Insight
Deuteronomy 4:5-8 comes just after Moses has recounted the greatest disappointment of his long life. God prevented Moses from entering the Promised Land because of how he mishandled his anger with the people (Deuteronomy 3:23–27; also Numbers 20:1-13). Despite his grief, Moses continued to serve God by advising His people even as he transitioned power to Joshua. Here Moses emphasizes the distinctiveness of Israel. “What other nation is so great?” he asks rhetorically (Deuteronomy 4:7-8). After all, God had chosen this nation to be His treasured possession (see Exodus 19:5; Deuteronomy 14:2; Deuteronomy 26:18).
Those who follow Jesus are also treasured by God and set apart for Him. Peter reminds us, “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession” (1 Peter 2:9).
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