Deuteronomy 1 – Deuteronomy 2

We turn our attention to the fifth book of the Bible. Deuteronomy is the final book of the Pentateuch. I know this isn’t a word I’ve used in my blog yet, but Pentateuch, simply translated means five books/scrolls. As we’ve observed this far in our journey, these five books tell the story of creation, and as we read through the rest Deuteronomy, it will lead us through the death of Moses. Looking at the Pentateuch as a whole, this is the foundation of the people of God and the establishment of the nation of Israel.

As we venture into the Deuteronomy, keep in mind that these chapters contain Moses’ last words to the people he’s spent the close to 50 years with. These are his final blessing full of words of warning, wisdom, and remembrance. For now we start with words of remembrance, as their story is retold.

One laughable moment that I had as I was reading along, when Moses spoke of his own fate:

 ^“Because of you
the Lord became angry with me
also and said, “You shall not enter it, (the Promised Land) either.”
Deut. 1:37 NIV

I laughed, as Moses blames the people. I thought, “Really Moses? You were the one who struck the rock when God said to speak to it. Sure you were frustrated with the people, but you were in control. Don’t pass the blame on this one.” Goes back to that childhood teaching, any time you point a finger at someone else, you’ve got three fingers pointing back at you.

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Our next reading: Deuteronomy 3 – 4