Deuteronomy: At Journey's Endਨਮੂਨਾ

Today's the day

With 29:2 we begin the third speech of Moses (29:2 – 30:20; cf. 1:1 – 4:43 and 4:44 – 28:68), which leads into the last details – the appointment of Joshua to succeed Moses (31:1–29), Moses’ song (31:30 – 32:43) and the record of his death and his blessing of his people (32:44 – 34:12). This third speech is as good a summary of the whole book as could be planned. 

Today’s portion falls into two sections. First, there is a review of history (vv. 3–8), introduced by the words ‘all that the Lord did’ (v. 2). Secondly, verses 9–15, where the word ‘today, this day’ comes five times, call for an immediate response. 

Verses 2–9 are a précis of the longer historical review in Deuteronomy 1–3, which is itself a précis of the full account in Exodus and Numbers. History is important! Biblical faith is not theological speculation (cf. 2 Pet. 1:16). It rests on the revealed truth of God, confirmed and secured by the historical acts of God. 

Moses highlights the truths of redemption (vv. 2–3), demonstrated by the exodus; providential care (vv. 5–6), demonstrated by the wilderness years; and power over all the power of the enemy (vv. 7–8), demonstrated by the defeat of Sihon and Og and possession of their lands. Each element of this history has a truth to urge on Israel: the Lord is wholly sovereign, even to the extent that true spiritual awareness can only be ours by his gift (see v. 4); we are, however, responsible for learning the truth taught by God’s historical acts (v. 6b), and for listening to and absorbing what God has said (v. 9). 

Verses 10–15 contain only one truth: God’s word is a ‘today word’; it leaves no ‘wriggle room’ nor permission to temporise (cf. Ps. 95:7d–8; Heb. 3:7). It concerns the whole community – every member (vv. 10–11). Our immediate obedience is our way into covenant blessings (v. 12), bringing with it assurance that the Lord has accepted and confirmed us by oath as his people. It applies for all time (vv. 14–15). Every day is the Lord’s ‘today’, and ‘today’ is the day for the obedience to the word of God which his covenant requires.

Reflection

‘Today, this day’ comes over twenty times in Deuteronomy, making immediacy characteristic of both the Lord‘s dealings and our response. It calls for prompt continuance through obedience (4:4), covenant membership (5:3), revelation (5:24), blessings through obedience (6:24), obedience itself (11:8) and commitment (13:4).