The Things Revealed Belong to Us

Deuteronomy 29:1-29

Key Verse 29:29

This passage teaches us the way to download God’s blessings and get them incorporated into our lives, so that we can live as a source of blessings for many, and thereby render glory to God. 

Read verse 1. Think about the two covenants (the one made at Horeb in Exodus 19 and the one made in Moab in Deuteronomy 29). What is the time gap between the two covenants? (Exodus 19:1; Deuteronomy 1:1-5; 29:5) What can we learn about the Lord who desires to get into a covenant (relationship) again and again? 

** 40 years

** God understands how forgetful we are, so he keeps reminding them of the importance of his children staying connected with Him even as in a marriage relationship (where it is critical for both parties to remain faithful to a marriage relationship). God is a shepherd. One of the key duties/responsibilities of a shepherd is to keep reminding his sheep of the things they need to remember for life.

Read verses 2-3. What did they see (with their own eyes)? 

** Vs.2-3

Read verse 4 and compare it with verses 2-3. What does it mean to have “a mind that understands”, “the eyes that see” or “the ears that hear”? Why is it that the Lord has not given them any of these? (Romans 1:18-22; Mark 4:9; Psalm 14:2; John 12:37-40; Isaiah 42:20)

** Most likely they did not give thanks to God for all the grace they experienced. They did not think of what God did for them. So they grew dull. 

Read verses 5-6. Can you think of any sandals or clothes that do not wear out even though you have worn them for forty long years? Can you imagine anyone eating no bread for this long and yet remain healthy? What does “I did this that you may know that I am the LORD your God” mean to you? 

** Maybe animal skin like fish skin/scales, or donkey’s or camel’s feet which even did not need shoes/sandals. But no man made shoes or clothes are durable for so long. They are all subject to wear and tear over time. 

** No. 

** Perhaps it means two things: First, God’s power is without a limit; and second, this God is going to work with his children, if his children stay committed to him. 

Read verses 7-8 and compare this passage with the difficulties the Israelites had as they journeyed to Moab (read Numbers 21). How did the Lord help them out? In what respect is the victory over the two kings (Sihon and Og) significant? (8b)

** Numbers 21 (It was all thanks to the Lord being with them, and training them so far.)

** It meant the promise to occupy the promised land is for real; already the one and a half tribes ate the pecan pie.

Read verses 9-15. What is the point of the covenant they were called to make with the Lord (sealed with an oath)? Why is it important for them to remain faithful to the covenant (16-28)? 

** The point is for the Israelites not to become idolatrous, but love and worship the Lord God alone. 

** The Lord alone is the true source of all blessings one can think of. 

Read verse 29. What does “secrets things belong to our God” mean? What does “things revealed belong to us” mean? Why did God reveal these things to them? 

** It means all the blessings (existing in the form of the [spiritual] world) that are yet to be revealed remain “concealed” in God’s archives. 

** It means: 1) these revelations are not just a bunch of do’s or don’ts but the exact framework for all the blessings contained therein; and 2) accordingly it is a must for them to cherish them, and work on them with due care. 

Note: Moses said they belong to further generations as well, indicating that they must be taught and transmitted to the next generations, so the coming generations would stay blessed. 

** What lesson(s) can we learn from the passage for our walk in the Lord? 

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