the ruminations of aaron eberline

The book of Deuteronomy retells the stories found in Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers. The book is the last of the Pentateuch authored by Moses. In chapter 1 Moses reviews the journey of the Israelites from Horeb. Why repeat all of the stories again? How does this profit the people? I think it was absolutely necessary for the people to remember God’s faithfulness and their consistent failure. If the people of Israel were not reminded of where God had brought them from would they have been more inclined to stray from Him? The story of the peoples lack of faith and rebellion before the 40 years in the wilderness must have been a vivid reminder to obey God. The importance of obeying God in all areas of life has been repeated to me many times today. I was studying in 1 John and Hebrews and times and time again I consistently saw through the studies that God wants people to obey Him and that our obedience is an expression of our love. Do you love God? Do you obey God? Your actions in life will speak greater of your love for God than anything you could possibly say. The scribes and Pharisees in the gospels had all the head knowledge and obeyed what they saw as the Law but it was not enveloped in love. I cannot fully grasp the wonder of loving and obeying God but I know that I am growing daily in my infant love, trust, and obedience to God.

I love how God’s faithfulness is shown in chapter 2 as Moses recounts the travels in the wilderness. The Israelites traveled through Seir where the sons of Esau dwelt and Ar where the sons of Lot dwelt. In each of these places that the Israelites traveled through God did not give any of the land because it was promised to the sons of Esau and Lot. This is another example of God being faithful to provide for people. God finally the land of Heshbon to the Israelites. The people of Israel were faithful to obey God by leaving no survivors from the battle. When the people remained obedient to God they had His blessing and the direction was clear for them. As I progress through reading the Old Testament it will be apparent when the Israelites stray from obedience to God.

How did Moses speak to all the people? It is all too easy to think of our modern day amenities like public address systems and loud speakers. Were there scribes that wrote all he said and heralds that spoke the words? It seems such a small thing to speak to millions of people today but how did it happen back then? It adds to my wonder and amazement of God and the story in the Old Testament.