Bible Commentaries
Deuteronomy 29

Verses 1-29

The fourth discourse of Moses urged the people to be true to the Covenant, the terms of which had been given and are recorded in the previous chapter. It is to be carefully remembered that the first verse of chapter twenty-nine in our arrangement is the last of chapter twenty-eight in the Hebrew Bible. The statement, "These are the words of the covenant," refers to what had already been uttered.

In thus especially appealing to them, Moses first referred to the Lord's deliverances for them, wrought in the past (verses 2-9)-from Egypt, during the wilderness experiences, and in the day of battle on the eve of their coming into possession.

His appeal was to all classes of the community-to the rulers, the people, men, women, children, and also to the servants There was to be no escape and no excuse.

Then in graphic and burning words he described what must be the result of breaking the Covenant. Recognizing the imperfection of the people and their Inability at all times to appreciate the methods of the divine government, he enunciated a principle of far-reaching importance and perpetual application as he declared that the secret or mysterious or hidden things belong to God, while the things revealed were for them and their children.