Deuteronomy 1:6-4:43 – Historical Prologue
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As we begin to read a large portion of Deuteronomy, it’s important to take a step back and look at the structure and purpose of this significant book of the Pentateuch. In reading through the NIV Study Bible’s introduction, I noticed a reference to suzerainty-vassal treaties, a completely new term for me. The book of Deuteronomy is “cast in the form of ancient Near Eastern suzerainty-vassal treaties of the second millennium BC” (NIV Study Bible, p. 259). I found this quite interesting and useful in framing the text we’re about to dive into. Here’s a synopsis and a link for a bit more info:
Moses recounts the story of how leaders were appointed after the advice of his father-in-law Jethro (see Exodus 18) and how there people approved (Deuteronomy 1:9-18); thus, judges were established over appropriate divisions within the numerous people of Israel.
Moses recants the story of the spies and the reluctance of the people to enter the promised land. Most importantly, the Lord’s response to their grumbling: “No one from this evil generation shall see the good land I swore to give your ancestors” (1:35), with a few exceptions (Caleb and Joshua).
God provides explicit instructions to Moses, who to fight, who to avoid as the move toward the Jordan River’s crossing point. Many cities and much land was conquered prior to the crossing. As requested by the Reubenites and Gadites (see Numbers 32), Moses notes that he gave them these territories AFTER they support the battles required for occupying the land across the Jordan (Deuteronomy 3:12-20).
Moses reminds the people that the Lord denied his entry into the Promised Land because of their petulance, their arrogant behavior (1:37, 3:26 & 4:21), with strong words, “Do not speak to me anymore about this matter” (3:26b). So Moses was instructed to climb a mountain and look at the land, but not allowed to cross over and enter.
They are reminded once again about the incident at Baal Peor where the Israelites indulged in sexual immorality with the Midianites (allies of the Moabites), following the advice of the pagan diviner Balaam. “The Lord your God destroyed from among you everyone who followed the Baal of Peor, but all of you who held fast to the Lord your God are still alive today” (4:3-4).
Moses summarizes a great deal of history and reminds the people of their poor choices. These are lessons we all need to hear and be reminded of ourselves. It seems we are quick to forget, a noble trait perhaps, but there is a difference in being forgiven for past sins and learning from former mistakes. Lord help us in remembering the past, not to dwell there, but to remember how you lifted us out of our sin. Let us remember enough to lead others wisely. Help us hear these words and take them to heart every day:
We are reminded to worship the Lord alone, to avoid making idols. I say we, even though this ancient writing refers to our ancestors, because I believe it is still relevant today. We make for ourselves idols in various forms. But here’s the refreshing news that Moses provides even so long ago, “But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul” (4:29).
Lord thank you for the reminder, for the memories of Moses and his band of followers who were so often reluctant…a people we can identify with if we are honest with ourselves. Help me today, this day and in the future, to worship you alone, to study and learn. Most importantly Lord, help me to help others on this journey, this most important decision, even when they don’t know they must decide. Give me wisdom and remind me constantly that it is for your glory which is eternal and not mine which is fleeting.