Renewing the Covenant: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on Deuteronomy 10

Executive Summary

Deuteronomy 10, “Renewing the Covenant,” serves as a powerful reminder of God’s unwavering faithfulness and our constant need for repentance and obedience. This chapter begins with the Lord commanding Moses to carve new tablets, signifying the renewal of the covenant broken by the golden calf incident. Moses recounts his intercession for the people and God’s merciful response. The chapter culminates with a stirring call to fear the Lord, to walk in His ways, to love Him, and to serve Him with all our heart and soul. This encapsulates the essence of the relationship God desires with His people, one marked by reverence, obedience, love, and service. Renewing the Covenant isn’t just a historical event; it’s an eternal invitation to each of us to examine our hearts and return to God with renewed devotion.

Introduction: Deuteronomy 10 marks a pivotal moment in Israel’s journey, a moment of divine grace and renewed commitment. After the devastating sin of the golden calf, God, in His infinite mercy, commands Moses to create new tablets, symbolizing the restoration of the broken covenant. This chapter not only recounts the historical event but also serves as a timeless call to repentance, obedience, and heartfelt devotion. Let us delve into the depths of Deuteronomy 10, exploring its profound theological implications and its enduring relevance for our lives today.

Commentary Section

Deuteronomy 10:1-2

Hebrew (Masoretic Text): בָּעֵת הַהִוא אָמַר יְהוָה אֵלַי פְּסָל-לְךָ שְׁנֵי-לֻחֹת אֲבָנִים כָּרִאשֹׁנִים וַעֲלֵה אֵלַי הָהָרָה וְעָשִׂיתָ לְּךָ אֲרוֹן עֵץ׃ וְאֶכְתֹּב עַל-הַלֻּחֹת אֶת-הַדְּבָרִים אֲשֶׁר הָיוּ עַל-הַלֻּחֹת הָרִאשֹׁנִים אֲשֶׁר שִׁבַּרְתָּ וְשַׂמְתָּם בָּאָרוֹן׃

KJV: At that time the Lord said unto me, Hew thee two tables of stone like unto the first, and come up unto me into the mount, and make thee an ark of wood. And I will write on the tables the words that were in the first tables which thou brakest, and thou shalt put them in the ark.

NKJV: At that time the Lord said to me, ‘Cut for yourself two tablets of stone like the first, and come up to Me on the mountain and make yourself an ark of wood. And I will write on the tablets the words that were on the first tablets, which you broke; and you shall put them in the ark.’

Commentary: The Lord’s instruction to Moses to “hew…two tables of stone like unto the first” underscores the enduring nature of God’s covenant. Even after Israel’s egregious sin, God’s promise remains. The ark of wood, crafted by Moses, serves as a sacred repository for these new tablets. This physical act of restoration reflects a deeper spiritual truth: God is always willing to restore broken relationships when we turn to Him in repentance. He meets us where we are, marred as we are by our brokenness, and seeks to make us whole again through His grace. St. Athanasius, in *Contra Gentes*, reminds us of God’s unwavering intention for humanity: “Οὐ γὰρ ὡς εἰκὸς τὸν καλὸν δημιουργὸν μετανοεῖν ἐπὶ τῷ πεποιημένῳ” (For it is not likely that the good Creator repents of what He has made, *Athanasius, Contra Gentes*, I.3, PG 25:5A).

Spiritual Application: Even when we stumble and fall, God’s offer of forgiveness and restoration remains. We must be willing to “hew” new paths, to actively participate in our own healing and reconciliation with God, and seek to serve Him.

