How does Deuteronomy 10:3 demonstrate Moses' obedience to God's instructions? Setting the Scene • After Israel’s idolatry with the golden calf (Exodus 32), Moses broke the first set of tablets (Deuteronomy 9:17). • In grace, God called Moses back up Sinai and said, “Chisel out two stone tablets like the first ones…and make a wooden ark” (Deuteronomy 10:1-2). • Deuteronomy 10:3 records Moses’ response. Verse Under the Microscope “So I made an ark of acacia wood, and I chiseled out two stone tablets like the first ones, and I went up the mountain with the two tablets in my hands.” (Deuteronomy 10:3) How the Verse Showcases Moses’ Obedience 1. Complete compliance • God said, “make a wooden ark” (10:1). Moses “made an ark of acacia wood.” • God said, “chisel out two stone tablets” (10:1). Moses “chiseled out two stone tablets.” • God said, “come up to Me on the mountain” (10:1). Moses “went up the mountain.” • Every divine command finds its matching human action—nothing omitted. 2. Precision in detail • Material choice: acacia wood, exactly as later prescribed for the tabernacle furnishings (Exodus 25:10). • Tablet likeness: “like the first ones,” preserving the original size and shape for God to rewrite His law (cf. Exodus 34:1). • Personal delivery: Moses carries the tablets himself, not delegating the task. 3. Promptness • The verse’s rapid succession of verbs (“made…chiseled…went up”) suggests no delay. Obedience is portrayed as immediate, not postponed. 4. Personal initiative within submission • God gave the instructions, but Moses fashions the ark before ascending, ensuring a place to store the tablets once inscribed (Deuteronomy 10:5). • His preparation demonstrates thoughtful, proactive obedience rather than mere passive compliance. 5. Faith-driven perseverance • Returning to the mountain meant re-entering the divine presence that had previously threatened judgment (Exodus 32:10). • Moses trusts God’s mercy and proceeds, embodying obedient faith (Hebrews 11:27). Key Takeaways for Today • Obedience involves doing exactly what God says, no more and no less. • Swift action honors the Lord; delayed obedience often breeds disobedience. • Accurate, detailed compliance reflects reverence for God’s holiness. • True leaders model obedience before they ask it of others (1 Corinthians 11:1). • Faith fuels obedience, even when past failure might tempt retreat. Supporting Scriptures • Deuteronomy 10:1-2 – the command Moses obeys. • Exodus 34:1-4 – parallel account confirming Moses’ actions. • 1 Samuel 15:22 – “To obey is better than sacrifice.” • John 14:15 – “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” |
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