1 These are the words that Moses spoke to all Israel beyond the Jordan in the wilderness, in the Arabah opposite Suph, between Paran and Tophel, Laban, Hazeroth, and Dizahab.
2 It is eleven days’ journey from Horeb by the way of Mount Seir to Kadesh-barnea.
3 In the fortieth year, on the first day of the eleventh month, Moses spoke to the people of Israel according to all that the Lord had given him in commandment to them,
4 after he had defeated Sihon the king of the Amorites, who lived in Heshbon, and Og the king of Bashan, who lived in Ashtaroth and in Edrei.
5 Beyond the Jordan, in the land of Moab, Moses undertook to explain this law, saying:
6 “The Lord our God said to us in Horeb, ‘You have stayed long enough at this mountain.
7 Turn and take your journey, and go to the hill country of the Amorites and to all their neighbors in the Arabah, in the hill country and in the lowland and in the Negeb and by the seacoast, the land of the Canaanites, and Lebanon, as far as the great river, the river Euphrates.
8 See, I have set the land before you. Go in and take possession of the land that the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give to them and to their offspring after them.
9 “At that time I said to you, ‘I am not able to bear you by myself.”
10 The Lord your God has multiplied you, and behold, you are today as numerous as the stars of heaven.
11 May the Lord, the God of your fathers, make you a thousand times as many as you are and bless you, as he has promised you!
12 How can I bear by myself the weight and burden of you and your strife?
13 Choose for your tribes wise, understanding, and experienced men, and I will appoint them as your heads.
14 Then you answered me, ‘The thing that you have spoken is good for us to do.’
15 So I took the heads of your tribes, wise and experienced men, and set them as heads over you, commanders of thousands, commanders of hundreds, commanders of fifties, commanders of tens, and officers, throughout your tribes.
16 And I charged your judges at that time, ‘Hear the cases between your brothers, and judge righteously between a man and his brother or the alien who is with him.
17 You shall not be partial in judgment. You shall hear the small and the great alike. You shall not be intimidated by anyone, for the judgment is God’s. And the case that is too hard for you, you shall bring to me, and I will hear it.
18 And I commanded you at that time all the things that you should do.
19 Then we set out from Horeb and went through all that great and terrifying wilderness that you saw, on the way to the hill country of the Amorites, as the Lord our God commanded us. And we came to Kadesh-barnea.
20 And I said to you, ‘You have come to the hill country of the Amorites, which the Lord our God is giving us.
21 See, the Lord your God has set the land before you. Go up, take possession, as the Lord, the God of your fathers, has told you. Do not fear or be dismayed.
22 And all of you came near me and said, ‘Let us send men before us, that they may explore the land for us and bring us word again of the way by which we must go up and the cities into which we shall come.’
23 And the thing seemed good to me, and I took twelve men from you, one man from each tribe.
24 And they turned and went up into the hill country, and came to the Valley of Eshcol and spied it out.
25 And they took in their hands some of the fruit of the land and brought it down to us, and brought us word again and said, ‘It is a good land that the Lord our God is giving us.’
26 Yet you would not go up, but rebelled against the command of the Lord your God.
27 And you murmured in your tents and said, ‘Because the Lord hated us he has brought us out of the land of Egypt, to give us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us.
28 Where are we going up? Our brothers have made our hearts melt, saying, “The people are greater and taller than we. The cities are great and fortified up to heaven. And besides, we have seen the sons of the Anakim there.”
29 Then I said to you, ‘Do not be in dread or afraid of them.
30 The Lord your God who goes before you will himself fight for you, just as he did for you in Egypt before your eyes,
31 and in the wilderness, where you have seen how the Lord your God carried you, as a man carries his son, all the way that you went until you came to this place.
32 Yet in spite of this word you did not believe the Lord your God,
33 who went before you in the way to seek you out a place to pitch your tents, in fire by night and in the cloud by day, to show you by what way you should go.
34 And the Lord heard your words and was angered, and he swore,
35 ‘Not one of these men of this evil generation shall see the good land that I swore to give to your fathers,
36 except Caleb the son of Jephunneh. He shall see it, and to him and to his children I will give the land on which he has trodden, because he has wholly followed the Lord!
37 Even with me the Lord was angry on your account and said, ‘You also shall not go in there.
38 Joshua the son of Nun, who stands before you, he shall enter. Encourage him, for he shall cause Israel to inherit it.
39 And as for your little ones, who you said would become a prey, and your children, who today have no knowledge of good or evil, they shall go in there, and to them I will give it, and they shall possess it.
