Deuteronomy 30 - Introduction

Conditions of Restoration from Exile

When Israel, scattered among the nations, returns to Jehovah and obeys Him (Deuteronomy 30:1 f.), He will gather the nation again, even to its furthest outcasts (Deuteronomy 30:3 f.), and will not only restore it to its land, but work in it a full love to Himself (Deuteronomy 30:5 f.). The curses shall be turned upon its foes (Deuteronomy 30:7) and its obedience rewarded by material blessings, the expression of His restored joy in it (Deuteronomy 30:8-10). The form of address changes to the Sg., which is sustained throughout, and the language is more fully that of D than was the language of 29. With 28 the connections are specially numerous. Also this passage breaks the connection between 29 and Deuteronomy 30:11 ff. The two can hardly be by the same writer. In substance Deuteronomy 30:1-10 is the expansion of Deuteronomy 4:29-31 (q.v.), which is also a Sg. interruption of a Pl. context. Like Deuteronomy 4:29-31 it appears to be from a deuteron. writer, writing during the Exile. (See also Dri."s Deut.p. 76) On the question of the relation of Deuteronomy 30:1 with 11 14 see below.