Go Beyond

• A Warning against Disobedience | Deuteronomy 6:10-15

6:10-15 | In anticipation of the blessings they would receive in the Promised Land (6:10-11), Moses warned the people against forgetting the Lord who had delivered them out of Egypt (6:12). Moses knew that those blessings could lead to their downfall (see also Deuteronomy 8:11-14). Notice the repeated use of the phrase “which you did not” in verses 10 and 11. These words reminded the Israelites that God was the source of the blessings they would enjoy in the Promised Land. We often fail to value the things that cost us nothing.

We must beware of the dangers of prosperity. | Moses warned the people to be on guard against the dangers of prosperity. One of the pitfalls of prosperity is forgetting God. Prosperity and abundance can also lead to pride and arrogance (see Deuteronomy 8:17). The blessings of God should humble and inspire us to express gratitude to God.

The “when” of verse 10 (blessing) leads to the “then” of verse 12 (warning). Moses knew that prosperity can intoxicate people and dull their sensitivity and responsiveness to God (as in the case of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32). Moses offered three ways for the people to remember God in verse 13. First, they were to “fear only the Lord.” Fear is the attitude that recognizes the holy and majestic character of God. The fear of God should motivate us to holy living (see Genesis 39:9). Second, they were to “worship [serve] Him.” Service was prescribed as a means of remembering God. Those who fear God and are living in close communion with Him will faithfully serve Him. Third, they were to “swear by His name.” Swearing by God’s name was also prescribed as a means of remembering Him. Any oaths taken were to be in the Lord’s name and not in the name of any other god.

Verse 14 is a restatement of the First Commandment: “You shall have no other gods before Me” (5:7). The Israelites would be exposed to many of the gods of the Canaanites in the Promised Land (6:14). They would be tempted to look to those gods for agricultural blessings and success. Moses warned them to have absolutely nothing to do with the gods of the peoples around them. The reason for looking only to God, as well as the consequences of not looking to Him, is given in verse 15. God is a jealous God, interested in protecting what belongs to Him.

Our love for God should be unrivaled, undivided, and unbridled. | Our love for God should be unrivaled. It should be supreme and unequaled. Our love for God should be undivided. It should be a loyal love given in recognition of the awesome character and majesty of God. Our love for God should be unbridled. It should be an unrestrained love expressed from a heart of gratitude.