I had to laugh when I read the first sentence of my NIV Study Bible's introduction to Deuteronomy. The word Deuteronomy means "repetition of the law". You guys ready for some more law??? We know repetition of a good thing (a new habit, positive words, thoughts, actions) is key to it becoming ingrained in our lives. So, as we start this fifth book of the Bible together, let's press on to keep learning about our God, His commandments, and His grace.
As I think of times in my life that have been filled with great anticipation, several things come to my mind - my wedding, the birth of our son, and moving to a new home or city. There was a lot of preparation leading up to these events. I was looking forward to each one, but especially to what followed... sharing life with my sweet husband, the joy of my son, and the experiences of exploring a new town and making new friends. These are all wonderful memories for me.
Can you feel the anticipation growing for the Israelites? They had been "wandering in the desert" for 40 years. They were in Moab, which is just across the Jordan River from Canaan. They could probably see the edges of the Promised Land. Moses must have had some pretty intense emotions at this time also. We know that Moses was not allowed to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. He was also 120 years old at this time and was transitioning leadership of the Israelites to Joshua. I believe this time of his life would have been bitter-sweet. Moses still had a big job to do as he prepared the Israelites to enter Canaan. He was to remind them of God's covenant, faithfulness, and blessings. But, Moses also had to say goodbye to the people he had led for the past 40+ years. To the very end of his life, Moses was faithful to lead the Israelites and to deliver God's messages to them.
Deuteronomy consists of three "sermons", which were Moses' farewell messages. Let's dive in together...
Moses begins by reviewing some of the Israelites' history starting with their camp in Horeb (believed to be near the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula). He quickly reminds them of God's promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob of deliverance to the Promised Land. Moses also reminds the Israelites of the following:
- They had agreed to established leadership and order throughout the tribes
- God told them to take the land of the Amorites, but the Israelites instead chose to send spies
- An entire generation of Israelites, including Moses, were not allowed to enter Canaan because of their lack of obedience or trust (the exceptions were Caleb and Joshua)
- The Israelites tried to conquer the Amorites on their own, failed miserably, and received no sympathy from God
- They wandered in the desert for another 38 years
- God led them back to conquer the Amorites and they were victorious
I don't know about you guys, but I felt like I was reading the Cliff Notes version of the Israelite wanderings. Kind of fun! Moses reminded the Israelites of where they have been, times when they were disobedient and had suffered consequences, and that God was faithful to keep his promises. God commanded the Israelites twice to conquer the Amorites. The first time they were disobedient and suffered as a result. The second time, they were obedient and were victorious. I want to be one who remembers my history, God's promises, and God's grace AND one who learns from my mistakes. I am so thankful that God gives us second (and third) chances!
