A Prophet Like Moses [Family Worship lesson in Deuteronomy 34]

How does Deuteronomy end? Deuteronomy 34 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these twelve verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Deuteronomy ends, looking forward to Christ. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The devotional presents a meditation on divine purpose, faithful service, and the ultimate hope found in Christ. It centers on Moses’s final moments—granted a vision of the Promised Land he cannot enter, an example of the partial yet meaningful participation of believers in God’s eternal plan, even when full fulfillment lies beyond their lifetime. The transition to Joshua, empowered by the Spirit through divinely appointed ordination, affirms the biblical doctrine of ordination as a sacred, Spirit-empowered calling rooted in God’s Word, not human preference. Yet the passage culminates in a transcendent expectation: no prophet has arisen like Moses, but the true fulfillment of all prophecy is found in Jesus Christ, Who alone knows God face to face, performs divine signs, and accomplishes redemption through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection. Thus, the entire narrative points beyond all human instruments to Christ as the sole source of hope, the author and finisher of God’s redemptive work, and the ultimate object of faith.

2026.04.08 Hopewell @Home ▫ Deuteronomy 34

Read Deuteronomy 34

Questions from the Scripture text: Who went up, from where, to where, to the top of where, across from where (Deuteronomy 34:1)? Who showed him what (Deuteronomy 34:1-3)? Who spoke to him (Deuteronomy 34:4)? How did He describe it? What has He caused Moses to do? What will Moses not do? What does Deuteronomy 34:5 call Moses? What did he do? Where? According to what? What did God then do to him (Deuteronomy 34:6)? Where? What doesn’t anyone know? How old was he (Deuteronomy 34:7)? But what had not happened? How did the children of Israel respond (Deuteronomy 34:8)? For how long? Who was full of what (Deuteronomy 34:9)? How had this happened? What did Israel do with him? In accordance with what? What has not happened since then (Deuteronomy 34:10, cf. Deuteronomy 18:15–18)? What was unique about Moses? How had YHWH testified to this uniqueness (Deuteronomy 34:11-12)? 

How does Deuteronomy end? Deuteronomy 34 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these twelve verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Deuteronomy ends, looking forward to Christ.  

The book ends with amazement at the effectiveness and honor that the Lord had given to Moses. 

Though, he is not permitted to enter the land (Deuteronomy 34:4b), he has been given the privilege of being the one through whom all this land (Deuteronomy 34:1-3) is given in fulfillment of God’s covenant promise (Deuteronomy 34:4a). 

Moses gets to see the land, then he dies—not of old age or diminished power (Deuteronomy 34:7b), but according to the decree of God. God Himself buries him (Deuteronomy 34:6—can there be a stronger commendation of Christian burial?). YHWH was (is!) his face-to-face friend (Deuteronomy 34:10b). 

But the main thrust of the passage is looking forward. This is true in a small sense with Joshua. He has been ordained to succeed Moses (Deuteronomy 34:9, cf. Numbers 27:18–23; Deuteronomy 31:1–8, Deuteronomy 31:14, Deuteronomy 31:23), and indeed the Lord uses him to lead Israel into the land, take possession of it, and allot it to the tribes. 

Yet,  the big sense in which the passage looks forward is that it is still looking forward to the “prophet like Moses” (Deuteronomy 34:10a, cf. Deuteronomy 18:15–18). 

YHWH knew Moses face to face (v10b), but Jesus is the One Who faces God from all eternity (cf. John 1:2, more literally translated), and Who is the face of God to us (cf. John 14:8–9, 2 Corinthians 4:5–6). 

YHWH used Moses to redeem by great signs and wonders (Deuteronomy 34:11), but Jesus came working many mightier signs (cf. John 7:31), and is Himself the great sign, as the resurrected One (cf. Matthew 12:39–40; Luke 11:30). 

YHWH used Moses to impress upon Israel the awe of God (Deuteronomy 34:12).  But it is through Jesus Himself that men are brought by grace into the fear of the Lord, and fully know Him (cf. John 1:17–18). 

Deuteronomy concludes, straining forward to Christ, teaching us to rejoice in Him in Whom we know the Lord Himself, in Him Who has redeemed us by signs and wonders, in Him Who brings us into true fear of the Lord. We should come away from Deuteronomy longing for Him. This is how we should come away from all of Scripture.

How has the Lord given you to know Him? To serve Him? To fear Him? Who is the Leader of your church? How does He lead it?

Sample prayer: Lord, thank You for giving Moses to Your people of old, and then Joshua after him. But thank You, far more, for giving to us Christ to be our Prophet, Priest, and King. Forgive us for taking for granted how great is our privilege to be in the church of the Lord Jesus Christ. And, forgive us for not being more amazed at Him Himself. Forgive us, for His sake, we ask. And, give us to know You in Him, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP98 “O Sing a New Song” or TPH266 “Thou Art the Way”  

Israel's Blessing [Family Worship lesson in Deuteronomy 32:48–33:29]

What is the blessedness of God’s people? Deuteronomy 32:48–33:29 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these thirty-four verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God Himself is the greatest blessing of His people. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: Moses, at the end of his life, delivers a final blessing to the tribes of Israel, culminating in a profound declaration of God’s covenantal love and sovereignty. The passage reveals God as the ultimate source of blessing—riding the heavens, sustaining His people with everlasting arms, and defeating enemies on their behalf. The blessings to each tribe are not merely material promises but covenantal affirmations, with special emphasis on Levi’s role in spiritual leadership and the enduring significance of divine election. The climax of the blessing is the declaration that Israel’s true happiness lies not in land or wealth, but YHWH Himself, in and through Christ.

