Chapter Summary

New generations taught the Mosaic covenant.

Discussion Questions for Deuteronomy, Chapter 5

1. Deuteronomy 5:29, “Oh that they had such a heart as this always, to fear me and to keep all my commandments, that it might go well with them and with their descendants forever!” (ESV) What different kinds of emotions do we see from The Lord’s heart in this passage? How have you seen earthly caregivers reflect these kinds of emotions?
2. Deuteronomy 5:7, “You shall have no other gods before me.” (ESV) What does it look like to put something before God? What kinds of gods and idols do you see around you today?
3. Deuteronomy 5:9-10, “You shall not bow down to them or serve them; for I the LORD your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.” (ESV) Verses like these can be difficult to understand. Based off of the context and the call to redemption that we have seen in Deuteronomy, how might the people receive the consequence of worshipping other gods? What purpose would it serve for the iniquity to impact future generations? In contrast, what would the blessings from obedience for generations communicate to the people?
4. What does it mean to obey one’s parents? How does this command play out in modern day? How can you challenge yourself to honour this in light of a very individualistic culture?
5. Deuteronomy 5:11, “‘You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.” (ESV) What is your understanding of this command? What are some ways you see those around you taking The Lord’s name in vain? How can you lovingly and humbly stand out among your piers by clinging to this commandment? Would anything need to change? How can you encourage one another to bring Glory to God’s Name?
6. In this chapter the people are reminded to keep the Sabbath. What was God’s purpose for the Sabbath? What does it look like to keep the Sabbath today? What are some distractions in today’s context that might make it difficult to honour the Sabbath?
7. Today’s culture can be extremely materialistic and greedy. How can you combat falling into this mentality in light of God’s command to not covet or jealously desire your neighbour’s belongings?
8. What is one word that each of you would choose to describe the Ten Commandments and the heart of it? Why did you choose that word?
9. Deuteronomy 5:29, “Oh that they had such a heart as this always, to fear me and to keep all my commandments, that it might go well with them and with their descendants forever!” (ESV) What different kinds of emotions do we see from The Lord’s heart in this passage? How have you seen earthly caregivers reflect these kinds of emotions?
10. Deuteronomy 5:32, “You shall be careful therefore to do as the LORD your God has commanded you. You shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left.” (ESV) What would it mean to turn to your right hand or your left today? What do God’s commands keep us from and what do they bring us into?

Key Words/Phrase

Covenant, v. 2.

Characters

God, Moses.

Strong Verse(s)

6, 29, 33.