1. At the border of the Promised Land (1-8)

The nation of Israel was 600,000 men when they left Sinai and headed to the Promised Land. At that time they refused to enter because of their fear-all except Caleb and Joshua. Now it was 40 years later. The Israelites numbered 600,000 again, but they were a new people, created by the Lord through the past 40 years of desert experience. It was long enough. Now it was time for the people to live up to their calling and heritage as God's people. The land before them was God's gift. More importantly, their calling was truly God's gift. They only needed to believe and take possession of it.

2. Remembering what God has done (9-18)

Before entering the land, Moses would remind the Israelites of God's history with them, with the discernment of what the Lord had been doing in all things. Through the appointment of judges among them, he reminded the Israelites that they live before the Lord, to whom all judgment truly belongs. He hears all things, both great and small. Nothing is too hard for the Lord.