Definition: It [is] not in heaven, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go up for us to heaven, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it?
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Deuteronomy 30:12. It's a really important and somewhat complex idea, but here’s the gist of it in plain language: The Core Idea: This verse is about responsibility and trust. God is saying to us, “You have been given great freedom and power – you can do anything you want.” But there's something crucial that we need to understand. It’s not about us going up to heaven to get a divine message or experience. It’s about taking responsibility for our own actions and living a life that honors God. Let’s unpack it word by word: “It is not in heaven…” – This means that the blessing, the goodness, or the rewards that come from following God's laws isn’t up there in Heaven. It’s within us, and within our own choices and actions. “…that you should say, Who shall go up for us to heaven, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it?” – This is the core of the verse. It's asking us: “Does God want us to do things right? Does he want us to listen to his guidance and follow his laws?” It’s essentially saying, “You are responsible for your own life. You have the freedom to choose, but you also have a duty to live according to God's will.” In simpler terms: God isn’t giving us a magical shortcut or divine intervention. He’s placing a huge responsibility on us – to make good choices, to be righteous, and to live a life that reflects his goodness. Why is this important? This verse emphasizes that we are accountable for our own lives. It's about making God’s will our priority, rather than focusing solely on what others expect of us or on getting rewards in the afterlife. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of Deuteronomy 30? Discuss the significance of this verse within a broader context of biblical teaching?