After wandering in the wilderness for forty years, the people will soon enter Canaan. The people are excited, and the anticipation is palpable. With so many things for the people to do, Moses first and foremost emphasizes keeping God's law. In fact, as soon as the people cross the Jordan, they must set up large stones, coat them with plaster, and write on them all the words of God's law. The words are to be written very clearly and plainly. Everyone will see them and be reminded of them. Temporary altars of undressed stone will be set up and fellowship offerings made. Taking the land flowing with milk and honey begins with God's word and worshiping God. You, too, should begin every good work, big or small, with God's word. Knowing and obeying God's word must be the priority of your life.

Moses and the priests remind the people that they belong to God. They exhort the people to obey the LORD by following his commands. After crossing the Jordan, the Israelite tribes are divided into two groups. One group stands on Mount Gerizim, the other on Mount Ebal. The Levites pronounce curses on those who disobeyed certain laws and the people say "Amen." The last curse is against anyone who does not uphold the law by carrying it out. It's not enough to know God's word; we must carry out what it says.


Application: Father, thank you for your word. Open my heart to know your word and do what it says.
One Word: Study the Bible and put it into practice