Day 73, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Deuteronomy 1–3
Remembrance and Restoration
We want the best for our children, but we all make mistakes. When we reflect on our lives, what did we do that we regret and wish the next generation would do differently? What should we tell them?
Israel’s second generation
Today, we turn the page from the book of Numbers to the book of Deuteronomy. We move from the first generation of Israelites, who were delivered from Egyptian slavery, to the second generation of Israelites, who do not know him very well.
Suppose that some of us hopped on this chronological Bible touring bus late. If we did not know the books of Exodus through Numbers, we would need someone to bring us up to date. That is what the book of Deuteronomy does. This book will remind us how the Lord wants to be worshipped and how he wants to work in our lives.
The first generation rebelled against God at the southern border of Canaan (the Promised Land) at Kadesh Barnea. Because they were fearful of the land’s giants, they would not go in and conquer it. For this revolt, they died wandering in the wilderness. But God is gracious—their children and grandchildren are allowed to enter the Promised Land. They wait by the Jordan River across from Jericho to go in and conquer it. While not perfect, they have turned from their sins and are learning to trust God. If we want to be spiritually restored, we must do the same (more...).
Characteristics of Deuteronomy
Structure
The structure of the book of Deuteronomy is significant. Its format is a treaty similar to a near eastern treaty of the day, called the Suzerain Treaty. The Suzerain Treaty is a formal agreement between a king (the Suzerain) and a vassal nation (more…).God reminds the Israelites of the covenant between him and them because it has been nearly forty years since the first one was instituted. The word Deuteronomy means “second law” (Deuteronomy 2:14). Perhaps the family leaders and priests were too rebellious or lazy to pass on God’s laws and statutes to their children or their experiences with their Almighty God. There was a need to inform or remind them.
It is essential to share God’s Word, the Bible, with each generation. By doing so, we help children and young adults know what God requires, and we inspire them with our faith stories. When we share how God has worked mightily on our behalf, they draw confidence to trust him.
Moses’ Sermons
Although the book of Deuteronomy is written in the form of a treaty, it is also a collection of Moses’ sermons just before his death. Moses urges the Israelites to keep the laws of God with their conditions so they will be successful in the Promised Land.
If we desire spiritual restoration and favor, we need to remember how good things were before we got into trouble and what got us into it. Then, we need to repent and commit ourselves anew to conform to whatever behavior God expects of us. This is also a purpose of Deuteronomy.
A Change in Relationship
Another feature of the book of Deuteronomy is the change in the relationship between God and the Israelites. In the book of Exodus, God says, “I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob as God Almighty, but by my name the LORD [from the Hebrew word translated, ‘Yahweh’] I did not make myself known to them” (Exodus 6:1, NIV). “Yahweh” means he is the ever-present, self-sufficient God. He is faithful. The LORD made an unconditional covenant (promise) to Abraham and his descendants (Genesis 17:8), but this remained unfulfilled.
The Israelites did not experience God as the LORD until after being in Egyptian bondage for 400 years. Moses’ initial announcement that God was indeed present and concerned about them was a great comfort. God delivered them through many plagues on the Egyptians, and in the face of their “gods,” which were supposed to protect them, Yahweh brought the Israelites out of Egypt to the border of the Promised Land.
From “Yahweh” in Exodus and Numbers, we move to the book of Deuteronomy, where personal pronouns are connected to God over 443 times. Why? First of all, God is the Suzerain (king) of the covenant. Second, and more practically, Moses wants the second generation to own a relationship with God, so he speaks of him as their LORD. The Israelites need to hold their relationship with the true God of heaven because they are going into a land where its people serve many false gods. Moses wants their loyalty to be with the one true God, who personally delivered them from bondage.
Is our relationship with God personal? Is he our God, our LORD, and our Savior? We need the confidence of a personal relationship with God to fight spiritual battles in our lives, and this is possible through his Son, Jesus Christ (Hebrews 1:1-2; John 14:6; 20:17; Romans 8:15; 1Corinthians 1:3).
Jesus is the only one who can provide spiritual healing and restoration (more...).
Two Big Victories
God gives Israel two significant military victories before the people enter the land of Canaan. Why? His purpose is to strike fear into other nations’ hearts (Deuteronomy 2:25 and 3:21-22 and 24). Suddenly, this vast nation, this sleeping giant, this strange, downtrodden horde of shepherds wandering in the wilderness for almost forty years, awakes and wins two great military victories! The victories give courage to the Israelite people that their LORD will help them succeed.
Those who want spiritual restoration also need the encouragement of some victories. Nothing changes our attitudes like winning.
To win, we must learn to trust God, be obedient, and act in faith.
Keeping Commitments
The battles in Canaan will soon be engaged but under a different leader—Joshua. Under his leadership, Israel will have great success! After the final military victories in the Promised Land, God will give the land east of the Jordan River to the Reubenites, Gadites, and half-tribe of Manasseh as Moses promised. However, they must keep their agreement to fight for the liberation of the Promised Land before they return to settle permanently on their property. Then, they may go home and enjoy their inheritance (Deuteronomy 3:18).To win, we must also keep our promises.
The Bible Knowledge Commentary of the Old Testament, by Walvoord and Zuck, ©1985, p. 260
Discussion
Why was there a need for a second law (Deuteronomy)? This was a reminder or renewal of the first covenant between God and Israel.
What are some of the unique characteristics of the book of Deuteronomy, and why does it matter?
Israel experience two big victories before she went into the Promised Land. How did it help her?
.Focus Verse
Deuteronomy 1:30 (NIV) “The LORD your God, who is going before you, will fight for you, as he did for you in Egypt, before your very eyes.”
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Looking Ahead: Now that we remember the goodness of God and are spiritually restored to him, How do we Succeed? Find out in our Next Lesson.
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