40 But as for you, turn, and journey into the wilderness in the direction of the Red Sea.’
41 “Then you answered me, ‘We have sinned against the Lord. We ourselves will go up and fight, just as the Lord our God commanded us.’ And every one of you fastened on his weapons of war and thought it easy to go up into the hill country.”
42 And the Lord said to me, ‘Say to them, Do not go up or fight, for I am not in your midst, lest you be defeated before your enemies.’
43 So I spoke to you, and you would not listen; but you rebelled against the command of the Lord and presumptuously went up into the hill country.
44 Then the Amorites who lived in that hill country came out against you and chased you as bees do and beat you down in Seir, as far as Hormah.
45 And you returned and wept before the Lord, but the Lord did not listen to your voice or give ear to you.
46 So you remained at Kadesh many days, the days that you remained there.
The True Meaning of Deuteronomy 1
The book of Deuteronomy was written by Moses, the great prophet and leader of the Israelites. Moses recounted their journey and the laws God had given them as the Israelites stood on the edge of the Promised Land. Moses reminds the people of their past failures and the consequences they faced, while also preparing them for the challenges that lie ahead as they enter the land God has promised in this chapter.
Moses’ words in this chapter echo the themes found throughout the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible. We see the importance of obedience to God’s commands, the consequences of disobedience, and the steadfast love of a merciful God who desires to bless His people. Moses’ exhortations serve as a crucial reminder of the Israelites’ history and a call to faithfulness in the days to come as they prepare to cross the Jordan River.
The events described in this chapter took place on the plains of Moab, just before the Israelites entered the Promised Land. Moses recounts the appointment of leaders, the sending of spies, and the people’s refusal to enter the land, which resulted in their punishment of wandering in the wilderness for 40 years. These events foreshadow the challenges and victories that lie ahead for the Israelites as they seek to possess the land God has promised them.
Deuteronomy 1:1-5
Moses begins his discourse to the Israelites as they stand on the brink of entering the Promised Land in Deuteronomy 1:1-5. Let’s break down this verse in sections and explore its significance.
- “These are the words that Moses spoke to all Israel beyond the Jordan in the wilderness, in the Arabah opposite Suph, between Paran and Tophel, Laban, Hazeroth, and Dizahab.”
This verse sets the stage for the book of Deuteronomy by pinpointing the location where Moses addressed the Israelites. This speech occurs in the plains of Moab, across the Jordan River from the land God had promised to the Israelites. The mention of specific locations such as Paran and Dizahab serves to cement the historical context of Moses’ words. It also reminds the Israelites of their journey through the wilderness and the faithfulness of God in leading them to this point. Moses is connecting the present moment to their past experiences by referencing these places, emphasizing the importance of remembering God’s faithfulness throughout their history.
- “It is eleven days’ journey from Horeb by the way of Mount Seir to Kadesh-barnea.”
Here, Moses highlights the geographical proximity of the Promised Land to the place where the Israelites received the Law at Mount Sinai (Horeb). The fact that it took them forty years to travel this short distance serves as a poignant reminder of the Israelites’ disobedience and lack of faith during their time in the wilderness. This statement underscores the consequences of unbelief and rebellion against God’s commands. It also serves as a warning to the new generation about the importance of obedience and faithfulness in following God’s leading, as failure to do so can result in prolonged wandering and missed blessings.
- Moses spoke to the people of Israel according to all that the Lord had given him in commandment to them in the fortieth year, on the first day of the eleventh month.”
The mention of the fortieth year serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of disobedience. The previous generation’s failure to trust God had resulted in their prolonged wandering in the wilderness until that entire generation passed away. Now, as the new generation stands poised to enter the Promised Land, Moses reiterates the commandments and instructions that God had given him. This reiteration underscores the importance of passing down God’s teachings from one generation to the next. The repetition of God’s commandments is a central theme throughout Deuteronomy, emphasizing the need for obedience and faithfulness to God’s covenant.
- “After he had defeated Sihon the king of the Amorites, who lived in Heshbon, and Og the king of Bashan, who lived in Ashtaroth and in Edrei.”
This verse references the victories that the Israelites, under the leadership of Moses, had achieved against powerful kings like Sihon and Og. These conquests were not merely military victories but were also demonstrations of God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to the Israelites. The defeat of these formidable foes served to bolster the Israelites’ confidence in God’s power and provision as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. It also foreshadowed the conquest of Canaan that would occur under the leadership of Joshua. The mention of these victories serves as a testament to God’s faithfulness and power in fulfilling His purposes for His people. Deuteronomy 1:1-5 sets the stage for Moses’ address to the Israelites by providing historical context, highlighting the importance of obedience and faithfulness, and reminding the people of God’s faithfulness throughout their journey. The verses serve as a bridge between the past experiences of the Israelites in the wilderness and the challenges that lay ahead as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. Throughout these verses, the themes of remembrance, obedience, and God’s faithfulness are woven together, emphasizing the timeless message of staying faithful to God’s commands and trusting in His provision.
