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Moses Departs; Joshua Prepares

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Deuteronomy 34:1-12

God called Moses a friend whom He spoke with "face to face." The Jews of Jesus' time still considered Moses one of the most important leaders in their history. He led the people for forty years and was still capable of leading them into the land promised by God. Yet, God took him away at the time that the people needed strong leadership the most. God also buried Moses (vs.6) and his grave was never found.

Israel would survive without Moses because God had been Moses' strength and wisdom. God now endowed Joshua for the task of leading His people. He would now be the shepherd and messenger who would follow God and work by His direction. Both Moses and Joshua succeeded not because of who they were, but because of Who they followed.

Today we conclude the books of Moses. In them, we found the beginning of the world and the beginning of the people of God. We have seen the beginning of the Jewish system of sacrifice and we have carried the tablets of the Law down the mountain with Moses. Now we get to read about the conquest of the land under Joshua. After seeing the history of the Israelites in the wilderness, you may already suspect that they might not get the conquest of their new land completed in quite the way God directs.

Next in the Bible comes the book entitled "Joshua". "Joshua" does not include its author's name, but it is very early since some ot the participants are cited as still living, and the author at times indicates that he was present during the events described. Joshua may well have written at least parts of the story, though his death obviously was not sefl-recorded. The book tells the story of Israel at last entering the land promised to Abraham.

Next time: Be Strong and Courageous

Moses’ Song and Life

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Deuteronomy 32:1 – 33:29

Moses' song, given him by God, tells the story of Israel's future. Would they heed the warning?

God created them, saved them from slavery, and He would grant them great successes. However, as in our lives, prosperity can lead to rebellion. Israel would begin to trust in herself, worship other gods, become arrogant and self-powered. "Jeshurun" (or upright one) would succumb to evil (vs.15)

God is just and faithful. His people will rebel, leading to their destruction. God will allow a wicked nation to conquer them; a nation whose evil matches Sodom and Gomorrah will beat them down.

Verse 36 says that God will show His people compassion when "their strength is gone." Isn't it like that with us? We get so obsessed by our own ideas and solutions that we have to run out of all of our perceived options before slowing down to listen to God.

After His people return, God will destroy His enemies who had been temporarily victorious over Israel. All of this was many years in the future. Moses' words were a prophecy from God.

God then commanded Moses to go to the mountain to die. Moses' sin against his loving but just God prevented his entry into the new land. God did not condemn Moses. Upon his death, Moses entered God's presence, and would meet with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration. But, for now, Moses' last mission task was to bless the people whom he had led so many years (Chapter 33).

Moses' blessing cites God's love for people who just couldn't get it right. We can't "get it right" either. Our story is mixed: we try but fail; we decide not to try—and fail; we sometimes try and, by God's grace, we do pretty well; but He always grants us His grace and love. Moses, his people, and we, are proclaimed righteous through God's Son, Who won for us God's greatest blessing—entrance into His Father's presence.

Next time: Moses Departs; Joshua Prepares

Choose Life

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Deuteronomy 30:1 – 31:30

God revealed to Moses that the people who had followed the former prince of Egypt for forty years would not remain faithful to God. Can you imagine the anguish of Moses as he contemplated not accompanying them into the Promised Land? He had the assurance of God's care for them, but Moses must have felt like a parent seeing his children leave for the last time.

Verses 3-6 say that when the people turned from God and suffered the consequences that He would still love them. He would gather them back from the ends of the earth; bring them into the land and make their way prosper; He would circumcise their hearts. They could not do these things for themselves. God, against whom they would rebel, would pour His grace out on them, but that did not mean that the Law was not important.

