Deuteronomy 4:44-49 – Knowing God’s Word

Deuteronomy 4:44-49 suggests that the people of Israel had reached the point where they would be crossing into the promised land. They had already encountered so much in their journey since leaving Egypt. So far, they had overcome kings Sihon and Og and overtaken the stretch of land east of Jordan occupied by these two pagan kings and their people. The land once occupied by them were granted to the tribes of Reuben, Gad and half a tribe of Manasseh. Verses 48-49 then outlined how extensive the whole stretch of land was which they had already taken.

Meanwhile, the other nine and a half tribes were poised to cross the Jordan to claim their possession. The stage was set, and this was the perfect moment for Moses to put the law and all the instructions of God squarely before them all. So at the valley, east of Jordan just opposite Beth-Peor, Moses spoke to the people of Israel concerning the law and all the instructions God had given. Moses would then elaborate on what he began here all the way to Deuteronomy 26.

Knowing the law and the instructions of God was the logical step to take. Why? So that they would have a set of God-given standards before them as they live life in the land they were about to possess. Obeying the law and standards set out by God for them would mark them out as God’s covenant people. As they diligently obey the law and instructions set out before them, they would be able to distinguish themselves from the pagans in the land.

Bear in mind that God’s word and instructions are given not to inform us but to transform us. And transformation only takes place when we take time to live out God’s Word. The first step to living out the Word of God of course is to know it well. The question that Jesus is still asking us, “Why do you call me Lord, Lord, and not do what I say?” How can we ever do what He says unless we first know what He is saying? Underscore for us here is the importance of knowing and obeying God’s Word. And we can rightly obey God when we know what He has said. It is needful for us therefore  to find time to read, study and know God’s Word so that we can rightly obey Him. The is the best way to really know Him is through His Word. Make knowing God through His Word a goal in life!