Deuteronomy 1:6-8
Moses addresses the Israelites in Deuteronomy 1:6-8, recalling the journey they had taken from Mount Horeb (Sinai) to Kadesh Barnea. This passage marks a pivotal moment in the Israelites’ history as they stand at the brink of entering the Promised Land. Despite the proximity to their destination, Moses takes this opportunity to reflect on the past events and to remind the Israelites of God’s faithfulness throughout their journey.
Moses begins by reminding the Israelites of how the Lord God had spoken to them at Horeb, instructing them that it was time to move on and take possession of the land that He had promised to their ancestors. The mention of Horeb is significant as it was there that God first made a covenant with the Israelites and gave them the Ten Commandments through Moses. This covenant established the foundation of their relationship with God and set the standards for their obedience and faithfulness. Moses reinforces the idea that their journey to the Promised Land is a continuation of their covenant with God by referencing Horeb. Moses highlights the promise of God to give them the land He had sworn to their ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This promise reaffirms God’s covenant with the patriarchs and underscores His faithfulness in fulfilling His word. Through this, Moses seeks to inspire the Israelites with the assurance that God’s promises are trustworthy and will come to fruition if they remain obedient and faithful to Him.
The mention of the twelve tribes of Israel in verse 12 is significant as it emphasizes the unity and diversity among God’s chosen people. The twelve tribes, descendants of the sons of Jacob, symbolize the entirety of Israel and reflect the fulfillment of God’s promise to make of them a great nation. This reference serves as a reminder that they are part of a larger community bound by their common heritage and faith in the Lord. We are reminded of the importance of remembering God’s faithfulness in our lives when reflecting on this passage. Just as Moses recounted God’s promises and past deeds to the Israelites, we too should take time to recall God’s faithfulness, provision, and guidance in our own journeys. It serves as a source of encouragement and strength, especially during times of uncertainty or challenges. The Israelites’ journey from Horeb to Kadesh Barnea serves as a metaphor for our own spiritual journey towards the fulfillment of God’s promises in our lives. Deuteronomy 1:6-8 sets the tone for the book of Deuteronomy by emphasizing the themes of remembrance, obedience, and faith in God’s promises. It calls us to reflect on our own spiritual journey, remember God’s faithfulness in the past, and look forward with hope and trust in His promises for the future. Just as the Israelites were called to possess the land that God had promised them, we too are called to walk in faith and obedience, trusting that God will fulfill His promises in His perfect timing.
Deuteronomy 1:9-18
Moses reflects on the immense responsibility he carried as the leader of the Israelites in Deuteronomy 1:9-18. Let’s break down this passage into several key sections for deeper understanding:
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Moses Addresses the Israelites: Here, Moses reminds the Israelites of the moment when he said to them, “I am not able to bear you by myself.” This reveals Moses’ humility and recognition of his limitations as a human leader. Despite his close relationship with God and his role as the deliverer of the Israelites from Egypt, he acknowledges that he cannot shoulder the burden of leadership alone. This act of humility serves as a powerful example of leadership for Christians, emphasizing the importance of relying on God’s strength rather than one’s own abilities.
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Appointment of Leaders: Moses recounts how he appointed leaders from among the Israelites – wise, understanding, and experienced men – to assist him in bearing the burden of leadership. Moses demonstrates the importance of selecting qualified and capable leaders to share in the responsibility of guiding God’s people by choosing individuals based on their character and wisdom. This process of delegation not only lightened his load but also empowered others to use their skills in service of the community.
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Administration of Justice: Moses instructs these appointed leaders to hear disputes between the Israelites and judge fairly, without showing partiality or being intimidated by anyone. This emphasis on justice and impartiality reflects God’s character as the ultimate judge and highlights the importance of upholding righteousness in community affairs. Through this system of delegated authority and fair judgment, Moses establishes the foundation for a just society governed by God’s principles.
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Moses’ Exhortation: Moses reminds the Israelites of his charge to them to “hear the cases between your brothers and judge righteously.” This call to uphold justice and righteousness echoes throughout the Bible, emphasizing the importance of acting justly and loving mercy (Micah 6:8). Moses sets a precedent for the Israelites to follow in their interactions with one another and with God by reinforcing these ethical standards.