    Moses said in verses 11-14 that the people could not claim ignorance of God's Law. It was not as though they had to search the earth and the heavens to find it. God's Law had dwelled in their lives for many years. Nor was the Law all that complicated. Jesus summed up the Law when asked which was the greatest of all the commandments: "'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the great and ^foremost commandment. The second is like it, '^You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' ^On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets." (Matthew 22:38ff)

In Chapter 31 (vs.6-8), Moses gives Joshua a wonderful assurance that is also found throughout the New Testament. Though he was speaking directly to Joshua, who was about to lead an entire nation into a new land filled with hostile inhabitants, Moses' words are true each one of us. "Be strong and courageous….The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

Next time: Moses' Song and Life

Remain Faithful!

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Deuteronomy 27:1 – 29:29

Why were the people not to use iron tools in cutting the altar stones? Historians believe the Israelites had no iron tools at this time, so to use them on the altar would mean that they had joined with, or hired, men from pagan nations to assist them. The instruction may also indicate a symbolic way of saying that people had nothing to do with creating the rules for life. They were handed down by God.

The ceremony of the curses and blessings begins in, verse 11. Representatives from the tribes of the sons of Jacob by his wives, Leah and Rachel, were to stand on one mount for the words of blessing. The tribes of the sons of Jacob's concubines were to stand on the opposite mount for the curses. Reuben's descendants were also there, perhaps because his sin had cost him his birthright (Genesis 35:22), as was Zebulun, the youngest son of Leah. From the valley the priestly Levites were to make the pronouncements.

The blessings and curses are specific, and as Chapter 28 comes to a close, these pronouncements become disturbing. God would never cause His people to fall so low as to practice cannibalism, but by their disobedience they would lose His protection, the cruelest of nations would fall upon them, and the torture of their fall would be too terrible to contemplate. Moses was commanded to tell them the truth, in order to stay their rebellion.

Believers are not cursed when we fail to live out God's law, because our many sins have been paid for in full by Jesus. But Jesus did command that we live our lives according to His word and His example. In the story of the wise man building his house on a rock, Jesus compared him to everyone who hears His words and "acts on them…" (Matthew 7:24) Over and over again, Jesus commanded His followers to emulate His life. It sounds impossible until we realize that it is not by our power that we can grow to be more like Jesus, but by His.

Next Time: Choose Life

More Behavior Models

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Deuteronomy 23:1-24:22

Chapter 23 illustrates what the Bible really says about slavery (vs.15-16). A common practice in ancient times, slavery was a fact of life. Yes, the Israelites had slaves, but unlike other nations, God commanded the proper treatment and equality of all, including slaves. Other nations often returned runaway slaves to their masters, for instance, but God commanded Israel to give them harbor and a new life.

The holiness of the community was also important. Israel belonged to God, and should be careful to not trust strangers too easily, but not turn them away either. By Jesus' time the Jews used the laws concerning non-Israelites as formulas of hatred and intolerance, but Jesus explained God's real intent. Women first witnessed the resurrected Jesus; God commanded Phillip to witness to a eunuch; and Peter to preach the gospel to non-Jews.

Commentators generally agree that the verses beginning Chapter 24 are meant to control the rampant practice of divorce in Moses' time. Most agree that God's laws were meant to highlight the seriousness of divorce and to try to diminish it. God is not condemning all women and men involved in divorce, but the frivolity of divorce without serious cause. Throughout the Bible, God illustrates His concern for women being abused. He does not condone abuse within a marriage, nor does He expect an abused spouse to remain in an abusive situation.

Many nations had laws concerning kidnapping (vs.6-7). God's treated kidnapping as seriously as murder. Some laws applied to aliens, residents, and slaves alike; others did not. However, the humane treatment of all men and women was never a matter of resident, alien, or slave. Commands of destruction applied to God's justice on pagan lands and His own nation; they did not apply when it came to the way individuals should treat one another in day to day life.

Other nations also had laws meant to prevent the spread of leprosy (vs.8). Miriam's situation is probably mentioned as an example of the fear and seriousness of the disease and a reminder of the importance of obeying the cleansing laws.

The rest of the chapter concerns more instructions for the just, but humane treatment of people for one another.

