Deuteronomy chapter 30

vs 11

This verse makes me think. It makes me wonder whether the 'inability' language that we use, while backed up by plenty of scripture, is not somehow giving us an out with regards to our responsibility for our own actions when it comes to sin. After all, what is being "commanded today" is to obey God's commands, and to turn to God with all your heart and soul. Paul's book of Romans tells us that this verse in Deuteronomy is, in fact, wrong - that the sinful nature prevents us from following God's commands purely because they are God's commands, and it wants to rebel against them!

In light of such, this verse possibly does not mean what it originally seems to mean. Perhaps it is talking about general obedience, rather than slavish obedience. That is, in following God's commands it is accepted that you will fail - this is no different in the New Testament, according to 1 John - but that should not prevent us from following them broadly as a body of laws. But that seems a little weak.

vs 12

Interestingly, the idea of the laws being out of reach seems to be less about the ability to follow them, and more about their origins and where they can be found. Even though these laws are from God, we don't need to climb up into heaven to find them.

vs 13

They are also not in some far away land (like they are for non-Israel countries). Note that both times, the request is couch in terms of "So we may obey it." The focus is more on the finding the law than the difficulty in obeying it.

vs 14

This is part of God making it their law, not just his law, so that they have ownership of it.

vs 15

Even here, you would think that the carrot and stick approach would attract people to obey the law. But we know full well it does not. Having said that, we also know that if you punish someone with enough plagues, they will turn to God for help.

vs 16

Moses' command is to follow the road of life and prosperity.

vs 17

Again, the clear focus on idolatry which is the deal breaker.

vs 18

And what a deal breaker. The results of idolatry are painted very clearly in Moses' speech.

vs 19

This choice of life is not only to accept that God has made laws, but to then follow them.

There is the classic "Won't someone think of the children" line - good to know that's as old as time itself.

vs 20

Note that it's not just about an abundant life in the land, though - it is about having a relationship with God. If they turn their back on him now, they lose the chance to love him, listen to him and hold fast to him. They would be like any other nation. Having said that, God might smack them around until they change their minds. We don't know, although that would fit his MO.