God’s Reasons for Driving Out the Canaanites

Deuteronomy 9:1-6 

9:1-6
In Deuteronomy 8 Moses cautioned the people to recognize God as the source of all the blessings they would enjoy in the Promised Land (8:11-16) lest they be lifted up by pride (8:17). In Deuteronomy 9 Moses cautioned the people to recognize God as the source of their military victories (9:1-3) lest they pridefully take the credit for those victories (9:4-6). Moses assured the Israelites that they would cross over the Jordan to go in to dispossess nations greater and mightier than them (9:1), including the Anakim (9:2), a race of individuals whose intimidating appearance had struck terror in the hearts of the spies (Numbers 13:28, 31). The Anakim controlled the land in the southern part of Canaan with Hebron being their chief city. Joshua dispossessed them (Joshua 11:21-22). Caleb was given possession of Hebron (Joshua 15:13-14 and Judges 1:20). Moses assured the Israelites of victory over the Anakim (9:3).

Moses knew that the military victories in Canaan had the potential of being misinterpreted by the Israelites. He knew that the people would be tempted to think that they had been successful in battle because of their righteousness. Moses quickly reminded the Israelites that God would not grant them any victories on the basis of their righteousness. Instead they would experience military victories for the following reasons: First, because of the wickedness of their enemies (9:4). Second, because of God’s promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (9:5). Third, because of God’s grace (9:6). The Israelites were a stubborn people who did not deserve God’s goodness. Read also Psalm 44:1-3.

Practical Consideration: We must all face giants along life’s journey. Just as the Israelites had to face the Anakim in Canaan, so must we face Anakim in our spiritual journey. There will be many occasions on life’s journey when we will face seemingly impossible situations, intimidating circumstances, and demoralizing odds. Just as Moses assured the Israelites that God would go before them against the Anakim, we too, can be assured of God’s presence and aid as we face the giants on our journey.

Israel‘s Rebellion by Worshiping the Golden Calf

Deuteronomy 9:7-21

9:7-21
These verses illustrate Israel’s stubbornness. Moses reviewed the golden calf incident (Exodus 24:12-18 and chapters 32 and 34) to help the people understand that they had not been given the Promised Land because of their righteousness or the uprightness of their heart (9:5). They were, in fact, a forgetful and rebellious people. Notice the following significant facts in the review of the golden calf incident.

First, notice the difference between the behavior of Moses and that of the Israelites (9:9). When Moses went up on Mount Horeb he neither ate bread nor drank water for forty days and nights (9:9) while he patiently waited on the Lord to give him “the tablets of the covenant” (9:11). However, “when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down from the mountain” (Exodus 32:1), they asked Aaron to make them a god. Aaron willingly obliged the people’s request (Exodus 32:2-6).

Practical Consideration: We must use our influence for good. When Moses was absent, the people grew impatient and asked Aaron to assist them in making a god. Aaron should have used his influence to encourage the people to patiently wait for Moses to return. Instead, Aaron assisted them in their sin. Someone has stated “we must neither bring sin upon others nor encourage them in it.” We have a responsibility to guard our influence. Henry Ward Beecher wrote, “The humblest individual exerts some influence, either for good or evil, upon others.” We should always use our influence for good.

Second, notice the nature of the Israelite’s rebellion. Verse 10 indicates that the people had heard the terms of the covenant before they were written. Therefore, their rebellion and violation of the first two commandments was willful and not out of ignorance.

Third, notice the anger of the Lord over the Israelite’s rebellion (9:13-16). Within days of hearing the terms of the covenant, the people “turned aside quickly from the way which the Lord had commanded [them]” (9:16). God told Moses to leave the mountain and return to the people (notice that God referred to them as “your” people and “this” people but not “My” people) to behold what they had done. God told Moses that He would deal with the people in a two-fold manner (9:14). First, by destroying them. Second, by blotting out their name from under heaven. God could still fulfill His purpose through Moses.

Practical Consideration: Short memories can lead to big problems. After hearing the terms of the covenant (9:10) and before those terms were written on the stone tablets (9:11), the Israelites quickly violated the first two commandments. The Israelites had short memories and consequently got themselves in big trouble. James (1:23-24) commented on the problem of a short memory: “For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was.”

Fourth, notice the anger of Moses over the Israelite’s rebellion (9:17 and Exodus 32:19). Moses smashed the tablets of the law in the presence of the people, a powerful visual object lesson that illustrated the Israelite’s breaking of the covenant.

Fifth, notice the steps of action Moses took to deal with the situation (9:18-21). Moses interceded for the people and for Aaron (9:18-20 and 26-29). Notice the following things about Moses’ prayer: Moses was earnest in prayer: “And I fell down before the Lord” (9:18). Moses persevered in prayer: “forty days and nights” (9:18). Moses fasted in prayer: “I neither ate not drank water” (9:18). Moses was bold in prayer: “For I was afraid … but the Lord listened to me” (9:19). Moses interceded in prayer: “so I also prayed for Aaron at the same time” (9:20). Moses followed-up on his prayer by completely destroying the golden calf (9:21).

Practical Consideration: Our concern for others should find expression in prayer. The concern of Moses for the welfare of the Israelites found expression in earnest intercessory prayer. The prayer of Moses was heard and honored by God and Israel was spared destruction. James (5:16b) notes, “The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.” It is often easier to give up on people than to earnestly pray for them. Our concern for others should find expression in earnest and sincere intercessory prayer.

Other Examples of Israel‘s Rebellion

Deuteronomy 9:22-24

9:22-24
These verses pick up again on the theme of verse 7. They provide further illustrations of Israel’s rebellion. John D.W. Watts comments on the gist of these verses: “You have [always] been rebellious against the Lord. The implication is: ‘And you still are!'”

The following is a quick reference to the incidents referred to in these verses.

• Taberah (Numbers 11:1-3). The word “taberah” means, “burning.” A place so named to serve as a reminder of the complaining of the people and the anger of the Lord, which was kindled by their complaining.

• Massah (Exodus 17:7). The name “massah” means test. A place so named to serve as a reminder of the incident where the people complained because of lack of water and put God to the test. Refer to the comments on Deuteronomy 6:16 on page 17 of these notes.

• Kibroth-hattaavah (Numbers 11:31-35). A term that means “the graves of greediness.” A place so named to serve as a reminder to the people of their inordinate selfishness.

• Kadesh-barnea (Numbers 13-14). The place where the report of the ten spies inspired gross unbelief on the part of the Israelites. Refer to the comments on Deuteronomy 1:19-46 on pages 2 and 3 of these notes.

Practical Consideration: A review of our past can accentuate God’s grace and goodness towards us. Moses reviewed the past of the Israelites, a past filled with numerous instances of grumbling, greediness, failure, and faithlessness. This review served as a background that accentuated the goodness of God. A review of our past will likely yield numerous instances that can serve to accentuate God’s grace and goodness towards us.

Moses’ Intercession for Israel‘s Rebellion

Deuteronomy 9:25-29

9:25-29
These verses more fully describe the content of Moses’ intercession for the people. Notice the number of personal pronouns Moses used in his prayer to remind God that the people, though rebellious, were His (9:26 and 29). Moses also reminded God of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (9:27). Moses also urged God to consider what the heathen nations would say if He destroyed Israel. While God was certainly justified in destroying Israel, Moses was concerned that the heathen nations might misunderstand such an action and conclude that God was unable to lead them to the Promised Land (9:28).

