Question 1

What does it mean that Israel must not add to or take away from God’s word?

Accepted Answer

When Moses tells Israel not to add to or take away from God’s word, he is saying they must accept God’s commands as they are, without trying to improve, soften, or change them. Adding to the law would bring in human ideas and extra rules that God did not command. Taking away from it would ignore or cut out things God clearly said. Both would twist God’s will. The people are to listen carefully, obey fully, and keep the law whole so they can live in the land God is giving them.

Question 2

Why does Moses use Baal-peor as a warning in this passage?

Accepted Answer

Moses reminds the people about Baal-peor because they had seen with their own eyes what happened when some turned to idols and sexual sin there. Those who followed that false god were destroyed, while those who clung to the LORD were still alive. This real event shows that idolatry is not a small mistake but leads to judgment and death. By bringing it up, Moses is saying, “You know where this road goes. Do not go back there.” Their past is meant to warn and protect them from repeating the same sin.

Question 3

What is the importance of Israel hearing God’s voice from the fire at Horeb?

Accepted Answer

At Horeb, Israel heard God speak from the fire but saw no form, only a voice. This showed them that the living God is not like idols made of wood or stone. He is unseen, yet real and powerful. The fire, darkness, and fear around the mountain underlined how serious His words are. God gave His covenant, including the Ten Commandments written on stone, in that setting. Remembering this helps the people fear God rightly, respect His law, and refuse to make any image to stand in His place.

Question 4

Why does this passage strongly forbid idols and images of any kind?

Accepted Answer

Moses reminds the people that when God spoke at Horeb, they saw no shape. Because of this, they must not make any carved image of man, woman, animal, bird, creeping thing, fish, sun, moon, or stars. To try to picture God with created things would twist who He is and quickly lead to worship of the creature instead of the Creator. God calls this corruption. He is a jealous God, so He will not share His glory with lifeless objects or with ideas people invent to replace Him in their hearts.

Question 5

What does it mean that the LORD is a consuming fire and a jealous God?

Accepted Answer

Calling the LORD a consuming fire and a jealous God shows how seriously He takes loyalty from His people. Fire burns up what is against it. In a similar way, God’s holiness opposes sin and idol worship. His jealousy is not like selfish human jealousy. It means He cares deeply that His people belong to Him alone, since He rescued them from Egypt and made them His inheritance. When they turn to idols, they are turning away from the One who saved them, and this brings real judgment if they refuse to return.

Question 6

What does this passage say will happen if Israel turns to idols, and is there any hope?

Accepted Answer

Moses says that if Israel corrupts themselves with idols after living long in the land, they will perish from the land, be scattered among the nations, and become few in number. There they will serve powerless gods of wood and stone. Yet there is a clear word of hope. If, from that place of trouble, they seek the LORD with all their heart and soul, they will find Him. God is merciful. He will not forsake or destroy them completely, or forget the covenant He swore to their fathers.

Question 7

How does Deuteronomy 4 show both God’s nearness and His uniqueness?

Accepted Answer

Moses asks, “What nation is so great that has God so near to them?” Israel can cry to God and He answers. They also have laws that are truly righteous. At the same time, Moses says there is no other God like the LORD. No other people heard God’s voice from fire and lived. No other god pulled a nation out from another nation with signs, wonders, and a mighty hand. These things were shown so Israel would know in their hearts that the LORD alone is God in heaven and on earth.

Question 8

What responsibility does this passage place on parents and grandparents?

Accepted Answer

Moses tells the people to guard themselves carefully so they do not forget what they have seen God do. He then adds that they must teach these things to their sons and their sons’ sons. That means parents and grandparents are to pass on the stories of God’s rescue, the fear of the LORD, and His commandments. Remembering the day at Horeb, when they heard God’s voice, is especially important. If older generations forget or stay silent, children will not know God’s ways, and the nation’s faith will weaken.

Question 9

What does this chapter teach about why God chose and rescued Israel?

Accepted Answer

Moses says God took Israel out of Egypt, an “iron furnace” of hard slavery, by a mighty hand, to make them His own people and give them the land of stronger nations. He explains the reason clearly: because God loved their fathers, He chose their children after them. It was not because they deserved it but because of God’s faithful love and promise. Remembering this should humble them and move them to keep His statutes, so that it may go well with them and with their children in the land.

Deuteronomy 4:1

Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the Lord God of your fathers giveth you.

An Exhortation to Obedience

A Warning against Idolatry

The LORD Alone Is God

Cities of Refuge

Introduction to the Law

An Exhortation to Obedience

Cross References

Deuteronomy 4:1

Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the Lord God of your fathers giveth you.

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An Exhortation to Obedience

A Warning against Idolatry

The LORD Alone Is God

Cities of Refuge

Introduction to the Law

An Exhortation to Obedience

Cross References