Deuteronomy 10 Study Notes

10:14-15 The Lord’s choice of Israel is a mark of inexplicable and discretionary grace, because Israel had no moral or theological claim to the Lord’s favor (7:7-11; Ex 19:5).

10:16 Circumcision was the sign of the Abrahamic covenant, a rite to be followed by all succeeding generations of the faithful (Gn 17:9-14). This symbolized a cutting off of the previous life and a willingness to propagate sons and daughters who would also enter into covenant with the Lord. Circumcision of the flesh alone could not guarantee a right relationship to the Lord because that relationship was one of faith springing from the heart. Moses therefore commanded Israel, Circumcise your hearts and don’t be stiff-necked any longer, an exhortation picked up in the NT as well (Rm 2:25-29; Col 2:8-15).

10:17-19 The OT is clear that those who take advantage of defenseless people can expect the Lord’s swift and severe judgment (24:17-18; Ex 22:21-24; Ps 146:9; Jr 7:3-8). The Israelites were resident aliens themselves in the land of Egypt; those delivered from difficult and oppressive situations should be the first to deal kindly with others in similar circumstances.

Yare’ denotes be afraid (Gn 3:10) or fear (Ex 1:17). People are cautious (Pr 14:16), intimidated (Neh 6:16), alarmed (Jos 10:2), or fearful (Jr 51:46). They fear (Ps 33:8) or panic (1Sm 4:7). Combined with the intensive “very,” yare’ means be terrified (Gn 20:8). Yare’ often takes God as object, implying be or stand in awe (Mc 7:17) and be awed (Ps 65:8). People revere (Lv 19:30), are reverent (Ec 8:12), or worship (2Kg 17:7). Children respect parents (Lv 19:3). Passive participles signify remarkable (Ps 139:14), awesome (Dt 7:21), awe-inspiring (Ex 34:10), and revered (Ex 15:11), but can also denote dreadful (Jl 2:11), terrible (Dt 1:19), feared (Is 18:2), and terrifying (Hab 1:7). The intensive verb means make afraid (2Sm 14:15), frighten (2Ch 32:18), or intimidate (Neh 6:9).

10:20-22 The conclusion to this unit echoes its beginning in vv. 12-13. Israel’s explosive growth was an overwhelming sign of the Lord’s faithfulness to his promises to Abraham (Gn 15:5; Ex 1:1-5). Though comparison to the stars of the sky is hyperbolic, so large a population growth within 430 years is miraculous (Ex 12:37,40).