Scripture: Deuteronomy 5:1-33

Aim: To review with the student, the commitment that Israel made with Jehovah God to obey and follow Him in their lives.

Golden Text: “Go thou near, and hear all that the Lord, our God, shall say: and speak thou unto us all that the Lord, our God, shall speak unto thee; and we will hear it, and do it” (Deuteronomy 5:27).

When Moses led the children of Israel out of Egyptian bondage, he lead them to Mount Sinai. There Israel was confronted with a national and personal decision as to whether they would follow and obey Jehovah God or not. Jehovah joined Israel while still in Egypt, manifesting Himself in the Cloud of His Glory. He led them through the Red Sea and on to this holy mountain where He would make a binding covenant with Israel. This covenant afterwards is called the Covenant of Moses. The rules and regulations given in this covenant included the Ten Commandments, which are an expression of God’s own character and perfections. To this covenant, the Israelites gave ready consent and agreement.

I. Jehovah’s desire for Israel (Deuteronomy 5:27). He wants them to have a heart that will “fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children forever.” The best blessings and the finest that any person, or persons, could ever have is the favor of Jehovah God, which is obtained by following this desire set forth for Israel. To fail to obey the commandments of Jehovah is to incur His disfavor, and to fail to “reverence” Him is to show a disdain toward Him. Boy, talk about biting the hand that feeds!

II. Jehovah’s command to the Israelites (Deuteronomy 5:30-33). Jehovah instructs Moses to go down the mountain and send the people to their tents (vs. 30, they were gathered around the foot of the mountain). The message Moses gives is, “Ye shall observe to do therefore as the Lord your God hath commanded you: ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. Ye shall walk in all the ways, which the Lord your God hath commanded you, that ye may live, and that it may be well with you, and that ye may prolong your days in the land which ye shall possess” (vs. 32-33).

The Lord wants only the best for each of us. He has instructed us in the way to have what is always best for each individual. To those who are willing to humbly submit to the Lord and obey His will a continual flow of blessings will be theirs. To those who reject and refuse to obey the Lord’s commands can expect much trouble and difficulty in their lives.

III. Jehovah gives the Ten Commandments to the Israelites (Deuteronomy 5:1-21). Israel is gathered to the foot of Mount Sinai by Moses and Aaron. Jehovah God spoke audibly to the people. They heard and understood; however, the voice of the Eternal, Holy God simply “scared them to death.” They were afraid and ask Moses to let Jehovah speak to him and then tell Israel what the Lord wants them to do, they will do it (vs. 23-27).

The record of the giving of the Ten Commandments is recorded in Exodus 19-20. The event is reviewed by Moses to Israel shortly before his death and their entrance into the land of Canaan. This is a review of the giving of God’s instructions and Israel’s acceptance of them. They readily promised that they would obey and follow Jehovah in whatever He wanted and where ever He led.

That is a proper response of a person to Jehovah, the eternal God of the universe. Why should a person refuse to obey the one upon whom he is absolutely dependent? This is true of us today as well. We are absolutely dependent upon Jehovah God for everything. Why then do we dare to refuse to obey and follow Jehovah. Some even deny that He is God. O’ the folly!

Israel is an example of what not to do. They promised and did not keep the promise. Let us not be guilty of the same great sin. Let us respond with a “Yes, Lord” and an obedient spirit.