At the beginning of Deuteronomy 10, Moses recounts how God graciously renewed His covenant with Israel after the breaking of the original tablets following Israel’s infidelity through the golden calf incident. God commands Moses to fashion two new stone tablets,to be placed in the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing God’s enduring faithfulness despite the people’s rebellion (Deut 10:1–5). Notice here how God Himself inscribed the commandments anew, speaking volumes about His mercy. He longs to restore us rather than cast us aside when we fail.
Archaeologically, scholars have debated the nature of ancient Near Eastern treaties and covenants. Many find parallels in the Hittite treaties from around 1300–1200 BC, which often included renewal ceremonies after a breach. God’s covenant renewal with Israel fits perfectly this historical-cultural pattern, reaffirming His steadfast love and grace through meaningful symbolism.
Cross-reference: Jeremiah 31:31–34, Hebrews 8:7–13 (New International Version): the promise of a renewed covenant written not on tablets but on the human heart.
These verses are essential to biblical ethics:
“And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the LORD’s commands and decrees…” (Deuteronomy 10:12–13, New International Version)
This beautiful, poetic expression encapsulates one of the Old Testament’s clearest summaries of what genuine faith involves. Importantly, it parallels other summaries of obedience such as Micah 6:8:
“… And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (New International Version)
It removes legalism, bringing a relational depth—God seeks our deep respect (“fear”), obedience, love, and wholehearted service. Historical theologians such as Augustine and Calvin saw obedience rooted firmly in love, rather than mere external requirements.
This verse invites personal examination: - Is your obedience rooted in love—or merely tradition and habit?
Here appears the powerful and often misunderstood imagery of heart circumcision:
“Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and do not be stiff-necked any longer.” (Deuteronomy 10:16, New International Version)
Western readers sometimes overlook that in the Ancient Near East, circumcision was a physical mark of covenant identity and belonging. But Moses transforms it symbolically: what God genuinely desires is an inward transformation of the heart—a humility that rejects pride and stubbornness (“stiff-necked” indicating resistance, perhaps referencing oxen resisting the farmer’s guidance). Apostle Paul later picks up on heart circumcision in Romans 2:28–29, emphasizing an inward spiritual reality over external religious markers.
Historically, early Church Fathers viewed heart circumcision as the inward spiritual purity and humility God originally intended, even within the Mosaic covenant. For us today, have we comforted ourselves with external religious expressions and rituals while missing that crucial inward humility and repentance?
This passage emphasizes God’s character—as Judge and Provider—in powerful terms:
“For the LORD your God… shows no partiality and accepts no bribes. He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you…” (Deuteronomy 10:17–18, New International Version)
Here, adherence to social justice arises directly from God’s character. As believers, we reflect His heart by caring especially for those marginalized and vulnerable: we live in obedience by loving those whom society forgets or neglects.
Historically, Christian thinkers—from John Chrysostom to Martin Luther—emphasized the church’s responsibility toward widows, orphans, and refugees precisely because such kindness reflects our God’s character. It’s essential for us today to uphold this calling actively.
As Moses reminds Israel of the powerful work God has done in multiplying and redeeming them from Egypt, we, too, must reflect upon our own stories. Remembrance reinforces humble gratitude and faithfulness to God. Historically, Israel viewed their deliverance from Egypt as their foundational identity: liberated by grace.
Do you regularly remember your own redemption story? Such remembrance is essential in keeping our hearts humble, generous, and dependent on the Lord’s daily provision.
Let us respond from a posture of humility and inward transformation by singing or meditating upon the hymn “Take My Life and Let It Be” by Frances Ridley Havergal. It encapsulates the heart and soul service expressed in Deuteronomy 10, aligning our lives with God’s gracious will.
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for graciously renewing covenant mercies after we fail. Today, renew my heart and mind once again. Circumcise my heart, removing stubbornness and pride. Help me reflect Your compassion for the vulnerable, living out genuine obedience rooted in love and gratitude. Let my life be an authentic testament to Your redemption, justice, and grace.
Through Christ our Lord,
Amen.
Narrated version of this devotional on Deuteronomy Chapter 10