What other scriptures emphasize the importance of obeying God's commands and covenant? Why Deuteronomy 29:23 Matters Deuteronomy 29:23 pictures a once-fruitful land turned into “burning waste of sulfur and salt.” It is a vivid reminder that ignoring God’s covenant brings real, historic consequences. Scripture keeps sounding that alarm—and invitation—throughout both Testaments. Torah Foundations: Obedience and Covenant • Exodus 19:5 – “Now if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, you will be My treasured possession out of all the nations—for the whole earth is Mine.” • Deuteronomy 11:27-28 – “and you will be blessed if you obey the commandments of the LORD your God that I am giving you today. But you will be cursed if you disobey the commandments of the LORD your God…” • Deuteronomy 30:15-16 – “See, I have set before you today life and goodness, as well as death and disaster… keep His commandments… then you will live and multiply, and the LORD your God will bless you…” Historical and Wisdom Writings: Walking the Talk • Joshua 1:7-8 – “Be careful to observe all the law… do not turn from it… then you will prosper and succeed in all you do.” • 1 Samuel 15:22 – “Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice, and attentiveness is better than the fat of rams.” • Psalm 103:17-18 – “…to those who keep His covenant and remember to obey His precepts.” • Proverbs 3:1-2 – “My son, do not forget my teaching… for they will add length to your days, years and peace to your life.” • Ecclesiastes 12:13 – “Fear God and keep His commandments, because this is the whole duty of man.” Prophetic Voices: The Call to Return • Isaiah 1:19-20 – “If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best of the land. But if you refuse and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” • Jeremiah 7:23 – “Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you will be My people… that it may go well with you.” • Ezekiel 18:9 – “He follows My statutes and faithfully keeps My judgments… surely he will live, declares the Lord GOD.” Jesus on Command-Keeping • Matthew 7:24 – “Everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” • John 14:15 – “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” • John 15:10 – “If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love…” • Matthew 28:20 – “teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you…” Apostolic Follow-Through • Acts 5:29 – “We must obey God rather than men.” • Romans 2:13 – “the doers of the law… will be justified.” • Romans 6:17 – “…you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were committed.” • 1 Corinthians 7:19 – “Keeping God’s commandments is what matters.” • 1 John 2:3-4 – “By this we can be sure that we have come to know Him: if we keep His commandments.” • 2 John 1:6 – “And this is love: that we walk according to His commandments.” Living It Out Today Scripture weaves a single thread: blessing and life flow from listening to God’s voice and keeping His covenant; neglect brings loss as stark as the barren scene in Deuteronomy 29:23. The call remains active—hear, trust, and obey. |
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