Deuteronomy 10:3-5

Hebrew (Masoretic Text): וָאַעַשׂ אֲרוֹן עֵץ וָאֶפְסֹל שְׁנֵי-לֻחֹת אֲבָנִים כָּרִאשֹׁנִים וָאַעַל הָהָרָה וּשְׁנֵי הַלֻּחֹת בְּיָדִי׃ וַיִּכְתֹּב עַל-הַלֻּחֹת כַּמִּכְתָּב הָרִאשׁוֹן אֵת עֲשֶׂרֶת הַדְּבָרִים אֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּר יְהוָה אֲלֵיכֶם בָּהָר מִתּוֹךְ הָאֵשׁ בְּיוֹם הַקָּהָל וַיִּתְּנֵם יְהוָה אֵלָי׃ וָאֵפֶן וָאֵרֵד מִן-הָהָר וָאָשִׂם אֶת-הַלֻּחֹת בָּאָרוֹן אֲשֶׁר עָשִׂיתִי וַיִּהְיוּ שָׁם כַּאֲשֶׁר צִוַּנִי יְהוָה׃

KJV: And I made an ark of shittim wood, and hewed two tables of stone like unto the first, and went up into the mount, having the two tables in mine hand. And he wrote on the tables, according to the first writing, the ten commandments, which the Lord spake unto you in the mount out of the midst of the fire in the day of the assembly: and the Lord gave them unto me. And I turned myself and came down from the mount, and put the tables in the ark which I had made; and there they be, as the Lord commanded me.

NKJV: So I made an ark of acacia wood, hewed two tablets of stone like the first, and went up the mountain, having the two tablets in my hand. And He wrote on the tablets according to the first writing, the Ten Commandments, which the Lord had spoken to you in the mountain from the midst of the fire in the day of the assembly; and the Lord gave them to me. Then I turned and came down from the mountain, and put the tablets in the ark which I had made; and there they are, just as the Lord commanded me.

Commentary: Moses’ obedience is striking. He meticulously follows God’s instructions, recreating the ark and the tablets. The Lord Himself inscribes the Ten Commandments once more, emphasizing their enduring significance as the foundation of the covenant. The phrase “in the day of the assembly” refers to the momentous occasion at Mount Sinai, a communal encounter with the divine. This experience of communal encounter echoes in our liturgical life, where we gather as the Church to experience the presence of God in the Eucharist and the sacraments. The deposition of the tablets within the ark underscores the sanctity and preservation of God’s law. As St. Cyril of Alexandria noted, “Θεὸς γὰρ ἅγιος, καὶ τὰ ἅγια ἀγαπᾷ” (For God is holy, and loves holy things. *Cyril of Alexandria, Commentary on Isaiah, Book 2*, PG 70:352).

Spiritual Application: Our lives should reflect a similar obedience to God’s commands. It requires us to engage actively in cultivating our spiritual growth, heeding His words, and being diligent in living according to His will.

Deuteronomy 10:6-9

Hebrew (Masoretic Text): וּבְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל נָסְעוּ מִבְּאֵרֹת בְּנֵי-יַעֲקָן מוֹסֵרָה שָׁם מֵת אַהֲרֹן וַיִּקָּבֵר שָׁם וַיְכַהֵן אֶלְעָזָר בְּנוֹ תַּחְתָּיו׃ מִשָּׁם נָסְעוּ הַגֻּדְגֹּדָה וּמִן-הַגֻּדְגֹּדָה יָטְבָתָה אֶרֶץ נַחֲלֵי מָיִם׃ בָּעֵת הַהִוא הִבְדִּיל יְהוָה אֶת-שֵׁבֶט הַלֵּוִי לָשֵׂאת אֶת-אֲרוֹן בְּרִית-יְהוָה לַעֲמֹד לִפְנֵי יְהוָה לְשָׁרְתוֹ וּלְבָרֵךְ בִּשְׁמוֹ עַד הַיּוֹם הַזֶּה׃ עַל-כֵּן לֹא-הָיָה לְלֵוִי חֵלֶק וְנַחֲלָה עִם-אֶחָיו יְהוָה הוּא נַחֲלָתוֹ כַּאֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּר יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ לוֹ׃

KJV: And the children of Israel took their journey from Beeroth of the children of Jaakan to Mosera: there Aaron died, and there he was buried; and Eleazar his son ministered in his stead. From thence they journeyed unto Gudgodah; and from Gudgodah to Jotbath, a land of rivers of waters. At that time the Lord separated the tribe of Levi to bear the ark of the covenant of the Lord, to stand before the Lord to minister unto him, and to bless in his name, unto this day. Wherefore Levi hath no part nor inheritance with his brethren; the Lord is his inheritance, according as the Lord thy God promised him.

