Deuteronomy 26:16-19-- Declared

Scripture: Deuteronomy 26:16-19

We just finished moving through Moses' delivery of the Law to Israel before they finally entered the promised land. His delivery spanned Deuteronomy chapter 11 to verse 26:15, and we worked through the speech in sections that roughly correspond to each of the Ten Commandments. 

Today we'll meditate on the closing thought Moses shared as he finished his explanation of the Law and transitioned to the end of his book (and life). Something more happened that day than just a second giving of the Law. Moses didn't simply read a series of rules while his countrymen tried not to doze off. As the aging leader reminded his people of the character and faithfulness of God, the entire nation entered into a solemn and binding agreement with their Creator and Lawgiver.

Decalogue, part 1 (Deuteronomy 6-11)

Scripture: Deuteronomy 11 (especially verses 13-17, and also chapters 6-10)

If you've been reading through Deuteronomy with me, you'll notice something's different. As the title suggests, we're changing up the structure of working through the book. This simply reflects the change in the text itself; we're transitioning from Moses' introductory exhortations to his recapitulation of God's law. 

One fascinating observation, made by Walton and Hill in their textbook Old Testament Today, is that Moses' entire presentation, covering chapters 6 to 26, is a detailed exposition of the Ten Commandments (also called the Decalogue)! That all of the law really serves to further these ten core instructions.

Deuteronomy 9-- The wickedness of these nations

Scripture: Deuteronomy 9 (especially verses 4-6)

Two chapters ago, we were confronted with God's command for Israel to destroy all the inhabitants of the promised land. I explained one half of "why this is okay," which was that God issued the command, it was in a unique way that is not common to history and thus not setting a precedent for religious violence, and that God can do whatever He wants. But this still seems to leave one glaring question... why did God command Israel to wipe out whole towns and tribes?

Deuteronomy 8-- When you have eaten and are satisfied

Scripture: Deuteronomy 8 (especially verses 11-20)

You may have heard someone say (or said yourself), "The hardest times in my life are what ultimately brought me closest to God." Isn't it interesting how much we loathe pain, uncertainty, loss, and sorrow, when we consistently credit them as the most important landmarks on our spiritual journey?

Deut. 3-- Do Not Be Afraid of Them

Scripture: Deuteronomy 3 (especially verses 21-22)

In an interesting twist in Moses' story arc, he's not allowed to enter the Promised Land after decades of leading Israel toward it. It's a punishment for public insubordination and disrespect toward God (the story of which is here in Numbers 20 and, for a more thorough explanation, this article is what I found on Google). 

Deuteronomy 1-- The Lord Hates Us

Scripture: Deuteronomy 1 (especially verses 22-33)

Last summer, I took a seminary class on the Old Testament. I recommend doing this if you get a chance, as it opened my eyes to many fascinating and enriching facts about God and the Bible. And while I mean that encouragement, there's one specific reason I'm sharing this fact. My teacher (Dr. Mark Futato of RTS, who wrote the excellent study material for the book of Jonah in the ESV Study Bible!) said something that stuck with me:

"If you learn only one book of the Old Testament, make it Deuteronomy. It was Jesus' favorite book."

Hebrews 11:1-31-- Longing for a Better Country

Scripture: Hebrews 11:1-31

Hebrews 11. The "Hall of Faith". Seriously, there are probably statues of these people in heaven.

But for all the times you've read this beloved chapter, have you ever wondered why it's there?