Looking to the Future
10:12 to 11:32
Now we come to a closing appeal, a conclusion of what Moses has said so far before the teaching of the commandments of the Torah, which begins in Chapter 12.
Deuteronomy 10:12 to 11:32 is a unified speech not unlike 4:1-40 (to see link click Ba– Moshe Exhorts God’s People to Obey the Torah). It is, however, quite different in structure. While it has a particular function as a kind of summation of themes up to this point, it also expressly prepares the Israelites (and us) for life in the Land.
The whole speech is forward-looking, though it draws extensively on themes and motifs from 1:1 to 10:11. There is a mixture of the familiar and giving us a fresh look at Egypt and the Sea of Reeds. Surprisingly, Horeb is not directly mentioned, giving way to the anticipation of a new life in the Land of promise. There are however, echos of Horeb. First, in the restatements of the heart of the Torah (10:12 and 20; 11:16-17). Secondly, in the command to keep the whole mitzvah (11:8). Thirdly, in the implied contrast with Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim (11:29). The absence of Horeb is intentional. The problem that arose there was in the past. YHVH had heard Moshe’s intercession; now the people are to go into the Promised Land, keeping the mitzvot of God and circumcising their hearts (10:16). Even so, Isra’el remains at a place of present decision (10:12, 11:1-2, 8, 13, 18, 22, 26-32).272
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