Tyndale Open Study Notes

Verse 1

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.

30:1 These blessings and curses: See 27:1–28:68.

Verse 2

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.

Verse 6

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).

Verse 11

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.

30:11 This command refers to the whole covenant text, all of Deuteronomy (see 4:2; 5:29; 7:9).

Verse 12

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).

Verse 13

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).

Verse 14

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).

Verse 16

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.

Verse 19

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.

Verse 20

30:20 the key to your life: In its most meaningful sense, life consists of absolute commitment to the Lord.