In Today's Email:
Welcome to the Book of Deuteronomy!
The Book of Deuteronomy contains Moses’ final instructions to the nation of Israel before they entered the Promised Land. Its name means “second law”, because it is a repetition of the Law to the new generation of Israelites.
A few quick facts about Deuteronomy:
It was primarily written by Moses in about 1451 B.C. The epilogue in Chapter 34 was probably added by Joshua or Eleazar.
Key verse is 10:12-13
A simple outline:
Historical Message – 1:1-4:3
Legal Message – 4:44-26:19
Prophetic Message – 27-30
Moses’ Final Days – 31-34
Deuteronomy 1 Notes
In this chapter Moses begins to recount the journey from Sinai to the plain of Moab where they readied themselves to enter the Promised Land.
vs. 1 – The setting for Moses’ message is the plain of Moab on the east of the Jordan River.
vs. 2 – It should have only taken 11 days for Israel to travel from Sinai to the Promised Land. Instead, it has taken 40 years to get to this point because of their unbelief.
vs. 3-5 – More information on the setting, putting after the conquest of Moab in Numbers 21.
vs. 6-8 – Here Moses recalls the command to leave Sinai in Numbers 10:11-13
vs. 9-18 – Moses recalls the establishment of a government structure in Israel, which we saw in Exodus 18 and Numbers 1.
vs. 19-46 – Moses recalls the failure of Israel to enter the Promised Land and its ensuing judgment in Numbers 13-14.
Deuteronomy 2 Notes
In this chapter Moses continues his review of events in the wilderness journey.
vs. 1-25 – Rehearses the wilderness travels of Israel from Numbers 14:25 to 21:15
vs. 26-37 - Rehearses the defeat of Sihon in Numbers 21:21-30.
Closing Thoughts
God likes to review things, probably because we need to hear something twice to catch it. There are two accounts of the Jewish Kingdom (I-II Samuel & I-II Kings and I-II Chronicles) and four accounts of the Life of Christ in the Gospels. Sometimes we need a good review of things that are important. We need to remember our history and heritage, noting the hand of the Lord in them. We also need to be reminded of the great truths and commands that God has given us with which we are to guide our lives.
Hymn for Today
Our hymn today, sometimes called “To Be a Pilgrim”, is an adaption of a portion of the matchless Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan. In the book it was quoted by Valiant-for-truth in Part II, section X It was adapted in 1906 to be used as a hymn by Percy Dearmer. It matches the spirit of 1:21 to have not fear but press forward with the Lord.
He who would valiant be
'gainst all disaster,
let him in constancy
follow the Master.
There's no discouragement
shall make him once relent
his first avowed intent
to be a pilgrim.
Who so beset him round
with dismal stories,
do but themselves confound—
his strength the more is.
No foes shall stay his might,
though he with giants fight;
he will make good his right
to be a pilgrim.
Since, Lord, Thou dost defend
us with Thy Spirit,
we know we at the end
shall life inherit.
Then, fancies, flee away!
I'll fear not what men say,
I'll labor night and day
to be a pilgrim.