Moses is very old, and will not cross the Jordan; but the Lord will cross the Jordan and crush the Canaanites, with Joshua leading the people. Every seven years, the Law will be taught to the people by the priests. It will also be taught by elders and public officials. The Lord appears to Moses, warning him that the Israelites will rebel against Him, incurring His wrath. He knew this would happen even before making the agreement with the Israelites. This is not a failure of the Law, but just part of a plan that will be fulfilled by Christ. The Lord tells Moses to teach the Hebrews a song as a reminder of the Law after they have forsaken it. If the Hebrews try to argue that the Lord has not held up His end of the bargain, this song is a rebuttal.

The Law of the Lord is not beyond our reach.  It is here, and accessible.  Therefore, we must decide to study it and follow it. We are given the choice of Life or Death, being For or Against the Lord. The New Testament repeats this message in reference to Christ. We have the freedom to choose either path, and while we live God's mercy beckons us to turn to the path of Life.

Moses expresses concern that despite knowing God's power, the Hebrews still do not have a mind for obedience.  In fact this wisdom does not come naturally, but is a gift from God, one that must be sought in faith. At this point in Deuteronomy, the Israelites truly become the People of God. Once again Moses warns against idolatry, which, even as an individual sin, can poison the entire nation. The nature of God is unsearchable, but God has revealed a great amount to His people in the scriptures that we may know Him better and love Him. Moses reiterates the generous mercy the Lord will provide to those who repent and return to Him.

The Lord promises every good thing to the Israelites -- fruitful farms and families, safety and security, financial affluence, and a recognized place in the world as God's own people.  However, for this to pass, the Israelites must diligently obey the Word of God in its entirety. However, if the Israelites do not obey the Lord, He promises famine, pestilence, enslavement, and utter destruction. Deuteronomy Chapter 28 explores these blessings and cursings in gruesome detail. Finally this is tied into the New Testament discussion of sin and God's correction of His children.