NKJV: (Now the children of Israel journeyed from Beeroth Bene Jaakan to Moserah; there Aaron died, and there he was buried, and Eleazar his son ministered in his place. From there they journeyed to Gudgodah, and from Gudgodah to Jotbathah, a land of rivers of waters.) At that time the Lord separated the tribe of Levi to bear the ark of the covenant of the Lord, to stand before the Lord to minister to Him and to bless in His name, to this day. Therefore Levi has no portion nor inheritance with his brethren; the Lord is his inheritance, just as the Lord your God promised him.

Commentary: This section provides a geographical and historical interlude, recounting the travels of the Israelites and the death of Aaron. Moserah, where Aaron died, marks a significant loss for the nation. Eleazar succeeds his father, continuing the priestly lineage. Importantly, the passage reiterates the unique role of the Levites, set apart for service to the Lord. Their lack of a land inheritance underscores their complete devotion to God; He Himself is their inheritance. This resonates with the monastic ideal in Coptic Orthodoxy, where monks and nuns renounce earthly possessions to dedicate themselves fully to God. As Abba Macarius stated, “Become as one dead, and you will not die.” – reflecting a detachment from worldly desires to find true life in Christ.

Spiritual Application: Like the Levites, we are called to dedicate ourselves to God’s service. Our “inheritance” isn’t always tangible wealth but the spiritual riches that come from walking in obedience and fellowship with Him.

Deuteronomy 10:10-11

Hebrew (Masoretic Text): וְאָנֹכִי עָמַדְתִּי בָהָר כַּיָּמִים הָרִאשֹׁנִים אַרְבָּעִים יוֹם וְאַרְבָּעִים לָיְלָה וַיִּשְׁמַע יְהוָה אֵלַי גַּם בַּפַּעַם הַהִוא לֹא-אָבָה יְהוָה לְהַשְׁחִיתֶךָ׃ וַיֹּאמֶר יְהוָה אֵלַי קוּם לֵךְ לְמַסָּע לִפְנֵי הָעָם וְיָבֹאוּ וְיִירְשׁוּ אֶת-הָאָרֶץ אֲשֶׁר-נִשְׁבַּעְתִּי לַאֲבֹתָם לָתֵת לָהֶם׃

KJV: And I stayed in the mount, according to the first time, forty days and forty nights; and the Lord hearkened unto me at that time also, and the Lord would not destroy thee. And the Lord said unto me, Arise, take thy journey before the people, that they may go in and possess the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give unto them.

NKJV: As for me, I stayed on the mountain forty days and forty nights, just as I had done the first time; the Lord listened to me at that time also, and the Lord was unwilling to destroy you. Then the Lord said to me, ‘Arise, begin your journey before the people, that they may go in and possess the land which I swore to their fathers to give them.’

Commentary: Moses reiterates his forty-day intercession on behalf of the people. God’s mercy shines through as He spares Israel from destruction. This passage mirrors the Church’s understanding of intercessory prayer, especially the prayers of the saints, and the power of forgiveness. Fasting and prayer have always been crucial components to Coptic Orthodox spirituality. It is a vital part of our daily prayer life and helps us to stay close to God. God’s command to Moses to lead the people into the Promised Land reinforces His covenant promise and unwavering faithfulness. It is reminiscent of the promise of eternal life given to those who are in communion with God.

Spiritual Application: We must be mindful that intercessory prayer has immense power. And if we humble ourselves and pray as the Holy men and women who came before us did, then God will listen to us also, and He will not destroy us, but guide us to the path of righteousness.

