4 Things to Protect for a Life of Promise

Deuteronomy 4

This episode covers Deuteronomy 4, where Moses intensifies his message to the Israelites. Chapter 4 is the climax and conclusion of Moses’ first sermon. His urgency is heard in every word. Moses will exhort them, press them, urge them, and convince them to take action. God will give them all the proof they need to be devoted to him.

HAYLEY’S BIBLE BENDER:

The Bible bender for me in Deuteronomy 4 was the keyword learning of Shamar. I loved that in English translation, it means “keep” or “be careful.” I love the extra visual Susan gave of a sheepfold. Susan explains, “when a shepherd was out in the wilderness with his flock, he would gather thorn bushes to erect a corral to place his flock in at night. The thorns would discourage predators and protect the sheep from harm.”

Over time, the word evolved meaning from “hedge about with thorns” to “keep or be careful of.” With that illusion, I gained some depth in this chapter. I especially loved the new meaning it gave to this benediction over us in Numbers 6:24-26, “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” My bender is how this elevates the meaning to “may the Lord bless you and put a hedge of thorns around you so that the enemy cannot touch you and so that you cannot stray and become lost.” How sweet of a word to us!

What was your Bible bender from Deuteronomy 4? Did you learn anything new?

VERSES MENTIONED:

• Numbers 6:24-26
• 2 Corinthians 3:2-3
• Exodus 20
• Psalm 119

Episodes Mentioned:

The author of this article is Hayley Mowatt, producer of Bible Book Club.