Restored covenant, circumcised hearts and loving the stranger because God loved us
Deuteronomy 10 continues the account of the broken and renewed tablets and then gathers the practical response God seeks from Israel. He restored the covenant, maintained the priesthood, separated Levi for service and heard Moses’ intercession. Moses therefore asks, “what doth the LORD thy God require of thee?” The answer is reverence, walking in His ways, love, wholehearted service and obedience. The chapter then turns inward: “Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart.”
1. Failure does not make restoration impossible
God tells Moses to prepare new tablets like the first. (Deuteronomy 10:1-2). The broken covenant is renewed by divine mercy.
2. Restoration still calls for human response
Moses must hew the replacement stones and return to the mount. Grace does not turn obedience into irrelevance.
3. Put the testimony in the ark
The renewed tablets are placed where God commanded. (Deuteronomy 10:2-5). Restored relationship should restore the word to the centre.
4. God preserves means of approach despite human failure
The priesthood continues and Levi is separated for service. (Deuteronomy 10:6-9). Mercy does not merely cancel guilt; it restores worship and service.
5. Intercession can have real consequences
Moses says God hearkened unto him and did not destroy Israel. (Deuteronomy 10:10). Prayer is not a decorative religious exercise.
6. Ask what God requires after considering what He has done
The great question comes after the review of mercy. (Deuteronomy 10:12). Obedience is a response to grace.
7. Fear, walk, love and serve belong together
God requires reverence, His ways, love and service with all heart and soul. (Deuteronomy 10:12). Biblical devotion is neither emotion without obedience nor obedience without love.
8. God’s commands are ‘for thy good’
Moses explicitly says the commandments are for Israel’s good. (Deuteronomy 10:13). God’s authority is not hostile to human flourishing.
9. Everything belongs to God, yet He set His love on the fathers
Heaven and earth are His, but He chose Israel in fulfilment of His purpose. (Deuteronomy 10:14-15). Election should create wonder, not arrogance.
10. Circumcise the heart
“Be no more stiffnecked.” (Deuteronomy 10:16). External covenant signs are worthless if the inner person remains resistant.
11. God is impartial
He “regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward.” (Deuteronomy 10:17). Human status cannot manipulate Him.
12. God loves the stranger
He gives the stranger food and raiment. (Deuteronomy 10:18). Divine character provides the model for human conduct.
13. Remember your own former vulnerability
Israel is commanded, “Love ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.” (Deuteronomy 10:19). Remembered need should create compassion.
14. Small beginnings can become great through God
Jacob went into Egypt with seventy persons and Israel is now as the stars for multitude. (Deuteronomy 10:22). The growth fulfils covenant promise.
15. Cleave to God
The chapter concludes with fear, service, cleaving and praise. (Deuteronomy 10:20-21). Covenant life is not merely avoiding wrong; it is active attachment to God.
Closing thought
Deuteronomy 10 moves from restored tablets to restored hearts. God’s mercy calls for reverence, love, obedience, compassion and inner change. A circumcised heart remembers grace and therefore treats others with grace.
Practical Readings — Deuteronomy 10