2026.04.01 Hopewell @Home ▫ Deuteronomy 32:48–33:29

Read Deuteronomy 32:48–33:29

Questions from the Scripture text: Who spoke to whom, when (Deuteronomy 32:48)? Where does He tell Moses to go (verse 49)? To do what? What two other things will he do there (Deuteronomy 32:50)? Why must he die there (Deuteronomy 32:51)? What will he see (Deuteronomy 32:52)? What won’t he do? What does Deuteronomy 33:1 call the following verses? Who came from where (Deuteronomy 33:2a-d)? Who came with Him (verse 2e, cf. Acts 7:53, Galatians 3:19; Hebrews 2:2)? What did He give (Deuteronomy 33:2f–g)? With what affection (Deuteronomy 33:3a)? Who are in His hand (verse 3b)? What do they do (verse 3c–d)? By whom did He command it (Deuteronomy 33:4a)? As what (verse 4b)? What does Deuteronomy 33:5a call Israel? Who was God to them? When (verse 5b–c)? What two blessings does he now pronounce on Reuben (Deuteronomy 33:6a)? Tempered by what limitation (verse 6b)? Whom does he bless next (Deuteronomy 33:7a)? Who will hear him (verse 7b)? And bring him where (verse 7c)? And enable him to do what (verse 7d–e)? Whom does he bless next (Deuteronomy 33:8a)? What will YHWH do for him (verse 8b)? What had YHWH done to him (verse 8c–d)? Whom did they resist, in order to be faithful to YHWH (Deuteronomy 33:9)? What will they do unto Israel (Deuteronomy 33:10a–b)? What will they do unto YHWH (verse 10c–d)? What will YHWH do for him (Deuteronomy 33:11a–b)? And how protect him (verse 11c–d)? Whom does he bless next (Deuteronomy 33:12a)? What will YHWH do for him (verse 12b–d)? Whom does he bless next (Deuteronomy 33:13a)? What will YHWH bless for him (verse 13b)? With what (verse 13c–d)? And with what else (Deuteronomy 33:14-16a)? But ultimately with what (Deuteronomy 33:16b)? Upon what will blessing come (verse 16c–d)? What will Joseph be like (Deuteronomy 33:17a–b)? What will he do (verse 17c–e)? In what numbers (verse 17f–g)? Whom does he bless next (Deuteronomy 33:18a)? With whom (verse 18c)? What will they do (verse 18b)? Whom will they lead (Deuteronomy 33:19a) in what (verse 19b)? What will they have a share in (verse 19c–d)? Whom does he bless next (Deuteronomy 33:20a)? By blessing whom else (verse 20b)? What does he do (verse 20c–d)? In what role (Deuteronomy 33:21)? Whom does he bless next (Deuteronomy 33:22a)? By describing him as what (verse 22b)? And doing what (verse 22c)? Whom does he bless next (Deuteronomy 33:23a)? With what will he be satisfied (verse 23b) and full (verse 23c)? What will he possess (verse 23d)? Whom does he bless last (Deuteronomy 33:24a)? By calling him what (verse 24b)? Who else will favor him (verse 24c)? With what richness (verse 24d)? And what strength (Deuteronomy 33:25a)? In accordance with what (verse 25b)? Whose uniqueness does Deuteronomy 33:26a declare? How does He show it (verse 26b–c)? Who is He (Deuteronomy 33:27a)? What is He to them? How are they upheld (verse 27b)? How are they protected (verse 27c–d)? What will be their security (Deuteronomy 33:28a)? How is their life described (verse 28b)? And their richness (verse 28c)? And their freshness (verse 28d)? What, therefore, is their condition (Deuteronomy 33:29a)? What makes them so happy (verse 29b)? What two things is He to them (verse 29c–d)? What will they do to their enemies (verse 29e–f)?

What is the blessedness of God’s people? Deuteronomy 32:48–33:29 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these thirty-four verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God Himself is the greatest blessing of His people.  

Moses has preached his last sermon now, which takes up the bulk of the book of Deuteronomy. And in order that the written copy of the book might be a witness, and heaven and earth might be a witness against all Israel in the generations to come, the Lord had him conclude the book with the song that summarized the rest of the book. And he has written the song, and he speaks it all to Israel, and he finishes that and tells them what to do with it in verse forty-five and forty-six.

Now, the Lord says, it is time to die. This sentence was pronounced on Moses for failing to hallow the Lord at Meribah (Deuteronomy 32:51), when he struck the rock instead of speaking to it. Before he dies, Moses will see the land (Deuteronomy 32:52). As something of a father to Israel, he blesses them before dying, like Jacob had done in Genesis 49. Many blessings overlap between the two. Genesis 49:7 has already begun coming true for Simeon, who is missing from Deuteronomy 33. The curse on Reuben (cf. Genesis 49:4) is affirmed in the fewness of their number (Deuteronomy 32:46b, NKJ’s “nor” is incorrect), though Moses’s blessing preserves their existence (Deuteronomy 32:6a). Zebulun’s blessing in Genesis 49:13 is confirmed here in Deuteronomy 33:19d–e, and they continue to be connected with Issachar (Deuteronomy 33:18, cf. Genesis 49:13–14). 

Israel’s earthly blessings are rounded out by Benjamin’s security between two ranges of hills (Deuteronomy 33:12), Joseph’s many earthly blessings (Deuteronomy 33:13-17), Gad’s enjoyment of the territories of Sihon and Og (Deuteronomy 33:20-21), Dan’s lion-like nature (Deuteronomy 33:22), Naphtali’s blessings around the sea of Galilee (Deuteronomy 33:23), and Asher’s riches (Deuteronomy 33:24-25).

Other nations may possess material wealth or geographical advantages, but for Israel, for God’s people, and for you who are in Christ, the good things you receive in this world come to you through the love that gave you Christ. They are manifestations of God’s special, covenantal, electing, and adopting love toward His people. Therefore, you give thanks to God for them as covenant blessings. 

This is where the emphasis ultimately lies. Enclosing these tribal blessings, Moses introduces (Deuteronomy 33:2-6) and concludes (Deuteronomy 33:26-29) with general blessings and the general blessedness, focusing upon their greatest blessing: the Lord Himself. YHWH shined forth as pillar of fire and cloud of glory (Deuteronomy 33:2). Israel are made holy ones (Deuteronomy 33:3), being consecrated to Him like the thousands of angels who had been at Sinai (Deuteronomy 33:2, cf. Hebrews 2:2). In this, we see the love of God, even for sinners, redeeming  them to be His holy ones. His law comes in that love, as their heritage (Deuteronomy 33:4). And in His love, He was king to them (Deuteronomy 33:5). He is their help (Deuteronomy 33:26), their refuge (Deuteronomy 33:27a), their support (verse 27b), their avenger (verse 27c–d), their security (Deuteronomy 33:28a), their life (verse 28b–d), their joy (Deuteronomy 33:29a), their salvation (verse 29b), their defense (verse 29c), their gory (verse 29d–f). YHWH is everything to them.

This is why Levi’s blessing is the most important (Deuteronomy 33:8-11). On several occasions, they have been faithful to YHWH, over-against the rest of Israel (Deuteronomy 33:9). Now, they are blessed to minister spiritually to man (Deuteronomy 33:10a–b) and God (verse 10c–d). 

All the blessedness that the Lord gives, and especially the blessedness of the Lord Himself being ours, belongs ultimately to the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the One who pronounces blessing upon us, and especially the blessing of God Himself being our happiness. Happy are you, O Israel, who is like you, a people saved by YHWH, the shield of your help and the sword of your majesty. This belongs to us in the Lord Jesus Christ. 

What material blessings have you received? How are you taking and enjoying the Lord Himself as your greater blessing?

Sample prayer: Lord, You have given us many material blessings. Forgive us for when our hearts make more of them than of You. Grant that we would receive all blessings as from the love that gave us Jesus, the love that made us Your own people. Most of all, we pray that You would enable us to receive Yourself as our great blessing and blessedness, in the Lord Jesus, and by Your Spirit. For we ask this in Jesus’s Name. Amen.

