Deuteronomy

CLASS reunions, photo albums, familiar

songs, and old neighborhoods—like tong-

time friends they awaken our memories and

stir our emotions. The past is a kaleidoscope

of promises, failures, victories, and embar-

rassments. Sometimes we want to forget

memories that are too painful. As the years

pass, however, remembrances of unpleasant

events usually fade into our subconscious.

But there is a time to remember: Mistakes should not be repeated; commitments made must be fulfilled; and the memory of special events can encourage us and move us to action. The book of Deuteronomy is written in the form of a treaty between a king and his vassal state typical of the second millenium B.C. It calls Israel to remember who God is and what he has done. Lacking faith, the old generation had wandered for 40 years and had died in the wilderness. They left Egypt behind, but never knew the Promised Land. Then on the east bank of the Jordan River, Moses prepared the sons and daughters of that faithless generation to possess the land. After a brief history lesson emphasizing God’s great acts on behalf of his people, Moses reviewed the law. Then he restated the covenant—God’s coniract with his people. The lessons are clear. Because of what God has done, Israel should have hope and follow him; because of what he expects, they should listen and obey; because of who he is, they should love him completely. Learning these lessons will prepare them to possess the Promised Land.

As you hear the message of Deuteronomy, remember how God has expressed his kindness in your life, and then commit yourself anew to trust, love, and obey him.

Moses reviewed the mighty acts of God for the nation of Israel. Remembering God’s special involvement in our lives gives us hope and encouragement for the future. Obeying God's laws brought blessings to the Israelites and disobeying brought misfortune. This was part of the written agreement God made with his people. Although we are not part of this covenant, the principle holds true: Obedience and disobedience carry inevitable consequences in this life and the next.

Moses called the people to commitment. God still calls us to be committed to love him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Although Moses made some serious mistakes, he had lived uprightly and carried out God’s commands. Moses died with integrity. We too may make some serious mistakes, but that should not stop us from living with integrity and godly commitment.

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EXPLANATION

IMPORTANCE

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A, WHAT GOD HAS DONE FOR US: MOSES’ FIRST ADDRESS (1:1—4:43) God has led his people out of Egypt and through the great wilderness for 40 years. Now they stand ready to enter the Promised Land. But before the Israelites go into the land, Moses has some important advice to give them. He delivers his advice in three parts. In the first part, Moses reviews the history of God’s previous care for the people of Israel. Through God’s actions in the past, we can learn about the God we serve today.

Introduction to Moses’ First Address 1 These are the words that Moses spoke to all the people of Israel while they were in the

wilderness east of the Jordan River. They were camped in the Jordan Valley* near Suph, between Paran on one side and Tophel, Laban, Hazeroth, and Di-zahab on the other. Normally it takes only eleven days to travel from Mount Sinai* to Kadesh-barnea, 8°N8 1:1 Hebrew the Arabah; also in 1:7. 1:2 Hebrew Horeb, another name for Sinai; also in 1:6, 19.

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1:1,2 The Israelites spent 40 years on a journey that should have lasted 11 days. It wasn’t distance that stood between them and the Promised Land. It was the condition of their hearts. God's Purpose went deeper than simply transporting a huge group of People to a new land. He was preparing them to live in obedience to him once they arrived. What good was the Promised Land it the Israelites were just as wicked as the nations already living ere? The journey was a painful but necessary part of their preparation, Through it God taught the Israelites who he was: the living God, the Leader of their nation. He also taught them who '¥ Were: people who were fallen, sinful, prone to rebellion and doubt. He gave his rebellious people the law to help them under-

stand how to relate to God and to other people. Your spiritual pilgrimage may be lengthy, and you may face pain, discoura9& ment, and difficulties. But remember that God isn’t just tryin 9 to keep you alive. He wants to prepare you to live for servic@ and devotion to him.

1:1-5 The 40 years of wilderness wandering come to an end in this book. The events of Deuteronomy cover only a week Of two of the 11th month of the 40th year (1:3). The 12th and ast month was spent in mourning for Moses (34:8). Then the jgraek ites entered the Promised Land the first month of the 41st y@@" after the Exodus (Joshua 4:19).