Deuteronomy 29:10-15 – Security and our relationship with God

The people of Israel were at the threshold of entering the promised land. They were in the plain of Moab and about to cross the Jordan into the promised land. Everyone was gathered for a  renewal of the covenant. It was a momentous day. The word “today” occurred five times in the six verses from Deuteronomy 29:10-15 to emphasize the importance of this event. Why was this day so significant? It was the day God would ratify the covenant He had with them. The generation that God first had the covenant with all died in the wilderness. There was going to be a fresh start for this second generation, and they needed to be reminded that they were still God’s covenant people. The timing of this moment was significant because they were entering a new phase of life in Canaan. The challenges facing them would be aplenty as they set foot in Canaan. There would be wars to be fought and opportunities to be seized. It was a  much-needed moment. They needed to be made aware that they were God’s own priceless possession and that He would be the one leading and guiding them.   

Who were those that should be at the ceremony? Verses 10-12 have this to say, “…your chiefs, your tribes, your elders and your officers, All tribes were to be involved in this historic ceremony. even all the men of Israel, your little ones, your wives, and the alien who is within your camps, from the one who chops your wood to the one who draws your water, that you may enter into the covenant with the Lord your God, and into His oath which the Lord your God is making with you today.” Everyone, great or small, adult or child, young or old, God promised to be their God. So considerate was God that verse 15 included those who were not present at the ceremony that day. Could God be referring to those yet to be born to them?     

When properly understood, the covenant ratification was not just an ordinary moment. It was with God whom they were making the covenant. And it was He who had initiated this moment. The content of the covenant remained unchanged. He promised to be their God and they would remain His special people. It was a privilege accorded to them by God. They were chosen specially by Him to be His treasured possession. He would be leading, protecting, and providing for them as they entered the promised land.

Like the people of Israel then, it is also needful for us to know that in Christ we belong to God. In His beloved Son, we are  His New Covenant people, and He is for us not against us. In our journey, there will be opportunities to seize, battles to win, territories to claim. It is important to know that He is with us in all of life’s undertakings. If He is with us and for us, who and what can overcome us? We need to make sure our relationship with Him is intact. Let’s make our calling and election sure!