Deuteronomy 4: On the Heart of the Old Testament, « Seeing » with Our Ears, and a Healthy, Protestant Suspicion of Sensory Overload (Bible Talk, Ep. 55)

In Deuteronomy 4, the Lord through Moses gives us « expositional history. » He explains to them why God’s character and faithfulness to them in the past should motivate their present obedience.

SHOW NOTES

1:15 / Where are we at the beginning of Deuteronomy? What’s the big idea of chapter four?

5:04 / Sam and Jim commentate on verses 1-2.

7:19 / Jim argues against a hardline distinction between law, historical narratives, and wisdom literature.

9:13 / Sam points out that, if Israel obeys, their wisdom and understanding will be displayed “in the sight of the peoples” (Deut. 4:6).

11:20 / Moses boasts in the nearness and statues of the Lord.

13:34 / How does Moses motivate the Israelites to obedience after verse eight?

16:14 / Is it idolatrous to watch The Chosen? 

18:30 / Alex observes a tendency to get more excited over sensory worship experiences than the Word of God.

21:47 / Sam notes how “sight” language is often associated in Scripture with “hearing” the Word of God.

23:46 / Why does Moses say, “You stood before the Lord your God at Horeb?” His audience wasn’t there 40 years ago, were they? (Deut. 4:10)

25:39 / Why is Deuteronomy 4:25-31 at the heart of the Old Testament?

31:27 / Jim highlights differences between the Abrahamic and Mosaic covenants.

32:47 / Moses provides Israel additional, powerful motivation to obey the Lord.

37:10 / Why does Moses start talking about cities of refuge?