45 VA'ETCHANAN (I Pleaded); Deut. 3:23-7:11, Acts 3-5

[Bruce Bertram]

We start off this section with Moses putting in another mention of how he doesn’t get to go into the Land “on your account.” He does this about three or four times in the opening parts of this book. So Joshua is confirmed in Moses’ place. This book seems to be written as a reminder of where Israel has been and where they are going, along with a recap of all the instructions given by God to date as preparation for entering the Land. In chapter 4 Moses outlines why the commandments are given, and tells the people not to modify them.

2“You shall not add to the word which I am commanding you, nor take away from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you. (Deuteronomy 4:2 NASB95)

Moses uses words like “listen” “watch yourself” “give heed to yourself” and “keep your soul diligently” to describe the attitude towards the commandments (literally “ten words’) and other instructions God has given. He also calls them “wisdom” “understanding” and “righteousness” and says that following them will be a testimony for other nations. Moses slips in another poke at Israel for him not being able to go into the land, while reminding the people that they saw no form in the fire at Horeb and therefore are not to worship any idol based on created things. Several times he mentions “the covenant” which is not only a reference to the list of instructions or commands but also to the promise made to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. This promise is given as the reason for God personally intervening in Egypt and bringing them to the new Land. Amidst the admonitions to adhere to the instructions that God has given, Moses also speaks of a time when they will actually set up idols and suffer the penalties for doing so. But he says that in the “latter days” they will return and listen as they should. The chapter closes with three cities on the east side of the Jordan set up as a refuge for manslaughter perpetrators, and a brief description of the land taken from the two kings of the Amorites. Chapter 5 restates the ten words.

I am the Lord your God, don’t allow other gods.
Worship the Lord your God alone; no graven images.
Use God’s name correctly.
Keep the Sabbath holy.
Honor father and mother.
Don’t murder.
Don’t commit adultery.
Don’t steal.
Don’t lie.
Don’t covet.

Moses reminds the people what it was like at Horeb with God, and that they wanted Moses to hear what God said and teach them. God approved this change, and spoke of a longing for continuous intimacy with His people.

29‘Oh that they had such a heart in them, that they would fear Me and keep all My commandments always, that it may be well with them and with their sons forever! (Deuteronomy 5:29 NASB95)

Chapter 6 contains a number of declarations of God’s goodness and man’s responsibility, along with admonitions to stay on the path that God has set.

4“Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one! 5“You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 6“These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. 7You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. 8“You shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. 9“You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. (Deuteronomy 6:4-9 NASB95)

“Fear the Lord” and “diligently keep His commandments” are repeated over and over. Among the many good reasons for this is love for God, and that children would be taught, that it is “righteousness for us,” and that God may be glorified. In the first part of chapter 7 Israel is reminded not to mix in marriage with the nations being driven out of the Land, and another reason is given for following God – that He loves people who obey Him, and opposes those who disobey.

Acts 3 is where the lame guy is healed who proves it by “walking and leaping and praising God.” Peter tells him that he doesn’t have silver or gold, but what he has he gives to the man. People come running to witness this amazing miracle, and Peter preaches another sermon on the Source for the healing. He speaks of the death and resurrection of Jesus, and names Him as the prophet that Israel was told to expect by Moses so long ago. This gets Peter and John in trouble with the religious leaders (again) particularly the Sadducees, those who do not believe in the resurrection. So they get hauled off to jail, and in the meantime 5,000 people are added to the kingdom.

Later, the disciples are brought before the Sanhedrin and asked by what name they are doing these things. Peter tells them it is by the name and power of Jesus, whom the Sanhedrin crucified but God resurrected, that they proclaim and work miracles, and that there is salvation in no one else. The Sanhedrin figures out that these guys were with Jesus, and that even though uneducated they are very confident and knowledgeable. But they can’t say anything because the healed man is right there where they can see him. They warn the disciples not to teach in Jesus’ name anymore and let them go. The disciples answer that they must obey God rather than men, and return to the others. A prayer is made where God is glorified and the disciples as Him to take note of the threats while asking God to continue with those things which are predestined to happen. The place where they are meeting is shaken; they are filled with the Spirit (again?) and preach all the more boldly. We are reminded that the congregation was “one heart and soul,” that with great power the disciples were giving testimony to the resurrection of Jesus, and that no one lacked for anything because people were selling what they had and giving it to the community.

