Deuteronomy 30 Summary - 5 Minute Bible Study

Deuteronomy 30 Summary - A Quick Overview

WHEN:

• Moses’ speech, recorded in the opening chapters of Deuteronomy, occurred immediately following the Israelites’ 40 years of wandering in the wilderness.  

• The Israelites were in the wilderness from approximately 1490-1450 B.C.

• The Book of Deuteronomy opens on the 1st day of the 11th month in the 40th year (Deu 1:3) following the Israelites departure from Egypt (approximately 1450 B.C.).

CHARACTERS:

• Israelites (Hebrews) – The descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God granted them freedom after several hundred years in slavery in Egypt. Leading up to the book of Deuteronomy, the Israelites had spent 40 years wandering in the wilderness as they made their way to Canaan, the land God promised to give them as a home.

• Moses – Moses was selected by God to lead the Israelites to Canaan. God spoke directly to Moses and Moses communicated God’s words and laws to the people.    

WHERE:

• Deuteronomy 1:5 tells us Moses spoke the words recorded in Deuteronomy while in Moab, probably on the plains of Moab near Pisgah (Numbers 22:1).

• Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim are highlighted in this chapter. These two mountains were very close to each other, and the Israelites were told to visit them when they crossed the Jordan River.

OUTLINE:

• REPENTANCE AND RESTORATION (30:1-10):

  • If, in the future, Israel rebelled against God and was punished with the curses described in Deuteronomy 27-29, God would forgive them if they repented with all their heart and soul.

  • If God had expelled them from the Promised Land, He would return them to it.

  • If their repentance was genuine, God would restore their prosperity and curse their enemies.

  • God would circumcise their hearts so they would love Him with all their heart and soul.  

• THE CHOICE BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH, BLESSING AND CURSE (30:11-20):

  • Moses reminded the Israelites that God’s instructions weren’t unachievable for them.

  • While they may never achieve perfection, God would be pleased with them if they gave their heart to Him.

  • Moses presented a choice to the people, a choice between life (with God) or death (without God).

  • It was up to them whether their nation would receive a blessing or a curse.

  • Moses urged the people to choose life.
    

APPLICATION:

• Although a lot transpired between the life of Moses and the life of Jesus, Jesus presents essentially the same choice to the modern world.

• The basic choice isn’t difficult to understand, and it isn’t unachievable (with Jesus’ help).

• We can either choose life by following God or we can choose death by ignoring Him.