Deuteronomy 10 is Moses’ closing charge to Israel, centered on what the LORD requires of his people and why he has chosen them. These questions are written for a small group, a Sunday class, or a personal study. Each set of questions can be used on its own, and the answers offer discussion notes rather than final verdicts.
Deuteronomy 10 at a Glance
The chapter opens with the story of the second set of stone tablets, the ark that holds them, and the forty days Moses spent on the mountain. It then records a short travel log, the setting apart of the tribe of Levi, and a note that the LORD listened and did not destroy the people.
From verse 12 Moses turns to a direct appeal: fear, walk, love and serve the LORD with the whole heart, then grounds that appeal in God’s greatness, his impartial justice, and his care for the vulnerable, ending with a reminder of Israel’s humble origins and growth.
Observation Questions
Use these first to slow the group down and anchor everyone in the text. Ask for answers from the chapter itself before anyone offers interpretation. Let quiet people answer first, and keep the pace steady.
Deuteronomy 10:12-13
12 Now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, 13 to keep the LORD’s commandments and statutes, which I command you today for your good?
(WEB)
This is the heart of Moses’ appeal and the best place to begin the discussion. Reading it aloud lets the group hear the full list of what the LORD asks, which sets the tone for the rest of the study.
Deuteronomy 10:16
Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiff-necked.
(WEB)
Reading this verse aloud introduces the image of an inward change of heart. It works well as a pivot between the commands and the reasons that follow in the chapter.
Deuteronomy 10:17-18
17 For the LORD your God, he is God of gods, and Lord of lords, the great God, the mighty, and the awesome, who doesn’t respect persons, nor takes reward. 18 He does execute justice for the fatherless and widow, and loves the foreigner, in giving him food and clothing.
(WEB)
These verses describe God’s greatness and his care for the vulnerable in the same breath. Reading them together helps the group see that justice and majesty belong to the same God.
Deuteronomy 10:19
Therefore love the foreigner; for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt.
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This short command is tied directly to Israel’s memory of Egypt. Reading it aloud sets up the application questions about welcoming strangers.
Deuteronomy 10:21
He is your praise, and he is your God, who has done for you these great and awesome things, which your eyes have seen.
(WEB)
Ending the reading with this verse brings the group back to praise and gratitude. It is a fitting close before moving to prayer and reflection.
Memory Verse for Deuteronomy 10
Deuteronomy 10:12
Now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul…
(WEB)
This verse gathers the chapter’s main request into one sentence that is easy to carry through the week. Encourage the group to repeat it together and to notice where it surfaces in ordinary moments.
A Closing Prayer for the Group
Father, we come to you as people who have been chosen and called, much as Israel was in the wilderness. Teach us to fear you with reverence, to walk in your ways, and to love you with all our heart and soul. Soften any stubbornness in us, and make our hearts open to your direction. Give us eyes to see the foreigners, widows, and fatherless people around us, and the courage to care for them as you do. Thank you for your greatness, your justice, and your faithfulness to us. Amen.
