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Deuteronomy 1 Commentary
What should have taken 11 days took 40 years. If you have read the book of Numbers, you already have a good understanding of these events. Deuteronomy opens by summarizing the key events that have taken place up to this point in the journey toward the Promised Land.
In Deuteronomy 1:6-18, Moses begins his address by quoting the Lord’s command for the Israelites to leave Mount Horeb and head toward the Promised Land. The emphasis is placed on God’s covenant relationship with Israel, underscoring the people’s responsibility to act on God’s promises. Moses recalls that the land promised to the patriarchs is vast, extending from the Euphrates River to Lebanon and the Mediterranean.
Moses also addresses the need for leadership among the growing nation of Israel. Due to the increased population, Moses delegates judicial and military responsibilities to appointed leaders. These leaders are to be wise, discerning, and experienced. Judges are instructed to administer justice impartially, treating all people equally under the law, including resident aliens. There is a heavy theme of responsibility and honesty. Moses concludes by reminding the people of the importance of following God’s commands as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.
When we get to verse 19 of Deuteronomy 1, we are reminded of why the Israelites have not yet acquired the land promised to them by God.
- Journey to Kadesh-barnea (Deuteronomy 1:19): The Israelites’ journey from Horeb to Kadesh-barnea, the staging point for entering the Promised Land, took them through a difficult wilderness.
- Moses’ Encouragement (Deuteronomy 1:20-21): Upon arriving at Kadesh-barnea, Moses encouraged the Israelites to take possession of the land that God was about to give them. The Hebrew participle used here emphasizes the immediacy of God’s promise.
- Spies Sent (Deuteronomy 1:22-24): Despite Moses’ encouragement, the people requested spies to scout the land. Moses agreed, selecting twelve spies, one from each tribe. The spies explored the land, including the fertile region of Eshcol Valley.
- Spies’ Report and People’s Fear (Deuteronomy 1:25-28): The spies returned with good news about the land’s fruitfulness, but the people focused on the difficulties, fearing the strength of the inhabitants and fortified cities. This led to full-scale rebellion against God’s plan.
- Moses’ Reassurance (Deuteronomy 1:29-33): Moses urged the people not to be afraid, reminding them that God would fight for them, as He had done in Egypt. God had already shown His protective care, carrying them like a father carries his son. Although this generation had witnessed the incredible acts of God, they doubled down on their refusal to take the land.
- God’s Oath and Punishment (Deuteronomy 1:34-35): Due to the people’s rebellion, God swore that the current generation, except Caleb, would not enter the Promised Land. Caleb was rewarded for his faithfulness and courage.
- Moses’ Exclusion (Deuteronomy 1:36-37): Moses himself was excluded from entering the land due to his actions, although the reasons for this are not fully detailed in this passage (see Numbers 20).
- Joshua’s Leadership (Deuteronomy 1:38): Joshua was appointed to lead the people into the Promised Land, and the people were encouraged to support him.
- The People’s Disobedience (Deuteronomy 1:39-46): Despite their rebellion, the younger generation (children) would eventually possess the land. After God’s judgment, the Israelites attempted to enter the land without God’s blessing and were defeated.
Deuteronomy means “the second giving of the law.” It covers (most likely) the final days of Moses’ life. Even though it is very practical, Deuteronomy is probably one of the least studied and most important books of the Old Testament. Here are some other facts about Deuteronomy…
- It contains practical revelation from God for how He desires us to live.
- It is an invitation for a relationship with Him.
- It establishes an eternal kingdom by which humanity can fellowship with God.
- Jesus quotes Deuteronomy more often than any other book of the OT.
- Jesus quotes from Deuteronomy when being tempted by Satan which suggests there is spiritual power in its words and themes.
- Deuteronomy is quoted or alluded to nearly 200 times in the NT.
Deuteronomy is also interesting because it is a book that was most likely “revised” after the exile. When God’s people returned from their exile in Persia, it took on the role of a covenant renewal document. This book reveals so much about the character of God. You could write an entire theology just from this one book. Overall, there are nine different names given to God!
The book of Deuteronomy still has relevance today. We function on a daily basis with a low spiritual IQ. Like the Israelites, we are slow learners. Often, there is a promise given to us that we say we believe in but refuse to walk in. Many times, we take “40 years” to accomplish an 11-day task. Though God offers us abundant grace, there is still a responsibility to obey. Did I mention Deuteronomy is practical?
The truth of God is that even when we are rebellious, unbelieving grumblers, it does not thwart God’s plans or promises. He knows where we walk, and He finds us on the path we have willingly chosen. He knows where that path leads as well. He will follow us and go with us, offering opportunities to give more of ourselves to Him. He will provide for us, just as He did Israel, with everything necessary for a spiritually prosperous life. But, He will also discipline us when we go astray because He loves us.
As we study Deuteronomy, reflect on the character of God and what it means for your journey. What is your “Promised Land?” What is your “wilderness?” How is God walking alongside and revealing His grace to you day by day?
“When we look at circumstances apart from God; when we account our temptations and inbred corruptions too masterful to be subdued; when giants bulk bigger than the ascended Christ, we also turn back from the Rest of God to the barren wanderings of the waste. God allows these difficulties as a foil to His power and grace and to train us to high attainments.”
F.B. Meyer
“And the beautiful thing is that God is with you, even in the wilderness experiences. You may not enter into the best that God has. You may not possess all of your possessions and yet, if you spend your life roaming in the wilderness it’s not God’s will, it’s not his desire, but he will be with you there and help you there.
Chuck Smith
God will lift to the highest level that you will allow Him to lift you and do the best for you on that level, but the work of God in our lives is always limited by us. We’re always the one that put the restrictions upon what God can do for us. We’re the ones that place the limits on God’s work.”