Abstract

“A Jew’s righteousness . . . comes from being part of G-d’s covenant people.” The G-d of Israel is a gracious G-d. When the Jewish people made their Exodus from Egypt, both Jews and foreigners were allowed to enter into G-d’s new covenant community. Though G-d gave the Israelites many rules by which they would obtain His blessing in the Promised Land, it was by His grace that the Jewish people would ultimately be sustained. After the giving of the Second Law, G-d explains the basis on which He would restore rule breakers in Deuteronomy 30:1–14. Deuteronomy 30:1–14 is a glimpse into the Sovereign nature of Israel’s G-d. G-d uses terminology such as “circumcise your hearts,” and “He will return you.” A recent author who contends that G-d is “the most unpleasant character in fiction” has belittled this kindness and compassion. The contention deserves an answer, both for Christian and Jewish communities. Through an in-depth examination of the textual, lexical and grammatical issues of Deuteronomy 30:1–14, a polemic against this misunderstanding of the G-d of the Tanakh can be developed.