Tag Archive | The Book of Deuteronomy

#2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, day 81

Mar21

    Day 81—  Now that we’ve passed Day 66, we have established a “habit.” So CELEBRATE our habit of daily Bible reading! We are in the THIRD month so far! Praise God!

   Day 81 – Deuteronomy 32 – 34, Psalm 91  Song of Moses, Moses’s final blessing on each tribe, Moses death, Israel’s refuge)

God commanded Moses to write a song that would be taught to all Israel, so whenever they sang it, they would REMEMBER. It would be a witness for God.

In 43 verses and 10 stanzas of Chapter 32, Moses wrote the song of Israel’s glorious past, their hopeful present on the cusp of entering the Promised Land, and the disastrous future when they turn from God to worship other gods, who are not gods at all. And a glimpse of His everlasting love for them and restoration when the turn again.

“Rejoice with Him, O heavens;
bow down to Him, all gods,
for He avenges the blood of His children
and takes vengeance on His adversaries.
He repays those who hate him, 
and cleanses His people’s land.”

Deuteronomy 32:43

In Chapter 33, in the mode of Jacob when he blessed his sons, Moses now gives a “blessing” to the tribes of Israel, beginning with Reuben, and covering, Judah, Levi, Benjamin, Joseph (Ephraim & Manasseh), Zebulun, Issachar, Gad, Dan, Naphtali, and Asher.

Only Simeon is missing. Why? Because later, Simeon is assimilated into the tribe of Judah. (See Joshua 19:9 – “The inheritance of the people of Simeon formed part of the territory of the people of Judah. Because the portion of the people of Judah was too large for them, the people of Simeon obtained an inheritance in the midst of their inheritance.”)

(It might be interesting to compare Moses’ blessing on the tribes with Jacob’s blessings on his sons in Genesis 49.)

Chapter 34, tells of the death of Moses, written perhaps by Joshua.  Moses ascends Mt. Nebo and the LORD shows him the Promised Land. And there “the servant of the LORD died, and He (God) buried him in the valley in the land of Moab, but no one knows to place of his burial to this day.

Moses was 120 years old when he died. His eye was undimmed and his vigor unabated. And Israel mourned for him for thirty days.” 

And then… Joshua, the son of Nun (full of the spirit of wisdom) took over. And the people of Israel obeyed him and did as the LORD had commanded Moses.

“And there has not arisen a prophet since in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face, none like him for all the signs and wonders that the LORD sent him to do in the land of Egypt…. and for all the mighty power and all the great deeds of terror that Moses did in the sight of all Israel.”

 

(Alas, Moses DID get to enter the promised land, in the day when Jesus (“the prophet like himself”) was “transfigured.” Both he and Elijah stood with Jesus and encouraged the Savior about His upcoming death.  Luke 9 28-31.)

Psalm 91 is a glorious hymn, beginning with the familiar “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.”

It goes on to encourage its readers (Israel) that HE is their protection against all the ever-present dangers and terrors that surround them.

“A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come year you.”

 

(A wonderful Psalm for any believer to read, why not go there now, and hold to the promises of God to those who love Him.)

 

#2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, day 80

Mar20

    Day 80 —  Now that we’ve passed Day 66, we have established a “habit.” So CELEBRATE our habit of daily Bible reading! We are in the THIRD month so far! Praise God!

   Day 80 – Deuteronomy 30 – 31 (Repentance & hope, Choose life, Joshua commissioned, Command to read, a song written)

Moses’s life is winding down. He’s “mopping up” his leadership and readying himself and Joshua to pass the baton. Moses has been with these millions of people for over 40 years. He’s all the leader that some of them have ever know. What will it be like without him?

At 120 years old, Moses is ready to brush his hands of this people and “go home.”

In chapter 30, he tells the people he knows they will fail in all the commands and love toward God. He knows they will experience the really hard discipline of God, but  if/when they repent, return to the LORD, and obey his voice with all their heart and soul…. the gracious, long-suffering, and merciful LORD their God will have compassion on them and restore them.  And at that time, He will “circumcise their HEARTS so they will love him with heart and soul and LIVE.

Moses challenges them, saying, “But the word is very near to you. It is in your mouth and in your heart so you CAN do it!”  Moses sets before them life and death, blessing and curse. “Choose life, that you and your offspring may LIVE, loving the LORD your God, obeying His voice, and holding fast to him…..for He IS your life.”

