translation_id: net-engnet

book_id: DEU

label: NET study note

text: This is the first occurrence of the word בְּרִית ( bÿrit , “covenant”) in the Book of Deuteronomy but it appears commonly hereafter ( 4:23, 31; 5:2, 3; 7:9, 12; 8:18; 9:9, 10, 11, 15; 10:2, 4, 5, 8; 17:2; 29:1, 9, 12, 14, 15, 18, 21, 25; 31:9, 16, 20, 25, 26; 33:9 ). Etymologically, it derives from the notion of linking or yoking together. See M. Weinfeld, TDOT 2:255.


text: I invoke heaven and earth as witnesses against you . This stock formula introduces what is known form-critically as a רִיב ( riv ) or controversy pattern. It is commonly used in the ancient Near Eastern world in legal contexts and in the OT as a forensic or judicial device to draw attention to Israel’s violation of the Lord ’s covenant with them (see Deut 30:19 ; Isa 1:2; 3:13 ; Jer 2:9 ). Since court proceedings required the testimony of witnesses, the Lord here summons heaven and earth (that is, all creation) to testify to his faithfulness, Israel’s disobedience, and the threat of judgment.


text: The phrase is not used here in a technical sense for the eschaton, but rather refers to a future time when Israel will be punished for its sin and experience exile. See Deut 31:29 .


text: Mount Siyon (the Hebrew name is שִׂיאֹן [ si ’ on ], not to be confused with Zion [ צִיּוֹן , tsiyyon ]) is another name for Mount Hermon, also called Sirion and Senir (cf. Deut 3:9 ).


text: The sea of the Arabah refers to the Dead Sea, also known as the Salt Sea in OT times (cf. Deut 3:17 ).