Deuteronomy - Chapter 10

Deuteronomy 10.1 At that time the LORD said unto me, Hew thee two tables of stone like unto the first, and come up unto me into the mount, and make thee an ark of wood. Deuteronomy 10.2 And I will write on the tables the words that were in the first tables which thou brakest, and thou shalt put them in the ark. Deuteronomy 10.3 And I made an ark of shittim wood, and hewed two tables of stone like unto the first, and went up into the mount, having the two tables in mine hand. Deuteronomy 10.4 And he wrote on the tables, according to the first writing, the ten commandments, which the LORD spake unto you in the mount out of the midst of the fire in the day of the assembly: and the LORD gave them unto me. Deuteronomy 10.5 And I turned myself and came down from the mount, and put the tables in the ark which I had made; and there they be, as the LORD commanded me. Deuteronomy 10.6 And the children of Israel took their journey from Beeroth of the children of Jaakan to Mosera: there Aaron died, and there he was buried; and Eleazar his son ministered in the priest’s office in his stead. Deuteronomy 10.7 From thence they journeyed unto Gudgodah; and from Gudgodah to Jotbath, a land of rivers of waters. Deuteronomy 10.8 At that time the LORD separated the tribe of Levi, to bear the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to minister unto him, and to bless in his name, unto this day. Deuteronomy 10.9 Wherefore Levi hath no part nor inheritance with his brethren; the LORD is his inheritance, according as the LORD thy God promised him. Deuteronomy 10.10 And I stayed in the mount, according to the first time, forty days and forty nights; and the LORD hearkened unto me at that time also, and the LORD would not destroy thee. Deuteronomy 10.11 And the LORD said unto me, Arise, take thy journey before the people, that they may go in and possess the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give unto them. Deuteronomy 10.12 And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, Deuteronomy 10.13 To keep the commandments of the LORD, and his statutes, which I command thee this day for thy good? Deuteronomy 10.14 Behold, the heaven and the heaven of heavens is the LORD’s thy God, the earth also, with all that therein is. Deuteronomy 10.15 Only the LORD had a delight in thy fathers to love them, and he chose their seed after them, even you above all people, as it is this day. Deuteronomy 10.16 Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiffnecked. Deuteronomy 10.17 For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward: Deuteronomy 10.18 He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment. Deuteronomy 10.19 Love ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt. Deuteronomy 10.20 Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God; him shalt thou serve, and to him shalt thou cleave, and swear by his name. Deuteronomy 10.21 He is thy praise, and he is thy God, that hath done for thee these great and terrible things, which thine eyes have seen. Deuteronomy 10.22 Thy fathers went down into Egypt with threescore and ten persons; and now the LORD thy God hath made thee as the stars of heaven for multitude.

Deuteronomy : Chapter 10

Reflection on Deuteronomy Chapter 10

Chapter 10 of the book of Deuteronomy powerfully reminds us of the call to faithfulness to God. It questions how Israel, and by extension ourselves, should respond to God's unconditional love. This foundational text evokes the restoration of the tablets of the law, presents the responsibilities of the Levites, and calls for a circumcision of the heart.

The Greatness and Impartiality of God

This chapter highlights the greatness of God as well as His impartiality. It also reminds us of the importance of love for foreigners and of fear and obedience to the Lord. These themes are essential to understanding our commitment as Christians.

Five Resonant Bible Passages

To deepen our reflection, let's examine five biblical passages that resonate with the central themes of this inspiring chapter.

Acts 13:17

"The God of the people of Israel chose our ancestors and made them a great nation during their time in Egypt; with great power he brought them out of that land." This verse echoes the historical summary of Deuteronomy 10:22, highlighting the growth of Israel in Egypt.

Romans 2:28-29

"There is no Jew who is one only outwardly, nor is circumcision a Jew who is merely outward and physical. No! A Jew is one who is one inwardly, and circumcision is that of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written law. For them, praise does not come from men, but from God." Here Paul develops the theme of circumcision of the heart mentioned in Deuteronomy 10:16.

1 Peter 1:17

"Since you call the one who judges each person's works impartially Father, conduct yourselves on this earth with fear." Peter reflects on God's impartiality as mentioned in Deuteronomy 10:17.

James 1:27

"The religion that God, our Father, accepts as pure and undefiled is this: to care for orphans and widows in their troubles and not to be corrupted by the world." James echoes God's concern for orphans and widows mentioned in Deuteronomy 10:18. Colossians 3:11 In this new life, there is no longer any distinction between Greeks and Jews, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarians and Scythians, slaves and free, but Christ is everything and is in everyone. Here Paul expands the love of God for foreigners mentioned in Deuteronomy 10:19, including it for all peoples in Christ.

As we meditate on these passages, we are invited to renew our commitment to God, to live in obedience, and to love our neighbor as He loves us.