“But with him that standeth here with us this day before the Lord our God, and also with him that is not here with us this day.”
Context: The book of Deuteronomy is part of the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible, traditionally attributed to Moses. It contains Moses’ final speeches to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. Deuteronomy 29 is a chapter where Moses renews the covenant between God and the Israelites, reminding them of God’s faithfulness and warning them about the consequences of disobedience.
Covenant Community: In Deuteronomy 29:15, Moses refers to two groups of people: those who stand with the Israelites before the Lord that day, and those who are not physically present. This verse highlights the inclusivity of the covenant community. It includes both the current generation of Israelites and future generations, encompassing all who enter into a covenant relationship with God.
Obedience and Blessings: The preceding verses in Deuteronomy 29 emphasize the importance of obedience to God’s commandments. Moses reminds the Israelites of the miraculous deliverance from Egypt, the provision in the wilderness, and the victories over their enemies. He urges them to remain faithful to the covenant, warning of the dire consequences of turning away from God.
Spiritual Application: While the immediate context of Deuteronomy 29:15 pertains to the Israelites, we can draw a spiritual application from it. The covenant community extends beyond physical boundaries and time, encompassing all believers in God. It signifies the unity and fellowship among God’s people throughout history.
- Christological Perspective: From a Christian perspective, Deuteronomy 29:15 foreshadows the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ. Jesus spoke of a new covenant during the Last Supper (Luke 22:20), which is fulfilled in His sacrificial death on the cross (Hebrews 9:15). Through faith in Christ, believers become part of the covenant community, united with both the early disciples and all subsequent believers.
- The Great Commission: The reference to those who are “not here with us this day” in Deuteronomy 29:15 can also point to the Great Commission given by Jesus to His disciples before His ascension (Matthew 28:19-20). It emphasizes the call to go into all the world, making disciples of all nations, and thus extending the covenant community to the ends of the earth.
In summary, Deuteronomy 29:15 highlights the inclusive nature of the covenant community, encompassing both the present generation and future believers. It reminds us of the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God’s commandments, and also points to the broader spiritual application in Christ’s establishment of the New Covenant and the Great Commission to spread the gospel to all nations.
