Deuteronomy

Renewal of the Covenant

At that time, the Lord said, “Make two stone tablets like the first and come up to me. And make an Ark of wood also.

I shall write the words on the first tablets you broke. Then you shall put them in the Ark of the Covenant.”

So I made an acacia wood ark and two stone tablets, just like the first. And I climbed up the mountain carrying these.

He wrote on the tablets, just as he had done with the first, the ten sayings that he spoke to you on the mountain from the midst of the fire, on the day of the Assembly; and the Lord gave them to me.

Upon my return, coming down from the mountain, I placed the tablets in the Ark I made, and there they are, as the Lord commanded me.

The children of Israel left for the wells of Bene-jaakan, going through Moserah. Aaron died and was buried there; his son, Eleazar, succeeded him.

From there, they went to Gudgodah and from Gudgodah to Jotbathah, a land of brooks and springs.

It was then that the Lord set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the Ark of the Covenant, to become his servants, to stand before the Lord, and to give blessings by calling on his name, as they do until this day.

For that reason, Levi has no share in the inheritance with his brothers; the Lord is his inheritance, as the Lord, your God, told him.

I, therefore, stayed on the mountain for forty days and forty nights as I did the first time. The Lord again listened to my prayer and gave up his plan to destroy you.

The Lord said to me: “Rise and lead this people that they may go and take possession of the land which I swore to their fathers to give them as an inheritance.”

Recap: the Lord’s Demands

So now, Israel, what is it that the Lord, your God, asks you to fear him and follow all his ways? Love and serve him with all your heart and soul.

Observe the commandments of the Lord and his laws, which I command you today, for your good.

See the heavens, those that are seen and unseen, the earth and everything in it, everything belongs to the Lord, your God.

Nevertheless, it was on your fathers that the Lord set his heart. He loved them, and after them, he chose their descendants—you, preferring you to all the peoples, as you can see this day.

Purify your hearts, then, and do not be defiant towards the Lord because

the Lord is the God of gods and the Lord of lords. He is the great God, the strong and terrible God. When he judges, he treats everyone equally; he does not let himself be bought by gifts.

He renders justice to the orphan and the widow and loves the stranger, giving him bread and clothing.

Love the stranger then, because you were strangers in the land of Egypt.

Fear the Lord, your God, serve him, follow him, and call on his name when you have to make an oath.

He is your pride and your God, who has done those amazing things for you.

When you went to Egypt, your ancestors were no more than seventy persons, but now, the Lord, your God, has made you as many as the stars of heaven.