Deuteronomy 30:12 - It is not in heaven, that you should say, “Who will go up for us to heaven, and bring it to us, and proclaim it to us, that we may do it?”
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What does "Deuteronomy 30:12" mean?
This verse from Deuteronomy 30:12 is part of Moses's concluding exhortation to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. It's meant to emphasize the accessibility and understandability of God's commandments. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"It is not in heaven..." This highlights that the law (God's commandments, the Torah) is not impossibly distant or unattainable. It's not something reserved for a select few who must perform extraordinary feats to access it.
"...that you should say, “Who will go up for us to heaven, and bring it to us, and proclaim it to us, that we may do it?”" This addresses a specific hypothetical excuse: the idea that the law is so complex or remote that no one can possibly learn and obey it. It rejects the notion that someone needs to ascend to heaven, face unimaginable challenges, and return with the law for the people to understand it. The verse is essentially saying, "Don't think you need a superhuman effort to know God's will."
Meaning in context: The point is that God has already revealed His law to them. It's been given to Moses, written down, and taught to the people. Therefore, there's no legitimate excuse for not knowing and obeying it. They cannot claim ignorance or that it's too difficult to access. The law is accessible, understandable, and within their reach. They have the responsibility to learn and obey it.
In essence, the verse is a rhetorical device used to emphasize the accessibility and straightforwardness of God's law. It removes the potential excuse of "it's too difficult to know" and places the responsibility squarely on the people to learn and obey what God has already revealed.
New Testament Significance:
This verse is quoted by the Apostle Paul in Romans 10:6-8, but with a different application:
"But the righteousness based on faith says, 'Do not say in your heart, “Who will ascend into heaven?”' (that is, to bring Christ down) or '“Who will descend into the abyss?”' (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead).' But what does it say? 'The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart' (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim)."
Paul uses this passage to illustrate that salvation through faith in Christ is readily available. Just as the law was not hidden in heaven, salvation is not an impossible quest. Christ has already accomplished what was needed, and the message of faith is near, in our hearts and mouths, accessible to all who believe.
In short, both in Deuteronomy and Romans, the verse emphasizes the availability and accessibility of God's plan, whether it be the law or salvation.
Deuteronomy 30:12 - It is not in heaven, that you should say, “Who will go up for us to heaven, and bring it to us, and proclaim it to us, that we may do it?”
What does "Deuteronomy 30:12" mean?
This verse from Deuteronomy 30:12 is part of Moses's concluding exhortation to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. It's meant to emphasize the accessibility and understandability of God's commandments. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"It is not in heaven..." This highlights that the law (God's commandments, the Torah) is not impossibly distant or unattainable. It's not something reserved for a select few who must perform extraordinary feats to access it.
"...that you should say, “Who will go up for us to heaven, and bring it to us, and proclaim it to us, that we may do it?”" This addresses a specific hypothetical excuse: the idea that the law is so complex or remote that no one can possibly learn and obey it. It rejects the notion that someone needs to ascend to heaven, face unimaginable challenges, and return with the law for the people to understand it. The verse is essentially saying, "Don't think you need a superhuman effort to know God's will."
Meaning in context: The point is that God has already revealed His law to them. It's been given to Moses, written down, and taught to the people. Therefore, there's no legitimate excuse for not knowing and obeying it. They cannot claim ignorance or that it's too difficult to access. The law is accessible, understandable, and within their reach. They have the responsibility to learn and obey it.
In essence, the verse is a rhetorical device used to emphasize the accessibility and straightforwardness of God's law. It removes the potential excuse of "it's too difficult to know" and places the responsibility squarely on the people to learn and obey what God has already revealed.
New Testament Significance:
This verse is quoted by the Apostle Paul in Romans 10:6-8, but with a different application:
"But the righteousness based on faith says, 'Do not say in your heart, “Who will ascend into heaven?”' (that is, to bring Christ down) or '“Who will descend into the abyss?”' (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead).' But what does it say? 'The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart' (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim)."
Paul uses this passage to illustrate that salvation through faith in Christ is readily available. Just as the law was not hidden in heaven, salvation is not an impossible quest. Christ has already accomplished what was needed, and the message of faith is near, in our hearts and mouths, accessible to all who believe.
In short, both in Deuteronomy and Romans, the verse emphasizes the availability and accessibility of God's plan, whether it be the law or salvation.