Suggested songs: ARP98 “O Sing a New Song” or TPH174 “The Ten Commandments” 

The Word Dwelling Richly in Us [Family Worship lesson in Deuteronomy 31:30–32:47]

How does God display Himself as the only true God? Deuteronomy 31:30–32:47 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these forty-eight verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God displays Himself as the only true God by saving sinners, with whom He persists until glory. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2026.03.25 Hopewell @Home ▫ Deuteronomy 31:30–32:47

Read Deuteronomy 31:30–32:47

Questions from the Scripture text: How does Deuteronomy 31:30 introduce the song? Who are called to witness it (Deuteronomy 32:1)? How does Deuteronomy 32:2 express the intention for the song to be life-giving? Whom do Deuteronomy 32:3-4 describe? What resemblance to Him do Israel have (Deuteronomy 32:5)? What do the rhetorical questions in Deuteronomy 32:6 imply about this? What had YHWH done for them (Deuteronomy 32:7-11)? With what actions, and in what manner? What does He emphasize about their being led (Deuteronomy 32:12)? How does Deuteronomy 32:13a describe the blessedness of this intimacy with the Lord alone (cf. Isaiah 58:14)? How do Deuteronomy 32:13-14 continue to describe it? How does Deuteronomy 32:15a describe Israel in their prosperity? What did they do in this prosperity (Deuteronomy 32:15-18)? To Whom? How? How did YHWH respond to this treachery (Deuteronomy 32:19-24)? Addressing whom, among them (Deuteronomy 32:25)? What did they deserve (Deuteronomy 32:26)? But what would the enemy then have thought (Deuteronomy 32:27)? What should Israel have realized about their own judgment (Deuteronomy 32:28-30)? How does Israel’s God compare to the enemy’s God (Deuteronomy 32:31-33)? What will He do to the enemy, at what time (Deuteronomy 32:34-35)? What will He do for His own people, at what time (Deuteronomy 32:36)? What does He say about their idols (Deuteronomy 32:37-38)? What does God show about Himself, through all this (Deuteronomy 32:39)? How, then, will He exercise His vengeance upon the enemy (Deuteronomy 32:40-42)? Whom will He bring into this joy (Deuteronomy 32:43)? Who did what, with this song (Deuteronomy 32:44)? In whose hearing? What does Moses speak (Deuteronomy 32:45)? How much? To whom? What does he tell them to do with their hearts (Deuteronomy 32:46)? What are they to command their children? What will these words be to them (Deuteronomy 32:47)? What will they do by these words?

How does God display Himself as the only true God? Deuteronomy 31:30–32:47 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these forty-eight verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God displays Himself as the only true God by saving sinners, with whom He persists until glory.  

Moses summoned three witnesses against Israel for their future unfaithfulness to God. The witnesses were the song (cf. Deuteronomy 31:19), the book (cf. Deuteronomy 31:26), and the heavens and the earth (cf. Deuteronomy 31:28). Now all three witnesses come to bear in this song. The song itself is a witness. Second, as we go through the song, we find that it summarizes the book of Deuteronomy. Moses summons the heavens and the earth to witness (Deuteronomy 32:1). 

As the song summarizes the book, it is fulfilling the role of a song, in making the Word dwell in us richly (cf. Colossians 3:16). The song is designed to keep the book in the hearts and mouths of their descendants (cf. Deuteronomy 31:21). 

After the introduction (Deuteronomy 32:1-2), Deuteronomy 32:3-4 declare who the Lord is, and the relationship he established with His people, saving them despite their sinfulness in the wilderness and giving them Himself as their inheritance. The first four chapters of the book had done this. Now, the song proclaims the name of YHWH (Deuteronomy 32:3), a Rock of truth and justice to them (Deuteronomy 32:4). 

But Israel had not borne a resemblance to Him (Deuteronomy 32:5-6). This, too was one of the main themes in the second half of chapter 1. 

Nevertheless, He carried them through wilderness, keeping His promises to them, and showing the consistency of His character (Deuteronomy 32:7-11). This was the main theme of chapters 2–3.

Finally, YHWH strongly declared His uniqueness to them in chapter 4, which the song now does in Deuteronomy 32:12. By making Israel to find all of their pleasure and provision in Him, He made them to ride upon the heights of the earth (Deuteronomy 32:13-14). This relationship and blessing is the foundation of all upright living, just as the Lord declares, as He is introducing the ten commandments (cf. chapters 5–6). 

In the earlier part of the book, it was at this point that Moses began an exposition of the ten commandments, taking from Deuteronomy 6:1–26:19. Sadly, in the song’s summary, this is the point at which Deuteronomy 32:15 reports that what He warned against in Deuteronomy 8:10–17 will come true. Jeshurun is one of the Lord’s pet names for Israel, whom He loves. But, He describes, using the past tense here, their future forgetting of Him, and idolatry, which is demon-worship (Deuteronomy 32:15-18). 

And so the song continues with an emphasis upon the covenant curses (Deuteronomy 32:19-26), just as the book had done (chapters 27–29). But, the book had not stopped there, proceeding to prophesy their restoration (Deuteronomy 30:1–10), just as the song now does (Deuteronomy 32:27). He will not let the enemy be self-satisfied, but the Lord will display Himself as the God Who delivers His people in compassion (Deuteronomy 32:36), the God Who not only kills but makes alive (Deuteronomy 32:39c), the God Who not only wounds but heals (verse 39d). 

YHWH is the only Rock Who could do this; the nations’ rock could not (Deuteronomy 32:31). Deuteronomy 32:39a–b gives the theme of the book (and of the whole Bible, and of all existence): “Now see that I, even I, am He, and there is no God besides Me.” This, He displays in healing Israel, and this He displays in taking vengeance upon His enemies (Deuteronomy 32:40-42), from among whom He will ultimately add to His people. To glorify Himself as the one true God, He will bring nations to join with His people in rejoicing before the God (Deuteronomy 32:43a) Who has vengeance on some (verse 43c), but atones for others to make them His own (verse 43d). 

This summary-song of the book of Deuteronomy, Moses and Joshua declared to the people (Deuteronomy 32:44-45), so that they would their hearts on it (Deuteronomy 32:46, cf. Colossians 3:16).  The Lord give to you, dear reader, to set your own heart upon His Word, in which the great theme is that He alone is God, and that He displays this by saving sinners from all nations. The Lord give you to ride on the heights of the earth—to have Him alone as your purpose, power, path, and pleasure.

Lord, thank You for teaching Your people in Your kindness. Thank You for giving us songs. Thank You for giving Israel this song. Thank You for the warning that even a people with this book and this song sinned against You, so that we see how completely we need Your grace, by Your Spirit, to write Your word on our hearts and to make Your word dwell richly in our hearts. So please do that for us by Your Spirit, and give us to know You as the one living and true God, the source of all our hope and purpose, all our joy. We ask in Jesus' name.

What use do you make of Scripture songs? What are the ways in which the Lord has been good to you? How have you remembered Him in your life? In what ways have you forgotten Him? How are you responding to His displays of Himself, in your life, as the one, true, and living God?

Sample prayer: Lord, thank You for teaching us about Yourself, Your mercy, our sin, and our salvation. Forgive us for how we have forgotten You in our prosperity. Forgive us for how we have lived as if our lives were about ourselves, rather than about You. Please make us to find in You all of our purpose, all of our power, and all of our pleasure. Please use the songs of Your Word, to make that Word dwell richly in our hearts, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP98 “O Sing a New Song” or TPH174 “The Ten Commandments” 

Witnesses from God for Our Good [Family Worship lesson in Deuteronomy 31:14–29]

What is Moses’s last official act as the leader of Israel? Deuteronomy 31:14–29 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these sixteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Moses’s last official act as the leader of Israel is to call three witnesses against them and their future betrayal of the Lord. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: In this passage, God prepares Israel for the transition after Moses’ death by establishing three enduring witnesses to testify against their inherent tendency toward rebellion and forgetfulness. Through the prophetic song, the written Law placed beside the Ark, and the testimony of heaven and earth, God provides lasting reminders of His holiness, faithfulness, and judgment. These witnesses are not merely historical records but living tools to confront the heart’s inclination toward idolatry, especially in times of prosperity when spiritual complacency threatens. Ultimately, the message calls the church to steward these divine witnesses—Scripture, song, and creation—so that they may not testify against us, but instead draw us into deeper faith, obedience, and love for the living God.

