Having recited the history, Moses begins his section of exhortation on the covenant established at Sinai. Deuteronomy 4 begins one of Moses' speeches that comprise a large section of the book. Of course perhaps you are wondering what this Horeb place is that Moses references. Horeb is the northern name of Sinai, so it is believed that Mt. Horeb and Mt. Sinai are one and the same, however, since Horeb is the name used in this section, it is believed that this part of the narrative comes from a northern source, which means a source that came from the Kingdom of Israel when Israel split off from Judah after the reign of Solomon.
Within this chapter, Moses exhorts the people to live according to the covenant agreed to with God. As a matter of fact, he encourages them to follow these guidelines because they will allow Israel to shine among the nations. They are special, for God has spoken to them, but be careful not to create an image for God because God has not taken a form and therefore no idols can be created to represent God.
Moses also warns Israel that God will not sit by idly if they fail to follow his commands. Moses even uses himself as an example of what can happen if you do not listen to God. The possibility exists that Israel will be cast out among the nations if they chose not to be faithful to God.
The last portion of the chapter contains one of the most beautiful descriptions of God's relationship with Israel. "Has any people ever heard the voice of a god speaking out of a fire as you have heard, and lived?" Israel has a special relationship with God and that can never be taken lightly.
All of this serves as an introduction to Moses' reciting the Decalogue, the Ten Commandments, to Israel. Deuteronomy 5 is the heart of the Torah, of the Law or Instruction, that is to guide Israel. For comparisons sake, go back to Exodus 20: 2-17 for variations of words or additions. At the end of the 5th chapter Moses role as mediator between God and Israel is affirmed.
To read and study the Decalogue is a double edged sword, it is either a little or a lot. In other words, given our time it is not possible to do a thorough study at this time, but we can book mark it and come back to it a little later.
Acts 27
The day has arrived, Paul is finally placed on a ship and the journey to Rome begins. Acts 27 provides this tale of sea journey and storms. In some regards Paul's voyage reflects that of Jonah, except that Paul's divine itinerary is being fulfilled by the voyage while Jonah's voyage was to get away from divine plan.
The voyage itself is laid out with great detail as land masses are referenced demonstrating the author's knowledge of such a voyage. Perhaps the information comes from a companion of Paul's or perhaps it is someone who has taken the voyage to Rome in the past. Preference at the time was always to try and avoid the open sea as much as possible, to journey near the land or place the land in a place to offer shelter should storms develop.
Again, we are given a hint into the rights of a Roman citizen in that Paul is allowed to visit friends during the journey. This is not a prison vessel, nor is Paul seen as a captive. Paul's virtues are also extolled in the passage as he offers a suggestion about the journey itself. Paul speech about the journey and weather conditions is not prophetic, just practical. He notes that the Day of Atonement has passed, and so fall is beginning and weather in general is worsening. The Roman centurion is not persuaded and continues with the journey, only to encounter bad weather.
As the storms worsen and the crew takes extra steps to secure the boat in the storm, Paul offers his own words of encouragement. Fear not, he tells the crews, God has sent a messenger to me for I am supposed to testify to the emperor. In other words, it is God's will that Paul make it to Rome so the boat and its crew will survive.
As the boat is forced through the Mediterranean Sea from Crete to Malta, the crew gets restless and tries to escape, but again Paul's virtue is demonstrated as he warns the centurion. Paul then gathers all the crew for a meal that has strong Eucharistic overtones. The next morning, landfall is made.
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