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"You shall not add to the word which I command you..."

Text: Deuteronomy 4:2

THE BOOK OF DEUTERONOMY

“Deuteronomy” literally means “The second (giving) of the law.” Thus in this book Moses would recall many lessons and laws which are found in the earlier books. Moses wrote five books and collectively they are called the Pentateuch.

A STRICT COMMAND

There was a strict word that Moses wrote concerning the commandments that he had given to the children of Israel.

“You shall not add to the word which I command you,
nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments
of the LORD your God which I command you.”
Deuteronomy 4:2

1. “The word which I command you”

a) Moses was writing with a clear understanding of the authority that God had given him.

b) Thus he was able to use the word “command” in this verse twice over.

2. Two specific commandments

a) You shall not add.

b) You shall not take away (subtract).

3. What is the significance of this word of command?

a) The highest regard for the Lord’s word must be maintained.

b) Human wisdom was not allowed to be added to the Lord’s word.

c) Nor should anyone be allowed to take away from God’s word!

d) Sadly, this word of Moses has never been obeyed.

i) There were false prophets subsequent to Moses’ ministry.

ii) There were many false teachers in the days of the Lord Jesus and His apostles.

iii) There are many false teachers in the world today.

iv) The common trait among them: they add or subtract from the word of God!

4. “The commandments of the LORD your God”

a) Moses may have been very instrumental in the teaching of God’s laws.

b) He may have wielded tremendous authority in his ministry.

c) However, the ultimate analysis is that the commandments were the Lord’s!

d) Behind every word we read in the Scriptures, we need to remember that they are the commandments of the Lord our God! We cannot but have the highest regard for the Lord and His word!