The book of Deuteronomy repeatedly reminds Israel to love God and hold God in awe; it calls upon the people to protect the vulnerable and to care about their fate. Yet it also struggles with human stubbornness and recalcitrance. It challenges us to open our hearts even as it worries that our rebelliousness and obstinacy will prevent us from doing so. And so Deuteronomy leaves us with a question: Will we soften our own hearts or will God need to do it for us?