Statutes and judgments Deuteronomy 4

 Christ in all the scriptures

Statutes and judgments   Deuteronomy 4

"Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and judgments, which I teach you, for to do them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the Lord God of your fathers giveth you"-Deuteronomy 4v1.

Chapter 3 ended with victorious Israel "abiding at the valley near Beth-peor". It is a good place to be, in a lowly valley, following a notable victory.  Triumphalism is not for the people of God, but humble gratitude for His support.  They are now on the borders of the promised land, with no external force to hinder their advance.  

Their entrance into the promised land will establish them as God's society through whom He will bring blessing to all nations.  As such they must be subject to Divine standards, cited here as "statutes and judgments".  Elsewhere His standards are referred to as laws (blanket term "the law"), commandments, precepts, testimonies, and others.  There are multiple references to these in Psalm 119, and Psalm 19 gives the definition and effect of each.  It is useful to understand the different shades of meaning of the Divine communication.  

Statutes (22 occurrences in Psalm 119) are binding obligations, specific Divine decrees which apply to all His people in all generations.  Derived from the Hebrew meaning "hew", as in the carving of wood, or engraving of stone; a modern expression would be "set in stone".  Examples are the ten commandments, which are headings for the moral standard in association with God.  There are others of a ceremonial or civil nature, regulating the behaviour of the people of God.  Psalm 19v8 says, "The statutes of the Lord are right rejoicing the heart".  Far from being burdensome to us, they are right, and cause joy in the execution of them.  Consider them as signposts in the journey of life, regulating our behaviour.     

Judgments (23 in Psalm 119) are decisions/verdicts of the Almighty where two or more conflicting positions exist.  These are rooted in God's character; they are the decisions of an all wise God, applied to common human situations.  Psalm 19v9 defines His judgments as "true and righteous altogether"-true to His own holy character, and just to all mankind.  He never makes a wrong judgment.  When Jesus comes to judge the world, He is "faithful and true, and in righteousness He doth judge and make war"-Rev. 19v11.

Laws (the blanket term is "the law"-the Hebrew "Torah").  Cited 25 times in Psalm 119, this covers the entirety of God's self revelation, the didacte, the teaching.  Psalm 19v7 describes this as "perfect", that is without flaw, complete, entire, needing nothing added, unable to be improved upon.  It's effect on those submitting to it is to "convert the soul".  This is no set of man's opinions, this is a powerful life changing ray of divine light with permanent results.

Testimonies (10 times in Psalm 119)  This is God's word revealing what it says about Him.  The first reference to this in Genesis 21v30 is of that which is "a witness unto me".  It takes two to testify to anything, and God has numerous evidences of Himself.  Psalm 19v7 says, "The testimony of the Lord is sure..." it is absolutely dependable; the evidence, not only of His existence, but of His attributes, are overwhelming and without dispute.  The effect of this is to "make wise the simple", even the poorest intellect becomes wise in acceptance of it.

Precepts  (only in the Psalms, and 21 times in Psalm 119)   These are principles, coming from a root which means to oversee, or pay close attention to a matter.  It describes the way by which God operates, the particular instructions He lays down for every situation.  Precept's are more advisory than mandatory, communicated typically through teaching.  They become obligatory when we realise from whom they come.  Godliness assumes we act like God in a given situation,

Commandments  (22 times in Psalm 119)  The giving of orders from a superior to a subordinate, in this case from the Supreme Sovereign to His creatures.  Psalm 19v8 says "The commandment of the Lord is pure..." that is transparent, with no hidden meaning, and no alternative agenda.   The effect of it is to "enlighten the eyes".  The clear, crisp command of One who knows best has the effect of instructing our minds in His ways.  

God has made Himself known comprehensively, in statutes, in laws, in commandments, in precepts, in testimonies, in judgments; and our response to these will determine our well being.  The predominant words in the New Testament are commandments in various forms (over 100 times) and word (over 400 times). These cover all the aspects of the Old Testament words used to describe the revelation of God.  In both testaments God speaks in unmistakeable and precise ways, and He expects us to respond.  There is an error of thinking that because Christ fulfilled the law, there is no need for us to comply.  Apart from the obvious preposterous nature of such thinking, Paul makes it clear in Romans 8v1-4, that the purpose of the gospel was that "the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit".   God redeemed Israel to convert them to convert the nations.  He has done the same for us to make a difference just where we live.

Jesus commissioned the apostles, "Go... teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you"-Matthew 28v19/20.  These commandments are written in their New Testament writings, which are mandatory for us today.

The chapter unfolds as follows: 

4v1-6 A reminder of the importance of God's rule and the consequences of disobedience.

4v7-13 A reminder of the special relationship between God and His people.

4v14-24 A reminder of the dangers of idolatry.

4v25-40 The importance of communicating the character of God to future generations.

4v41-49 Occupation of the land east of Jordan.

There are lessons for us in each of these sections.