Remembering God’s Past Dealings

Deuteronomy 8:1-10 

8:1-2a
Moses urged the Israelites to “remember” (8:2 and 18) and not “forget” (8:11, 14, and 19) the Lord, the Lord’s commandments, nor His deeds on their behalf. He knew that the Israelite’s possession of the Promised Land might lead them to pride and a short memory concerning God (8:14). Their success in the Promised Land was linked to their observance of God’s commands and their remembrance of God’s deeds on their behalf. Moses thus exhorted the people to remember two things.

First, Moses exhorted the people to remember “all the commandments” (8:1). There is no success apart from obedience to God’s word. The word “all” defines the scope of what they were to obey. The phrase “be careful to do” defines the method in which they were to observe God’s commands.

Second, Moses exhorted the people to remember “all the way” (8:2a). The people stood on the threshold of the Promised Land. As they prepared to enter the land Moses exhorted them to remember “all the way” in which the Lord had led them in the wilderness the past forty years. The word “all” defines the scope of what they were to remember. They were to remember both the pleasant and bitter experiences of their journey. It is often life’s most difficult experiences that can produce the most memorable lessons. Their forty-year wilderness journey was clearly marked with the evidence of God’s providential care and discipline of His people.

Practical Consideration: We can learn good lessons from bad experiences. Moses urged the Israelite’s to remember all the way in which God had led them through the wilderness. Their wilderness journey was littered with experiences of failure, frustration, and foolishness. Moses wanted for the people to remember and learn good lessons from those experiences. Their bad experiences were valuable tutors regarding the dangers of disobeying God, the heavy price of unfaithfulness, and the demand of God for loyalty, to name but a few.

8:2a-10
Moses wanted for the people to remember several valuable lessons from their wilderness experience that would serve them well in the Promised Land.

First, Moses reminded the people that God had a purpose for allowing them to be touched by difficulties (8:2b). God was interested in the development of their characters and in knowing what the Israelites were made of. John Maxwell comments, “Nothing reveals the true self like the difficulties of life.” God developed His people through the challenges of the wilderness journey in which they faced choices between trusting in God or themselves, obeying or disobeying God, praising God or murmuring against Him, going on or returning to Egypt. The struggles and obstacles of the wilderness experience were designed to prepare and strengthen the Israelites for the challenges of the Promised Land. Someone has noted, “The path that has no obstacles leads to nowhere.”

Practical Consideration: We don’t grow in a vacuum. The things the Israelites were exposed to in the wilderness were designed to help them mature and understand that they needed God. Helen Keller said, “I thank God for my handicaps, for through them, I have found myself, my work and my God.” Every trial and affliction was designed to mold the Israelites into a distinctive people. C.N. Bovee said, “Affliction, like the iron-smith, shapes as it smites.” Henry Ward Beecher said, “Affliction comes to us, not to make us sad but sober; not to make us sorry but wise.” W.E. Channing said, “Difficulties are meant to rouse, not discourage. The human spirit is to grow strong by conflict.”

Second, Moses reminded the Israelites that part of God’s purpose in allowing them to be touched by difficulties was to teach them humility and the value of trusting God and depending on His word (8:3). This lesson was taught as the people found themselves in situations where it was necessary for them to trust in God rather than in themselves. When they had exhausted their food supply God miraculously supplied them with “manna which you did not know, nor did your fathers know.” The purpose of this was to help them understand the need to live life in dependence upon God. Note: Refer to Matthew 4:4 and Luke 4:4 regarding Jesus’ use of this verse when He was tempted in the wilderness.

Third, Moses reminded the people that God had made provision for them in the midst of difficulties (8:4). The wilderness experience was difficult and physically challenging. Yet, in all their wanderings their clothing did not wear out and their feet did not swell (8:4).

Fourth, Moses reminded the people that all the things they had experienced in the wilderness were designed for their good, as the discipline of a father for his son (8:5). That was reason enough to “keep the commandments … walk in His ways … fear Him” (8:6). Psalm 119:75 states, “I know, O Lord, that Thy judgments are righteous, And that in faithfulness Thou hast afflicted me.” Psalm 119:71 states, “It is good for me that I was afflicted, That I may learn Thy statutes.”

In contrast to the hardships the Israelites experienced in the wilderness, the Promised Land held the promise of great blessings. The Israelites would be sustained by abundant resources in the new land that were no less a gift from God than the supernatural provision of manna in the wilderness (8:7-10). Moses exhorted the people to respond to God’s goodness in the new land with gratitude.

Warning Against Forgetting God

Deuteronomy 8:11-20

8:11-20
In verses 1-10 the emphasis is on remembering the leadership and provision of God through the wilderness journey. In verses 11-20 the emphasis is on the danger of forgetting God and His past deeds (8:14-16) in the midst of the new land’s bounty (8:12-13). These verses illustrate the temptation and potential to forget God when stomachs are full, bills are paid, and barns are bulging. Someone has noted that forgetfulness is the greatest mark of ingratitude. Forgetting God carries with it awful consequences (8:19-20), not the least of which is idolatry. James Wolfendale comments, “If true God forgotten, another will be chosen, for we must have a God.”

Practical Consideration: God can remind us to remember Him by removing the things that cause us to forget Him. God does not want for us allow life’s blessings and successes to cause us to forget Him. We should always keep in mind that God can easily remove anything that causes our thoughts of Him to diminish and our love for Him to cool. He can easily strip us of anything that diverts our attention away from Him.

The Destruction of Paganism

Deuteronomy 7:1-5

7:1-5
Deuteronomy 7 contains Moses’ instructions to the Israelites concerning their relationship to the other nations in Canaan, described as “seven nations greater and stronger than you” (7:1). These nations posed a spiritual and moral threat to the Israelites. The Israelites were forbidden from making any covenant or alliance with these foreign nations (7:2). The making of a covenant or contract would have required that each party take an oath in the name of their respective deity. Included in the prohibition against covenant making with the inhabitants of Canaan was the marriage covenant. The Israelites were prohibited from intermarrying with their pagan neighbors (7:3). The reason for this prohibition is given in verse 4: “For they will turn your sons away from following Me to serve other gods.” The danger of apostasy was a real threat. The consequences of Solomon’s intermarriage with foreign women in 1 Kings 11:1-13 proves the necessity and importance of this policy. John Maxwell comments, “If a child of God marries a child of the devil, the child of God is going to have trouble with the father-in-law!” Moses also instructed the Israelites to utterly destroy everything associated with idolatry (7:5). They were to destroy every appearance of evil. God would tolerate no rival or anything that would perpetuate idolatry.

Practical Consideration: We must not tolerate evil. The Israelites were instructed by Moses to utterly destroy the inhabitants and idols of the Canaanites. They were to “show no favor to them” (7:1). James Wolfendale comments, “What we tolerate we begin to pity and love. Evils most repulsive at first become attractive afterwards.” The Israelites were to utterly destroy every idolatrous item (7:5) that nothing remain to rouse their curiosity and lead them astray.

