Daily Devotions
It Is Written
"This is your wisdom and your understanding..."
Text: Deuteronomy 4:6
GOOD COUNSEL
Moses understood well the significance of the laws of God. Thus he exhorted the children of Israel to give due heed to the commandments of God. Many reasons were given. We begin with this text to discover some of the reasons.
“Surely I have taught you statutes and judgments,
just as the LORD my God commanded me,
that you should act according to them in the land
which you go to possess. Therefore be careful to
observe them; for this is your wisdom
and your understanding in the sight of the peoples
who will hear all these statutes, and say,
‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.'”
Deuteronomy 4:5-6
1. God’s part
a) To give His laws.
b) To instruct Moses.
2. Moses’ part
a) To teach the children of Israel.
b) Just as the Lord God had commanded him.
3. Israel’s part
a) To understand the laws of God.
b) To carefully observe them.
4. The consequences
a) Israel would display wisdom.
b) The nation would be a truly understanding one.
5. The opinion of all who come into contact with Israel
a) They will acclaim the wisdom of Israel.
b) They will declare that Israel was an understanding nation.
NATIONHOOD
Everyone recognizes how hard it is to become a wise and understanding nation.
1. It often takes centuries to become a wise and understanding nation.
2. It takes a long time before the laws of a nation are well established.
3. Israel’s advantage was that the LORD God gave to Israel wonderful laws.
These laws would enable them to become a wise and understanding nation more swiftly.