2026.03.18 Hopewell @Home ▫ Deuteronomy 31:14–29

Read Deuteronomy 31:14–29

Questions from the Scripture text: Who spoke to whom (Deuteronomy 31:14)? What days were approaching? Whom was he to call? Where were they to go? For what? What did they do? Who appeared (Deuteronomy 31:15)? In what? What did the pillar do? What did YHWH tell Moses that he would do (Deuteronomy 31:16)? What did He tell him that the people would do? Then what will YHWH do (Deuteronomy 31:17)? With what results for the people? What will they say? And what will God continue to do (Deuteronomy 31:18)? What does He tell Moses to do as a witness against them (Deuteronomy 31:19)? What will YHWH have done for them (Deuteronomy 31:20)? And what will they still do to Him? And what will witness against them, as they are being punished for it (Deuteronomy 31:21)? So what did Moses do (Deuteronomy 31:22)? And what did YHWH do (Deuteronomy 31:23)? And what did Moses complete (Deuteronomy 31:24)? Whom did he command (Deuteronomy 31:25)? To put what where (Deuteronomy 31:26)? What would be a witness? What does Moses know about them (Deuteronomy 31:27)? What will happen after his death (cf. Deuteronomy 31:16)? Whom does Moses say to gather (Deuteronomy 31:28)? For what purpose will he speak the words of the song in their hearing? What does he know (Deuteronomy 31:29)? And what will happen to them for this?

What is Moses’s last official act as the leader of Israel? Deuteronomy 31:14–29 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these sixteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Moses’s last official act as the leader of Israel is to call three witnesses against them and their future betrayal of the Lord.  

If you’ve ever been surprised by Joshua 24:19, it might help you to remember that back on his ordination day, Joshua heard YHWH tell Moses, from out of the pillar of cloud, what Israel would do after Moses’s death. On that occasion, also, Joshua appeals to the people as witness against themselves (cf. Joshua 24:22), and he erects a stone as a witness against them (cf. Joshua 24:27). 

That is all reminiscent of our passage, today, and God’s three witnesses against the nation of Israel, which testify to how treacherous and evil their turning against God will be.

The first witness is this song (Deuteronomy 31:19). One wonderful reason for singing Scripture is that it makes these words of Christ to dwell richly in us. But the Lord is going to make this song get stuck in their heads for another reason (Deuteronomy 31:21): so that the Lord’s greatness, and His goodness to them, and patience with them, will never be forgotten in the mouths of their descendants. This is so significant, that our passage combines the commission to write this song with Joshua’s ordination, identifying the song as Moses’s last “official” act as the leader of Israel. As for Joshua, the need for strength and courage from YHWH’s being with him (Deuteronomy 31:23) is directly tied to these sure prophecies of Israel’s betrayal and wickedness. For parents who know our own, and our children’s sin, this is a charge to take heart from the Lord to be strong and courageous. Strength and courage are more needful for leading sinners than for facing enemies.

The second witness is the Book of the Law, which was put next to ark of the covenant as a witness against them (Deuteronomy 31:26). It is a wonderful thing to have the written Word of God. But it is also a weighty thing. How many of us have Bibles that testify against us for our not reading them. Or for our reading our own ideas into them. Or for our careless forgetting of what they say. Or our living in disregard of them. The Scriptures that He has given His people are a witness against them. What Moses knew about the rebellion and stiff neck of Israel (Deuteronomy 31:27) was not exclusive to Israel. Indeed, it was written down for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come (cf. 1 Corinthians 10:11). 

The third witness is heaven and earth (Deuteronomy 31:28). All of God’s creation would “be there,” in God’s providence, as Moses spoke the words of the song. His presence is infinitely penetrating; everything, everywhere continually depends upon His being. But, being weak of eyesight and hard of hearing, we do not perceive His presence, or heed its witness against us. So, He has surrounded us with His creation. All of heaven and earth is witness.

The Lord keep us from forsaking Him, lest His comfortable presence forsake us, dear reader. The Lord keep our churches from breaking covenant with Him, because Christ will never break covenant with Him. He would remove our lampstand first. The Lord keep us from doing evil in His sight and provoking Him to anger through the work of our hands.

What would your Bible witness about your use (or not) of it? What would it witness about your behavior? In what circumstances are you most forgetful that you are in the presence of God? What does the creation witness about you in those circumstances?

Sample prayer: Lord, forgive us for failing to take Your Word as a witness in our lives. Forgive us for doing evil in Your sight and provoking You to anger through the work of our hands. Truly, You have left us with the Scriptures as witness, and even with all of heaven and earth as witness against us. By Your Spirit, soften our hearts, and give us repentance, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP34C “O Sons and Daughters, Come” or TPH174 “The Ten Commandments”

Means of Generational Grace [Family Worship lesson in Deuteronomy 31:9–13]

How do covenant blessings come from one generation to the next in God’s visible church? Deuteronomy 31:9–13 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that covenant blessings come from one generation to the next in God’s visible church by means of the public hearing of all of His Word. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The central message of the devotional is that God’s Word, faithfully read and heard in corporate assembly, is the primary means by which His people are renewed in reverence, obedience, and faith. Rooted in Deuteronomy 31:9–13, the passage emphasizes that the public reading of the Law every seven years—during the Feast of Tabernacles—was designed to cultivate a generational fear of God, ensuring that all, including children and strangers, would hear, learn to fear Him, and live according to His commandments. True obedience flows not from legalistic pride but from a heart humbled by the holiness of God’s Word, received with meekness and applied in gospel-centered action. The weekly gathering of the Church on the Lord’s Day fulfills the Old Testament pattern, with the goal of proclaiming the whole counsel of God so that believers and their children may grow in humility, reverence, and faithful obedience. Ultimately, the devotional calls the church to steward God’s Word with holy seriousness, trusting that the Spirit uses it to produce lasting spiritual fruit across generations.

2026.03.11 Hopewell @Home ▫ Deuteronomy 31:9–13

Read Deuteronomy 31:9–13

Questions from the Scripture text: What did Moses do with the law (Deuteronomy 31:9)? To whom did he deliver it? What did they do? To whom else did he deliver it? Then what did Moses do them (Deuteronomy 31:10)? About doing something how often? In what particular year? At what time of year? Who will do what at that time (Deuteronomy 31:11)? And what must the priests and elders do before all Israel at that time? Which of the people are they to gather (Deuteronomy 31:12)? That they may do what? And learn to do what? So that they ultimately do what? Who else will benefit from this (Deuteronomy 31:13)? By being enabled to do what two things? For how long?

How do covenant blessings come from one generation to the next in God’s visible church? Deuteronomy 31:9–13 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that covenant blessings come from one generation to the next in God’s visible church by means of the public hearing of all of His Word.  

The substance of the sermon of Deuteronomy 5–26 wasn’t just for one particular day and circumstance in the life of God’s people. It was for their ongoing instruction. Every seven years, there was to be a release from debts and slavery. But the real freedom is found in belonging to the Lord and being enabled to observe his commandments. 

All Israel. God’s Word is the means that He uses to do His gracious work in all of His people. This is emphasized in Deuteronomy 31:11, Deuteronomy 31:12. The reading is for “when all Israel comes to appear” and to be done “before all Israel in their hearing.” Particularly, this is to include “men and women and little ones, and the stranger.” None are to be left out

The Means Used: His Word. Twice, we see the mechanism described: “that they may hear and that they may learn to fear YHWH your God” (Deuteronomy 31:12), and “may hear and learn to fear YHWH your God” (Deuteronomy 31:13). YHWH uses the hearing of the Word to produce in them the fearing of the Lord. Here is something to aim at, and to seek from the Lord, as you listen to His Word or read His Word: that He would work in you the fear of YHWH.

