Don’t Be So Stubborn
Stubbornness is characteristic of human nature, but that doesn’t mean God likes it. He was not pleased when the Israelites insisted on returning to their sinful practices.
In this passage, Moses encouraged the people to make a real effort to consider their promise to God and allow him to wash away their sins. This request is one we should follow, too.
Moses said:
People of Israel, what does the LORD your God want from you?
The LORD wants you to respect and follow him, to love and serve him with all your heart and soul, and to obey his laws and teachings that I am giving you today. Do this, and all will go well for you.
Everything belongs to the LORD your God, not only the earth and everything on it, but also the sky and the highest heavens. Yet the LORD loved your ancestors and wanted them to belong to him. So he chose them and their descendants rather than any other nation, and today you are still his people. Remember your agreement with the LORD and stop being so stubborn.
The LORD your God is more powerful than all other gods and lords, and his tremendous power is to be feared. His decisions are always fair, and you cannot bribe him to change his mind. The LORD defends the rights of orphans and widows. He cares for foreigners and gives them food and clothing. And you should also care for them, because you were foreigners in Egypt.
Respect the LORD your God, serve only him, and make promises in his name alone. Offer your praises to him, because you have seen him work such terrifying miracles for you.
When your ancestors went to live in Egypt, there were only seventy of them. But the LORD has blessed you, and now there are more of you than there are stars in the sky.
