houses and on your gates."

Known as the Shema, this passage underscores the centrality of loving God wholly and the necessity of internalizing and perpetuating His commandments through daily life and generational teaching.

3. Deuteronomy 11:26-28 : "See, today I am setting before you a blessing and a curse: a blessing if you obey the commandments of the LORD your God that I am giving you today, but a curse if you disobey the commandments of the LORD your God and turn aside from the path I command you today by following other gods, which you have not known."

Moses presents a clear choice between blessing and curse, contingent upon the Israelites' obedience or disobedience. This dichotomy serves as a powerful motivator for adherence to God's laws.

Theological Significance

Moses' exhortation to obey is deeply theological, reflecting the covenantal framework within which Israel's relationship with God is understood. Obedience is not merely a legalistic requirement but a response to God's gracious acts of salvation and provision. It is an expression of love and loyalty to the One who has chosen Israel as His treasured possession.

Practical Implications

For the Israelites, obedience to God's commandments was essential for maintaining their identity as His people and for ensuring their prosperity in the land. Moses' exhortations highlight the importance of teaching and living out the commandments in every aspect of life, ensuring that future generations remain faithful to the covenant.

Conclusion

Moses' exhortation to obey remains a timeless call for God's people to live in accordance with His will, recognizing the blessings of obedience and the consequences of turning away. Through these exhortations, Moses seeks to instill a deep and abiding commitment to God, rooted in love and reverence.