March 11: Deuteronomy 1-2

March 11, Deuteronomy 1-2

Here we are going to be reading the last book of the Pentateuch (or Torah) - a fantastic book of the Bible, Deuteronomy. (Do-tur-on-omy). This was mostly written by Moses - historically, theologians believe that Joshua wrote the end of this book. Again, for a good summary, from my ESV Study Bible, of this book: “Deuteronomy, the last installment of Moses’ biography, contains his last three sermons and two prophetic poems about Israel’s future. Reflecting on the nations past mistakes, he urges the people not to repeat those mistakes when entering the Promised Land. Israel’s entry fulfills the promises made to the patriarchs, but if the people fall into idolatry or fail to keep the law, they will be exiled.”

Deuteronomy 1. Is where Moses is getting the people ready to enter the Promised Land and that he is going to summarize/explain the Law. Basically, this is a record of Moses’ last speeches before he dies - so you can expect him to be thorough and passionate. Note - at this time, the Israelites are still unified as one people group (you will see why later). 

Moses’s first speech (or sermon) is partly a reiteration of Israel’s past failures and sins. We walk down memory lane and Moses recalls that it was because of Israel’s disobedience that they are not already in the Promised Land. Remember originally, these are the kids to those who disobeyed. And yet Moses talks to them, as if they were the ones who disobeyed. We need to identify with our families and others past sins, so that we can see the error in that way, and turn from it.

But as Moses encourages them, he continually reminds them through this book to not fear or be dismayed. This is a a common command throughout Scripture, as we are to only fear God. Then look where Moses goes with it… in summary, ‘You rebelled against God, but look at what Yahweh has done! Trust Him and do not fear!’ I think that it is important to note as well, that unbelief distinctly parallels followed rebellion (vs 32-33). Then we learn again that it is because of this rebellion, that the sinful men from that group (except Joshua and Caleb), would not enter the Promised Land… We have already seen from the last couple of books of the Bible that the Israelites have a cycle (that will continue) to obey, then lose faith, and finally disobey; only to then repent, and come back to God. 

Deuteronomy 2. Moses continues on with memory lane. He does not do this just to tell a good story, but to remind the Israelites of how God continues to forgive them and pursue them. Again, originally, these are the kids to those who obeyed. And yet Moses talks to them, as if they were the ones who disobeyed. We need to identify with our families and others past sins, so that we can see the error in that way, and turn from it. Anyhow, they were promised, from God, that they would have their own land. And don’t be fooled - It is in God’s ability to provide land for his people, they just have to trust Him. Moses then recounts the Israelites first conquest against Heshbon, where the Israelites saw first hand the power of the Almighty God. 

One other thing that I wanted to point out: You will hear numerous times in Deuteronomy something along the lines of ‘as He is this day.’ Like Israel, we must have confidence in Yahweh’s power and faithfulness to what He has said He will accomplish. Just because God did something great in the past - doesn’t mean that He isn’t capable of the same thing today. He was as great back then, as He is this day.

To sum it all up:

• It is good to be reminded of God’s power and even our families and our past failures - not to grovel in what we have done wrong, but to see how far God has brought us and how He has redeemed us. And know that at any time, we can turn to follow and obey God, and He will take care of us and take us to the Promise Land, aka Heaven. 
• We must believe in the power of the Almighty.