(7) For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the LORD our God is in all things that we call upon him for?
(8) And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day?

Deuteronomy 4:7-8

Explanation:

Moses continues his argument for the obedience of the nation by asking two rhetorical questions. He has stated in the previous verses that their keeping the law would garner a reputation and platform for the children of Israel to glorify God among the surrounding nations. These two questions provide a logical argument for why that reputation would be gained.

The first question regards the privileged status of the nation of Israel in regards to God’s interaction with them specifically. He asks if there are any other nations that have God working so closely with them, and ready to answer their prayers. What is the answer? There is no other nation with that unique privilege.

The second question regards the privileged status of the nation of Israel in regards to the purity and wisdom of the law that God had given to them. The revelation of God in terms of this law was a huge benefit to this nation, bringing them an immense advantage. Who else had a law like this? Again, the answer is no one.

Why would their keeping the law garner a good reputation among the nations?

1. God Himself has so closely aligned Himself with this nation by choosing them and revealing Himself to them.
2. God Himself, the Creator of Heaven and Earth, has given His law for them to follow in written form.

Application:

Of course we know that God revealed Himself to the nation of Israel in the Old Testament, and through their law because He had a plan of redeeming not only them but the whole world.

(11) Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;
(12) That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
(13) But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
(14) For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
(15) Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
(16) And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
(17) And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.

Ephesians 2:11-17

It was always God’s plan to use the nation of Israel to bring about redemption for the whole world, Jew and Gentile, to redeem both to Himself in Christ.

And so we in Christ have not replaced Israel. Their are still promises made to them uniquely as a nation. Yet, these two privileges have been given to us.

1. We can go to God, because He has revealed Himself to us, saved us, sent His Spirit to indwell us, and uses His Word and His Spirit to grow us.
2. We have His Word, in written form, available to us in our language. We get to think God’s thoughts after Him. We hold a miracle in our hands.

And for these and many other reasons, we should keep God’s Word and allow our obedience to be a platform for Gospel ministry!

Response:

1. Are you thankful for the relationship and communion you can have with God because of the redemption that is in Christ Jesus? When is the last time you expressed that to God? Take some time to be thankful.
2. Is your obedience to Christ a platform for you to speak about him? Are you using it? Who is someone that needs to know about Christ?