“And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you? He requires only that you fear the LORD your God, and live in a way that pleases him, and love him and serve him with all your heart and soul. And you must always obey the LORD’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good. Look, the highest heavens and the earth and everything in it all belong to the LORD your God.”
Deuteronomy 10:12-14
“But you have seen the LORD perform all these mighty deeds with your own eyes!”
Deuteronomy 11:7
Moses reminded Israel what God expected of them in their covenant relationship:
- Love God with all your heart and with all your soul. In general, the gods of the ancient Near East did not seek love or covenant relationship with their people, as Yahweh did.
- Follow God’s commands–not to appease but to enter into a loving relationship with Yehweh.
- Everything belongs to God.
- Set apart your hearts to God, who is the Lord of lords.
- God does not accept bribes. “In the religious beliefs of the ancient Near East the gods could be manipulated because they were believed to have needs. By providing the food, clothing and shelter that the gods needed, an individual could win the favor of the deity…This also reflects the picture of Yahweh as a just judge who refuses to distort justice for personal gain.” IVP Bible Background Commentary
- Defend the cause of the fatherless, the widow; love the alien and provide them with food and clothing.
- Fear God and serve Him.
- Praise God who performs wonders and miracles.
- Do not worship God in the same way that false gods are worshipped (local altars, Asherah poles, places associated with Cannanite gods).Â
Worship the LORD alone, and keep our hearts dedicated to Him.
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