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Deuteronomy 30:11 - In what way is "the commandment not too hard"? - Day 176

Taken by itself, this passage would support a works based salvation.  The commandment is not too hard.  It is in your heart and mouth so that you can do it.   It almost sounds as if Moses expects  everyone in Israel to actually comply with the law. If it is easy, then there is no reason for people not to comply.

But the scripture record shows that man does not comply with the law as given.  Just the episode at Kadesh-barnea 40 years before shows inability to comply.  Israel had been given the law and yet refused to enter the Promised Land.  Or if we look forward to the period of Judges when "everyone did what was right in the own eyes".

So why does Moses use this language?  

Calvin points out that Moses is saying that the law is clear and understandable.  It is does not require superior intellect or years of study.  Do not murder.  What could be clearer?  The ten commandments with all the annexed reasons are just 17 verses.  Anybody can easily memorize them.  But knowing them and doing them are different things.

Paul quotes this passage in Romans 10.  There is a difference between righteousness based on the law and the righteousness of God that depends on faith.

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