Dt. 4: Obey and Live

Deuteronomy 4:35 "You were shown these things so that you might know that the LORD is God; besides him there is no other."

There is a lot more revealed about the nature of God, and man's relationship with him in Duder 4. Moses is about to lay down the law, and for many it will be a review. For some, it will be review. But how important are these laws, and how final?

Firstly, Moses says that no one should add to or subtract from the commands of God. In fact, Moses says just to keep what laws are about to be set down. Who is man to think that he could co-govern or co-legislate with God? That is unacceptable. In the previous 4 books, it is clear that man is subject to God, in power and in nature. How could God reduce Himself to a level tolerable enough for man to come alongside Him...to assist Him? It's outside either's collective nature. I think another command implicit here is to basically take these laws at face value, without needless debate. God did not want people choosing which laws they could follow, and ignoring others.

Secondly, Moses offers a new perspective on the Israelites' story in the history of the world. He points out to them that there are no other gods (on the surface). There is no similar narrative for any other nation with their respective gods. They saw how God reacted at Baal Peor when another god was given worship. It is truly a "great" nation of people whose god is as near as God is to Israel. And is that important? God has put in these laws and decrees as protection. Moses makes it pretty clear: Obey the commands so you can live. He leaves pretty dire consequences for disobedience.

I find the section on idolatry the most revealing. Why would God so severely and vehemently oppose cast or carved images of gods...or for that matter, even of Himself? The Israelites have not seen any form of God. I think "form" is the key word here. Form or Image seem to be synonymous with corrupt.

Just as a form is not the real thing, a mirror image is not actually you. It is a representation of you. It is you minus all of your character, minus all of the things that make you you. Forms do not see, hear, taste or smell as v. 28 puts it. These forms and images therefore (of a God unseen), are bastardized versions of God. Misrepresentations of God. An imperfect version of God upheld beyond God Himself. These things that God has created have form...calves, fish, birds, dogs, planets, stars, whatever. They are tangible creations and affectations of the actual God. They are therefore not objects of worship, rather reasons to worship, maybe?

Idolatry and form-making attempt to give a visual representation of an invisible being which will not be seen. It is anathema. Polar opposites. An idol is about as far from God as one can conceivably be.

So serious this commandment that Moses calls heaven and earth as witnesses that he told the Israelites, so that they are without excuse, and calls on them to pass this command down through the generations. Destruction and scattering will be the consequences for idolatry, a revoking of their rights to the promised land.

Can Israel turn back and return to God? Oh my, yes. Verses 29-31 are just about the most uplifting verses I have read in a long time in these scriptures. God here is described as ready to be found, an answer to distress, merciful and faithful to His word.

So where is God God? Moses says everywhere, in heaven above and on the earth below. There is no other. God's reign permeates everything. God's superiority and distinction are singular.

Man, Deuteronomy 4 is so full of incredible things, I hope you go read it.