In Chapter 31, Moses calls aside Joshua and encourages him, “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of THEM, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave or forsake you.” He then sets Joshua before the people and says the same thing.  This is your leader now. God will go before you and be with you and not forsake you.  Before all the people Moses officially commissions Joshua with the job, and the LORD, in a pillar of cloud, affirms it.

Moses finishes writing the words of the law in a book “to the very end.”  He commands that the Levites put it by the side of the ark of the covenant, and read the whole thing to the people every SEVEN YEARS, in the “year of release” when they all gather in the fall for the Festival of Booths/Harvest.

Then Moses (at God’s word) writes a song to teach to Israel, as a witness for God.  He wrote it in one day and taught it to the people of Israel.

(The song will be in tomorrow’s reading.)

#2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, days 77 & 78

Mar18

    Day 77 & 78—  Now that we’ve passed Day 66, we have established a “habit.” So CELEBRATE our habit of daily Bible reading! We are in the THIRD month so far! Praise God!  (Note: SUNDAY’s reading is combined with MONDAY’s)

   Day 77 – Deuteronomy 21 – 23 (Unsolved murders, Captives, Firstborns, Rebellious sons, Hangings, Neighborliness, Exclusions, Andy Gump,  )

Wow! Moses gives a list of eclectic rules and laws for community life in Israel in the Promised land (like tying up loose ends). Chapter 21 tells how to atone for an unsolved murder, the kindnesses required in marrying captive women, the undeniable birthright (double portion) of the firstborn son, no matter from loved or unloved wives, and then how to deal (very harshly) with a rebellious, unrepentant son – by stoning.

Lastly in this chapter, Moses mentions putting a criminal to death and then hanging him on a tree as a public display of the consequences of sin. Hanging on a tree is considered “a curse” by God, and their body cannot stay there over night.   Paul mentions this in regard to the death of Jesus in Galatians 3:13. “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a cruse for us, for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree.”

Chapter 22, list the sorts of things that are “neighborly” – helping someone out, finding a animal or possession and returning or keeping it safe for a neighbor, building a parapet around your roof so no one falls off.  He also mentions unequally yoked animals together (ox & donkey) for they would just go round in circles, with the ox pulling hardest.  Paul, in 2 Corinthians 6:14 urges believers in Jesus, “do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers, for what fellowship has light with darkness.”

Chapter 23 looks at some hard things, such as the exclusion from gathering before the presence of the Lord to worship Him, and participation in the religious rites at the Tabernacle and later the Temple. They were to exclude those with crushed testicles or cut off male organs, any man born of a forbidden union, no Ammonite or Moabite. Why?  Often frenzied pagan worship rituals would involve male mutilations. And Moses explained that these two nations did not help Israel, but instead hired Balaam to CURSE them.

And finally, he told Israel that the LORD “walked in the midst of their camp to deliver them,” so the camp must be holy and “decent.”  Therefore they were to go outside the camp, take a trowel, and dig a hole for their “poop” and cover it up when they were done. God is so practical!

 

Day 78 – Deuteronomy 24 -27  (More miscellaneous laws, Levite marriage, offerings, and the curses from Mt. Ebal)

In Chapter 24, Moses gives more eclectic laws that show the goodness and kindness of God and also His holiness and  justice. There is protection for a woman divorced, leniency for a newlywed man, mercy for poor debtors, and safety for the parents of a murderous son. God, through Moses’ words, promotes generosity for the “sojourner, the fatherless and the widow, and even a prodding ox.

In Chapter 25, he lays out the special rules for marriage among the Levites, the rightness of fair weights, and a sworn duty to annihilate the Amalekites.

In Chapter 26, Moses reviews the required offerings and tithes, and ends with a glorious promise for Israel if they will be faithful. “And the LORD has declared today that you are a people for His treasured possession, as He has promised you, and that you are to keep all his commandments, and that He will set you in praise and in fame and in honor high above all nations that He has made, and that you shall be a people holy to the LORD your God as he promised.”