God’s Choice of Israel

Deuteronomy 7:6-11

7:6-11
Moses warned the Israelites against fraternizing with the pagan nations in Canaan (7:1-5) because Israel had been chosen by God to be a holy people (7:6). The Israelites were to live lives distinctively different than that of their pagan neighbors. God chose Israel not because of her strength of numbers or greatness (7:7) but because of His love for them and to honor His promise to Abraham (7:8). That love was expressed in their redemption from Egypt (7:8). Verses 9 and 10 address both the privilege and price of being a chosen people. The privilege of being a chosen people in faithful relationship to God would extend to generations (7:9). The price of being a chosen people characterized by unfaithfulness also was great, including severe judgment (7:10). Better to obey God and remain faithful to Him (7:11).

Practical Consideration: God’s people are to live holy lives. God demands and expects His people to live holy lives. Those who belong to God should live lives that affirm and testify to their relationship to God. There must be a significant line of demarcation between the lives of believers and unbelievers.

The Blessings of Obedience

Deuteronomy 7:12-26 

7:12-16
Moses spoke to the people concerning the blessings of obedience. Verse 12 contains a simple three-step manner in which to please God: “listen … keep … do.” Those who listen to and observe God’s word will experience God’s love (7:13), God’s blessings (7:13-14, evidenced in the multiplication of human, animal, and plant life), God’s healing (7:15a) and protection from diseases (7:15b), and military victory (7:16).

7:17-26
These verses are a speech of encouragement to warriors. Moses understood the things that concern people who are going into battle. The first battle a warrior must fight is in his heart and mind … it is the battle against fear. Moses told the people to not be afraid (7:18) as they faced nations greater than them (7:17) on the battlefield. Moses told the Israelites that understanding several things would calm their fears.

First, by remembering the way in which God miraculously delivered them from Egypt (7:18-19). Their deliverance was secured by God’s “mighty hand and … outstretched arm” (7:19). God would employ that same mighty arm in their defense in battle (7:19). James Wolfendale notes, “What God has done He can do again. He can never change. Omnipotence is never exhausted.”

Practical Consideration: Remembering past victories can give us the confidence to face future battles. Memory can be one of the most powerful weapons we can employ in the face of present difficulties and future challenges. It can dispel fear and drive away doubt. It can inspire confidence and ignite action. Remembering past victories over difficulties and challenges can remind us of God’s ability to help us deal with anything that touches our lives. The writer of Hebrews stated, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yes and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). We can be certain that the same God who helped us meet the challenges of yesterday will help us today and tomorrow.

Second, by being aware that God would go before them in battle and deliver the enemy into their hand (7:20-24). John Maxwell comments that the “hornet” (7:20) that God sent against the Israelite’s enemies was the emotion of fear which brings with it the companions of panic, depression, and discouragement.

Practical Consideration: God never intended for us to face life’s battles alone. God did not lead the people to the threshold of the Promised Land only to send them in to fight the inhabitants on their own. God did not say, “Good luck, I hope you can beat those guys in Canaan.” God promised to go before His people and with His people.

Third, by maintaining a proper understanding of God (7:21). Moses referred to God as “a great and awesome God” (7:21). God was certainly greater and stronger than their enemies. The Israelites needed to focus on God’s power rather than that of their enemies. James Wolfendale comments, “When we look at self and forget God we magnify dangers.”

Practical Consideration: Problems are big only when our God is small. Moses referred to God as “a great and awesome God” (5:21). It is not possible to keep difficulties and challenges in perspective when our view of God is puny. There is absolutely nothing we will ever face in life that is bigger than God. He is bigger than anything we will ever face. He is better equipped than we are to deal with the things that touch our lives. He is able to bring beauty out of the things that touch our lives.

Fourth, by not growing weary in the face of their problems. Moses told the people that their enemies would be dealt with “little by little” (7:22). There were numerous battles to fight in the Promised Land. Someone has said that problems are like cows, noting that the most difficult thing about milking cows is that they never stay milked. The conquest of Canaan would not happen overnight.

Practical Consideration: Life by the inch is a cinch! Someone has noted that life by the inch is a cinch, but life by the yard is hard. Moses reminded the people that the conquest of Canaan would not happen overnight. They would fight and then settle on the land secured by their victory … and then fight and settle again until the land was conquered. Every small victory would contribute to the larger objective of conquering the land. Canaan would be conquered by the inch.

Fifth, by not tolerating anything that had the potential to turn their hearts away from God (7:25-26). The Israelites were to thoroughly destroy every idol they encountered in their conquest of the Promised Land.

The Purpose of the Commandment

Deuteronomy 6:1-3 

6:1-3
Moses again reminded the people that the commandments of God were given that they might be obeyed (6:1). It is neither enough to hear God’s word nor to know God’s word, we must obey God’s word (see Luke 11:28 and James 1:22). Hearing God’s word should lead the hearer to “fear the Lord” (6:2). God’s word contains the record of God’s loving search for man. It helps men to understand the character, nature, and will of God. It leads men to reverence and love God. Psalm 119:38 states, “Establish Thy word to Thy servant, as that which produces reverence for Thee.” A fear of God should manifest itself in steadfast obedience. “The fear, or the love of God in the heart therefore, is the only power to produce loyal obedience to God” (James Wolfendale, Homiletical Commentary). The relationship between obedience and blessing is a recurring theme in Deuteronomy (6:3). As stated on page 1 of these notes, Deuteronomy is a commentary on Proverbs 13:13, “The one who despises the word will be in debt to it, But the one who fears the commandment will be rewarded.” Moses defined the wonderful rewards of obedience to God’s word in Deuteronomy 6:3 (and also 5:16, 29; 6:18, 24).

The Commandment to Love God Only

Deuteronomy 6:4-9
Deuteronomy 6:4-9 (also Deuteronomy 11:13-21 and Numbers15:37-41) constitutes what is referred to as the “Shema,” the most important passage of the Old Testament for the Jews. It is the great confession of faith of Judaism. The designation “shema” comes from the Hebrew word “hear” in verse 4. This passage of Scripture is the first that every Jewish child must commit to memory. It is used to open every Jewish service. It is recited twice daily by the faithful in accordance with Jewish rabbinical law.

6:4
This great confession of faith begins with the declaration that God is one. This was important to the Israelites who found themselves between Egypt and Canaan. The Israelites were not unfamiliar with polytheism. The Egyptians acknowledged and worshiped innumerable gods, the names of at least two thousand of which are known. The future of the Israelites would be filled with the temptation to experiment with and incorporate the practices of their pagan neighbors (who worshiped a multiplicity of gods) into the worship of God. This confession prohibited both polytheism and syncretism. Thus this was an important confession for a people at the intersection of a past in which they were exposed to polytheism and a future that would tempt them with syncretism.

6:5
The Israelites were to wholeheartedly love God. They were to love God with all their “heart … soul … [and] might,” terms that indicate the comprehensive kind of love man should have for God. They were to love God affectionately, with “all your heart.” The word “all” precludes a half-hearted kind of love. They were to love God entirely, “with all your soul.” They were to love God energetically, “with all your might.” In repeating this commandment, Jesus added the word “mind” (see Mark 12:30 and Luke 10:27). They were to love God intelligently, “with all your mind.” There is nothing unreasonable about loving God. Our love for God is best demonstrated by our obedience to His commands (see John 14:15 and 1 John 5:3). John D.W. Watts’s comments regarding the use of the word love in Deuteronomy: “It is used throughout the book to typify observance of the law” (Broadman Bible Commentary, Volume 2).