The Fruit Produced: Obedience. The fear of YHWH produces what our English version describes as “carefully observe” (Deuteronomy 31:12). In the original, it is “keep in order to do.” When we “receive with meekness the implanted word” as a gift from God “to save your souls” (cf. James 1:21), we must “be does of the Word, and not hearers only” (cf. James 1:22). We keep the Word of God in order to do what it says.

Throughout Their Generations. The Lord establishes the public reading of His Word, at a great assembly, with the children there, in order to make an impression especially upon them. “Every seven years” would ensure that each child would experience this twice during his lifetime, and at least once when able to comprehend well. 

This hearing, fearing, and keeping to observe is something that the Lord commands to convey from one generation to the next “as long as you live in the land which you cross the Jordan to possess” (Deuteronomy 31:13). That is to say: throughout the generations of the visible church, as she enjoys the blessings that belong to her in covenant with God.

There is no longer an annual feast of tabernacles, but there is a weekly Lord’s Day. In it, let the congregations of the church publicly assemble and hear God’s Word read. And, let them not shun to declare “the whole counsel of God” (cf. Acts 20:27). But, with a view to the souls of all, but especially to the children, let them hear the Word, in order to fear the Lord,  that they may both keep all of His words to do them, and teach yet another generation. 

How strongly do you prioritize assembling with the church each Lord’s Day? What does it look like to fear the Lord, Whose Word we hear? By what habits of meditation, vowing, and paying those vows, do you put into practice the words of God? How strongly do you prioritize the training of children to hear, and fear, and obey? What are you doing to facilitate this? 

Sample prayer: Lord, thank You for giving us the public assemblies of Your church on Your day. And thank You for giving us Your living, active, saving Word. And thank You for granting that, in those assembles, we and our children would hear that Word. Forgive us, for when we have missed those assemblies when we could have attended. And, forgive us, for when we have heard the Word, but not unto the fear of You. And, forgive us, for when we have not sought to put Your Word into practice. Finally, forgive us for how lightly we have taken the duty to make sure to do this with our children, with the whole counsel of God. Truly, You have greatly blessed us, but we have taken that blessing for granted. So, by Your Spirit applying to us the grace of Christ, please forgive us and help us, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP34C “O Sons and Daughters, Come” or TPH173 “Almighty God, Your Word Is Cast” 

Leading in Believing [Family Worship lesson in Deuteronomy 31:1–8]

How must a man lead the people of God? Deuteronomy 31:1–8 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these eight verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that those who lead the people of God must do so as those who are trusting in the Lord, and leading others in trusting in Him. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The devotional emphasizes that while Moses’ departure and Joshua’s appointment mark a transition in earthly leadership, the people’s hope must remain fixed on God alone. The repeated command to be strong and of good courage is not mere encouragement but a divine mandate grounded in God’s faithfulness, calling each generation to trust Him rather than fear, even in the face of daunting challenges. Pastor underscores that every leader—whether in family, church, or nation—must first be a believer-in-chief, relying not on personal ability but on God’s sustaining presence. Ultimately, the call is to live by faith in Christ, the true Leader and Deliverer, who promises to be with His people always, empowering them to fulfill their God-given duties with courage and obedience.

2026.03.04 Hopewell @Home ▫ Deuteronomy 31:1–8

Read Deuteronomy 31:1–8

Questions from the Scripture text: Who spoke to whom (Deuteronomy 31:1)? What did he say about his age (Deuteronomy 31:2)? And his ability? And what has YHWH said to him? Who does cross over before them (Deuteronomy 31:3)? What will He do? So that they can do what? Who else crosses before them? What is the example of what YHWH will do to the nations of the land (Deuteronomy 31:4)? What must they do with those whom YHWH gives over to them (Deuteronomy 31:5)? What does Deuteronomy 31:6 command? Why must they? What will YHWH do? What will YHWH not do? Whom does Moses call in Deuteronomy 31:7? In whose sight? What does he command him? For what task? What does Moses call the land? What will Joshua cause them to do with the land? What promise does Moses make to him in Deuteronomy 31:8—what will YHWH do with Joshua? What won’t He do? What mustn’t Joshua do? 

How must a man lead the people of God? Deuteronomy 31:1–8 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these eight verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that those who lead the people of God must do so as those who are trusting in the Lord, and leading others in trusting in Him.  

The Lord is our hope and our help, but He uses means—especially particular men. In this passage, there is a transition from Moses’s leadership to Joshua’s leadership, before the eyes of Israel. But, in the most important way, there is no transition at all. It is still YHWH Who goes before them, YHWH Who will be with them, and YHWH Who will not leave or forsake them.

The Lord has marvelously sustained Moses to lead them. He is functioning marvelously for a 120 year old (cf. Deuteronomy 34:7), but the Lord is not preparing him to lead the military campaign in the promised land (Deuteronomy 31:2). He is preparing Joshua to do that (Deuteronomy 31:3, Deuteronomy 31:8). Just as YHWH used Moses, so now He will use Joshua. Just as He destroyed and dispossessed Sihon and Og (Deuteronomy 31:4), so will He do to the nations of Canaan (Deuteronomy 31:3). This, He does in marriages through husbands, in families through dads, and in congregations through ministers and elders. 

The parallels between Deuteronomy 31:6 and Deuteronomy 31:7-8 show us the nature of leading (and following) as one who follows YHWH. 

YHWH Himself will cross over before Israel (Deuteronomy 31:3) and YHWH is the One Who goes before them (Deuteronomy 31:8). YHWH will go with Israel (Deuteronomy 31:6), and YHWH will be with Joshua (Deuteronomy 31:8). 

YHWH will not leave nor forsake Israel (Deuteronomy 31:6), and YHWH will not leave nor forsake Joshua (Deuteronomy 31:8).

Israel is to be strong and of good courage(Deuteronomy 31:6); Joshua is to be strong and of good courage (Deuteronomy 31:7). 

Israel is to obey every commandment (Deuteronomy 31:5), and Joshua must go, as he is now being commanded (Deuteronomy 31:7). Israel must not fear or be afraid (Deuteronomy 31:6, in contrast to what they did at the report of the spies), and Joshua must not fear nor be dismayed (Deuteronomy 31:8). 

The implication is plain: those by whom YHWH leads His people must do so by being the lead believers—the lead trusters in the Lord and obeyers of the Lord. They must not lead like it depends upon them, and those whom they lead must not put their trust in them. Leaders are to be “believers-in-chief” above those whom they lead.

Whom are you leading, or by whom are you being led? Whom are you/they counting on to make things turn out well? How can you tell whether you are trusting in the Lord, or whether you are trusting in the man whom the Lord is using?