In chapter 6 we have the story of Ananias and Sapphira, who sell a piece of property but hold back some of the money. They are confronted each in turn, and asked if the price they were paid was such and such (lower than what it really sold for). Each in turn answers that it was, and each drops dead when told they could’ve kept what they wanted but instead they lied to the Holy Spirit. The people are astonished and multitudes are added to their number. Many signs and wonders take place, and they meet with one accord in Solomon’s portico. All these things draw the attention of the hostile authorities again, and they are “filled with jealousy.” They put the apostles in jail a second time, but in the night an angel lets them out and they go back to preaching. The guards go to get them in the morning but the apostles are gone, even though the jail was locked securely. The guards report to the Sanhedrin, then find out the apostles are at the temple teaching, so they go ask nicely for the apostles to go back to the court. The apostles comply, and tell the court they must obey God and continue to testify about Jesus whom they crucified but whom God resurrected, and about the repentance and forgiveness offered by Him. The people of the Sanhedrin are “cut to the heart” but decide to kill instead of repent. Gamaliel stands up and speaks to them about other leaders who were killed and their followers scattered, so they should just leave these guys alone. If the movement is not from God, he says these fellows will scatter also. But if the movement is from God, they will find themselves fighting God. So they just flog the apostles and let them go with warnings to stop. The apostles rejoice that they have been counted worthy to suffer shame for His name, and they go on preaching and teaching.

Shalom

[Bruce Bertram]

In the Deuteronomy section of this portion, Moses goes over what some call the Ten Commandments, but there are obviously a lot more than just ten. There is also a lot less than ten. What I mean is that, technically, there are lots of different ways to live out what God says, and at the same time there really is only one guiding principle.

34"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another." (John 13:34 NASB95)

'New' doesn't necessarily mean 'I just made it up.' According to my Enhanced Strong's Lexicon the word 'new' (2537) can mean 'unused' or 'unworn.' Interesting thought. This 'new' command can be thought of as an 'unused' command.

God was obviously loving Israel when He made a promise to their forefathers to bring them into a good land. He was obviously loving them when He brought them out of Egypt, protected them from Pharoah, led them through the desert, and finally brought them into the Land. He continues to love them, even when they don't love Him back.

In this way God loves all of His children, and we work hard at loving Him back by doing what He says.

Shalom

[Jesse Bramhall]

'New' doesn't necessarily mean 'I just made it up.' According to my Enhanced Strong's Lexicon the word 'new' (2537) can mean 'unused' or 'unworn.' Interesting thought. This 'new' command can be thought of as an 'unused' command.

I need to have this little piece of info about "new" memorized to pull out of my head at any moment, just as I need several other passages memorized for easy access when the times come.

[Bruce Bertram]

The promise of God is a fascinating subject to consider. It starts in Genesis 3:15 (perhaps even in Genesis one when speaking of 'blessing'), is mentioned again in numerous places such as to Noah (Genesis 9:25-27) and Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3); and also Genesis 13, 15, 17, 22, 24, 25, and 28. God brings Israel out of bondage in Egypt because of His promise (Ex. 2:24, 6:8, and 12:25). The giving of the Law is a continuation of the promise (Exodus 19:5). Later God gets even more specific about the Promise when He tells David what is going to happen to his descendant (2 Sam. 7:11-16).

The promise, or promises, or covenant of God is mentioned quite a bit in the Apostolic Writings (NT) also.

38Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself."

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[golfnerd]

I am hoping everyone here had a blessed Shabbat.

I heard a teaching talking about what happened when God spoke the 10 commandments. His voice was described as physically impacting the Israelites - like physical blows. Then the teaching referred to Psalms 29...check it out....


(Psa 29:4 NASB) The voice of the LORD is powerful, The voice of the LORD is majestic.

(Psa 29:5 NASB) The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars; Yes, the LORD breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon.

(Psa 29:6 NASB) He makes Lebanon skip like a calf, And Sirion like a young wild ox.

(Psa 29:7 NASB) The voice of the LORD hews out flames of fire.

(Psa 29:8 NASB) The voice of the LORD shakes the wilderness; The LORD shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.

(Psa 29:9 NASB) The voice of the LORD makes the deer to calve And strips the forests bare; And in His temple everything says, "Glory!"

His voice makes animals calve..with 3+ million folks there, SOMEBODY had to be with child...think it happened to them also? What about EVERYTHING(inanimate objects) in His Temple saying "Glory!"

Then consider these verses...

(Luk 19:39 KJ2000) And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Teacher, rebuke your disciples.

(Luk 19:40 KJ2000) And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.


What say you?

[Bruce Bertram]

I agree with you that His voice is very powerful and can cause something to come out of nothing. But He doesn't have to shout to do it, either.
[quote][size=100]11So He said, “Go forth and stand on the mountain before the Lord.â€

[Bruce Bertram]

Va’etchanan; Deuteronomy 3:23-7:11; Isaiah 40:1:26; Acts 3 through 5

An interesting theme is running through our portion this week. Of course, one reason for this is that it runs repeatedly throughout Scripture on a regular basis. The theme is the identity of God, or, how do we tell Him apart from other gods or powers?

Right away in our Deuteronomy section Moses makes a statement to help us on our way.

