Set to dark modeSet to dark modeDeuteronomy 11 Commentary
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Moses commands the Israelites to love their Suzerain God for who He is and what He has done.
Moses exhorts the Israelites to keep every commandment of God so that they may be strong to go in and possess the land of Canaan. To encourage the people, Moses contrasts the prosperous land of Canaan — which depends on God for irrigation — with the land of Egypt, a land whose fertility depends on the exploitation of water from the Nile through human effort.
Moses commands Israel to love their Suzerain God and to serve Him faithfully in order that the land of Canaan may continue to receive rain from God to yield its fruits.
The Israelites are instructed to constantly reflect on God’s covenantal laws, to diligently teach them to their children, and to share these laws with the entire community.
Moses explains that if the Israelites love God and obey His commandments, they will successfully conquer the land of Canaan and will possess a vast territory.
Moses sets the condition for Israel’s destiny in the Promised Land. If the people of God obey His principles, they will be blessed. If they fail to obey them, they will be cursed.
Moses commands the Israelites to have a covenant-renewal ceremony in Canaan soon after entering the land.
Deuteronomy 11 concludes the section concerning the general principles of the covenant which began in chapter 5. In this chapter, Moses commands the Israelites to be loyal and faithful to the Suzerain (Ruler) God for who He is and for all the mighty acts which He has done. Faithfulness in keeping the Covenant requirements would guarantee success in conquering the Promised Land as well as a prosperous and comfortable life. The people were to teach their children to be faithful to the covenant laws in order that the LORD's blessing would continue. Their faithfulness in living in a self-governing manner, loving and serving one another, would of course create a natural consequence of a safe and prosperous community. Finally, Moses sets the condition for Israel's destiny in the Promised Land and asks the people to have a covenant-renewal ceremony once they possess the land.
Chapter 11 can be outlined as follows:
• The Call to Love and Obey the Suzerain LORD (Deut. 11:1 – 7)
• Complete Obedience is Required for Possessing the Land (Deut. 11:8 – 12)
• Complete Obedience is Required for Prosperity and Abundance in the Land (Deut. 11:13 – 17)
• Complete Obedience Needs to be Taught to Future Generations (Deut. 11:18 – 21)
• Complete Obedience is Required to be Victorious Over the Nations (Deut. 11:22 – 25)
• The Call to Observe a Covenant-Renewal Ceremony (Deut. 11:26 – 32)
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