6:6-9
Verse 6 declares that God’s word was to be passed on from generation to generation. Parents were charged with the responsibility of passing the faith on to their children. Note however, the phrase, “these words [that is, the entire law] … shall be on your heart.” Parents cannot teach their children about the love of God if they themselves have not experienced that love. Parents were to instruct their children in a comprehensive way in the course of daily living. What the parents had personally experienced (6:6) they were to communicate through a variety of methods, including verbal communication (6:7), exhibiting (6:8), and writing (6:9). In later times, the Jews interpreted literally the words of verses 8 and 9 and placed the words of the shema in small containers worn on the person (phylacteries) and attached to the doorposts of their homes (mezuzahs).

Practical Consideration: You cannot give what you do not possess. Parents cannot impart to the next generation what they themselves do not possess. They cannot teach their children the importance of observing God’s commands if observing God’s commands is not a priority in their own hearts. The faith of the parents must be a personal, heartfelt faith. Children know whether or not the things of God are dear to their parent’s hearts.

Practical Consideration: Youth ministry begins in the home. Youth ministry begins in the home for three reasons. First, because the Bible declares it. The Bible exhorts parents to teach their children the things of God. Second, because the family demands it. The home provides the proper atmosphere for youth ministry. In the home, youth are under the influence and authority of their parents from day to day. Third, because youth desire it. Youth want guidance from their parents. They want a consistent spiritual example from their parents. Socrates asked, “Fellow citizens, why do you turn and scrape every stone to gather wealth and take so little care of your children to whom one day you must relinquish it all?”

Practical Consideration: We must not allow religious practices to become a mask for a wrong heart. The Israelites used phylacteries and mezuzahs as outward and visible reminders of the importance of loving and serving God. In time, these outward trappings became more important to them that what they symbolized. In Jesus day, the Pharisees ostentatiously displayed their phylacteries, prayers, fasting, and tithing. It is easy to allow our worship and Bible study attendance, praying, tithing, and other practices to be done without consideration of the condition of our hearts. We must be careful lest good habits become a mask for a wrong heart.

A Warning Against Disobedience

Deuteronomy 6:10-15

6:10-15
In anticipation of the blessings they would receive in the Promised Land (6:10-11), Moses warned the people against forgetting the Lord who delivered them from Egypt (6:12). Moses knew that those blessings could lead to their downfall (see also Deuteronomy 8:11-14). Notice the repeated use of the phrase “which you did not” in verses 10 and 11. These words reminded the Israelites that God was the source of the blessings they would enjoy in the Promised Land. James Wolfendale comments “blessings easily gained are not often valued. We are most sensible of the things that cost us dearly; but unmindful of the giver when the gifts come easily and freely” (Homiletical Commentary).

Practical Consideration: We must beware of the dangers of prosperity. Moses warned the people to be on guard against the dangers of prosperity. One of the pitfalls of prosperity is forgetting God. Prosperity and abundance can also lead to pride and arrogance (see Deuteronomy 8:17). The blessings of God should humble and inspire us to express gratitude to God.

The “when” of verse 10 (blessing) leads to the “then” of verse 12 (warning). Moses knew that prosperity can intoxicate people and dull their sensitivity and responsiveness to God (as in the case of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32). Moses offered three ways for the people to remember God in verse 13. First, they were to “fear only the Lord.” Fear is the attitude that recognizes the holy and majestic character of God. The fear of God should motivate us to holy living (see Genesis 39:9). Second, they were to “worship [serve] Him.” Service was prescribed as a means of remembering God. Those who fear God and are living in close communion with Him will faithfully serve Him. Third, they were to “swear by His name.” Swearing by God’s name was also prescribed as a means of remembering Him. Any oaths taken were to be in the Lord’s name and not in the name of any other god.

Verse 14 is a restatement of the First Commandment: “You shall have no other gods before Me” (5:7). The Israelites would be exposed to many of the gods of the Canaanites in the Promised Land (6:14). They would be tempted to look to those gods for agricultural blessings and success. Moses warned them to have absolutely nothing to do with the gods of the peoples around them. The reason for looking only to God, as well as the consequences for not looking to God, is given in verse 15. God is a jealous God interested in protecting what belongs to Him.

Practical Consideration: Our love for God should be unrivaled, undivided, and unbridled. Our love for God should be unrivaled. It should be supreme and unequaled. Our love for God should be undivided. It should be a loyal love given in recognition of the awesome character and majesty of God. Our love for God should be unbridled. It should be an unrestrained love expressed from a heart of gratitude.

A Call to Obey God’s Commands

Deuteronomy 6:16-19

6:16
Moses knew that the people would face many difficult situations in the Promised Land in which they would be tempted to doubt God’s sovereignty and care. He reminded them of the experience of their fathers at Rephidim (Exodus 17:1-7) where there was no water for them to drink. Rather than trusting in God who had parted the Red Sea (Exodus 14:13-31) and miraculously made bitter waters sweet at Marah (Exodus 15:22-26), the people grumbled against Moses. James Wolfendale comments, “They were base enough to deny His presence, doubt His power, and abuse His servant” (Homiletical Commentary). The attitude of the people is recorded in Psalm 78:17-20 and Psalm 95:8. When they came to a place with no water they quickly forgot the God who had delivered them by parting an entire sea of water. Instead they put the Lord to the test by making their obedience to Him contingent on His meeting their demands. Moses warned the people to not put the Lord to the test as they did at Rephidim. The place near Rephidim where Moses struck the rock was named Massah [test] and Meribah [quarrel] in commemoration of the people’s lack of faith in God.

6:17-19
Moses again exhorted the people to observe God’s commandments. Their success in the Promised Land was dependant on their obedience to God. They were to “do what is right and good in the sight of the Lord” (6:18) rather than what is expedient in the sight of men. God’s will was to be their standard of conduct.

Instructions for the Children

Deuteronomy 6:20-25

6:20-25
Verse 20 reaffirms the importance of passing the faith on to the next generation. The covenant and commands were not intended for one generation only. They were to be passed on from generation to generation. Moses understood the inquisitive nature of children. He told the parents that the day would come when their children would ask them why they lived as they did (6:20). On that day, parents were to thoroughly explain the story of God’s redemptive activity to their children (6:21-23). “The parents’ mouths were large books, in which their children did read the noble acts of the Lord” (George Swinnock, Homiletical Commentary). Moses offered an outline of the answer parents should give to their children. It is simple enough for a child to understand: First, slavery in Egypt (6:21a). Second, miraculous deliverance (“with a mighty hand”) from Egypt (6:21b-22). Third, the journey to and safe arrival in the Promised Land (6:23). In addition, parents were to emphasize the practical benefits of obeying God’s commands, “for our good always and for our survival” (6:24), and that obeying God’s commands will result in righteousness (6:25).

Practical Consideration: We should encourage our children to ask questions regarding God. A Persian philosopher gave the following answer when asked concerning how he had acquired so much knowledge: “By not being prevented by shame from asking questions when I am ignorant.” Children are inquisitive by nature. Parents should provide an atmosphere in which their children are encouraged to ask questions about God. Parents should also be prepared to answer any questions their children might ask about God.

