Set to dark modeSet to dark modeDeuteronomy 30 Commentary
Please choose a passage
Moses encourages the Israelites by telling them that when future generations rebel and are exiled, their Suzerain/ruler God would restore them from captivity, have compassion on them, and bring them back into the Promised Land when they repent and turn from their evil ways.
Moses tells Israel that when a future generation rebels, is exiled, then repents, the Suzerain God of their covenant will bring them back from exile and will circumcise their heart to enable them to live in obedience to His will. God will then inflict all the curses that were on Israel on their enemies.
Moses concluded his final address by telling the Israelites that God’s commandments in this covenant are not beyond their ability to understand and obey. God’s word is very near to them. So, they must believe it, speak it and do it. The purpose of the covenant is for Israel to live by it. That can only come from the heart.
Moses concludes the chapter (and his last address to the Israelites) by appealing to Israel to choose wisely (each day) between life and death. He reminds Israel that obedience leads to prosperity and life, and disobedience leads to adversity and death.
Having just described the LORD's devastating judgments upon the Israelites that would occur to future generations because of their practice of idol worship (Deuteronomy 29:24 – 29), the LORD then discussed what would occur if Israel, the LORD's covenant people, then returned wholeheartedly to worshipping and obeying the LORD and Him alone. He would again demonstrate His faithfulness to His word and restore them back to the Promised Land and cause them to prosper.
God chastises those whom He loves, and He loves His people corporately, and individually (Deuteronomy 4:37; 7:7; Proverbs 3:11; Hebrews 12:5-6; Revelation 3:19).
Deuteronomy 30 ends with an admonition for Israel to choose wisely, and choose life (Deuteronomy 30:15-20). God has set before them His law (rule of law) but makes clear that they must choose whether to follow it, and gain the blessings (life) or forsake it and gain the cursings (death).
Deuteronomy 30 can be outlined as follows:
- Blessings After Israel's Return to the LORD (Deuteronomy 30:1 – 10)
- Restoration to the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 30:1 – 5)
- Restoration of Israel's Heart and Prosperity (Deuteronomy 30:6 – 10)
- Call to Choose Obedience and Life (Deuteronomy 30:11 – 20)
- The Clarity and Nearness of the Law (Deuteronomy 30:11 – 14)
- Final Call to Choose Life or Death (Deuteronomy 30:15 – 20)
© 2025 The Bible Says, All Rights Reserved.
Set to dark mode