“And ye shall be left few in number, whereas ye were as the stars of heaven for multitude; because thou wouldest not obey the voice of the Lord thy God.”
This verse is a part of Moses’ farewell address to the Israelites, given just before they were about to enter the Promised Land. In this address, Moses recounts the blessings and curses that would come upon the Israelites based on their obedience or disobedience to God’s commandments.
In the preceding verses (Deuteronomy 28:58-61), Moses describes the devastating consequences that would befall the Israelites if they failed to observe and obey the laws and commandments of the Lord. These consequences would include afflictions, plagues, and diseases, which would reduce their numbers drastically.
Deuteronomy 28:62 serves as a continuation of this theme. It highlights the contrast between the abundant population that the Israelites once were, symbolized by the analogy “as the stars of heaven for multitude,” and the small remnant that would be left due to their disobedience. The verse emphasizes that their dwindling numbers would be a direct result of their failure to listen and obey the voice of the Lord their God.
This verse carries an important lesson about the significance of obedience to God’s commands. It teaches us that obedience to God is not only a matter of personal devotion and worship but also has practical implications for our lives and the communities we are a part of. It reminds us that disregarding God’s instructions and going our own way can lead to undesirable consequences and a loss of blessings.
Furthermore, this verse echoes the overarching biblical principle that obedience is the path to blessing and disobedience leads to curses. Throughout the Bible, we see numerous instances where God rewards faithfulness and obedience, while disobedience brings about discipline or judgment.
It is important to note that this verse reflects the specific context of the Israelites under the Old Covenant. However, as Christians, we can still draw spiritual lessons from it. While we are no longer under the Mosaic Law, the principle of obedience remains relevant. In the New Testament, Jesus taught his disciples the importance of obedience when he said, “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Obedience to God’s commands is an expression of our love for Him and a demonstration of our faith.
In conclusion, Deuteronomy 28:62 serves as a warning to the Israelites about the consequences of disobedience and emphasizes the importance of listening to and obeying the voice of the Lord. It reminds us that obedience to God’s commands is not only a matter of personal devotion but also affects our well-being and the blessings we receive. As Christians, we are called to walk in obedience to God’s Word, guided by the teachings of Jesus Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit.
