Deuteronomy 30

Jehovah — the Gatherer of Israel

Jehovah (LORD) — the covenant God of Israel

That then the LORD thy God will turn thy captivity, and have compassion upon thee, and will return and gather thee from all the nations, whither the LORD thy God hath scattered thee. Deuteronomy 30:3–4

The same LORD who scattered Israel promises to gather them in compassion, even from 'the outmost parts of heaven.' The Church footnote sends that phrase to the Son of Man, who gathers His elect 'from one end of heaven to the other.'

How we know: Jehovah is the premortal Christ (Abraham 1:16; D&C 110:3–4) · the verse itself names Him · a footnote points to Him

• alluded to by Matthew 24:31 — The Savior's own gathering promise echoes verse 4's wording: 'they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other' (the Church footnote on v. 4).

Grace — a changed heart

And the LORD thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live. Deuteronomy 30:6

Outward circumcision was a covenant sign; here the LORD promises to do the deeper work of changing the heart itself. Paul calls true circumcision 'that of the heart, in the spirit,' and Book of Mormon prophets teach that this mighty change of heart comes through Christ.

How we know: a traditional type, cited · proposed by the reading

• alluded to by Romans 2:29 — Paul: 'circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter' — the New Testament reading of this promise.

The word of faith in Christ

For this commandment which I command thee this day, it is not hidden from thee, neither is it far off. Deuteronomy 30:11–14

Moses says God's word is not out of reach; it is already in their mouth and heart. Paul quotes these very verses and explains that no one needs to climb to heaven to bring Christ down or descend to bring Him up from the dead, because the word of faith in Him is near.

How we know: another scripture interprets it of Him

• interpreted by Romans 10:6-8 — Paul reads 'Who shall ascend into heaven?' as 'that is, to bring Christ down from above' and 'the word' as 'the word of faith, which we preach.'

The Life

I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: Deuteronomy 30:19–20

Choosing life means cleaving to the LORD, 'for he is thy life.' The Church footnote sends that phrase to the light of Christ, 'which giveth life to all things'; Jesus, the Jehovah of this covenant, later declared Himself to be the life.

How we know: Jehovah is the premortal Christ (Abraham 1:16; D&C 110:3–4) · the verse itself names Him · a footnote points to Him

• the same title in John 14:6 — Jesus: 'I am the way, the truth, and the life.'
• the same title in John 11:25 — Jesus: 'I am the resurrection, and the life.'