Next time: Kindness and Justice

How to Treat Others

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Deuteronomy 22:1-30

The first few verses of Chapter 22 have to do with common morality. Take the time to do good things for your neighbors and don't "cop out" by thinking that whatever happens down the street is none of your business. We have all seen the surprised appreciation expressed by strangers through the simple act of returning a wallet or calling out to them if they have dropped a glove. How sad that such simple courtesies can bring surprise in our world.

Verse 5 has been used by some to bar women from wearing pants or some other garment that was considered men's clothing a hundred years ago. In reality, most of these rules of clothing related to an implied lifestyle. In the Old Testament it may have had to do with "cross-dressing," or to pagan religious rites. In the New Testament, clothing or a woman's uncovered head could reflect Greek religious practices or women who wanted to mix pagan customs with Christian. We might compare it to clothing today that is meant to indicate gang membership, or homosexuality, or hatred, or the occult. These are things a Christian should not promote. These verses should never be used to set up rules concerning general clothing styles, or what must be worn to church, or in public, etc.

The rest of chapter 22 concerns sexual purity and faithfulness. Though some believe that laws of morality are the product of Christian prudishness, they were actually given by God. Secondly, in the Old Testament, cultures other than the Jews had such laws. In Mesopotamia, for instance, two people caught in adultery were tied up and drowned in the river. Today's world denies the validity of sexual faithfulness and purity, but though we may find the punishments of ancient times harsh, how could we deny that promiscuity leads to a difficult life?

The uniqueness in God's laws regarding sex is that the woman was not always held responsible. Her rights were much better guarded by God than in most societies.

Next time: More Behavior Models

Witnesses Judges and Warfare

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Deuteronomy 19:1 - 21:23

Chapter 19 teaches that the punishments listed were meant to dissuade others from pursuing sin (vs.20). Verse 21, however, does not demand that an eye be removed for the loss of another's eye. The idea here is that the judge demand value for value. This worked two ways, both to encourage justice by punishing the offender and to encourage justice by not inflicting excessive punishment.

The battle instructions in Chapter 20 are appealing. Excuse those who may lose the most and those whose fear might affect morale. Perhaps it is even acceptable to enslave an enemy if it means saving his life. Then God repeats the devastating instructions against Canaan.

These nations were absolute enemies of God, not innocent farmers being unjustly pushed out of the way. Their destruction would be just. It would also protect the young, vulnerable nation (vs.18). Sadly, God's warning proved true. Israel did not eliminate the Canaanites, and pagan worship infiltrated the nation.

Chapter 21, verses 1-9, cause questions. Why kill the innocent animal? Perhaps the animal died in order to demonstrate that murder and manslaughter are terrible things. They bring death to the innocent and death to the perpetrator. God wanted Israel to understand that life was precious. Scenes of sacrifice like these throughout the Old Testament foreshadowed Jesus' death for our sin.

Verses 10-17 again demonstrate God's love and respect for women. His laws granted women far more rights than they were granted in other cultures. While God commanded that if a man wanted a woman captive or slave (not a Canaanite), he had to marry her, in other cultures slave women could be used and abused without fear of reprimand. God also gave daughters the right to inherit along with their brothers (Numbers 27:7). God protected, respected, and showed mercy to women. Though verse 15 seems to refer to polygamy, God never commended the practice.

The execution of a rebellious son sounds pretty strange, especially in a culture where "spanking" is often illegal. However, the son had to be way beyond the simple rebellion of most teenagers today. Also, neither the Bible nor any other records cite any instance of the punishment being applied.

Next time: How to Treat Others

Kindness and Celebration

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Deuteronomy 15:1-16:22

Chapter 15 teaches about caring for the poor. God said that the poor would always be among His people, and this is true in our own time as well.

