Wisdom Wednesday: Wisdom and Obedience
Submitted by Debbie’s Dad
“Therefore, you shall keep the commandments of the LORD your God,
to walk in His ways and to fear Him.”
(Deuteronomy 8:6) NASB 95
The book of Deuteronomy is a collection of sermons given by Moses, the first prophet to the nation of Israel (Deut. 34:10). The book is set as presented to Israel, after the 40 years in the wilderness and across the Jordan from the promised land (Deut. 1:2-3). The first 8 chapters form a logical sequence. We find the theme of wisdom in these critical sermons:
- • Chapter 1 Recounts the history of the nation of Israel’s behavior after the Exodus and the events that resulted from their failure to trust Yahweh (The Lord our God)
- Chapter 2 continues the history, recounting the 40 years of wandering in the wilderness.
- Chapter 3 further describes the battles and conquests they faced as they approached the promised land. Moses acknowledges that he will not, himself, reach the promised land, but Joshua will led the nation there.
- Chapter 4 Appeals to obey God’s Law and reminds the nation that obedience will result in a unique and recognizable wisdom and understanding to walk in God’s ways:
“ See, I have taught you statutes and judgments just as the LORD my God commanded me, that you should do thus in the land where you are entering to possess it. So keep and do them, for that 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.’ “ (Deut. 4:5-6)
- Chapter 5 reiterates the Ten Commandments (statutes and ordinances) received from the Lord.
- Chapter 6 Appeals to obey the Law to prosper
- Chapter 7 warns of the consequences of disobedience to God
- Chapter 8 describes how the Lord had been Gracious to the nation. The chapter is often referred to as an “Exhortation to Obedience” because it enumerates the ways in which the people are to obey. It includes the concept of “walking” with God and following His “way” by keeping the commandments, which we associate with wise living:
“Therefore, you shall keep the commandments of the LORD your God, to walk in His ways and to fear Him.” (Deut. 8:6)
The book of Deuteronomy closes with the personification of a person who walked in the way of the Lord, the wise leader that succeeded Moses: “Now Joshua the son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him; and the sons of Israel listened to him and did as the LORD had commanded Moses”. (Deut. 34:9)