The Summons to Obey the Law

Deuteronomy 5:1-5

5:1-5
Before recapitulating the law given forty years earlier, Moses reminded the people of the circumstances surrounding the giving of the law at Horeb and of their covenant with God. Moses summoned “all Israel,” a reference to an official gathering of the twelve tribes, to “hear … learn … and observe” God’s word (5:1). The order of these words is important. First, the people were to “hear” God’s word. The word “hear” is used over thirty times in Deuteronomy. They were to give attentive consideration to God’s word with a view toward obeying it. Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hear the word of God, and observe it” (Luke 11:28). Second, they were to “learn” God’s word. The word “learn” is used seven times in Deuteronomy. They were to study and understand God’s word. Ezra 7:10 states, “For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the Lord, and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel.” Third, they were to “observe” God’s word. The word “observe” is used almost one hundred times in Deuteronomy. They were to put into practice the things they heard and understood. James said, “But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves” (James 1:22).

Moses reminded the people that they had entered into a covenant with God at Sinai. A covenant is an agreement between two parties. This covenant was made with the people gathered before Moses, even though they were not present at Sinai (5:2-3). God spoke to the people (5:4) through Moses (5:5) and clearly and openly gave them standards of conduct (the Decalogue or Ten Commandments) to govern their behavior and by which they could demonstrate their respect for the covenant.

Note: The Ten Commandments are referred to in Deuteronomy and Exodus as the ten words, rather than our English designation Ten Commandments. This designation comes from the Septuagint translation of Deuteronomy 10:4 which states, “And He wrote on the tablets, like the former writing, the [deka logous] which the Lord had spoken … ” The term deka logous means ten words.

Practical Consideration: Victory is more than winning a fight. Deuteronomy records that prior to entering the Promised Land, Moses summoned all Israel and set the law before them. Moses did not call a meeting of military strategists. He did not call the people to inventory their weapons. He set the law before the people. Moses wanted for the people to understand that victory in Canaan was more than a matter of military superiority over their enemies. Their victory, prosperity, and longevity in the Promised Land was directly dependent on their attitude toward God’s word and their willingness to honor their covenant relationship with God.

God’s Covenant with Israel at Horeb

Deuteronomy 5:6-21

5:6
God introduced and identified Himself by His name and by His historical act of redemption. First, God introduced Himself by name, “I am the Lord your God.” This introduction is personal and points to Israel’s relationship with God. Second, God identified Himself as Israel’s deliverer out of the house of Egyptian slavery. God took the initiative in redeeming His people from slavery. “This was an act of power, wisdom and goodness, specially fitted to incite them to obedience, and kindle their hearts into warmest love” (James Wolfendale, Homiletical Commentary). The people were to “hear … learn … observe” the word of a personal (not a distant and impersonal) God who delivered them from bondage.

5:7-15
These verses contain a restatement of the first four commandments of the Decalogue (see also Exodus 20:1-17). Each of the first four commandments, or words, have to do with man’s responsibility to love God.

First, the people were reminded that they were to have no other gods before (besides/against) God (5:7). These were important words to a people surrounded by nations involved in polytheistic worship. God alone was to be the object of their worship, devotion, and loyalty. They were to allow no other god to usurp His place in their hearts.

Practical Consideration: God alone is worthy of our deepest devotion and highest loyalty. The following quotation was uttered by General William Booth, the founder of the Salvation Army, when asked about the secret of his success. It illustrates the kind of devotion and loyalty we should have toward God. “From the day I got the poor of London on my heart and a vision for what Jesus Christ would do for them, I made up my mind that God should have all of William Booth there was; and if anything has been achieved, it is because God has had all the adoration of my heart, all the power of my will and all the influence of my life.”

Second, the people were forbidden from making and worshiping any image representing God Himself (5:8-10). The first commandment concerns the object of worship. The second commandment concerns the means of worship. Jesus said, “God is a Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24). Isaiah said, “To whom then will you liken God? Or what likeness will you compare with Him?” (Isaiah 40:18; see also Isaiah 40:25 and 46:5). “The attempt to shape a likeness of God reduced the Creator to the level of the creature” (Rick Johnson, Biblical Illustrator, Fall 1993, p. 42). This commandment also cautions parents to be careful regarding what they teach their children about the worship of God because of its impact on future generations. John Maxwell comments “the real danger of idolatry is that when one generation makes idolatrous choices, it becomes very easy for the next generation to go a step further with idolatry” (The Communicator’s Commentary, Volume 5). “Idolatry and its evil consequences descend from father to son … ” (James Wolfendale, Homiletical Commentary).

Practical Consideration: Our influence can have an intergenerational impact. The second commandment cautions parents to set the proper example in worship. A wrong example can have a far-reaching impact on future generations. Parents must not embrace any practice that will morally disorient their children.

Third, the people were prohibited from taking God’s name in vain. Those who could not prove or substantiate their claims often used God’s name in legal matters. God would hold people accountable for misusing His name in such matters. In addition, God’s name was not to be used in association with any magic or casting of spells. The people were to reverently use God’s name.

Practical Consideration: God’s name should be hallowed not hollowed. God’s name should not be used in a hollow, irreverent, or flippant manner. It should not be used in any way that is inconsistent with His character. As Jesus taught, we should hallow God’s name (Matthew 6:9).

Fourth, the people were to observe and keep the Sabbath day holy (5:12-15). The entire household was to observe the Sabbath and cease from labor (note the inclusion of the animals in 5:14). The Sabbath was to be a day of rest and reflection on God’s creative activity (Exodus 20:11), a day of remembrance of God’s mighty act of deliverance (5:15), and a day of worship.

Practical Consideration: It’s Friday, but Sunday’s coming! We live lives filled with incessant hustling that keeps us dazed and out of breath. We deal with difficult circumstances and difficult people week in and week out. The demands upon our time, energy, and resources often leave us feeling empty and dry. Observing the Lord’s Day can help restore our perspective, power, and pleasure in life. Sunday affords us the opportunity to slow down, look up, take in, and go out ready to face the challenges of another week.

5:16-21
These verses contain a restatement of the last six commandments of the Decalogue (see also Exodus 20:1-17). They each have to do with man’s responsibility to man.

Fifth, the people were to honor their parents (5:16). The first mention of relational responsibility was that of children to parents. Parents had a responsibility to model and teach God’s word to their children. Children had a responsibility to obey and honor their parents. The Apostle Paul noted that this is the first commandment with a promise (Ephesians 6:2).

Sixth, murder was prohibited (5:17). The word “murder” refers to taking an innocent life by criminal intent or through negligence (including premeditated murder, murder done in anger, murder done in revenge, and manslaughter through negligence). Life, including that of the unborn, must be respected and treated with reverence. God set specific guidelines regarding whom, why, and how life was to be taken in certain instances (see Genesis 9:4-6; Deuteronomy 17:2-7 and 19:12; Romans 13:4).

Seventh, adultery was prohibited (5:18). God instituted marriage. This commandment was designed to guard the sanctity of this human relationship. “The sin of adultery is singled out more than any other illicit sexual behavior because it had to do with unfaithfulness … The crime of adultery was the social equivalent to the religious crime of idolatry … Faithfulness in every area was expected of the Israelites. It was to become a distinctive feature of the nation because it was a distinctive feature of their God.” (John Maxwell, The Communicator’s Commentary, Volume 5). Read Jesus’ comments on this commandment in Matthew 5:27-28.