Chapter 27 begins the explanation and command of the dual pledge of God and Israel together once they cross the Jordan River into the Promised Land. He names half of the Twelve tribes that are to go up on Mt. Ebal and then names the other half that will go up on Mt. Gerizim, with the Levites standing between and calling out curses and blessings.  All the tribes, first on the North, then those on the South are to respond with “AMEN” (so be it).  In this chapter, Moses lists TWELVE curses that are to be called out.  TWELVE “Amens” are to be the answers.

#2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, day 76

Mar16

    Day 76 —  Now that we’ve passed Day 66, we have established a “habit.” So CELEBRATE our habit of daily Bible reading! We are in the THIRD month so far! Praise God!

   Day 76– Deuteronomy 17 – 20 (Forbidden worship, Judges, Kings, Priests, Cities of Refuge, Witnesses, Warfare)

Moses with another eclectic list of laws, duties, and possibilities.  Chapter 17 reviews the seriousness of worshiping idols and leading others to do so = death. Priests & Judges, with 2-3 witnesses decide the fate of murderers and assault cases.

Moses also covers the time when Israel will want a king for themselves, and what special laws will apply to him.

Chapter 18 reaffirms that the people MUST support their brothers, the Levites, for they are not proportioned any land. It also warns strongly against any occult practices, and sentences death to practitioners.

And then Moses tells of “a Prophet” that God will raise up from their tribes and put His own words in His mouth. Israel is to “listen to Him.” (An early hint of the Messiah. See John 1:21, 25, 6:14)

Chapter 19  again distinguishes between premeditated murder and manslaughter, calling for three Cities of Refuge to safeguard the one who accidentally killed someone, and more cities as the nation grows.  It also warns of untrue and malicious witnesses, saying they shall be punished as was meant for the supposed offender.

In Chapter 20 Moses covers a new topic, that of warfare, first when fighting enemies around Israel, and then those inside the Land.  In the first case, they can besiege cities (but not cut down fruit trees for siegeworks), and when they conquer it, everything will be their spoil. The captured people will be forced labor and all animals and goods are theirs.  However, when they are fighting against the cities of Canaan, they shall utterly destroy everybody and everything.  First to clear the land of idolatry, and then to punish these offenders whose iniquity was finally “ripe,” and to give space for Israel.

Interestingly, there are 4 types of men who can “evade the military draft.”  1) Any man who has built a new home and has not dedicated it. 2) Any man who has planted a vineyard and has not yet enjoyed the fruit yet. 3) Any man who has betrothed a wife but has not yet taken her in marriage.  4) And finally, any man who is fearful and fainthearted may also leave the service.

#2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, day 75

Mar15

    Day 75 —  Now that we’ve passed Day 66, we have established a “habit.” So CELEBRATE our habit of daily Bible reading! We are in the THIRD month so far! Praise God!

   Day 75– Deuteronomy 14 – 16 (More reviews, Soft hearts, Main Feasts)

In Chapter 14, Moses reviews a few dietary laws of things they will face in the Promised Land, listing what is “clean” for Israel to eat. He reminds them “You are a people holy (set apart) to the LORD your God, and the LORD has chosen you to be a people for His treasured possession out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth. YOU shall not eat any abomination.” (14:2-3)

They are also reminded not to forget the Levites and giving their tithes which are to support them.

Chapter 15 goes over the Sabbatical Year, when all indentured “slaves” are to be released, and for the wealthy not to send them away empty, but with supplies. God warns them against a “hardened heart” toward the poor, and to give them freely what they need. Hasn’t God supplied all of them abundantly with more than they need?  “Open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy, and to the poor of the land,” says the LORD.

Chapter 16, reviews their obligation to keep (remember always) Passover, for it is when God delivered them from slavery in Egypt. (A “picture” of the deliverance Christians receive through the sacrifice of the ultimate Passover Lamb at the crucifixion of Jesus. We too are to Remember it.)  Details on the first harvest Festival of Weeks (First-fruits or Pentecost) and the Festival of Booths (Tabernacles) when Israel remembered their time living in tents in the Wilderness are also reviewed and encouraged.

The chapter ends with a caution about unrighteous judges, and a warning against forbidden objects or means of idol worship, for the LORD hates such things.

#2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, day 74

Mar14

    Day 74 —  Now that we’ve passed Day 66, we have established a “habit.” So CELEBRATE our habit of daily Bible reading! We are in the THIRD month so far! Praise God!

