In our Bible Reading Plan, it is easy to lose the plot by reading chapter after chapter without knowing the structure. So after some google-hunting, I found a simple
outline for Exodus which certainly brought the blurred lines back into focus. The plan is (will it materialise) to try to get ahead with Deuteronomy, summarise and have
these outlines in place while reading Numbers and Leviticus. This may turn out to be a pipe-dream when the other Bible books fill the days and I can’t keep up. Well, let’s see. All these are God’s inspired Word, He's in charge of His own revelation to my heart and life, and yours. As long as the pace is such that His Word is not a blur, but a way of life and an increase of experiential knowledge of Christ and the power of His resurrection,
His will discovered, His laws lived with eagerness and glad obedience.
These notes are somewhat rough and ready, but that’s what I can cope with today - maybe there’s another day for refinement, additions and tidy-up. There is more than enough inspired Word to take to heart.
I'm excited about..... DEUTERONOMY:
A few introductory thoughts on Deuteronomy:
Deuteronomy consists of a series of sermons preached by Moses on the plains of Moab as the Israelites came to the end of 40 yrs wandering in the wilderness.
In these sermons Moses summarised Israel’s history and he expounded Israel’s laws. Deuteronomy helps us to make sense of the first books of the bible.
The majestic Creator chose a nation of sinners to be his very own people. They have become God’s treasured possession.
He gave them laws to reflect His own holy character before the watching nations of the world.
CHAPTER 1:
1-4 Setting the scene.
V1 Words of Introduction also see 4:44-45 and 29:1
There are 3 sections or 3 sermons in the book of Deuteronomy:
1:1-4:43
4:44 - 28:68
29:1-30:20
These sermons were preached in the 40th year.
They defeated the Amorite kingdoms and were about the enter the promised land of Canaan.
1:1 - 4:43
Moses traces the events that brought the Israelites to the borders of the promised land.
4:44-26:19.
Moses sets out the law-code for how to live in the promised land as the people of God.
They were to be God’s redeemed people and His army as such they had to learn to follow orders.
This mindset had to be cultivated and does not come naturally.
Deut is a training manual in godly living.
In this book Moses trained God’s people to live as His people .
Deuteronomy 1:5-8 A NATION UNDER GOD
Moses began his sermon by reminding them of events at Horeb (Sinai)
1:6 “the Lord our God said to us at Horeb………”
They are a nation in covenant with God and this is the thread that runs through Deuteronomy.
The purpose was to renew this covenant before going into the promised land.
They would renew it again after they entered Canaan (Dt 27:1-7)
At Horeb, God came down on the mountain and gave His law. He declared that He had chosen Israel out of
all the nations on the earth to be His favoured nation. Israel was to serve Jehovah only as their God.
1:6-7 GOD WANTS ISRAEL TO GO IN AND POSSESS THE LAND
Verse 8 God repeats the promise He had made many hundreds of years earlier to Abraham.
The key words here are “give” and “land”.
In verse 8 the word “give” is used twice. First it shows what God had already done - the land was theirs.
But now they are going to have actual possession of it. “Go in and take possession…” What God has promised to
give he will in fact give.
God is a giving God who gives freely. Salvation is only possible because God is the giver.
1:7 The land of Canaan is described as a breathtaking panorama (compare 11:24; 33:6-25; 34:1-4.
“Break camp and advance…” The hills and valleys are not simply to be admired, - they were to take the land, move forward into
difficult terrain, face hostile nations, battlefields. We go at God’s command with his promise.
1:9-18 A NATION ORGANISED UNDER LEADERS
God kept his promise in Genesis 15:5 - compare 1:9-10.
a) Men with authority over the people (1:15) - later on Moses would have much more to say.
b) These men have a responsibility to rule the people wll (1:13,15)
Wise and respected men (1:13,15)
They were to listen to cases fairly (1:16)
Not to show partiality in judging (1:17) - compare Dt 16:18-20
Compare to corruption, bribery, fraud
Contrast James 2:4 “judges with evil thoughts”.
1:19-46 A NATION UNDER ORDERS
a) God’s goodness was confirmed (1:19-25)
God promises a land flowing with milk and honey (Exodus 3:8). But see 1:22. Were they unsure that the land was really as good as God said?
In Dt the spying expedition is presented as the people’s idea while in Numbers 13:1 as the Lord’s command to Moses.
It was a good idea (1:23)
b) The people were paralysed by fear (1:26-33)
Their reports emphasised the difficulties: strong people, fortified cities (1:28)
They were terrified by the Anekites, a fearsome race of giant warriors (see 9:2)
No need to fear God who is going before you will fight for you (1:29-31)
And the Anekites were driven out (Joshua 11:21-22; 14:12; 15:14) and their fortified cities fell to Israel.
But…at this stage the Israelites were unwilling to believe that they could conquer with God’s help.
The people were unnerved by the 10 spies’ reports.
In spite of Moses’ appeal (1:29-31) they refused to go into the Promised Land.
Great verses!
This fear was a failure to trust God (1:32)
FEAR is a powerful emotion with disastrous consequences: it can so fill our minds that we lose all hope.
See Psalm 56:3-4 When I am afraid, I will trust in you….
c) The Lord refused admission to the promised land (1:34-40)
God was angry with the people because of their unbelief and disobedience.
He was angry with the spies (1:36, 38) except Joshua and Caleb.
He was angry with the whole generation of Israelites who followed the 10 spies’ lead. (1:35) and evil generation.
Their children would enter (1:39)
Question: at which stage do children know the difference between good and bad?
The Lord God was also angry with Moses (1:37) - compare Numbers 20:12 - Moses striking the rock. Moses refers to
the explanation in 32:51-52. There were multiple reasons why Moses was not allowed to enter the land. Let’s not
take lightly the implications of sin of unbelief, fear, disobedience and thank God that He is merciful to us.
d) The people added to their sinfulness by rejecting their punishment (1:41-46)
The stupidity of their actions dawned on them, so they changed their minds and decided that they would like to
take possession of the promised land after all. Read 1:41a.
Without waiting for God’s response, they put on their weapons and set off the attack the Canaanites - thinking it
is easy to go up into the hill country (1:41b)
Moses warned the people of Israel that the Lord would not go with them (1:42-43) - you are going to be easy prey
for the Amorites - the warning became true. Moses reminded them (1:42-43).
When they cried out, God paid no attention (1:45)
For many days the Lord looked away from them - 1:46. There were lessons to be learned.
This was a double defeat for their double disobedience. They foolishly refused the land of the covenant - bitter disappointment.
Not to confuse bitter disappointment, selfish remorse over the consequences of our sin and repentance which grieves over
dishonouring God. This was a case of chastisement
The Israelites' repentance sounded well intentioned (1:41) however they were deeply defiant. This calls for self-examination, confession, repentance and change!
Psalm 44:1-8 describes the power of God's arm and His face so beautifully in Israel's victories in the promised land.
Psalm 44:1-8 describes the power of God's arm and His face so beautifully in Israel's victories in the promised land.
