Feb 12 – 6 Epiphany
Deuteronomy 30:15-20
Exhortation to Choose Life

Background: The book of Deuteronomy is the last book of the Pentateuch – the five books of Moses. This book is often viewed as a series of addresses offered by Moses to the Israelites prior to their entry into the land of promise. Towards the end of the book the discourses turn to maintaining the law while in Canaan.

Theme: Moses is approaching the end of his time leading Israel in the wilderness. This passage seems to serve as a reminder to the people to remember and uphold the covenant once they enter the promise land. This passage outlines, often in broad terms, the blessings and curses that are in store for those who are faithful to the covenant or who fall away from the covenant.

Questions to Ponder:
* Read Deuteronomy 30:15-20; in addition, please read verses 11-14 for context.
* Briefly describe the political, social, and religious situation in Israel for this passage.
* The book of Deuteronomy is often viewed as a recounting of a suzerain treaty between God and Israel but what other purposes might this book serve in the relationship between Israel and God?
* Describe your issues or agreement with the blessings and curses outlined – do you believe those blessings and curses were just instituted?
* Most claim this passage is the ending of the “second book of Torah” but others assert this passage is the culmination of Moses’ “last will and testament” – his gift to the people of Israel. Which do you think sums the passage up better? Why or why not?
* The writer implies that life and prosperity, length of days, and many descendants is a blessing and that death and adversity are curses. Why might the author of the book feel that way?
* In verse 18 there is a claim that idolatry will inevitably lead to alienation from the land and death. Why might that claim be made? Why might alienation lead to death?
* What do you think the witnesses invoked in verse 19, heaven and earth, are supposed to witness to? Are they witnesses against Israel? Or might they be witnesses for God and the choice freely offered by God?
* One could argue that the blessings listed in this passage may not be blessings for all times and in all places. If so, how would you translate this passage into something that applies to today?
* Do you think the lack of receipt of a blessing is the same as being actually cursed?
* Do you think the definition of prosperity and adversity is the same today as it was in Moses’ time?
* Do you agree that more of something is a sign of prosperity? How might less of something be considered a sign of prosperity?
* How do we help others not equate “shortness of life” with adversity, if a “short life” is truly punishment?
* What do you think the writer of this passage was trying to instill in the Israelites?
* Do you think the writer is implying the choice of life is a one-off choice? Or might the offer be offered open ended? Why might that be important?