Clear Understanding

On many occasions in their journey through the wilderness, Moses had declared the words of the Law to the Israelites. But as they came to the Promised Land, he approached this task in a slightly different way.

On this special occasion, Moses “carefully explained” God’s instructions. The Hebrew word here is used only two other times in the Bible. And it indicates the process of making something clear. Of explaining distinctions.

The sense is that Moses knew that his people needed to know the Law, but it was also important that they actually understood it. God’s Word easily could become just a set of rules or traditions. But they needed to realize why they were important. And they needed to understand their implications. How they applied. Why they mattered.

This clarity of understanding did not guarantee obedience. But this was a central part of deepening their personal relationship with Him. They were not just to know about Him but to know Him personally. To realize His deeper purposes.

This was the same kind of commitment made years later by Ezra and other Levites who “read from the Book of the Law of God and clearly explained the meaning of what was being read, helping the people understand each passage” (Nehemiah 8:1-8).

This clarity of understanding the Word is so important for us today. It can be so easy to make serving God just a religious activity. To know Bible verses or Bible stories but not really understand them. To make our faith a matter of obeying rules and following traditions. To develop our own interpretations but fail to realize God’s purposes or true meaning.

In your life, ask God for clarity to understand His Word. Read and study. But don’t forget to pray, to seek His wisdom, asking for revelation and divine insights.