Deuteronomy chapter 4

vs 31

As reasons for believing God go, this one is pretty good, because it is entirely outside of our effect. God is God, and is merciful, and we can't stop him being so, regardless of how crappy we are. However, he does expect from us an attitude of turning toward him.

vs 32

I take it this is in respect of God making a covenant with a people. The importance of this covenant is put up there with the creation itself, which I think we'd all agree was a fairly important step. Moreover, nothing like this has ever happened before. True, God has given land to people, as we have seen, but he did not form a relational bond with them, make promises to them. Now we begin to see the importance which the covenant holds.

vs 33

Does this mean some heard it and died? Perhaps. I guess they couldn't tell us about it afterwards.

vs 34

I bet some of the Israelites are now going, "You know, when you put it like that, all the absolutely incredible and awesome stuff that has happened to us is pretty... incredible and er... awesome, I guess. " It's funny how just stating the obvious is sometimes important. Israel is special. And of course so are Christians - we might not feel as special because the invitation is somewhat wider, but the incarnation is just so much more awesome than a burning bush. So I think we win on that score.

vs 35

Now, does this mean there isn't any other gods? (If it did, it would seem to go against the more prevalent attitudes of the other books of the Bible at this time.) Or is it just saying that no other gods can match God's level? It isn't hugely important, to be honest, because there's plenty of places where we're told God alone is God. It would be interesting if that statement were being made so early.

vs 36

It's an incredible reality even just to think of this happening, and the honour it does them to be a part of it.

vs 37

Just in case, you know, they thought they had something to do with the plagues. "Yep, that hail? That was me."

vs 38

Now, this is something they might have actually conceivably thought was their doing. After all, it was their swords, their manpower, and quite possibly a fair bit of their courage. But it was still God who gave them victory.

vs 39

OK, that is a straight out statement. There is no other Lord of Heaven and Earth. I think we're seeing a monotheist statement here. Which is kind of cool, because certainly before this it's a bit more "all other gods"-y.

vs 40

These commands are for the benefit of Israel. No, I don't mean that following them will protect you from cancer, get your theology out of the gutter. I mean that God has blessed them with this relationship, and set up blessings for them. In my opinion, anything positive that happens to someone while following of these rules, but without a belief and faith in God, is purely coincidental.