Deuteronomy 10:12-13

Hebrew (Masoretic Text): וְעַתָּה יִשְׂרָאֵל מָה יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ שֹׁאֵל מֵעִמָּךְ כִּי אִם-לְיִרְאָה אֶת-יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ לָלֶכֶת בְּכָל-דְּרָכָיו וּלְאַהֲבָה אֹתוֹ וְלַעֲבֹד אֶת-יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ בְּכָל-לְבָבְךָ וּבְכָל-נַפְשֶׁךָ׃ לִשְׁמֹר אֶת-מִצְוֹת יְהוָה וְאֶת-חֻקֹּתָיו אֲשֶׁר אָנֹכִי מְצַוְּךָ הַיּוֹם לְטוֹב לָךְ׃

KJV: And now, Israel, what doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, To keep the commandments of the Lord, and his statutes, which I command thee this day for thy good?

NKJV: And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments of the Lord and His statutes which I command you today for your good?

Commentary: This is the heart of the chapter. Moses poses a crucial question: “What does the Lord your God require of you?” The answer is multifaceted: to fear the Lord, to walk in His ways, to love Him, and to serve Him wholeheartedly. “Fear of the Lord” is not a cowering terror, but a profound reverence and respect for His holiness. It is this fear that motivates us to walk in His ways, to conform our lives to His commandments. This love should encompass our entire being, dictating our thoughts, words, and actions. St. Basil the Great emphasizes the inseparability of love and obedience: “Ἡ ἀγάπη πρὸς τὸν Θεὸν οὐκ ἀργεῖ, ἀλλ’ ἐνεργεῖ τὴν τήρησιν τῶν ἐντολῶν αὐτοῦ” (Love for God is not idle, but it actively works to keep His commandments. *St. Basil the Great, Homily 8*, PG 31:321).

Spiritual Application: This is a call to live a life of radical obedience and love. It requires constant self-reflection, repentance, and a conscious effort to align our will with God’s will in every aspect of our existence. This includes using our talents and services at services like do host, to aid the church.

Deuteronomy 10:14-15

Hebrew (Masoretic Text): הֵן לַיהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ הַשָּׁמַיִם וּשְׁמֵי הַשָּׁמָיִם הָאָרֶץ וְכָל-אֲשֶׁר-בָּהּ׃ רַק בַּאֲבֹתֶיךָ חָשַׁק יְהוָה לְאַהֲבָה אוֹתָם וַיִּבְחַר בְּזַרְעָם אַחֲרֵיהֶם מִכָּל-הָעַמִּים כַּיּוֹם הַזֶּה׃

KJV: Behold, the heaven and the heaven of heavens is the Lord’s thy God, the earth also, with all that therein is. Only the Lord had a delight in thy fathers to love them, and he chose their seed after them, even you above all people, as it is this day.

NKJV: Indeed heaven and the highest heavens belong to the Lord your God, also the earth with all that is in it. The Lord delighted only in your fathers, to love them; and He chose their descendants after them, you above all peoples, as it is this day.

Commentary: The passage emphasizes God’s sovereignty over all creation. “Heaven and the heaven of heavens” denote the vastness and immensity of His dominion. Yet, despite His universal sovereignty, God chose to set His love on Israel, revealing His particular grace and covenant relationship with them. This election is not based on Israel’s merit but on God’s sovereign will and faithfulness to His promises. This is not a claim to ethnic supremacy, but a call to live out the covenant responsibilities with humility and gratitude. As St. Gregory of Nyssa put it: “Οὐ τὸ γένος, ἀλλὰ ἡ προαίρεσις, τὴν εὐγένειαν δημιουργεῖ” (Not lineage, but choice, creates nobility. *St. Gregory of Nyssa, On Perfection*, PG 46:272).

Spiritual Application: Recognizing God’s sovereignty and His particular love for us should inspire humility and gratitude. It should motivate us to live lives worthy of His calling, bearing witness to His grace in the world.

