God’s desire that the people would have a heart to obey Him reflects His longing for willing, internal devotion rather than mere outward compliance. In Deuteronomy 5, after recounting the giving of the Ten Commandments, God expresses this yearning in response to the people’s fear and acknowledgment of His greatness.
“Oh, that they had such a heart in them that they would fear Me and always keep all My commandments, that it might be well with them and with their children forever!” (Deuteronomy 5:29)
This verse reveals that God’s commandments are not burdensome, but meant for the people’s good. His laws were never meant to be followed mechanically. True obedience flows from a heart that fears God, meaning reveres Him, and desires to please Him. A heart to obey includes humility, faith, and love, not just rule-following.
God was not content with ritualistic religion. He wanted their hearts aligned with His will, their motivations pure, and their devotion sincere. The blessings promised were directly tied to this kind of obedience. It shows that God’s concern is not merely with actions, but with the condition of the heart behind them.
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