Here’s how the study works: Read the chapters mentioned in the heading during the week and share any words, thoughts, verses that stood out to you. Having a week for several chapters creates the opportunity to revisit them and make additional comments as you feel inclined as well as make comments on other people’s insights.
1:27 You grumbled in your tents and said, “The Lord hates us; so he brought us out of Egypt to deliver us into the hands of the Amorites to destroy us.
How absurd!That God would send Moses and all the plagues to release them from slavery in Egypt to destroy them at the hands of the Amorites. They were so very short sighted.
However we often do the same thing. Our circumstances go badly and we immediately think God hates us.
1:27 You grumbled in your tents and said, “The Lord hates us; so he brought us out of Egypt to deliver us into the hands of the Amorites to destroy us.
How absurd!That God would send Moses and all the plagues to release them from slavery in Egypt to destroy them at the hands of the Amorites. They were so very short sighted.
However we often do the same thing. Our circumstances go badly and we immediately think God hates us.
2:12 (Horites used to live in Seir, but the descendants of Esau drove them out. They destroyed the Horites from before them and settled in their place, just as Israel did in the land the Lord gave them as their possession.)
This must have been added after Israel had possessed the land, that is after Moses died, which means, like Moses' death in chapter 34, Moses couldn't have written these bits. However they only add historical information and don't distract from God's message.
God was active amongst the nations apart from Israel. God gave land to Moab (v.9); Ammmon (v.19) and Edom (v.5). Moab and Ammon were descendants of Lot. This speaks of God's Sovereignty.
2:12 (Horites used to live in Seir, but the descendants of Esau drove them out. They destroyed the Horites from before them and settled in their place, just as Israel did in the land the Lord gave them as their possession.)
This must have been added after Israel had possessed the land, that is after Moses died, which means, like Moses' death in chapter 34, Moses couldn't have written these bits. However they only add historical information and don't distract from God's message.
God was active amongst the nations apart from Israel. God gave land to Moab (v.9); Ammmon (v.19) and Edom (v.5). Moab and Ammon were descendants of Lot. This speaks of God's Sovereignty.
3:24 “Sovereign Lord, you have begun to show to your servant your greatness and your strong hand. For what god is there in heaven or on earth who can do the deeds and mighty works you do?"
Moses sincerely wanted to enter the Promised Land but God would not allow it. Sometimes we have to be content with what God has given us and shown us, and not be jealous of what he has done for others.
3:24 “Sovereign Lord, you have begun to show to your servant your greatness and your strong hand. For what god is there in heaven or on earth who can do the deeds and mighty works you do?"
Moses sincerely wanted to enter the Promised Land but God would not allow it. Sometimes we have to be content with what God has given us and shown us, and not be jealous of what he has done for others.
4:5-6 See, I have taught you decrees and laws as the Lord my God commanded me, so that you may follow them in the land you are entering to take possession of it. Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear about all these decrees and say, “Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.”
They were to observe the laws and decrees to show that Israel was a great nation with wise and understanding people! It would make them look good if they obeyed God. Their life style would be attractive to others.
4:5-6 See, I have taught you decrees and laws as the Lord my God commanded me, so that you may follow them in the land you are entering to take possession of it. Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear about all these decrees and say, “Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.”
They were to observe the laws and decrees to show that Israel was a great nation with wise and understanding people! It would make them look good if they obeyed God. Their life style would be attractive to others.
5:29 Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commands always, so that it might go well with them and their children forever!
So many times in Deuteronomy God says, “it might go well with them.” (4:40; 5:16, 29; 6:3, 11, 18; 8:16; 12:25, 28; 19:13; 22:7).
God wants his people to respond to his love and grace so that it would go well with them. His desire was to bless them and show them favour. He wants our obedience because it is in our best interests.
5:29 Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commands always, so that it might go well with them and their children forever!
So many times in Deuteronomy God says, “it might go well with them.” (4:40; 5:16, 29; 6:3, 11, 18; 8:16; 12:25, 28; 19:13; 22:7).
God wants his people to respond to his love and grace so that it would go well with them. His desire was to bless them and show them favour. He wants our obedience because it is in our best interests.