Sample prayer: Lord, forgive us for when we are afraid or dismayed. This shows that we forget that You go before us, and we forget that You are with us. And forgive us for when we trust in the man that You use to lead us, when we should be trusting in You Yourself. But, give us to trust in Christ, by Whom You lead us, because He is one God, with You and with the Spirit, forever. So, we ask this in His Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP7B “God Is My Shield” or TPH433 “Amazing Grace” 

Grace to Love and Cling to God [Family Worship lesson in Deuteronomy 30:11–20]

How does the Christian choose life? Deuteronomy 30:11–20 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these ten verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the Christian chooses life by God’s grace, which gives him to love and cling to God, in Christ. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: Deuteronomy 30:11–20 reveals that God’s commandments are not distant or unattainable, but near—accessible through His Word and Spirit, Who makes them real in the heart and mouth of the believer. The passage emphasizes that true obedience is not mere external compliance but a life of loving, hearing, and clinging to God, rooted in His grace and made possible only by the Holy Spirit’s work in regeneration.

2026.02.25 Hopewell @Home ▫ Deuteronomy 30:11–20

Read Deuteronomy 30:11–20

Questions from the Scripture text: What is not true of the Word that Moses preached (Deuteronomy 30:11)? Where wasn’t it (Deuteronomy 30:12)? What wouldn’t they have to do? Where else wasn’t it (Deuteronomy 30:13)? What wouldn’t they have to do? But where was it (Deuteronomy 30:14)? In what particular places? So that they might do what with it? What two pairs of things has Moses set before them on that day (Deuteronomy 30:15)? What primary thing has he commanded them to do with YHWH their God (Deuteronomy 30:16)? In what other four commandments does he describe what it means to love God? How would YHWH their God respond to their doing this? How does he describe the heart that fails to do this (Deuteronomy 30:17)? Whom are they worshiping and serving, if they do not keep his commandments, statues, and judgments? What will happen then (Deuteronomy 30:18)? What will they not prolong? Whom does Moses call as witness against them (Deuteronomy 30:19)? What two pairs of things does he now say that he has set before them? What does he urge them to choose? So that they may do what (Deuteronomy 30:20)? What does loving YHWH mean obeying? To what (Whom!) does loving YHWH mean clinging? As what two things for them? How does he describe the land in which they will dwell, if they do this?

How does the Christian choose life? Deuteronomy 30:11–20 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these ten verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the Christian chooses life by God’s grace, which gives him to love and cling to God, in Christ.  

“Deuteronomy” means second law. It is a sermon on the ten commandments, given by Moses, as he is about to die, and Israel is about to cross over to enter the land. Just as with YHWH’s giving of the original ten commandments, this giving of the law is couched within the covenant of grace. It is just when He has finished telling them that He must be the One to circumcise their hearts that He comes and points out the great instrument that He uses to do this, and the great result that it produces in the redeemed. 

The great instrument is the Word of God, which He has brought near. And the great result is that they cling to YHWH, and are not put to shame, but live righteously and blessedly with Him, enjoying the fulfillment of all of His promises. This is why this is the passage to which the apostle refers in Romans 10:4–17. He goes directly to the place where the legalist, or Judaizer, or Pharisee, would go to demonstrate law-keeping as the hope of the godly, to announce that the hope of the godly is God’s grace, through God’s means, to produce clinging to God. And God Himself puts His Son forward, as Christ, as the One in Whom we especially know His grace, have His means, and cling to Him.

So, in our passage, Moses begins with the nearness of the Word (Deuteronomy 30:11-14). It is not mysterious or far off (Deuteronomy 30:11). It does not require heroic effort (Deuteronomy 30:12-13). God circumcises the heart to bless us by means of a submission that His Spirit produces. His providence brings His Word to our eyes and ears. And, His grace brings that Word into our mouth, heart, and hands (Deuteronomy 30:14).

The choice of life and death (Deuteronomy 30:15, Deuteronomy 30:19) is a choice to love YHWH as our very own God (Deuteronomy 30:16, Deuteronomy 30:20), and to cling to Him (verse 20). Love walks in ways because they are His (Deuteronomy 30:16). Love keeps commandments, statutes, and judgments (verse 16), because it is in these that He has given us to hear the voice of YHWH Whom we love, and to cling to YHWH Whom we love (Deuteronomy 30:20). We cling to Him as our life. We cling to Him as the length of our days. And we cling to Him in the fulfillment of all His promises, which He has sworn.

This enriches our understanding, not only of the obedience of the believing life, but of the horror of disobedience. Disobedience is much worse than the violation of standards and terms, which incurs particular punishments. Disobedience is to turn our hearts away from YHWH (Deuteronomy 30:17a), and to reject Him from being our own covenant God. Disobedience is to turn our hearts unto another than YHWH (verse 17b). Whomever, or whatever, we obey—it is they that we worship and serve (cf. Romans 6:16–19). 

So, dear reader, let us embrace God’s good law, through which He brings us into eternal life and blessedness, because it is His. He has given Himself to us in Christ. In Christ He gives us His grace—blessing, where we deserve only curse, and strength, where we have only weakness… especially the ministry of His Spirit to circumcise our hearts. His Spirit has given the Word, and preserved the Word, and brought us into contact with it. And it is His Spirit Who gives us tender hearts, so that the Word will penetrate our hearts, fill our mouths, and move our hands. And, it is this Word that speaks to us of Christ (cf. John 5:39). So, as we love Him and cling to Him, by His Spirit’s work, it is especially Christ Whom we love, and Christ to Whom we cling; for, YHWH God has given us to know Him especially in Christ.

What place has love had, in how you have responded to God’s commandments, statutes, and judgments? What place has clinging had, in how you have responded to them? What might it look like for you to grow in loving and clinging? What (Who!) is your hope for this growth? What means does He use to give this? How will this loving, clinging, speaking, and obeying be especially centered upon Jesus Christ?

Sample prayer: Lord, as we have learned that to love You and cling to You means to walk in Your own ways, and to obey Your own voice, and those to keep Your commandments, statutes, and judgments, we have realized something horrible about ourselves. When we have not kept Your commandments, statutes, and judgments, it is because we have worshiped and served another, instead of You. When we have disobeyed, it has been because we were not loving You or clinging to You. Truly, we deserve to perish. But You have given Christ to suffer in our place. And You have given Christ to be our goodness and strength. Help us, now, by Your Spirit. Apply Christ to us. For His sake, forgive us. And by His life, make us to live in love to You, and in clinging to You, in obedience to You, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP32AB “What Blessedness” or TPH433 “Amazing Grace” 

Hearts from God That Turn to God [Family Worship lesson in Deuteronomy 30:1–10]

How can God’s people return to Him? Deuteronomy 30:1–10 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these ten verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God’s people return to Him by the work of His sovereign grace. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: Deuteronomy 30:1–10 reveals God’s covenantal grace as patient, personal, powerful, prosperous, and persevering, illustrating how divine mercy responds to human failure with sovereign compassion. Though Israel will have broken the covenant and been scattered to the farthest corners of the earth, God promises to gather them, circumcise their hearts, and restore them not by their own effort but by His divine initiative. This restoration is both corporate and individual, demonstrating that true repentance and obedience are gifts of grace, not human achievement. The passage anticipates the fulfillment of God’s promises in Christ, the true Root of David, through Whom the church—both visible and invisible—is preserved, prospered, and ultimately glorified. The enduring nature of God’s covenant, secured by Christ’s faithful obedience, assures believers of His unwavering commitment to His people, even in the midst of judgment and exile. Thus, the passage calls all who are far from God to cry out for His grace, trusting in His power to turn hearts and sustain faith to the end.

