In today’s reading, Moses recites the Ten Commandments, and recounts the time he spent in the mountain with God, reviewing Israel’s history of recalcitrance toward the LORD. He declares the purpose of the Law, and declares the law of love: “Thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.” He commands them to teach the law to their children, and again warns of idolatry and its evils, declaring Israel to be a chosen people inheriting the land because of the promise, and driving out its inhabitants because of their wickedness, rather than for Israel’s righteousness. He warns them against pride, reminding them of the tables of the testimony broken for their rebellion, and the golden calf he destroyed, and his own intercession for the salvation of Israel.

Into/Outro music: "Unexpectedly" (c) 1995 Alex Grant Used by permission