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Final Accountability: Moses warns the Israelite judges that they must render judgments without partiality, whether the person involved is rich or poor. This command reflects the biblical principle of treating all individuals with equality and fairness, regardless of their social status. The Bible repeatedly condemns corruption and injustice, underscoring the need for impartiality in the administration of justice. Deuteronomy 1:9-18 offers valuable insights into leadership, justice, and righteousness. Moses’ leadership style, characterized by humility, delegation, and a commitment to justice, serves as a model for Christian leaders today. Believers can cultivate a community marked by integrity, fairness, and compassion, reflecting God’s kingdom on earth by following the principles outlined in this passage.
Deuteronomy 1:19-25
The Israelites are on the cusp of entering the Promised Land after their exodus from Egypt in Deuteronomy 1:19-25. This passage recounts when Moses sent out twelve spies, one from each tribe, to explore the land of Canaan, as God had instructed. This was an important moment in the Israelites’ journey, as they were about to take the next step towards fulfilling God’s promise to them.
When the spies returned, they confirmed that the land was indeed flowing with milk and honey, just as God had promised. However, they also reported that the land was inhabited by strong and numerous people living in fortified cities. This news filled the Israelites with fear and caused them to doubt God’s ability to deliver the land to them, despite all the miracles and provisions they had witnessed up to that point.
The reaction of the Israelites to the report of the spies reveals a lack of faith and trust in God’s promises. Instead of remembering God’s faithfulness in delivering them from slavery in Egypt or parting the Red Sea for them, they allowed fear to overshadow their faith. This lack of faith ultimately led to their punishment of wandering in the wilderness for forty years until the faithless generation had passed away, with only Joshua and Caleb being allowed to enter the Promised Land.
This passage serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of doubt and unbelief. It underscores the importance of trust in God’s promises, even in the face of challenges and obstacles. The story of the spies and the Israelites’ response also highlights the theme of obedience and faithfulness throughout the Bible. Time and time again, we see that those who trust in God and remain faithful to Him are the ones who inherit His blessings and promises.
Other passages in the Bible echo this sentiment. The writer in Hebrews 3:12-19 warns believers against having an unbelieving heart like the Israelites in the wilderness and encourages them to hold firm to their confidence in Christ. Similarly, in Numbers 14:11, after the Israelites express their desire to return to Egypt rather than face the challenges of entering the Promised Land, God’s displeasure with their lack of faith is evident. The account of the spies in Deuteronomy 1:19-25 serves as a cautionary tale for believers, urging them to trust in God’s promises, even when faced with difficult circumstances. It emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience in receiving the blessings that God has in store for His people.
Deuteronomy 1:26-33
Moses addresses the Israelites in Deuteronomy 1:26-33 after they disobeyed God’s command to enter the Promised Land. The Israelites had sent spies to explore the land, but despite witnessing the goodness of the land God intended to give them, they allowed fear and doubt to cloud their judgment. They refused to enter the land, choosing instead to wander in the wilderness. This decision not only displayed a lack of faith in God’s promises but also revealed their disobedience and lack of trust in His power to fulfill His word.
This passage teaches us a valuable lesson about the consequences of disobedience and unbelief. The Israelites’ refusal to enter the Promised Land led to dire consequences – they were condemned to wander in the wilderness for forty years until the entire generation perished, with only Joshua and Caleb being allowed to enter the land. This highlights the importance of obedience and faith in God’s plans and promises. When we doubt God’s faithfulness and power, we risk missing out on the blessings He has in store for us.
The story of the Israelites’ refusal to enter the Promised Land serves as a warning to us to trust in God wholeheartedly and to obey His commands. The author refers back to this incident in Deuteronomy in Hebrews 3:12-19, cautioning believers against having a “heart of unbelief” that leads to disobedience. Just as the Israelites faced the consequences of their lack of faith, we too will face repercussions if we fail to trust in God and His promises.
Furthermore, this passage underscores the importance of learning from past mistakes and making decisions based on faith and obedience rather than fear and doubt. Instead of dwelling on their past failures, the Israelites should have repented and trusted in God’s guidance and provision. We must remember not to repeat the same mistakes as the Israelites by allowing fear and doubt to hinder us from stepping into the abundant life God has prepared for us in our own lives. Deuteronomy 1:26-33 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of faith, obedience, and trust in God’s promises. It challenges us to examine our own hearts and actions, ensuring that we are walking in faith and obedience to God’s will, and encouraging us to learn from the mistakes of the past in order to move forward in God’s purposes for our lives.