   Day 74– Deuteronomy 11 – 13 (Love, discipline, & obedience, Holy Worship, False Prophets)

Moses continues his admonitions to Israel in Chapter 11, urging them 1) to LOVE their God (who loves them) and 2) to KEEP his charge, statutes, rules, and commandments, and 3) to CONSIDER the discipline of their God for their good, and 4) to REMEMBER His care for them in the wilderness.  Oh, the blessings that will follow, if they do these!

Then Moses offers them two choices. “See, I am setting before you today a BLESSING  and a CURSE; the blessing, if you obey the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you today, and the curse if you do NOT obey the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside from the way…and go after gods that you have not know.” Their choice.

In Chapter 12, Moses tells them God will choose a place where He will dwell and where they are to worship Him. No longer will He be in the center of their camp, but in a permanent place in the Promised Land. BUT they are still to come there to offer their burnt sacrifices, no matter how far away they live.

They are also to tear down all the alters and pagan worship places they encounter in the land, and not be tempted to worship false gods there.  God also now says they can slaughter and eat meat whenever they wish, and not first offer it to God.

Moses then gives stern warning against false prophets or “dreamers” in Chapter 13. Even if these men speak truth, and what they say comes to pass, IF THEY LEAD TO IDOL WORSHIP, they are to be stoned to death, so that “evil will be purged from Israel’s midst.”  EVEN IF their close relatives tempt them secretly to go serve other gods, they are to be killed.

LOVE the LORD only, and SERVE HIM only.

#2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, day 73

Mar13

    Day 73 —  Now that we’ve passed Day 66, we have established a “habit.” So CELEBRATE our habit of daily Bible reading! We are in the THIRD month so far! Praise God!

   Day 73– Deuteronomy 8 – 10 (Remember, don’t forget, not your righteousness, 2nd chance)

In these chapters Moses continues with his admonitions, reminders and challenges to Israel while on the brink of entering the Promised Land.

In Chapter 8 Moses tells them to remember how the LORD led them and took care of them for 40 years. How he humbled and tested them, how he fed them and kept their clothes from wearing out and their feet from swelling.

He also tells them not to forget the LORD once they are in that good and fruitful land, and their homes are built, crops & herds flourishing, and bellies full.  But remember how he kept them in that terrifying wilderness and watered and fed them there.  They are to remember it is the LORD who gives them the power to get wealth, and to NOT forget their God and go after idols.

In Chapter 9, Moses reminds them them that it was NOT THEIR righteousness that brought them to the Promised Land, but because of the wickedness of the nations they will be driving out.  These nations’ iniquity had grown to full ripeness, and Israel was going in to pluck and destroy it.  THEIR wickedness, not ISRAEL’S righteousness is bringing them into the Land, for they are a stubborn people.

Moses reminds them of the horrible golden calf they built and worshiped, and how he fell flat on his face before God for forty days interceding for them and for Aaron that God would not destroy them all, not for THEIR sake, but for HIS great name’s sake.

In Chapter 10, He tells them again of the tables of stone which contain the Ten Commandments for them to keep. “And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments and statutes of the LORD…..for your good.”

And they were to “circumcise their hearts and no long be stubborn, for “the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, the awesome God.”  “He is your praise, He is YOUR God.”

#2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, day 72

Mar12

    Day 72 —  Now that we’ve passed Day 66, we have established a “habit.” So CELEBRATE our habit of daily Bible reading! We are in the THIRD month so far! Praise God!

   Day 72 – Deuteronomy 5 – 7 (Recap of the Ten, Admonishment, the Shema, Promises, God’s chosen & loved people)

These chapters are full of the goodness and sweetness  and majesty of the LORD for Israel. Attributes that made them want to promise to fear and obey Him always.   (But, alas, God knew they would/could not.)

Chapter 5 Moses reviews the Ten Commandments by first calling them together with, “Hear, O Israel, the statutes and the rules that I speak in your hearing today, and you shall learn them and be careful to do them.”

The people proclaim God’s glory and greatness, and claim that, what He says, “we will hear and do it.”

God answers with longing, “Oh that they had such a mind as this always, to fear me and to keep all my commandments, that it might go well with them and with their descendants forever.”  (Amen, for me too.)

In Chapter 6,  Moses gives the “greatest commandment.”  “HEAR, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and with all your might.”

