The word "Deuteronomy" literally means "the second law." It is a repetition of the law that was previously given in the prior books, stated again for the Israelites now about to finally go in and take possession of the Promised Land.
Chapter 1 begins a speech by Moses reviewing the highlights of the nation's journey over the past 40 years, starting with the people assembled at Mount Horeb (another name for Sinai) in verse 6. Moses reminds the people about how he appointed lieutenants over them because they had grown too vast for one man to bear. He also recalled how God provided for the nation in the wilderness, leading them in a cloud by day and fire by night. With sadness, he describes how the people had the opportunity to go up at once into Canaan and receive their inheritance, but they didn't trust the Lord and refused. For this, He rejected that generation and swore that only their children would be allowed to enter the Promised Land.
If you've been reading along in the Bible or listening in Sunday School, these stories probably sound very familiar to you. They recall key moments in Israel's history. They have become spiritual paradigms, touchstones that serve as models of our lives before God. We often talk about being "led" by God, or times of "rebellion." These stories are factual on a national level for historical Israel as well as often true for us personally. This recapitulation serves to remind us of God's saving activity in the world - and in our own lives.
No comments:
Post a Comment