How do we give care to others? We can give in order to get something back, but God commanded His people to give generously, and not be conniving or expectant. Verse 9 refers to a giver who might fear to give because the seventh year was approaching, when all debts would be cancelled. Then he would have to forfeit any right to repayment. God said that this was wrong. Giving grudgingly was a sin. God said, "Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to."(vs.10) God was not saying that giving to the poor is a tool to get what you want. It would be more accurate to say that we take care of the needs of others because God is already taking care of ours.

Giving to the poor or doing good works is part of what we do as Christ's people. As Christians we give so that the needs of others can be met, and so that they might see Christ in us. Saint Paul said, "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." (Ephesians 2:10)

Chapter 16 is another recounting and reminder of the feasts that Israel was to observe in honor of their history, their God, and their need to obey Him. God's demands were demands born of His love. Israel could not know success or peace without God, especially in the pagan land they were about to enter. God also reveals again His care in these verses. The men were to gather to sacrifice, but only "as he is able" (vs.17). Verses 19 and 20 emphasize again that the nation was to pursue justice without greed or dishonesty.

Next time: Rules for a King

Dangerous Paradise

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Deuteronomy 11:1-32

Moses warned the people that the Promised Land was a dangerous place. They had to consistently obey God's commands and worship Him as He instructed. If they failed in this, they would lose the land and anger God. If they turned to their own understanding and ability, their blessings would crumble and fail. How about us? We often seek God's blessings, but do we consider the temptations we will encounter, even in the midst of His blessings?

Through His Son, God has redeemed us from sin and brought us into His presence, yet we still often fail to stay focused on Him and His will for us. Satan does not give up on us just because we are Christians. He still throws temptations in our path. He can even use God's gifts to try to cause us to choose sin over our love of God. Satan wants us to ignore God and run our lives without thinking of our Lord. When he succeeds, our blessings can turn into dust and tears.

What are some examples of this pattern of enjoying God's blessings while rejecting His Lordship? One might be a Christian whom God blesses with a high position in a company. This person has an opportunity to demonstrate the love of Jesus by his actions and his treatment of people. But what if this Christian goes on to climb the corporate ladder through deceit and half-truths? What about the Christian whom God has blessed with a wonderful spouse and children but who decides that an extramarital "fling" would be exciting?

Temptations surround us, even in the midst of God's blessings. He is our Master and our Father. He loves us beyond human understanding and He forgives us our sins through the blood of His Son, but if we choose to rebel, He will let us make that choice. That's why it's important to always seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit, no matter what the question.

Next time: Religions of Death

Remember Your God

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Deuteronomy 9:1 - 10:22

Today's reading is a wonderful message to us as well as to the people listening to Moses over three thousand years ago. Consider the following:

1) You cannot win the upcoming battle on your own. (9:1-2) As we face the normal battles of each day, as well as the life changing battles that come during our lives, it becomes clear that we really cannot overcome them on our own.

2) It is God who shall overcome your enemies. (9:3) What a comfort it is to know that though we cannot win the "game of life", God can.

3) Don't lift yourselves up for you are not worthy of God's love. (9:4-6) Concerning our problems and our victories in day to day life there are two conclusions to guard against. First, we may feel so unworthy of God's blessings that we fear stepping out into really living every day. Or, we may assume that God pours blessings on us because we are clearly worthy of them or even responsible for them ourselves. God wants us to appreciate His underserved gifts, but to also participate fully in them.

4) You are blessed for a reason, a work to be done. (10:17-19) Moses said that God was God of the entire world, not just the Jews. They were to be friends to the aliens among them. We also are to be a blessing to others; not just believers, but those who do not know God. We are to invite them into His kingdom by both our deeds and our words.

5) "He [God] is your praise and He is your God, who has done these great and awesome things for you which your eyes have seen." (10:21) We have an assurance that the people listening to Moses did not live to see. We know the life, the cross, and the resurrection of Jesus. We know that God has shown Himself and His love through His Son, Christ Jesus.

Next time: Dangerous Paradise