And HOW to do them? By keeping them in their heart, teaching them diligently to their children, talking about them when they sit in their house, walk by the way and lie down, and rise up. They should bind them as “a sign” on their hand and forehead (what they do & think). They should write time on the doorposts of their homes and on the gates.  (They are to be totally surrounded and emersed in the Words of God.)

Then follows a warning to them (and to us) that when they are in the land of good and plenty, that they should NOT forget Him, but fear and serve and love Him ONLY. And not put Him to the test.

In Chapter 7, Moses assures Israel that they are a people holy to God, “The LORD your God has CHOSEN you to be a people for his treasured possession out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth. It was NOT because you were more in number than any other people that the LORD set his LOVE on you, for you were the fewest of all peoples, but it is because the LORD loves you and is keeping the oath that He swore to your fathers.”

“Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who LOVE HIM and keep his commandments to a THOUSAND GENERATIONS.”

And God goes on to list many great and wonderful promises of blessing, fruitfulness, health, freedom from enemy attack and fear.  If they would but serve and worship HIM ONLY!!

#2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, days 70 & 71

Mar11

    Day 70 & 71—  Now that we’ve passed Day 66, we have established a “habit.” So CELEBRATE our habit of daily Bible reading! We are in the THIRD month so far! Praise God!  (Note: SUNDAY’s reading is combined with MONDAY’s)

   Day 70 – Deuteronomy 1 – 2 (God’s orders & Moses’ Recap so far)

Deuteronomy means “Second Law” so in this book, Moses repeats a lot of what has happened so far, and explains and clarifies the law God gave them. He will also tell them what will happen if Israel obeys, and what will happen if they don’t.

In Chapter 1, Moses reviews the journey from Mt. Horeb (Sinai) to where they are at present, east of the Jordan River.  Their journey should have taken eleven DAYS, but here they are in the fortieth YEAR.  Why?  He recalls how they had originally approached the Promised Land, sent in spies, and believed the fearful report from 10 of the spies, and decided to choose a new leader and go back to Egypt.

God responded by telling them they would indeed go back, but just into the wilderness until ALL that generation was DEAD. When they heard that, they wept bitterly, but “the LORD did not listen to their voice or give ear to them.” (1:45)

In Chapter 2, Moses tells how God eventually instructed them to turn NORTH.  But He warned them not make trouble with Edom (descendants from Jacob’s brother Esau) or with Moab & Ammon (sons of Abraham’s nephew, Lot), because they were “Family” and God had also given them their land (for Abraham’s sake). God promised to put “fear and dread” in the hearts of all the rest of their enemies for their sake as they moved into enemy territory.

    Day 71 – Deuteronomy 3 – 4 (Reminders of God’s power in war, Moses’ request denied, No other God like Israel’s God)

In Chapter 3, Moses recalls to the people how God helped them war & win against King Og and King Sihon, without a man of Israel lost, and how they were enriched by all the spoil.

(A fun side note is that King Og was the last of the giants (Rephaim) in that area, and that his bed (or coffin) was 13.5 feet long and 6 feet wide.  In reminding Israel how God had defeated him, they were not to be afraid of the other giants in the land.)

Moses then pleads with God. “Please let me go over and see the good land beyond the Jordan.”

The LORD answers sternly, “Enough from you. Do not speak to me of this matter again.”

However God does allow Moses to “see” the Land from the North to South, and East to West from Mt. Pisgah, but it is Joshua who will lead the people to possess the Promised Land.

In Chapter 4, Moses repeatedly WARNS Israel not to make or worship any carved idol-gods, for WHO IS LIKE OUR GOD?  What nation has ever had so powerful and righteous a god as the God of Israel. They are to remember all He has done for them, rescuing them from “the Iron Furnace” of Egypt, caring for them, loving them, providing for them, protecting them.

They are also to remember that the LORD their God is a “consuming fire, a jealous God” (for the people He chose, loved, and rescued).  He warns that if they turn from this truly magnificent omnipotent God, He will send them to exile. But even there, He will not forsake them. And if they seek Him with all their hearts, they will find Him. For their God is also “a merciful God.” He would not leave or destroy them or forget the covenant He swore to their forefathers.

He is like no other!  There is no other besides Him. THEREFORE, they were to keep his statutes and His commandments.  From there Moses gives an introduction to the Law that God wrote on the tablets of stone.

(Next chapter will review the TEN in detail)