Text: “Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it.” – Deuteronomy 4:5.
Comment: Moses taught the Jews what was required of them by God. The laws of God were a differentiating factor between the nation of Israel and other nations. To get the continuous help and blessings of God, the Jews were to know what God wants and to keep it. Deuteronomy 4:1 says “Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you…” Having had this knowledge, the Jews were expected to keep the laws. Here lies the import of wisdom. Wisdom is a step after knowledge. It is the ability to know and apply spiritual truths. Understanding is a practical show of wisdom. That God has given us His statutes so that we know His will, is a clear sign that He considers us His own and He is not far from us. Moses said “Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. 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? 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 4:6-8.