A. An appeal for faithfulness 29:2-29

 1. Historical review 29:2-8

The emphasis in this section is on God's faithfulness in bringing Israel to its present position (cf. 1:6-4:40). To do this God had provided for the people in the wilderness and had given them victory over some of their enemies (e.g., Sihon and Og). He had also given them some of the land He had promised them.

 2. The purpose of the assembly 29:9-15

In view of God's past faithfulness the Israelites should keep "this covenant"(v. 9), the Mosaic Covenant, so that they might prosper in the future. Moses assembled the people to commit themselves anew to their covenant with God. God had made the Mosaic Covenant with all the Israelites, not just the generation that stood before Moses (vv. 14-15).

 3. The consequences of disobedience 29:16-29

This generation needed to obey the laws of the Mosaic Covenant (v. 21) under which the nation already lived to experience the maximum benefits of this covenant. The maximum benefits included not only ownership of the land but also the use of it. The rebellious Israelite would suffer physical death (v. 20). Disobedience to the Mosaic Covenant (v. 25) would result in the Israelites being driven out of the Promised Land. In verse 29 the "secret things"refer to those things God knows but has not revealed (cf. Isa. 55:8-9). In the context this refers specifically to how Israel would respond to the covenant in the future. The "things revealed"refer to what God has revealed so that humankind may enjoy God's blessings. In the context this refers to the Mosaic Covenant.