God brought the Israelites out of Egypt.  He released them from bondage, to be His chosen people and to serve and worship Him. The threat, however, of enticement to serve idols and dishonor God proved a very serious concern.  The threat came from many places to include surrounding foreigners and also intimate relatives and friendships. God knew that his people would be tested and He wanted them to remain devoted and listen only to Him. “you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams. For the Lord your God is testing you, to know whether you love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. You shall walk after the Lord your God and fear him and keep his commandments and obey his voice, and you shall serve him and hold fast to him.” (13:3-4 )

The same is true today.  We are bombarded with myriad enticements all around us including TV, advertisements, newspapers, and social media. We also hear the voices of people who are close to us that tempt us to partake in evil pursuits such as gossip, envy, slander, selfishness, and dishonesty. It’s hard to get away from all such influences and enticements.  God wants us to do what we can however to keep ourselves removed from temptations that would take our focus away from Him. When tested He wants us to prove faithful and “ hold fast to Him. “

God wants cheerful, giving hearts that honor Him. He provided specific instructions to the Israelites regarding their tithes and offerings because He wanted them to acknowledge their dependence on Him. He wanted them to know they were a special people chosen to represent Him and delight Him.  “For you are a people holy to the Lord your God, and the Lord has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.” ( 14:2 ) He also wanted them to have grateful hearts and to enjoy what His hand blessed them with. With those blessings, He wanted his people to share with those in need. “And the Levite, because he has no portion or inheritance with you, and the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow, who are within your towns, shall come and eat and be filled, that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands that you do.”(14:29) 

God wanted his people to be merciful to others and forgiving. He declared that every 7th year, debts would be forgiven and slaves set free. God tests the motives of our hearts and wants us to be willing, generous givers. “You shall give to him freely, and your heart shall not be grudging when you give to him, because for this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in all that you undertake (15:7-8;10)