Deuteronomy 10:16-22

Hebrew (Masoretic Text): וּמַלְתֶּם אֵת עָרְלַת לְבַבְכֶם וְעָרְפְּכֶם לֹא תַקְשׁוּ עוֹד׃ כִּי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם הוּא אֱלֹהֵי הָאֱלֹהִים וַאֲדֹנֵי הָאֲדֹנִים הָאֵל הַגָּדֹל הַגִּבֹּר וְהַנּוֹרָא אֲשֶׁר לֹא-יִשָּׂא פָנִים וְלֹא יִקַּח שֹׁחַד׃ עֹשֶׂה מִשְׁפַּט יָתוֹם וְאַלְמָנָה וְאֹהֵב גֵּר לָתֶת-לוֹ לֶחֶם וְשִׂמְלָה׃ וַאֲהַבְתֶּם אֶת-הַגֵּר כִּי-גֵרִים הֱיִיתֶם בְּאֶרֶץ מִצְרָיִם׃ אֶת-יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ תִּירָא אֹתוֹ תַעֲבֹד וּבוֹ תִדְבָּק וּבִשְׁמוֹ תִּשָּׁבֵעַ׃ הוּא תְהִלָּתְךָ וְהוּא אֱלֹהֶיךָ אֲשֶׁר-עָשָׂה אִתְּךָ אֶת-הַגְּדֹלֹת וְהַנּוֹרָאֹת הָאֵלֶּה אֲשֶׁר רָאוּ עֵינֶיךָ׃ בְּשִׁבְעִים נֶפֶשׁ יָרְדוּ אֲבֹתֶיךָ מִצְרָיְמָה וְעַתָּה שָׂמְךָ יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ כְּכוֹכְבֵי הַשָּׁמַיִם לָרֹב׃

KJV: Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiffnecked. For the Lord your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward: He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger in giving him food and raiment. Love ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt. Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God; him shalt thou serve, and to him shalt thou cleave, and swear by his name. He is thy praise, and he is thy God, that hath done for thee these great and terrible things, which thine eyes have seen. Thy fathers went down into Egypt with threescore and ten persons; and now the Lord thy God hath made thee as the stars of heaven for multitude.

NKJV: Therefore circumcise the foreskin of your heart, and be stiff-necked no longer. For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality nor takes a bribe. He administers justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the stranger, giving him food and clothing. Therefore love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt. You shall fear the Lord your God; you shall serve Him, and to Him you shall hold fast, and take oaths in His name. He is your praise, and He is your God, who has done for you these great and awesome things which your eyes have seen. Your fathers went down to Egypt with seventy persons, and now the Lord your God has made you as the stars of heaven in multitude.

Commentary: This concluding section offers practical applications of the covenant relationship. “Circumcise the foreskin of your heart” calls for an inward transformation, a turning away from stubbornness and pride. God is described as the “God of gods and Lord of lords,” emphasizing His supreme authority and power. He is a God of justice, caring for the vulnerable – the fatherless, the widow, and the stranger. The command to “love the stranger” is rooted in Israel’s own experience as foreigners in Egypt, fostering empathy and compassion. The Lord is the one to be feared, served, and cleaved to. He is Israel’s praise and their God, the one who performed “great and awesome things” for them. Remembering their humble beginnings in Egypt should inspire gratitude and dependence on God. The dramatic increase in population from seventy to a multitude like “the stars of heaven” underscores God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. This is the core of God’s love that is extended to all people, as exemplified in the parable of the Good Samaritan, “Πορεύου καὶ σὺ ποίει ὁμοίως” (Go and do likewise Luke 10:37).

Spiritual Application: We are called to cultivate a heart that is open, compassionate, and receptive to God’s grace. We must be advocates for justice, showing love and kindness to all, especially those who are marginalized and vulnerable. Our identity and praise should be centered in Christ, who has done “great and awesome things” for us, redeeming us from sin and death.

Subtopic Sections

The Fear of the Lord: More Than Just Terror ✨

The phrase “fear of the Lord” is often misunderstood. It’s not about being afraid of God in a way that causes paralysis or dread. Instead, it’s a profound sense of awe, reverence, and respect for His holiness and power. It’s recognizing His rightful place as the Creator and Sustainer of all things. This reverential fear inspires us to live in accordance with His will.