Deuteronomy 1:34-40
Moses recounts the Israelites’ refusal to enter the Promised Land due to fear and lack of faith in God’s promises in Deuteronomy 1:34-40. This passage serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of disobedience and lack of trust in the Lord’s plans. Moses reminds the people in the verses preceding this passage of how they had reached the borders of the land God had promised them. Instead of moving forward in faith, the Israelites were swayed by the negative report of the spies who had been sent to scout the land. Despite God’s assurance of victory, the Israelites succumbed to fear and complained against Him.
The Israelites’ rebellion resulted in dire consequences as God decreed that they would wander in the wilderness for forty years until the faithless generation had perished. Only their children, who had been deemed too young to understand the magnitude of their parents’ unbelief, would inherit the Promised Land.
This passage underscores the importance of trust and obedience in God’s followers. It shows that even when faced with daunting challenges or intimidating circumstances, faith in God’s promises should prevail over fear and doubt. The fate of the faithless generation serves as a stark warning against disobedience and unbelief.
The story of the Israelites’ refusal to enter the Promised Land is a recurring theme in the Bible, highlighting the consequences of faithlessness and rebellion. Their lack of trust echoes throughout scripture, serving as a lesson for future generations on the importance of faith and obedience. The writer references this event as a cautionary tale in Hebrews 3:15-19, warning believers not to harden their hearts or fall into the same pattern of unbelief. The Israelites’ failure to enter God’s rest due to disobedience should serve as a sobering reminder for Christians to hold fast to their faith and trust in the Lord’s promises. Deuteronomy 1:34-40 conveys a timeless message about the significance of faith, obedience, and trust in God’s plans. It serves as a poignant reminder that disobedience and lack of faith can hinder God’s blessings and lead to missed opportunities for His people.
Deuteronomy 1:41-46
The account in Deuteronomy 1:41-46 details the Israelites’ response after hearing the report of the twelve spies who surveyed the Promised Land. The children of Israel initially had sent these spies into Canaan, but after the majority brought back a negative report, fear spread among the people. The verses describe how the people reacted in disobedience and fear by wanting to retreat to Egypt rather than trust in God’s promise to give them the land. This decision to rebel against God’s command and return to Egypt led to the severe consequence of God’s judgment, where He declared that they would not enter the Promised Land, except for Caleb and Joshua, who had shown faith and confidence in God’s ability to give them victory.
This account in Deuteronomy serves as a powerful lesson on the importance of faith and obedience in God’s plan. Despite witnessing the miraculous deliverance from Egypt and experiencing God’s provision in the wilderness, the Israelites allowed fear to overshadow their faith in God’s promises. Their lack of trust in God’s ability to fulfill His word led to severe consequences. This story highlights the danger of allowing fear and doubt to dictate our actions instead of placing our trust in God’s faithfulness and power.
A significant example of faith amidst the faithlessness of the Israelites is Caleb and Joshua. These two men remained faithful to God’s promise despite the prevailing fear and doubt among the people. God commended Caleb in Numbers 14:24 for having a different spirit and wholeheartedly following Him. God rewarded Caleb’s faithfulness by allowing him to enter the Promised Land, even though the rest of his generation faced judgment for their rebellion. Joshua also demonstrated unwavering faith in God throughout the wilderness journey and eventually succeeded Moses as the leader who would lead the Israelites into the Promised Land.
The disobedience of the Israelites in Deuteronomy 1:41-46 serves as a warning for believers to guard against unbelief and fear that can hinder us from entering into the blessings God has prepared for us. Just as the Israelites faced consequences for their lack of faith, we too must remember the importance of trusting in God’s promises, even when circumstances seem daunting. Caleb and Joshua’s faithfulness stand as a testament to the rewards of unwavering trust in God, inspiring us to hold fast to our faith regardless of the challenges we may face.
After Deuteronomy 1
The people had reached the border of the Promised Land, ready to enter and claim the land God had given them. But their fear and lack of faith led them to rebel against God’s command. They refused to go up and take possession of the land. This grieved the Lord, and He declared that the current generation would not enter the land, but would wander in the wilderness until they had all perished. Only their children would inherit the land. Moses knew the people must now turn their focus to the future as they mourned their disobedience. The next generation would need to be prepared to fulfill God’s plan and claim the Promised Land. The lessons of the past would be crucial in shaping the faith and obedience of those who would one day enter the land. Only then could the people truly experience the blessings God had in store for them.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.