24‘O Lord GOD, You have begun to show Your servant Your greatness and Your strong hand; for what god is there in heaven or on earth who can do such works and mighty acts as Yours? (Deuteronomy 3:24 NASB95)

So one way we know God is by His works and “mighty acts.” Some of these mighty acts were undoubtedly seen in the emancipation of Israel from Egypt (4:34,37,38). Some were seen in His providence for His newly released people in the desert. But all of them come from His Word.

7“For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as is the LORD our God whenever we call on Him? 8“Or what great nation is there that has statutes and judgments as righteous as this whole law which I am setting before you today? 9“Only give heed to yourself and keep your soul diligently, so that you do not forget the things which your eyes have seen and they do not depart from your heart all the days of your life; but make them known to your sons and your grandsons. (Deuteronomy 4:7-9 NASB95)

His Word is what makes nations great because of the righteousness in it. Through His Word we ‘draw near’ to Him, in obedience there is great reward. Yes, we know God by knowing and clinging to His Word with all of our heart, soul and strength.

29“But from there you will seek the LORD your God, and you will find Him if you search for Him with all your heart and all your soul. (Deuteronomy 4:29 NASB95)

4“Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one! 5“You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 6“These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. (Deuteronomy 6:4-6 NASB95)

He is not an image of any created thing (4:16), nor is He in the stars or moon or sun or the whole host of heaven (4:19). He is as far above those things as they are above us. Those of us who keep His Word know He is not in creation; instead, we know Him by His loving kindness through His Word.

10but showing lovingkindness to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments. (Deuteronomy 5:10 NASB95)

29‘Oh that they had such a heart in them, that they would fear Me and keep all My commandments always, that it may be well with them and with their sons forever! (Deuteronomy 5:29 NASB95)

We also know Him as a faithful God, who always keeps His end of a bargain, even if we don’t.

9“Know therefore that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His lovingkindness to a thousandth generation with those who love Him and keep His commandments; 10but repays those who hate Him to their faces, to destroy them; He will not delay with him who hates Him, He will repay him to his face. 11“Therefore, you shall keep the commandment and the statutes and the judgments which I am commanding you today, to do them. (Deuteronomy 7:9-11 NASB95)

Isaiah tells us that He is higher than the nations, and above every king or ruler ever born (Isaiah 40:15,17,22) and laid out creation in the “hollow of His hand” (Isaiah 40:12). Yet all creation is as nothing before the Word of God.

8The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever. (Isaiah 40:8 NASB95)

The prophets continued to remind the people of Israel to repent of their wickedness and return to the Word of God. Then came Jesus, The Prophet (Acts 3:22,23) who also spoke the Words of God, and indeed He was and is the Living Word of God. All must listen to that Word or be utterly destroyed.

22“Moses said, ‘THE LORD GOD WILL RAISE UP FOR YOU A PROPHET LIKE ME FROM YOUR BRETHREN; TO HIM YOU SHALL GIVE HEED to everything He says to you. 23‘And it will be that every soul that does not heed that prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people.’ (Acts 3:22-23 NASB95)

By the words and mighty acts of Jesus, we know Him to be God, because He acted as God would act and said exactly what God had been saying all along.

Knowing the Words of God, we know Jesus as God, and this explains why many of the leaders of Israel did not know Him, and why they handed Him over to the Romans for crucifixion. The leaders rejected the Word, which is why they killed The Prophet and why they wanted to kill the apostles (Acts 5:33). They heard the Words, but they didn’t unite the hearing with obedience to the Words. They had no faith, which has equal parts hearing and doing.

The apostles continued the work of Jesus, spreading the Word and helping people to know God through it.

31And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness. (Acts 4:31 NASB95)

The plans of the leaders of Israel could not prevail, because God was in the Word that the apostles preached. Some of the leaders vaguely knew this.

38“So in the present case, I say to you, stay away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or action is of men, it will be overthrown; 39but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them; or else you may even be found fighting against God.” (Acts 5:38-39 NASB95)

Ananias and Sapphira are examples of hearing the Word of God but without faith. Otherwise they would not have attempted to lie to the Spirit (Acts 5:1-11). If they had really known God by knowing God’s Word, they would’ve known that not only was there no need to lie about the money, but that He would know them and know they were lying.

Knowing and obeying the Word is how we identify God, and identify with Him. His Word sets Him apart from every other power or god one can imagine. Because we are willing to follow whatever He says, we know His voice we become intimately involved with Him and we know which actions are His and which are not.

24“So the LORD commanded us to observe all these statutes, to fear the LORD our God for our good always and for our survival, as it is today. 25“It will be righteousness for us if we are careful to observe all this commandment before the LORD our God, just as He commanded us. (Deuteronomy 6:24-25 NASB95)

Shalom