Eighth, stealing was prohibited (5:19). Scholars agree that this commandment originally applied to kidnapping of free persons, as in the case of Joseph. The commandment also applies to the protection of property and that which another earns, saves, and owns through honest labor. Read Amos 8:5 and Hosea 12:7 regarding merchants who stole from their customers by making the “bushel smaller” and weighing with “false balances.” A man can steal either by taking from others or by withholding from others.

Ninth, bearing false witness against a neighbor was prohibited (5:20). This commandment protected the reputation and character of others. It concerned the giving of truthful testimony concerning another in a court of justice because such testimony had an impact on another’s future (see also Deuteronomy 19:15-21). Proverbs 6:16-19 lists seven things that God hates, three of which relate to the tongue: “a lying tongue … a false witness who utters lies, and one who spreads strife among brothers.” Shakespeare in Othello said:

“Who steals my purse steals trash;
But he who filches from me my good name,
Robs me of that which not enriches him,
Yet leaves me poor indeed!”

Practical Consideration: The pen is mightier than the sword, but the tongue is sharper. The popular television show “Hee Haw” had a segment in which a group of women sang the following words while doing laundry together:

“Now we’re not ones to go around spreading gossip, why we’re just really not the gossipy kind, no, you’ll never hear one of us repeating gossip, so you better be sure and listen close the first time.”

Gossip has become a national past time. One gossip was heard commenting to another, “There’s something I must tell you before I find out it isn’t true!” The prohibition against bearing false witness against another is broken every time gossip is spread. John Maxwell correctly notes, “Gossip is the lowest form of communication.”

Tenth, covetousness was prohibited (5:21). This commandment forbids both the intention (inner motive) to take for oneself what belongs to another (and what we have no right to possess) and the deed itself. Outward sins and actions begin with inward thoughts and desires. “No human eye can see the coveting heart; it is witnessed only by him who possesses it, and by Him to whom all things are naked and open. But it is the root of all sins against our neighbor in word or in deed” (James Wolfendale, Homiletical Commentary). Maxwell comments, “If this last commandment were kept, the first nine would never be broken.” This prohibition against covetousness includes a man’s wife, thus emphasizing the sacredness of the marriage relationship. This prohibition also includes a man’s real estate. This was important because the landless wanderers would soon enter into the Promised Land and possess their own real estate.

The People’s Response to the Covenant

Deuteronomy 5:22-33

5:22-33
These verses contain a review of the circumstances surrounding the giving of the law at Horeb (5:22). The experience was so awesome that the people asked Moses to be their representative and report to them what God desired (5:23-26). The people pledged to obey God (5:27). God was pleased with the request of the people (5:28) and expressed His concern that they follow through on their commitment to obey Him (5:29). God instructed Moses to tell the people to return to their tents (5:30). Moses stayed to receive the “all the commandments and the statutes and the judgments” of God which he was to teach the people that they might prosper in the Promised Land (5:31-33).

Moses’ Encouragements and Warnings About God

Deuteronomy 4:1-40

4:1-4
The review of Israel’s history serves as the background for the practical exhortation contained in chapter 4. The fourth chapter begins with a “therefore” kind of transition. Because of the goodness of God on behalf of His people (reviewed in chapters 1-3), Moses challenged them to respond with gratitude, devotion, and a determination to obey God’s word (4:1). Their success in the Promised Land was directly dependant on their obedience to God’s word (4:1). God gave His word that people might obey it and live full and meaningful lives (4:1). The people were warned to not add or take away from God’s word (4:2). Moses recalled an incident recorded in Numbers 25:1-5 in which many people were led astray and committed acts contrary to God’s word (4:3-4). These suffered swift judgment, serving as a warning to any individuals brazen enough to commit similar transgressions in violation of God’s commandments. As stated in the brief introduction on page 1 of these notes, the book of Deuteronomy is a commentary on Proverbs 13:13 – “The one who despises the word will be in debt to it, But the one who fears the commandment will be rewarded.”

Practical Consideration: God’s instructions cannot be ignored with impunity. Moses made clear in his message to the people the importance of obeying the commandments of God. He also spelled out the dangers of disobeying God’s Word. He emphasized that it is not possible to ignore God’s instructions and be exempted from punishment or penalty. Proverbs 13:13 reminds us, “Whoever despises the Word [of God] brings destruction upon himself, but he who (reverently) fears and respects the commandment [of God] shall be rewarded” (Amplified Bible).

4:5-13
Moses exhorted the people to obey God’s word (4:6). Their obedience to God’s word would make them distinctive in the eyes of other nations (4:7) not favored with the possession of such a supreme word (4:8). Moses also exhorted the people to “give heed … lest you forget” the mighty acts of God on their behalf and to share the accounts of those acts with their sons and grandsons (4:9). Deuteronomy repeatedly stresses the responsibility of parents to teach their children the great truths of God’s word, works, ways, and deeds. Moses also recounted the awesome events surrounding the giving of God’s law (4:10-12) and the establishment of the covenant (4:13). He exhorted the people to remember those events (4:10) to the end that they would obey God’s commandments and worship Him alone.

Practical Consideration: Parents are the first youth ministers. Moses charged parents with the responsibility of teaching God’s Word and recounting the acts of God to their children and to their children’s children. Failure to do so would result in a generation insensible to God and ignorant of His commandments. Parents still have the primary responsibility to instruct their children in God’s Word and in spiritual matters. The task cannot be left solely to Sunday School teachers and youth ministers at the corner church. Only as parents (and the local church) fulfill their responsibility will youth be equipped to meet the challenges of life in a manner pleasing to God.

4:14-20
Moses reminded the people of the importance of obeying God’s word (4:14) and warned them against making and worshiping idols (4:15-18) and/or worshiping celestial bodies/nature (4:19). They were to be completely devoted to the Lord. Verse 19b suggests that while other peoples looked to the heavens for evidence of a greater being, their relation to God was based on His deliverance of them from “the iron furnace, from Egypt, to be a people for His own possession, as today” (4:20).

4:21-24
After reminding the people of the fact that he would not be permitted to enter the Promised Land (4:21-22), Moses again warned them to be careful lest they violate the contractual agreement made with God at Horeb by making and worshiping idols (4:23), a particularly loathsome thing to God (4:24). Regarding the matter of idolatry, commentator Donald F. Ackland notes, “It is, on the part of those who know better, the betrayal of life’s most sacred relationship, the relationship of a person to his God.”

4:25-31
Moses prophetically spelled out the consequences of forsaking God for the worship of idols 4:25-26). E. Stanley Jones said, “Anything less than God will let you down.” Interestingly, Moses declared that the punishment would fit the crime. Idol worshipers would be carried into exile where they would have their fill of idolatry (4:27-28). Yet, even in exile, God would continue to mercifully give the people the opportunity to repent (4:29-31).

Practical Consideration: God alone is worthy of our worship. Moses’ message included stern warnings against involvement in idolatry, a particularly loathsome thing in God’s sight. One cannot read Moses’ prophetic account of the consequences of embracing idolatry without thinking of the fall of both the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah. God alone is worthy of our deepest devotion and our highest praise. He alone is worthy of our worship.

