Deu 30:19 | KingComments | STEP | Moses summarizes the whole content of his speech on the law in the terms “life and prosperity, and death and adversity” (cf. ). Love is the condition for fulfilling the commandments ( ). The choice that Moses sets before them also has consequences for their offspring. Parents who choose to follow the Lord wholeheartedly can generally count on it that their children will follow them in their choice. The same applies to a choice for adversity. In the choice that Moses sets before the people here, we stand at the beginning of the history of the people in the land. At the end of the history of the people in the land, Jeremiah will once again set this choice before the people just before they go into exile: “You shall also say to this people, ‘Thus says the LORD, “Behold, I set before you the way of life and the way of death”’” ( ). The choice there is to voluntarily take the place of judgment and leave the city and surrender to the enemy sent by God. Love is the motive, obedience is the expression and holding fast to Him gives the power to persevere ( ). If that is present, life can be lived as God intended. The expression “this is your life” can also be translated as “He is your life”.

‏ Deuteronomy 30:19

Faced with the Choice

Moses summarizes the whole content of his speech on the law in the terms “life and prosperity, and death and adversity” (cf. Deu 11:26). Love is the condition for fulfilling the commandments (Deu 6:5). The choice that Moses sets before them also has consequences for their offspring. Parents who choose to follow the Lord wholeheartedly can generally count on it that their children will follow them in their choice. The same applies to a choice for adversity.

In the choice that Moses sets before the people here, we stand at the beginning of the history of the people in the land. At the end of the history of the people in the land, Jeremiah will once again set this choice before the people just before they go into exile: “You shall also say to this people, ‘Thus says the LORD, “Behold, I set before you the way of life and the way of death”’” (Jer 21:8). The choice there is to voluntarily take the place of judgment and leave the city and surrender to the enemy sent by God.

Love is the motive, obedience is the expression and holding fast to Him gives the power to persevere (Deu 30:20). If that is present, life can be lived as God intended. The expression “this is your life” can also be translated as “He is your life”.