2026.02.18 Hopewell @Home ▫ Deuteronomy 30:1–10

Read Deuteronomy 30:1–10

Questions from the Scripture text: What will come upon them (Deuteronomy 30:1)? What will they do, among the nations? How will they get there? But to Whom will they return (Deuteronomy 30:2)? By doing what? Who will return with them? In what manner? What will YHWH do for them (Deuteronomy 30:3)? Why? To whom, particularly (Deuteronomy 30:4)? Even from where? What will YHWH do? Where will YHWH bring them (Deuteronomy 30:5)? What will He do to them there? More than to whom? What else will YHWH do to them (Deuteronomy 30:6)? And to whom? To do what? With what? What will YHWH do to their enemies (Deuteronomy 30:7)? But what will His people do (Deuteronomy 30:8)? In what five areas will YHWH make them abound (Deuteronomy 30:9)? What will He do “over them”? For what? Like what? What will they do (Deuteronomy 30:10)? In what manner will they return to Him? 

How can God’s people return to Him? Deuteronomy 30:1–10 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these ten verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God’s people return to Him by the work of His sovereign grace.  

Israel will fail (Deuteronomy 30:1) to keep the first great commandment (cf. Deuteronomy 6:5). But YHWH will turn them (and their children!) back to love Him with all their heart and all their soul (Deuteronomy 30:2, Deuteronomy 30:6, Deuteronomy 30:10). They are commanded to circumcise their hearts unto Him in this way (cf. Deuteronomy 10:12–16), but the history of Israel will show that He must do this for and in them by His grace (Deuteronomy 30:6). This grace is patient: it will still seek them, after they have brought upon themselves all the curses (Deuteronomy 30:1-3). This grace is particular: it seeks out every elect individual (Deuteronomy 30:4a). This grace is powerful: it overcomes any distance or obstacle (verse 4b), including the obstacle of an unregenerate heart (Deuteronomy 30:6). This grace prospers, bringing upon them all covenant blessings (Deuteronomy 30:5, Deuteronomy 30:7, Deuteronomy 30:9). And this grace perseveres, bringing them to love Him with all the heart and soul, and to obey and do all His commandments (Deuteronomy 30:6, Deuteronomy 30:8, Deuteronomy 30:10). 

In what ways do you need to turn to the Lord? In what ways do your children? What is your hope for this?

Sample prayer: Lord, forgive us for how we have transgressed Your commands. It exposes that we do not love You with all the heart and all the soul. Our only hope is that grace which would find us, no matter how far we are, and give us new, consecrated hearts. Save us, and our children, by that grace, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP32AB “What Blessedness” or TPH433 “Amazing Grace”

Give to God What Is God's [Family Worship lesson in Deuteronomy 29:22–29]

Why did Israel fail and suffer curse? Deuteronomy 29:22–29 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these eight verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Israel was cursed so that we would learn God’s hatred of sin. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: This passage reveals God's sovereign authority over the future and His holy hatred of sin, using the judgment on the land as a lasting testimony to the consequences of covenant unfaithfulness. While the secret things belong to God alone, He graciously reveals His Word for us to do, and especially His Son for us to believe in. The emphasis on divine wrath against idolatry and rebellion underscores the seriousness of forsaking God, yet it is balanced by the profound gift of revelation—culminating in the person and work of Christ, Who bears the wrath we deserve and enables obedience through His resurrection life. The sermon calls believers to focus on what God has revealed, particularly the gospel of Jesus Christ, Who is the ultimate expression of divine revelation and the only means of true life and obedience.

2026.02.11 Hopewell @Home ▫ Deuteronomy 29:22–29

Read Deuteronomy 29:22–29

Questions from the Scripture text: Who will rise up after them (Deuteronomy 29:22)? Who will come from a far land? What will they see? Who will have done it? What will they say that the land is (Deuteronomy 29:23)? What will they say does not happen to it? Whom will they know and say has done this? Who else will speak (Deuteronomy 29:24)? What will they ask? What would people answer that Israel had forsaken (Deuteronomy 29:25)? What would the essence of this covenant-breaking have been (Deuteronomy 29:26)? How does Deuteronomy 29:27 define this in terms of God’s faithfulness? What three things characterize YHWH’s action in uprooting and exiling them (Deuteronomy 29:28)? What things belong to YHWH (Deuteronomy 29:29)? Who is YHWH to them? What things belong to them? And to whom else? For how long? For what purpose?

Why did Israel fail and suffer curse? Deuteronomy 29:22–29 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these eight verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Israel was cursed so that we would learn God’s hatred of sin.  

The secret things belong to God (Deuteronomy 29:29a). Including the fact that Israel would, indeed, forsake the covenant which YHWH was making with them on that day (Deuteronomy 29:25). “Known to God, from eternity, are all His works” (Acts 15:18). But the revealed things, belong to His people to do all the words of His law; and then, to their children after them, for the same purpose (Deuteronomy 29:29b). Israel suffered, as it did, so that following generations, and foreigners (Deuteronomy 29:22), and indeed all nations (Deuteronomy 29:24), would learn the same lesson as from Sodom and Gomorrah (Deuteronomy 29:23): that God burns against sin with all that He is… “in anger, in wrath, and in great indignation” (Deuteronomy 29:28). For, all disobedience is, at its essence, a turning from YHWH to other gods (Deuteronomy 29:26). Dear reader, don’t trouble yourself with what God has planned in His providence. Give yourself to knowing what He has revealed, so that you and your children may follow it!

What secrets of God’s providence have you wished to know? What use do you make of the Bible?

Sample prayer: Lord, forgive us for vainly inquiring into Your providence. And, forgive us for how we have not made use of Scripture; there is so much that we have not learned. And forgive us for how much we have failed to do even that which we have known from Your Word. We thank You that Christ submitted Himself, and always obeyed all of Your Word. For His sake, forgive us, and make us to be like Him, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP131 “My Heart Is Not Exalted, Lord” or TPH256 “God Moves in a Mysterious Way” 

Covenant with God, Now and Forever [Family Worship lesson in Deuteronomy 29:2–21]

How can we be blessed in covenant with God? Deuteronomy 29:2–21 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these twenty verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that branches of the church are blessed by God, when they walk with Him, but that for anyone to walk with God and be blessed forever, he needs God to give him new life and union with Christ through faith. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: This devotional unfolds the covenantal relationship between YHWH and Israel as a people, emphasizing God’s faithfulness in delivering, sustaining, and conquering on their behalf, thereby establishing their identity as a holy, distinct people. It underscores that the covenant includes all generations—leaders to servants, present and future—binding them collectively to God’s oath, with the promise of divine establishment as His people and His personal presence among them. The central warning is that covenantal membership without spiritual regeneration leads to condemnation, as the failure to perceive, see, and hear God’s truth results in idolatry, self-reliance, and suffering the burning of God's wrath for ever. But those whom God gives life, to be united to Christ by faith, truly prosper in all they do and inherit eternal blessings.