4:32-40
These verses are the conclusion to Moses’ first message to the people. Moses challenged the people to compare their unique history with that of other nations (4:32-34). Verses 32-34 forms an answer to the question posed in verse 7, “For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as the Lord our God whenever we call on Him?” They were privileged to witness great wonders (4:33-34, 36) to the end that they “might know that the Lord, He is God; there is no other besides Him” (4:35). Verses 37-38 form the basis for the exhortation to faithfully follow the Lord (4:39). The phrase “that it may go well with you” (4:40) occurs eight times in Deuteronomy. It emphasizes the motive for obedience. Their life, well-being, and security in the Promised Land was directly dependent on their loyalty to God (4:40).

Moses’ Appointments of Cities of Refuge

Deuteronomy 4:41-43

4:41-43
The background of these verses is found in Numbers 35:9-15. These verses briefly address the provision made for refuge for those who unintentionally kill another. They were established to insure that such individuals would find asylum until they could stand trial (Numbers 35:12 and Joshua 20:9). The cities of Bezer, Ramoth, and Golan were located east of the Jordan. Joshua later established Kedesh, Shechem, and Kiriath-arba (Joshua 20:7) as cities of refuge on the west side of the Jordan (Joshua 20).

The Geographical Setting for Giving the Law

Deuteronomy 4:44-49

4:44-49
These verses form an introduction to Moses’ second message to Israel prior to their entry into the Promised Land. Note the similarities between this introduction and that contained in 1:3-5. The time and place of Moses’ second message (which begins in 5:1 and ends in 26:19) are set forth in this second introduction. The people were no longer at the foot of Sinai, they were now on the slopes of Pisgah (4:49). They stood on the brink of entry into the Promised Land having already tasted the first fruits of victory in battle (4:46-47). The “law which Moses set before the sons of Israel” (4:44) is described as consisting of “the testimonies and the statutes and the ordinances” (4:45). Their success and happiness in the Promised Land would be directly dependant of their observance of God’s law.

Wanderings and Victories in Trans-Jordan — continued

3:1-11
These verses recount the victory of Moses and the Israelites over Og, King of Bashan. The parallel account of this battle is found in Numbers 21:33-35.

3:12-17
With the victories over Sihon and Og, the Israelites controlled the land bordered by Ammon on the east, Jordan on the west, Moab on the south, and as far as Mount Hermon on the north. This territory east of the Jordan was allotted to the tribes of Gad, Reuben, and half the tribe of Manasseh (Numbers 32:33).

Moses’ Encouragement to Possess the Promised Land

Deuteronomy 3:18-29

3:18-22
These verses recount the specific conditions to be met by the tribes of Gad, Reuben, and Manasseh in order to receive their desired allotment of land east of the Jordan. These tribes were required to assist their fellow Israelites in the conquest west of the Jordan. By so doing they would fulfill their obligation toward the Lord and to Israel (Numbers 32:22) and be free to return to their homes east of the Jordan. The tribes agreed to the terms. Read the parallel account in Numbers 32 for more details. Moses also encouraged Joshua, the soon-to-be new leader of the Israelites, to boldly lead the people in the conquest of Canaan (3:21-22).

3:23-29
These verses contain the account of Moses’ earnest pleas to God for permission to cross the Jordan (3:23-25). Moses’ request was denied (3:26). God instructed him to go to the top of Mount Pisgah (also called Nebo) to see the land (3:27) and to charge, encourage, and strengthen Joshua with the responsibility of leading the people into the Promised Land.

Wanderings and Victories in Trans-Jordan

Deuteronomy 2:1-3:17

2:1-7
Moses continued by recounting the events after the failed attempt of the people to enter into the Promised Land. Deuteronomy 2:1 is one of the saddest statements in the Bible: “Then we turned and set out for the wilderness.” The Promised Land was no longer before them. Someone noted that the saddest words ever penned are these: “What might have been.” The Israelites traveled from Kadesh-barnea to the area of Mount Seir, a mountain range in Edom (2:1). After an unspecified period of time God instructed the people to leave and travel north (2:2-3) through Edom (2:4). Verse 4 states, “and they will be afraid of you. So be very careful.” The Edomites (who were descendants of Esau, Jacob’s twin brother) were a settled people who were concerned about protecting their fields and water supplies from nomadic peoples. That is one reason why God instructed the Israelites to be peaceful in their interactions with the Edomites (2:5) and to purchase their supplies from them rather than plunder the people (2:6). Another reason for the prohibition against molesting the Edomites is because God had given them their land as a possession (2:5). Moses used this historical account as an illustration of God’s providential care for His people (2:7). Numbers 20:14-21 contains a parallel account in which Israel asked and was denied permission to pass through Edom.

Practical Consideration: Where God leads God provides. Moses recounted Israel’s journey towards Edom, Moab, and Ammon. They asked and were denied permission to pass through these lands. In spite of the unwillingness of these peoples to allow Israel to pass through their lands, God providentially cared for and provided for the needs of His people. Moses reminded the people, “These forty years the Lord your God has been with you; you have not lacked a thing” (2:7b).

2:8-13a
Moses continued his travelogue by recounting the next stage of their journey. The people journeyed north (2:8) towards Moab (descendants of Lot, as recorded in Genesis 19:37). The Israelites were again prohibited from harassing the Moabites who had received their land as a possession (2:9). Upon reaching the brook Zered, which served as the border between Edom and Moab, Moses asked permission to peacefully pass through Moab. His request was denied and he led the people on a longer circuitous route to the east along the edge of the desert.

2:13b-23
These verses record the end of one of the saddest chapters in Israel’s history, the death of the entire generation of unbelievers who refused to possess the Promised Land thirty-eight years earlier (2:13b-15 and Jude 5). Once God’s death sentence was carried out, the people were instructed to advance north towards Ammom. The Ammonites were also descendants of Lot, as recorded in Genesis 19:38. The people were again prohibited from harassing the Ammonites (2:19).

2:24-37
Moses apparently asked and was denied permission to pass through Ammon. He consequently led the people westward towards the lands that Sihon (King of Heshbon – a Canaanite king) and Og (King of Bashan) had seized from Moab and Ammon. Moses asked Sihon for permission to peacefully pass through his land (just as he asked the Edomites, Moabites, and Ammonites) but was denied permission (2:26-31). Rather than finding another route, Moses and the people engaged Sihon in battle (2:24), defeated him (2:32-35), and took possession only of the lands specified by God (2:36-37). Moses was given permission to engage Sihon in battle because he did not occupy land given to him by the Lord (unlike the previous peoples). This is the beginning of the actual conquest. Read Numbers 21:21-31 for a parallel account of this event.

Background Information

Deuteronomy is the fifth book in the Bible. The name of the book is taken from the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Old Testament. The Greek title Deuteronomion means “second law” or “law repeated.” The title refers to the fact that the book contains a restatement of the law of God as recorded in Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers. The title of the Book in the Hebrew Bible is Debarim, which means “words.” This title is derived from the first verse of the book, “These are the words which Moses spoke … ” Deuteronomy is Moses’ farewell address to the people he had led for forty years. Knowing that he would not accompany the people into the Promised Land and concerned that they not repeat the failures of the past, Moses spoke to them about the importance of loving and obeying God. Deuteronomy is a record of his sermons to the common man.

