The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.” —Duet. 29:29

Are you ever overwhelmed by the largeness of God? Certainly it is a comfort when I feel lost or confused that God is never lost or confused. But how do I know or relate to a god such as God? Truly, it can feel like there are secret things about life and God that are forever out of reach or comprehension. But at the same time some things are revealed to us. How then are we to reconcile this passage?

The verse (v. 29) is sandwiched in the middle of a passage about God’s covenant with Israel. Near the end of Moses’ life, God commanded him to make (or perhaps review) the covenant with Israel. Before the verse, Moses reviews the Exodus from Egypt (v. 2-8), the promised blessing for obedience (v. 9-15), and the curses for disobedience (v. 16-28). And after the verse, he highlights the result of repentantly returning to the LORD after breaking covenant (ch. 30, v 1-10).

So, in the midst of all this, what are these “secret things”? I think a better understanding of the verse comes in the proceeding passage which instead talks about “things that are revealed”.

For this commandment that I command you today is not too hard for you, neither is it far off. It is not in heaven, that you should say, ‘Who will ascend to heaven for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?’ Neither is it beyond the sea, that you should say, ‘Who will go over the sea for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?’ But the word is very near you. It is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it. —Duet. 30:11-14

What a comfort this passage brings. The commandments that God requires of us (or in this case Israel) are not too difficult. They are not far away, they are not out of reach, God in fact reveals them to us. But even so, requires both proper action (“in your mouth”) and proper intention (“in your heart”). Today, we as Christians also have this heritage of the revealed Word of God. And the certainty of the Word is a blessing that can provide us comfort in life.

And not only the Word but God himself. Psalm 139 asks the question, “Where shall I go from your Spirit?” Compare Duet. 30:11-14 with Psalm 139:7-12. The commandments of God are not in Heaven, but God is (v. 7); are not beyond the sea, but God is (v. 9). And not only is God far away, but he is also close (v. 10, “your right hand shall hold me”).

Paul takes this thought even further by reminding us of the Johannine truth that “the Word was God.” In Romans 10:5-8, Paul quotes the Deuteronomy 30 passage:

For Moses writes about the righteousness that is based on the law, that the person who does the commandments shall live by them. But the righteousness based on faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” (that is, to bring Christ down) “or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); —Romans 10:5-8 (emphasis added)

Do you spot the differences with the original passage? Paul also adds three parenthetical commentaries to the Duet. 30 passage:

1. Ascend into heaven… bring Christ down, v. 6
2. Descend into the abyss… bring Christ up from the dead, v. 7
3. The word is near you… the word of faith, v. 9

Why does Paul inject the Deuteronomy passage with references to Christ? I actually sat on this question for several weeks before coming across Matthew Henry’s commentary on the passage.

That it is not at all hard or difficult. The way of justification and salvation has in it no such depths or knots as may discourage us, no insuperable difficulties attending it; but, as was foretold, it is a high-way, Isa. xxxv. 8. We are not put to climb for it—it is not in heaven; we are not put to dive for it—it is not in the deep.

—Matthew Henry Commentary

If I were to summarize Matthew Henry (and Paul) I would say this: “don’t try and become Christ in your life.” The work of Christ is finished and we now as Christians can rest in that work. Paul expands the context of Duet. 30 to include the work of Christ. Salvation is not far off.

Incidentally, I actually came across Isaiah 35:7 that Matthew Henry references in my readings while thinking on Romans 10 (but did not make the connection). I’ve included it for reference.

And a highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Way of Holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it. It shall belong to those who walk on the way; even if they are fools, they shall not go astray.

—Isaiah 35:8

I find it interesting that Isaiah speaks of even the fools not going astray. We are called to be wise and the fool is never praised in scripture (Proverbs). But the way of righteousness bought by the blood of Christ is not complicated such that even fools can walk it.

So what are these “secret things”? I would argue that they are the works of God. The image of God speaking to Job out of the whirlwind comes to mind. Or perhaps the tension between God’s love and his justice. These, I would argue, are the secret things of God that we may never know on earth.

And what has been revealed to us? Christ. “that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you” (1 Jn. 1:3a). How then are we to live? I’m going to go rapid fire here since this post has dragged on far too long.

• “Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (Matt. 6:34b)
  • The gospel is clear and explicit. Don’t overcomplicate it.
  • God has revealed his purpose through the scriptures.
• “Much study is weariness to the flesh” (Ecc. 12:12c)
  • God has given us freedom to pursue him and seek his face.
  • His thoughts are not our thoughts. We will never fully understand the mind of God.
• “Fear God and keep his commandments” (Ecc. 12:13b)
  • Don’t get caught up in the unbelievable lest we sight of the undeniable.
  • Rest in what God has revealed to us. Rest in the gospel.