2026.02.04 Hopewell @Home ▫ Deuteronomy 29:2–21

Read Deuteronomy 29:2–21

Questions from the Scripture text: Who called whom (Deuteronomy 29:2)? What had they seen (Deuteronomy 29:2-3)? But what had YHWH not given them (Deuteronomy 29:4)? What has YHWH done (Deuteronomy 29:5)? What hasn’t happened? And why haven’t they had bread or wine (Deuteronomy 29:6)? Whom did they conquer (Deuteronomy 29:7)? What did they do with their land (Deuteronomy 29:8)? Now, what must they do (Deuteronomy 29:9)? Before whom are they standing (Deuteronomy 29:10)? Who are standing (Deuteronomy 29:11)? To do what (Deuteronomy 29:12)? So that God may do what (Deuteronomy 29:13)? And be what to them? In accordance with what? What is YHWH cutting with them (Deuteronomy 29:14)? And with whom else (Deuteronomy 29:15)? What had they seen in Egypt (Deuteronomy 29:16-17)? Now what must there not be among them (Deuteronomy 29:18)? What mustn’t a man think he can be blessed to follow (Deuteronomy 29:19)? What will YHWH not do with the one who follows the dictates of his own heart (Deuteronomy 29:20)? What will burn against such a man? What will settle on him? What will YHWH blot out? Unto what will YHWH separate him (Deuteronomy 29:21)? From whom? According to what? 

How can we be blessed in covenant with God? Deuteronomy 29:2–21 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these twenty verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that branches of the church are blessed by God, when they walk with Him, but that for anyone to walk with God and be blessed forever, he needs God to give him new life and union with Christ through faith.  

Our passage is really in three sections, establishing this covenant between YHWH God and Israel. First, there is the recounting of the benefits that the Lord has already given them (Deuteronomy 29:2-9), and then there are the parties between whom the covenant is established (Deuteronomy 29:10-15), and then there is the duty and warning if they break the covenant (Deuteronomy 29:16-21). They have already received covenant benefits: deliverance and avenging (Deuteronomy 29:2-3), sustaining and leading (Deuteronomy 29:5-6), and then strengthening them and giving victory (Deuteronomy 29:7-8). Now, in the administration under Christ, we gain , remembering that our spiritual benefits in Him Already, all material prospering comes in the love that gave Him to us, but our spiritual blessings in Him also obtain eternal material benefits in the new heavens and new earth.

This underlines to us the necessity of the new birth. Israel, generally, had not been given new hearts, eyes, and ears (Deuteronomy 29:4). This spiritual condition continues today (cf. Romans 11:8); new birth is given to God’s elect (Deuteronomy 29:7). If you want to remain in the church forever, you must be united to Christ by faith, justified, and sanctified. There are many who are excommunicated at the point of their death because they were never justified, and they were never sanctified, so their souls were not glorified at the point of their death. Yet they remained church members. It is a dreadful thing. 

It is a mercy when these spiritually dead are excommunicated in life because their unconverted state is exposed by their conduct and the church’s discipline. Believers receive earthly blessings as an earnest, looking forward to the new heavens and the new earth and perfect material blessing forever. But the greater blessing is growing up into the Head, the Lord Jesus Christ, with whom you will inherit. So what we need to seek from God is not just that He would give us the blessings of being members of His church in this world, but that He would give us new hearts, new eyes, and new ears, so that we would be covenantally blessed, in and with Christ, forever. 

Then, in Deuteronomy 29:10-16, we see the parties of the covenant: with whom is it being made? It is with everyone from top to bottom.: leaders, elders, officers, men, wives, children, strangers, servants, woodcutters, and water drawers. So everyone in Israel was a member of the covenant, and everyone was obligated by this covenant ceremony. The covenant ceremony is a little bit hidden in Deuteronomy 29:12, Deuteronomy 29:14 in the NKJ, because the verbs are not translated literally. But "that you may enter into the covenant" is literally "that you may pass through the covenant." And at the end of Deuteronomy 29:12, "YHWH your God makes," and at the beginning of Deuteronomy 29:14, "I make this covenant,” use the verb “cut”: “YHWH your God cuts,” and “I cut this covenant." It is a reference back to Genesis 15:9–21, with the cutting of the animals, and the two appearances of God passing through between them.  

This covenanting is not just with all those who are standing today, from the leaders down to those who draw water (Deuteronomy 29:10-11), but it is also with future generations (Deuteronomy 29:14-15). God's covenant administrations, in which He administers the covenant with His church on earth, includes the children (cf. Matthew 27:25 and Acts 2:23, Acts 2:36–39). 

And so the God’s administrations of His covenant, in the visible church throughout history, is always not just with you and your children (because they are part of your household), but it is established as multi-generational, for successive generations. He is God to them and to their children.

This brings us to the final section (Deuteronomy 29:16-21) which emphasize how dreadful it is to turn away from His words, because turning away from His words is turning away from having him as God to us. It is turning away from being covenant people to him. The worst part of every sin is that it is a form of idolatry. And therefore, one of the most dreadful sins is the sin of idolatry. The essence of idolatry is “following the dictates of our own heart.” To do so is to reject the Lord from being our God. Those spiritually dead and dry ones who do this (roots of bitterness, Deuteronomy 29:18), cannot expect to be blessed with the spiritually alive and moist ones (Deuteronomy 29:19—more literally translated). 

Whatever happens with a branch of the visible church, those who have life in themselves from God will be saved. But, even if a branch of the visible church is covenantally blessed, any within it who are still spiritually dead will be cursed and condemned. We see this in the letters in Revelation 2–3, where even to churches that are going to lose their lampstand, there is still "Him who overcomes" and "Him who has ears to hear." And that harkens back to this chapter and this passage, "Him to whom God has given hearts to perceive, and eyes to see, and ears to hear" (Deuteronomy 29:4). 

So even in those churches that will be disciplined and become no church at all, yet the one who is regenerated, who has ears to hear from God by grace, and therefore who overcomes, that one will be saved. That one will have fellowship with Christ. That one will have their salvation and their blessedness in Christ sealed unto them. And so just as this corporate covenanting ceremony started with everyone recognizing that each of us individually deserves God's wrath and curse (cf. Deuteronomy 27:14–26), this corporate ceremony ends with this proclamation that the individual who fails to have, from God by grace, a heart to perceive, eyes to see, ears to hear (Deuteronomy 29:4, Deuteronomy 29:19), that one will be cursed; YHWH will not spare him. “The anger of Yahweh and his jealousy will burn against that man” (Deuteronomy 29:20), and that means forever. He will be separated from God's church (Deuteronomy 29:21) forever, not just in the excommunication-way that can happen during your life. Notice that verse 21 comes after his name is blotted out from under heaven (Deuteronomy 29:20). 

So God uses the blessedness or cursedness of His church, in the administrations of the covenant of grace in the history of the church, to hold before us the necessity of the new birth, the necessity of regeneration, of believing into Christ—of walking with God from the life of Christ within us. These covenantal chastenings, of particular branches of the visible church, publish to us the danger of being left in our sins, left in the dead condition in which we came into this world: hearts that don't perceive, eyes that don't see, ears that don't hear. The danger of hearts that are still stone towards God and not tender and listening to Him, the danger of not being joined to the Lord Jesus Christ through faith, so that we may be blessed with Him forever. 

What material blessings do you enjoy? What spiritual blessings do you enjoy? How do these obtain full and forever material blessing? What use are you making of your church membership? How is your church conducting itself in covenant with God?

Sample prayer:  Lord, we confess that we have sometimes allowed ourselves to feel safe, merely because we are members of the church. But Your dealings with Your church have taught us that we need from You new life: new hearts, new eyes, new ears. Apart from these, we turn from Your words. And, whenever we follow the dictates of our own heart, we are truly rejecting You from being our God. So, help us, by Your life-giving Spirit. And forgive and cleanse us by the blood of Your Son. From His own righteousness, make us to live righteously, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP32AB “What Blessedness” or TPH51C “God, Be Merciful to Me”