Part 1: 1:1-4:43

Possessing the Promise
Part 1: Deuteronomy 1:1-4:43

“These are the words”
The original name for the 5th book of the Bible is Devarim (which means words, 1:1). When the OT was translated into Greek it was re-titled Deuteronomy (which means second law, 17:18).

“Moses spoke”
Until recently, Mosaic authorship of this material was undisputed. 14 other OT books attributed it to Moses as did multiple NT authors and Jesus Himself. Liberal scholars have attempted to undermine this tradition by pointing out that Moses' own death is recorded in chapter 34 (and parenthetical statements are made throughout). But conservative scholars point out that claiming Mosaic authorship is not the same thing as saying he is responsible for every word. Authorship, in ancient times, simply referred to the most famous or most significant contributer of the material. All the external evidence points to Moses and the internal evidence does as well (for instance, Jerusalem is not mentioned as God's capital city, 12:5).

“To all Israel in the desert east of the Jordan…”
Moses was addressing a younger generation of Israelites (60 years old and younger, see Numbers 14:29-34). They were on the threshold of the Promised Land and were entering into an agreement with the King of Kings. This phrase (King of Kings) has taken on new significance since the archaeological find of ancient Suzerainty Treaties which established the agreement between a Suzerain (sovereign king) over his vassal's (lesser kings). Moses, being educated in the formal writings of the world at that time, seems to have picked up the common form. In other words, Deuteronomy is a sort of Suzerainty Treaty in which God is the sovereign King and the tribes of Israel are the subordinate vassals. He is truly the King of kings.

I. Preamble (1:1-5)
If it was only an 11 day trip from Horeb (Sinai) to Kadesh-Barnea (entrance to the Promised Land, 1:2), then why were they only now about to enter? This question is answered when Moses gives the historical prologue which describes why and how they wandered in the desert for about 40 years.

II. Historical Prologue (1:6-4:43)
III. Stipulations (General: 5-11, Specific 12-26)
IV. Sanctions (27-30)
V. Final Considerations (31-33)
VI. Epilogue (34)


QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

1. How does the Old Covenant call to “go” (1:7) compare and contrast to the New Covenant call to “go” (Matthew 28:19)? Also consider 1:23-25.
COMPARE- Waiting... CONTRAST- For Law vs. For Spirit
COMPARE- Going... CONTRAST- Land vs. World
COMPARE- Possession... CONTRAST- Physically vs. Spiritually
COMPARE- Twelve... CONTRAST- Tribes vs. Apostles
COMPARE- Fruit... CONTRAST- Fruit vs. Converts

2. How does Moses’ request in 1:13 compare and contrast to the Apostles’ request in Acts 6:1-7?

3. The desert generation failed to accomplish its mission. What attitudes and behaviors prevented them from victory? Consider 1:26-28, 41.
A. Unwillingness to go
B. Rebellion against commands
C. Grumbling i. at Lord ii. each other iii. b/c of enemies
D. Flesh driven programs

4. What are we to make of wilderness wanderers? How does God view them? Consider 2:7 & Numbers 14:20-25. Remember, Moses himself was banned from the Promised Land (3:23-29).
I believe it is left somewhat ambigous on purpose. They may be saved, but they have no sense of security.


5. Why does God forbid Israel from provoking certain peoples to war (2:5, 9)? How does this fit with those who say that God in the OT is utterly wrathful?

6. Why does God allow the older generation to experience some victories toward the end of their lives (2:24-3:11, 21-22)? Why does He allow some Israelites to remain east of the Jordan (3:12-20)?

7. What was the whole point of God bringing the Israelites into the Promised Land (4:6-8)? And what was the risk in doing so (4:9-31)?
A. The wisdom would draw pagans to God
B. That they'd end up dragging God's name through the mud