Covenant: The covenant into which Israel entered with the LORD was a firm commitment to obedience with distinct consequences of the blessing and the curse. Israel was to remember these when they had entered Canaan. By the valley of Shechem, on Mount Ebal, they were to write the entire law on large stones (27:2-4). There they were to also build an altar, offer sacrifices (27:5-7). Then they were to stand on the mountains on either side (27:12-14) to remember the divine curses for disobedience with all of them affirming with a hearty “Amen” (27:26). But in spite of all the warnings, Israel would choose disobedience and maintain a rebellious and stubborn heart (29:4, 25). They would thus suffer the consequences (30:1). But one Israelite chose obedience and blessing: Jesus. And all the blessings of God which He earned by His own merit, He shares with all those who are one with Him (Gen. 22:18; Gal. 3:14; Eph. 1:3), even the blessings of Israel (Eph. 2:12-13; 3:6). In Christ, Israel’s remnant will indeed be blessed (30:2-8) and enter into eternal glory (28:9).

The Rock: Israel will be restored because the LORD is faithful and true (Ex. 34:6). Though Israel proves to be unfaithful, even “corrupt, “perverse,” and “crooked” (32:5), forsaking and even scorning the LORD (32:15), He remains “the Rock” (32:3-4; 1 Cor. 10:4). Though betrayed and provoked (32:16-17), He is unchanged, loyal, and true to His promises. Though sinners choose evil, from Adam to Jacob’s sons to Moses’ generation and beyond, even to Israel of Jesus’ day, the sovereign LORD causes all things for good (Gen. 50:20; Acts 2:23; Rom. 8:28; Eph. 1:11). In the end, Christ will judge all the enemies of God (32:35) and restore His people (32:36). He comes as the living God, the rock of salvation (32:15) whose work is perfect and all whose ways are just (32:4).