INTRODUCTION TO DEUTERONOMY
Deuteronomy is the fifth book of Moses. The word means 'a repetition or second giving of the law.' Moses and his people were gathered on the border of Canaan in the plains of Moab. Forty years earlier, they had failed to enter the Promised Land because of their unbelief and disobedience. Now, the training was over. One generation had died. It was time to enter the Promised Land. Already they had won battles against two kings. Their leader Moses could not go with them. So, Joshua would lead them in.
Moses spoke to them from his heart, repeating the word 'remember' and pointing them to God. He wanted them to learn from their past failures and remember the power, love, and faithfulness of God. The greatest commandment, according to Jesus, is Dt 6:5, 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength' (Mt 22:37; Mk 12:30).
The book chapters can be divided as follows:
(1) 1-4: Lessons from history-Remember & Live
(2) 5-11: Remember the Covenant & the Law
(3) 12-26: Laws for Life in Canaan
(4) 27-30: Choose Life (Blessings & Curses)
(5) 31-33: Final Words & The Song of Moses
(6) 34: Epilogue-Moses' Death
1. At the border of the Promised Land (1-8)
It normally took 11 days to go from Mt. Sinai to Kadesh. But the Israelites had to wander 40 years in the wilderness because of their disobedience. Now, they were just east of the Jordan River-ready to enter the land God promised to give them. Under Moses' leadership, they had defeated the Amorite kings Sihon and Og who had not allowed them to pass through their lands. Now, Moses gave them a history lesson to remind them of God's promises. They must not repeat their past failure. They must go in and take possession of the land (8).
2. Moses appointed leaders as judges (9-18)
Moses appointed wise, respected leaders as judges to help him. These men were to act as impartial judges in the fear of God, for judgment belongs to God. Moses took the difficult cases.
Application: Lord, may we claim what you have promised us. Please raise godly leaders. Amen.
One Word: Claim what God has promised