SOURCE FOR QUESTIONS

Deuteronomy 29:1 through 31:30

KEY VERSE FOR MEMORIZATION
“Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” (Deuteronomy. 31:6)

BACKGROUND

Moses addressed the people by relating the Covenant between God and the Children of Israel that had been made forty years earlier at Mount Sinai. Though the Covenant had been extensive, it could be summed up with the promise by God to bless the Children of Israel and make of them a great nation if Israel would honor, love, and obey God.

Moses reviewed how God had already blessed and protected Israel, but observed that the Children of Israel had turned from the Lord and had not kept their part of the Covenant. Moses warned the people that it would not be well with them if they continued to turn from God’s commandments, but assured them that God would be waiting to receive them back and would restore their blessings if they would turn back to Him.

Moses then presented a challenge to the Children of Israel. He said they had the choice of good or evil, life or death, before them. They must decide either to love and serve God or to be drawn away by false gods and worldly sins.

Moses told the assembled people that he was old and would not enter the Promised Land with them, but that God would go before them and conquer the enemies of Israel. Moses admonished them to have courage and to trust God at this time, for God would not fail them.

Every seven years, the entire nation, including the children, were admonished to gather together to hear the Law read. By doing so, they would know how to obey and please the Lord.

God gave Joshua the commission to lead the Children of Israel after Moses’ death, which was imminent. Along with the charge for Joshua to have courage, God promised to be with him.

QUESTIONS

1. What were some of the miracles Moses reiterated to remind the Children of Israel that God would take care of them and bless them? (Deuteronomy 29:1-8)
2. God’s covenant of blessing was conditional. What would happen if the Children of Israel refused to keep their side of the covenant? (Deuteronomy 29:14-28)
3. Moses spoke of secret things belonging to God. Why do you think God does not always share His reasons or reveal His complete plan for our lives?
4. What do the verses in Deuteronomy 30:1-10 reveal about the character of God?
5. While we may not know God’s long-term plan for our lives, how can we be sure we can know God’s expectations for us today as we seek His will? (Deuteronomy 30:14)
6. Verses 15-20 of Deuteronomy 30 offer a choice between good and evil, and between life and death. Do you think this was a one-time choice or a daily choice? Parallel your answer to the choice(s) we face regarding serving the Lord.
7. God told the Children of Israel to go in and possess the land of Canaan (Deuteronomy 31:3-8), and He promised that He would secure victory for them from the inhabitants of the land. How does this compare to us as we approach the promises of God?
8. God commanded the Children of Israel to have courage and not be afraid as they faced the Canaanites. Israel had proved God before, so why might they be tempted to fear now?
9. God emphasized the importance of teaching the children the commandments and precepts of His Word (Deuteronomy 31:10-13). What are ways we can do this today?
10. God lamented the fact that when Israel was blessed and prosperous, the people would forget Him (Deuteronomy 31:20). How does that relate to us today? What can we do to reverse this tendency in our own lives?
11. Moses was soon to die and God appointed Joshua to take his place (Deuteronomy 31:23). Why do you think Joshua was the man chosen?
12. Moses drew this chapter to a close with a warning for the Children of Israel to keep their covenant with God or suffer severe consequences. Why do you think God pled with them even though He knew they would continue to be rebellious?

CONCLUSION

The basic message of these chapters is that God will punish those who forget and disobey Him, but He will greatly bless those who love, honor, and obey Him. The same choice is ours today!