In Deuteronomy 10-11, Moses continues to summarise the history of the Israelites. He describes the way he received the 10 commandments, and alludes to the idolatry the Israelites were committing while Moses was in the mountain. Yet Moses says, “The Lord was unwilling to destroy you. And the Lord said to me, Arise, go on your journey at the head of the people, so that they may go in and possess the land, which I swore to their fathers to give them”.
Despite Israel’s unfaithfulness, God was going to keep His promises to the forefathers. God was looking for a response from the Israelites, “to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul… you shall therefore love the Lord your God and keep his charge.” Moses goes on to describe the promised land, the benefits of serving God, and the punishment for turning aside to other gods. This warning needed to make an impact, “therefore lay up these words of mine in your heart and your soul”.
God’s love was demonstrated in a more perfect way through Christ, who, although currently in heaven, “will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven”.