Remember: The book of Deuteronomy contains Moses’ final address to the children of Israel. One of the most prominent ideas in this part of his message is to remember “the things which your eyes have seen” (4:9).[1] The children of Israel were to remember God’s mighty deliverance from Egypt (5:15; 6:12; 7:18; 8:14), the glory of God at Sinai (4:10), the covenant at Sinai (4:23), God’s provision and discipline in the wilderness (1:31; 4:3; 8:2-5, 16), and the victories which God gave over the Amorites (3:3, 21). All these the LORD did for them out of His great love for them and their fathers (4:37; 7:7-8; 10:15). They were to remember and pass this down to their sons (6:7-9, 20-24; 11:18-20).[2]

Obey: For what purpose were they to remembers these great works of God? So that they would love the LORD, fear and serve Him, and keep His law.[3] In short, they were to obey the LORD. Even as Jesus taught, love for the LORD is evidenced by our obedience to Him (John 14:15). After a recap of their recent history (Deut. 1-3), Moses began to expound the law (4:1) and reiterated the Decalogue (Deut. 5). He also admonished them of the dangers of unfaithfulness (Deut. 6-11). Obedience was for their own good and blessing (4:40; 5:33; 6:3, 18; 7:11-14; 11:26-27). But obedience would require watchfulness, care, and diligence (4:9, 15, 23; 5:1; 6:3, 7, 12, 17; 8:1; 11:32), even all their heart (6:5; 10:12; 11:13). But their heart was unwilling, rebellious, and stubborn (5:29; 9:6-7, 24; 10:16). Only the Savior who has a perfect heart is able to give them the Holy Spirit and a new heart (Ezek. 36:26-27; John 16:7; Gal. 3:14).

[1] The older of those under 20 years of age at the first census (Num. 1:2-3) would have memory of these.

[2] The same was done for the Passover (Ex. 12:26-27) and the firstborn’s redemption (13:14-15). Cf. Ps. 145:4-7.

[3] These ideas are seen throughout these chapters. They come together in 10:12-13; 11:1-8.