The relationship of Israel with the Lord was to be a covenant relationship. Covenant is when two parties commit themselves fully to each other as in a marriage. Here as the Israelites enter the Promised Land, they have to give a fresh covenant commitment to the Lord (v10-15). They do this in the light of God’s great faithfulness and goodness in bringing them out of Egypt (v1-9). They are committing themselves to the Lord who has proved Himself.

Jesus before He died, described the wine at the Last Supper as the ‘blood of the covenant’ (Matt. 26 v28). The blood of Jesus proves His great love and commitment to His people. We need to covenant and commit ourselves fully to the Lord in response to Jesus’ clear commitment to us.

Moses warns of the danger of those who think they can know the blessing of God, while at the same time having stubborn hearts in regards to God’s commandments (v18-21). The goodness and grace of God must lead to worship and commitment, not to complacency and disobedience.