You are encouraged to read the first three chapters of Deuteronomy. My thoughts will be more relevant if you will. God’s nature does not change (Malachi 3:6). Consequently, the thoughts of God through the Law of Moses are going to be consistent with His plans and principles by which He governs man under the Law of Christ. Additionally, the nature of man does not change either.
Chapter 1 begins with some background information to Deuteronomy. Moses is the speaker (vs 1) and Israel is on the plains of Moab before they cross the Jordan to take over the Promised Land. It has been forty years since Israel left Egypt (vs 3). The word “command” is found 127 times in Deuteronomy! The word “law” is used less frequently but twenty-three times.
In verse 6 through the end of chapter 3, Moses summarizes the travels of Israel from Mount Sinai (which he calls “Horeb”) until they arrived at that point on the banks of the Jordan. This whole path was under the guidance and direction of God (vs 6). The land they are about to take is a gift from God, based on God’s oath (vs 8). “Swear” is used 32 times and the verb “give” is found 174 times, notably in the expression that the land was “given” to them by God. They did not earn it!
Setting a precedent for a division of labor in NT times, Moses divides his leadership among other Israelite men (vs 15) who are to judge righteously (vs 16) and show no partiality (vs 17). Beginning in verse 19, Moses summarizes the events at Kadesh-Barnea where the ten spies brought back a faithless, negative report about spying out the land. This event covers the rest of chapter 1. Observe how Moses describes their actions: “not willing” and “rebelled” (vs 26), “grumbled” (vs 27) and “did not trust God” (vs 32). The spies “melted” the hearts of the people, although God had succeeded in “melting” the hearts of the Canaanites (Joshua 2:9; 9:9-10, 24).
God was angry at their lack of faith and obedience (vs 34) so that only Caleb (vs 36) and Joshua (vs 38) would enter the Promised Land. Their “little ones” who were not morally accountable would receive the blessing (vs 39).
Note the response of the Israelites in verses 41-46. They decided that now they will “obey” and take over the Promised Land! But God had changed His command! Now, they were acting “presumptuously” to take the land without God’s permission (vs 43). They were defeated. I think of this when people want to bring mechanical instruments of music into Christian worship on the basis that “David did it”! Yes, and God has the prerogative to change His law. What the innovators are obligated to do is find authority from Jesus Christ and His apostles to bring instruments into worship, which, of course, they are unable to do.
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Chapter 2 continues the review of Israel’s travels. God would not allow Israel to take the land of the Edomites (vs 5) or the Moabites (vs 9). After 38 years, from Kadesh-Barnea, they have arrived at the Jordan. God had punished those who were disobedient (vs 14) to emphasize the importance of obedience and that if Israel is going to take the Promised Land, it will be by God’s grace and their obedience to His commands (vs 15).
Israel could not take the land of the Ammonites (2:19) but they could take the land of the Amorites, in fulfillment of God’s statement to Abraham in Genesis 15:13-16. This was highlighted by their battle and victory over Sihon, king of the Amorites (2:30) and over Og, king of Bashan (3:4).
All that the Lord had done by Israel and for Israel in the past was to prepare them to trust and obey God for their future (3:21-22). Moses tried to persuade God to change His mind about allowing Moses to enter the Promised Land but he only succeeded in angering God (3:23-26). So, Joshua was given the leadership over Israel after the death of Moses (3:28).
Next week we’ll see how Moses pleads with Israel, a new generation of Israelites, in chapters 4-6 to take the commands of God seriously and to teach them to the future generations.
Paul Holland
