with all thine heart
Deuteronomy 30:2
30:2 with all thine heart. There have been two major times of exile and two major returns of Israel to their land. In neither time, however, was the return characterized by complete repentance and return to God. The present state of Israel, for example, is strictly a secular state, and the Zionist movement which contributed largely to its establishment was predominantly atheistic. It is strongly opposed to Biblical Christianity and to acceptance of Jesus Christ as Messiah. Consequently, the fulfillment of the prophecies in this chapter must be still future (Romans 11:26; Zechariah 12:9-14; 14:8-11; Ezekiel 39:25-29).
30:14 word is very nigh. This passage (Deuteronomy 30:12-14) is quoted in Romans 10:6-8. It applies to the great truth of salvation through faith in Christ, rather than through the impossible burden of keeping the whole law. The “word” that brings one into right fellowship with God is not inaccessible in heaven or hell, but is in our own mouths and hearts, namely: “If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (Romans 10:9).