• Reverence: It’s about acknowledging God’s holiness and majesty.
• Obedience: It leads to a desire to please Him and obey His commandments.
• Humility: It recognizes our dependence on Him and our need for His grace.
• Transformation: It motivates us to turn away from sin and embrace righteousness.
• Wisdom: Proverbs 9:10 states, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”

Loving God with All Your Heart and Soul 💖

To love God with all our heart and soul is not simply a feeling, but a conscious and deliberate commitment. It involves dedicating our entire being – our thoughts, emotions, and actions – to His service. It’s a love that compels us to seek His will in all things.

• Total Commitment: It means prioritizing God above everything else in our lives.
• Obedience: Loving God means obeying His commandments.
• Worship: It involves offering Him our heartfelt praise and adoration.
• Service: It means using our gifts and talents to serve Him and others.
• Intimacy: It fosters a close and personal relationship with God.

The Covenant and Our Modern Lives 🕊️

The renewal of the covenant in Deuteronomy 10 holds profound implications for our lives today. It reminds us that God’s grace is available even when we fail. It calls us to continuous repentance and renewal, and it challenges us to live out our covenant responsibilities in our daily lives.

• Renewal: God’s covenant is perpetually available, no matter how many times we stray.
• Responsibility: As members of the New Covenant through Christ, we have responsibilities, starting with love, prayer and almsgiving.
• Faithfulness: God’s faithfulness will aid us as we persevere through tribulations.
• Repentance: Seek and ye shall find a heart for repentance.
• Forgiveness: As we forgive so God will forgive us.

FAQ ❓

Q: What does it mean to “circumcise the foreskin of your heart?”

A: This is a metaphorical expression that calls for inward transformation. It means to remove the hardness and stubbornness of our hearts, to be receptive to God’s grace, and to turn away from sin and rebellion. It is not a literal act but a spiritual commitment to wholeheartedly follow God’s will.

Q: Why does the passage emphasize loving the stranger?

A: The emphasis on loving the stranger stems from Israel’s own experience as foreigners in Egypt. This shared experience of vulnerability and marginalization should cultivate empathy and compassion towards those who are strangers or outsiders. It’s a call to extend God’s love and justice to all, regardless of their origin or background.

Q: How does the “fear of the Lord” relate to love for God?

A: The fear of the Lord and love for God are not mutually exclusive, but rather complementary aspects of a healthy relationship with God. The fear of the Lord is a profound reverence and respect for His holiness and power, while love for God is a deep affection and devotion. The fear of the Lord motivates us to obey His commandments, while love compels us to seek His will in all things. They work together to create a balanced and fulfilling relationship with God.

Q: What does the repetition of Moses interceding with God reveal about God’s character?

A: The repetition of Moses interceding with God reveals several key aspects of God’s character. First, it demonstrates God’s mercy and compassion, as He listens to and responds to Moses’ pleas for His people. Second, it highlights God’s justice, as He acknowledges the Israelites’ sin but offers them a path to repentance and restoration. Finally, it emphasizes God’s covenant faithfulness, as He remains committed to His promises despite Israel’s unfaithfulness. God is not capricious, and therefore, He does not simply change His mind, but rather He calls all to repentance.

Conclusion

Deuteronomy 10, “Renewing the Covenant,” offers a powerful and timeless message of God’s enduring love, mercy, and faithfulness. It reminds us that even when we stumble and fall, God is always willing to restore our broken relationship with Him. The chapter calls us to a life of radical obedience and love, characterized by reverence, humility, and compassion. The central message encourages us to fear the Lord, to walk in His ways, to love Him, and to serve Him with all our heart and soul. These are not mere words but a call to action, a call to examine our hearts and align our lives with God’s will. Renewing the Covenant is an ongoing process, a daily choice to turn away from sin and embrace the life that God offers us through Jesus Christ.

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Deuteronomy 10, Coptic Orthodox, Bible Commentary, Covenant Renewal, Fear of the Lord, Love of God, Obedience, Repentance, Moses, Ten Commandments

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Explore Deuteronomy 10 verse-by-verse commentary from a Coptic Orthodox perspective: fear the Lord, love God, and Renewing the Covenant.