Deuteronomy 30 — Tyndale Study Notes
Deut.29.2-30.20
Anticipating his death, Moses composed a farewell address, briefly reviewing Israel’s history since the Exodus. He charged the nation to pledge their fidelity to the Lord. This section of Deuteronomy makes it clear that grace is not just a New Testament doctrine: It undergirds every aspect of the Lord’s relationship with Israel.
Deut.30.1-10
Repentance was the only solution to the threat of judgment. The possibility of blessing and the prevention of judgment both depended on a proper relationship with the Lord.
Deut.30.1
These blessings and curses: See 27:1–28:68.
Deut.30.2-3
with all your heart and all your soul: The expectation of these verses was clearly articulated in the Shema, Israel’s great statement of covenant faith and commitment (cp. 6:4). Obedience to the covenant was a prerequisite necessary for Israel to receive God’s forgiveness and return to its land.
Deut.30.6
change your heart: This work of God, initiated by his grace, would result in Israel’s regeneration and identify the nation as the Lord’s true people (see 10:16; Jer 4:4; Rom 4:1-12).
Deut.30.11-20
Adherence to the covenant terms that Moses had outlined would give life; disobedience would surely bring death. Life and death refer to physical, mortal life in the land—of individuals and of the community of Israel.
Deut.30.11
This command refers to the whole covenant text, all of Deuteronomy (see 4:2; 5:29; 7:9).
Deut.30.12
not kept in heaven: The revelation of God is not known only to him but is accessible to human beings (see Rom 10:6-8).
Deut.30.13
not kept beyond the sea: God’s purposes are not in the custody of faraway nations but are available to his people (see Rom 10:6-8).
Deut.30.14
The message of salvation is objectively close (on your lips) and subjectively near (in your heart). It is capable of being taught and learned (see 6:6-7).
Deut.30.16
love the Lord your God: This paraphrases the Shema, Israel’s central covenant affirmation (see 6:5). To love God means to obey him in every respect, which results in divine blessing.
Deut.30.19
life and death . . . blessings and curses: This grammatical structure suggests an equivalence between life and blessing and between death and curses. The essence of a blessing is life, and the essence of a curse is death.
Deut.30.20
the key to your life: In its most meaningful sense, life consists of absolute commitment to the Lord.