Hundreds of years after the book of Deuteronomy was written, King Josiah of Judah ordered the restoration of the house of the Lord “which the kings of Judah had let go to ruin” (2 Chronicles 34:11). During this restoration project a priest named Hilkiah “found the book of the law of the Lord given by Moses” (2 Chronicles 34:14), the book of Deuteronomy. Hilkiah gave the book to a scribe named Shaphan who personally read it and then read it to King Josiah. Upon hearing the words of the book, Josiah was fearful because the life of the people did not match the message of the lost book. He then led the people of Judah to make a covenant to faithfully follow the Lord (2 Kings 23:3 and 2 Chronicles 34:31-33). For generations the people had neglected the practical instruction of the book of Deuteronomy and had failed to study and teach it to their children (Deuteronomy 6:6-9). As a result they grossly sinned against God and embraced the idolatrous practices of their heathen neighbors. Proverbs 13:13 declare, “The one who despises the word will be in debt to it, but the one who fears the commandment will be rewarded.” The book of Deuteronomy is a commentary on that verse.

Introduction to the Book

Deuteronomy 1:1-5

1:1-4
Notice, “the words which Moses spoke” were spoken “to all Israel” (1:1). Moses spoke “to all Israel” at the intersection between a past filled with failure and a future as bright as the promises of God. Deuteronomy 1:2 is a solemn reminder of the high price of disobedience and unfaithfulness (see Numbers 13). Kadesh-barnea, the entry point to the Promised Land, was only an eleven-day journey from Mount Horeb (Sinai). It was from Kadesh-barnea that the spies were sent into the land of Canaan and returned with their negative report about the difficulties of conquest. It was at Kadesh-barnea that the people were sentenced to wandering in the wilderness one year for every day the spies spent in Canaan (see Numbers 14:34). Notice also that the words that “Moses spoke to the children of Israel” were God’s words (1:3). Moses’ message had a divine origin.

1:5
Deuteronomy 1:5 states that “Moses undertook to expound this law” to the people while encamped on the plains of Moab, east of the Jordan River. The word “expound” means to “make clear.” Moses’ message was more than a restatement of the law, it was also an interpretation of the law designed to lead the people to understand and apply it in their personal lives. The word “law” (from the Hebrew word torah) includes instruction, warning, exhortation, and comfort. This was Moses’ final opportunity to impress upon the people the importance of obeying God as they prepared to make the transition from a wandering to a settled community.

Leaders Chosen at Horeb to Assist Moses

Deuteronomy 1:6-18
Moses’ first message to the people begins in Deuteronomy 1:6 and ends in Deuteronomy 4:43. Moses was concerned that the people learn from their history lest they repeat it. Encamped on the plains of Moab, Moses reviewed the leadership of God from Horeb to the plains of Moab. His message reviews three stages of that journey. First, the journey from Horeb to Kadesh-barnea (1:6-46). Second, the journey from Kadesh-barnea to Heshbon (2:1-37). Third, the journey from Heshbon to their encampment “in the valley opposite Beth-peor” (3:1-29). This historical review formed the background for Moses’ exhortation to the people. In light of the evidence of God’s goodness to His people, Moses exhorted them to respond with gratitude, obedience, and devotion to God (4:1-43).

Practical Consideration: Looking back can give us the confidence to move forward. Moses’ first message to the people was filled with historical references to the acts of God on behalf of the Israelites. Moses reviewed the history of the Israelites in the hope that they would not repeat the errors of the past nor forget the faithful way in which God had dealt with them. A review of the past faithfulness of God should result in gratitude, devotion, and obedience to God in the present. Those who remember the faithfulness of God yesterday can face tomorrow with the assurance that He will remain faithful.

1:6-8
Moses’ review begins with God’s command to leave Horeb, where they had received the law, and go to possess the land promised by God to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (1:6-8). Verse 6 accentuates God’s initiative: “You have stayed long enough at this mountain” (see also 2:3). Verse 7 describes the vast scope of the land promised by God. Verse 8 recalls the promise of God to the patriarchs.

Practical Consideration: Comfort is the enemy of conquest. God spoke to the Israelites at Horeb saying, “You have stayed long enough at this mountain. Turn and set your journey, and go … ” (1:6). God did not deliver the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage in order for them to comfortably settle at Horeb. His plan was for His people to boldly advance towards the Promised Land to conquer and occupy it. In like manner, those who aspire to spiritual maturity must adopt Paul’s attitude, “Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, but I press on that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:12). Comfort and complacency are the enemies of progress and growth in the Christian life.

1:9-18
The background for these verses is found in Exodus 18:13-27. Moses reminded the people of how the burden of leadership (1:9) over the growing population (1:10-11) was shared by appointing “wise and discerning and experienced men” from among the people (1:12-14) to serve as officers and judges (1:15). These leaders were charged with the responsibility of dispensing fair justice to all men, Israelite and non-Israelite alike (1:16-18). A system of community government to oversee the administration and preservation of law and order was imperative during the wilderness wanderings. The need for responsible government and a fair judicial system would be no less urgent in the Promised Land.

Sending Spies and the People’s Rebellion

Deuteronomy 1:19-46

1:19-21
These verses recount the difficult journey from Horeb to Kadesh-barnea (1:19). The people traversed rough terrain in obedience to God’s command (see 1:6). Upon arriving at Kadesh-barnea Moses reminded the people of God’s promise to give them the land before them (1:20-21). They were on the threshold of the Promised Land. They could see it from there. However, as Vince Abner said, “It is not enough to stare up the steps; we must step up the stairs.”

1:22-25
The background for these verses is found in Numbers 13. Moses summarized the account of the sending of the twelve spies (1:22-23) into the Promised Land and their report upon returning (1:24-25). The people requested that spies be sent into the land to map out a strategy for its conquest (1:22). This idea pleased Moses (1:23) who was given divine approval for the venture (Numbers 13:1-3).

1:26-33
The background for these verses is found in Numbers 13-14. These verses recount the refusal of the people to go in and possess the land because of the negative report of the spies (1:26-28 and Numbers 13:28-29,32-33). Moses reminded the people of how he had tried to encourage their fathers to trust in the Lord who had proved Himself faithful every step of their journey (1:29-33). In spite of God’s faithfulness, their fathers still refused to trust Him (1:32). The ten faithless and faltering spies saw the obstacles rather than the objective and the problems rather than the possibilities. It is interesting that there is no mention of God in the parallel account of the spies report in Numbers 13:25-33. They ten spies had lost sight of God. Caleb and Joshua however, saw the same things that their fellow spies saw and yet did not come to the same conclusion. Perhaps it is because, as someone has suggested, we see things not as they are but as we are.

1:34-46
These verses recount the Lord’s response to the people’s unfaithfulness. God declared that “not one of these men, this evil generation” would enter into the Promised Land (1:34-35), not even Moses (1:37). Only Caleb (1:36), Joshua (1:38), and the children (1:39 and Numbers 14:31) would be allowed to enter the Promised Land. The others were sentenced to wander and die in the wilderness (1:40 and Numbers 14:32-35). This was an irrevocable decision. Verses 41-46 relate the account of the failed belated confession of the people and their effort to make up for their unfaithfulness. It was too late. They missed their window of opportunity. They failed to obey God when they should have obeyed God.

Practical Consideration: God is bigger than giants! The Israelites refused to enter the Promised Land because ten spies lost sight of the fact that God is bigger than giants. An entire generation of Israelites died in the wilderness because they unquestioningly accepted the demoralizing and discouraging report of ten men who allowed the stature of their enemies to blind them to the strength of God. May we be careful lest we be guilty of the same unfaithfulness. May we remember that God is indeed bigger than giants.