What does Moses' action in Deuteronomy 10:5 teach about obedience to God? The Setting in Deuteronomy 10:5 “Then I turned and went back down the mountain and placed the tablets in the ark I had made, as the LORD had commanded me, and they are there now.” (Deuteronomy 10:5) Key Observations about Moses’ Obedience • Prompt response—Moses “turned and went back” immediately, without delay. • Exact compliance—he “placed the tablets in the ark … as the LORD had commanded,” showing he neither added to nor subtracted from God’s instructions. • Visible testimony—the tablets are “there now,” a lasting witness that God’s word is preserved when His servant obeys. • Restoration after failure—after breaking the first tablets (Deuteronomy 9:17), Moses’ renewed obedience demonstrates that past mistakes need not define future faithfulness. Lessons for Our Obedience Today • Obedience is measured by accuracy, not creativity—God values doing precisely what He says (1 Samuel 15:22). • Timely obedience honors God—delayed obedience subtly places our timetable above His (Psalm 119:60). • Obedience safeguards God’s word in our lives—just as the ark protected the tablets, obedience guards Scripture’s authority in our hearts (Psalm 119:11). • God grants fresh opportunities—failure invites repentance, but obedience restores fellowship and mission (Proverbs 24:16). Supporting Scriptures • Exodus 25:16: “And put into the ark the Testimony, which I will give you.” • John 14:15: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” • James 1:22: “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” • Hebrews 3:5: “Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s house, testifying to what would be spoken later.” Putting It into Practice • Read God’s commands carefully before acting. • Follow through immediately and specifically. • Store Scripture—in memory and in lifestyle—so others see its enduring reality. • When you stumble, return to God’s instructions without hesitation; renewed obedience writes a fresh testimony of faithfulness. |
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