What does "set His affection" in Deuteronomy 10:15 reveal about God's character? Setting His Affection: A Closer Look at the Phrase “Yet the LORD has set His affection on your fathers and loved them, and He has chosen their descendants after them—you above all peoples—as it is today.” (Deuteronomy 10:15) What does “set His affection” reveal? • “Set” translates a Hebrew verb of deliberate, purposeful action—God doesn’t drift into love; He fixes it. • “Affection” speaks of deep, warm love, not cold duty. Together the phrase portrays a conscious, heartfelt decision to love. Unmerited Initiation of Love • Israel’s ancestors were wandering Arameans (Deuteronomy 26:5); nothing in them compelled divine favor. • Deuteronomy 7:7-8: “The LORD did not set His affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous… but because the LORD loved you.” • God’s character: He moves toward people in love before they can move toward Him (1 John 4:10). Personal and Specific Love • “Your fathers… their descendants… you” shows God’s love pinpointed on real people with names and stories—Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, then the nation. • Isaiah 43:1: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine.” The same particular love. Faithful Covenant Commitment • The affection God set in Genesis 12:1-3 remains intact in Deuteronomy despite Israel’s failures (Deuteronomy 9). • Jeremiah 31:3: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have drawn you with loving devotion.” God’s character is steadfast, not fickle. Choice Rooted in Sovereign Grace • God’s selecting love underscores His sovereign freedom (Exodus 33:19). • Malachi 1:2: “I have loved Jacob.” Paul echoes this to underline grace, not merit (Romans 9:10-13). • Ephesians 1:4-5 applies the same principle to all believers: “He chose us… in love He predestined us.” A Love That Pursues Relationship • God’s affection leads to action: rescue from Egypt (Deuteronomy 4:37), provision in the wilderness, and gift of the land. • Love culminates in dwelling among His people—first the tabernacle (Exodus 25:8), finally Immanuel (John 1:14). Implications for Israel—and Us Today • Security: If God’s affection rests on you, no circumstance can shake it (Romans 8:38-39). • Identity: Israel’s worth flowed from being loved; believers share that identity in Christ (1 John 3:1). • Response: The following verse urges, “Therefore, circumcise your hearts” (Deuteronomy 10:16). God’s set affection calls for loving obedience (John 14:15). |
    |