Chronological Bible Blog

Deuteronomy 1:1-3:20
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Today we begin Deuteronomy, the last book of the Pentateuch (or 5 Books of the Law)! And as we all Learned to Love Leviticus this year, my prayer is that each of us will be Diggin’ Deuteronomy as we read through it this year!  🙂

~Deuteronomy~
Author: Moses
Date: 1420 or 1220 B.C.
Content: The book consists of a series of addresses given by Moses in the plains of Moab prior to their entering into Canaan, as well as some specialized regulations and the appointment of Moses’ successor, Joshua. In Moses’ addresses he summarized the events that led up to that day, exhorted the people to faith and obedience, called the Israelites to rededicate themselves to the task God had given them, and then led them in worship and song. After the appointment of Joshua, Moses left the people and, after viewing the Holy Land from afar one last time, he died. With Moses’ death the old order passed away and the destiny of Israel moved into the hands of the next generation.
Theme: The faithfulness and power of God to save are stressed throughout the book. A look at Israel’s past shows that God led his people through their darkest days and gave them hope for the future. What God did in the past he could do again. The need for faith and obedience on the part of God’s people is also stressed. God’s richest blessings are given only to those who will use them for his glory. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” p. 3) Great commentary on Deuteronomy is at this link: http://bible.org/article/introduction-deuteronomy

In Deuteronomy chapter 1 verse 1 today we read: “This book records the words that Moses spoke to all the people of Israel while they were in the wilderness east of the Jordan River.” This image below sets the stage incredibly well for the book of Deuteronomy! Here is Moses giving the address to the Israelites! 

Okay, I think we’ve come across quite an understatement in our readings today in Deuteronomy chapter 2 verse 1 when Moses says: “We wandered around Mount Seir for a long time.” Indeed… it was a long time of 3 decades plus of wandering…  🙂 But, it’s important for us to remember why it was such a long time of wandering – because of the Israelites’ sin in not entering the Promised Land when they were first instructed to do so by God.  And, I think about this in our lives today.  When we sin.  And particularly when we consistently sin – with a bad habit or addiction that we know we should not be indulging in – we can become just like the Israelites, wandering around in the wilderness for a long time…  My fear is that we can get so used to our sin and wandering around in the wilderness that we don’t ever break free from it.  We stay in bondage to the sin.  And then we stay in the wilderness.  The wilderness for us today may simply be living life half-heartedly in a bit of a haze or a bit of a funk.  With some sort of cloud hanging over us.  It’s no way to live life.  I guess I just want to encourage you that if you are struggling with what seems to be an unreleaseable sin to not give up.  Don’t ever give up on victory!  Continue to take the sin to Jesus over and over and over again.  Take it to God over and over and over again.  Pray about it continuously.  Seek wise counsel from friends and pastors and professional help.  Freedom awaits you.  You can get out of the wilderness.  The Promised Land awaits you.   Please don’t continue to “wander around Mt. Seir for a long time”….  Below is a painting titled “The Wanderer” by German artist George Seir from 1934:

Worship God: Today’s readings in Deuteronomy reminded me of Shawn McDonald’s song “Closer:”

Are you close to God? Click here to be Closer!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “See, the LORD your God has given you the land. Go up and take possession of it as the LORD, the God of your ancestors, told you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 1:21 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will never be afraid nor discouraged when the LORD calls you forward to do something in accordance with His perfect will. Pray for strength in the LORD.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike