Deuteronomy 30 Commentary

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.