"Introduction To The Book Of Deuteronomy "
Deuteronomy 1:1-5
Lesson 1
"Introduction To The Book Of Deuteronomy "
Deuteronomy 1:1-5
Lesson 1
| These Bible study outlines were written and submitted by:Joseph M. Willmouth, Pastor of Trinity Bible Church in Biloxi, Mississippi 39532. This contributed article is copyright protected, and the sole property of the contributing author. It may be freely copied and used provided the above credits are included. Document expiration: indefinite. Dr. Willmouth states: "These Outlines were prepared for our Sunday Evening Bible Study, as a 2 page handout (front & back), at Trinity Bible Church, Biloxi, Mississippi." |
| | The webservant of bibleteacher.org began using these excellent studies in our local Bible study group. Any additional notes added by bibleteacher.org as a result of this independent study will be marked and enclosed by this type of table. This way the original work of Pastor Willmouth will in no way be modified. |
I. Background
1. Author: Moses (while the account of his death in chapter 34 had to be added by someone else)
2. Date Written: sometime between 1406 B.C. and 1410 B.C. (Probably closer to the earlier date)
3. Title: The word Deuteronomy comes from the Greek Septuagint which means, "second law-giving," or "second law." This was a mistranslation of 17:18-19, which actually says "a copy of this law." The Jewish title is "these (are) the words" (two words in Hebrew: "'el-leh" {ale'-leh}- "these" and dabar {daw-bawr'}- "to speak, word"), follows an ancient custom of using words from the first line of the text to designate a book. Sometimes the title in the Hebrew Bible was shortened to "words." This title more accurately defines the contents of the book than our familiar English title, Deuteronomy.
4. Audience: The nation of Israel as they were preparing to enter the promised land after 40 years of wandering.
5. Style: The style is sermonic, that of a preacher addressing his congregation with words designed to move them to obedience and commitment. "Words" is an informative title, affording a window into the nature of the book.
6: Purpose: The book of Deuteronomy was given to the new generation that was unfamiliar with the experiences at Mount Sinai. This new generation has now arrived on the east bank of the Jordan River, and they are only one month away from entering the Promised Land. The adults of the generation that had left Egypt were now dead because of their disobedience and unbelief. The new generation had grown to adulthood and Moses needed to give them the Law again in light of the past wanderings in the wilderness, and problems that arose which had not been covered specifically under the Law. Moses gives this new generation final instructions from the Lord before he relinquishes his leadership of the nation and his death. The book puts new stress on a personal relationship with God and not just a rehashing of the Law.
| | Hebrews 3:15-19 "While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation. (or "rebellion", A quotation from Ps 95:7b-8) [16] For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses. [17] But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness? [18] And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not? [19] So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief." Just as unbelief kept Israel from entering the Promised Land, unbelief in the Christian's life prevents him from entering the full blessing of God in this life. |
7. Commonality With Exodus:
A. 50% of Deuteronomy is new, and what is repeated from the book of Exodus is often expanded by exhortations or by explanation of the deeper meaning of the duplicated laws.8. Its Relationship With The New Testament: The book of Deuteronomy was one of four books that Jesus Christ frequently alluded to. Only six New Testament books lack direct reference to it, and altogether it is quoted some 83 times.
B. Parallel passages:1) Ex.21:1-11 - Deut. 15:12-18
2) Ex. 21:12-14 - Deut. 19:1-13
3) Ex. 22:21-24 - Deut. 24:17-22
4) Ex. 22:29 - Deut. 15:19-23
5) Ex. 23:2-8 - Deut. 16:18-20
6) Ex. 23:10-13 - Deut. 15:1-11
7) Ex. 23:14-17 - Deut. 16:1-17
8) Ex. 23:19a - Deut. 26:2-10
9. General Overview:
A. Introduction (1:1-5)
B. Moses' First Address: The historical recapitulation of Israel's wandering (1:6-4:43).
C. Moses' Second Address: Restating the Law (5:1-26:19).
D. Moses' Third Address: Covenant renewal (27:1-30:20).
E. The death of Moses and the transition to a new leader, Joshua (34:1-34:12).
II. The Introduction (vv.1-5).
1. Moses' message was to the whole nation of Israel (v.1a).
A. Moses' words were addressed to all Israel, an expression used a least 12 time[s] in the book.1) The frequent occurrence emphasizes the unity of Israel.2) Israel was uniquely God's people, and they were the only nation on earth that had God's Word as their constitution.
| | Romans 11:17-23 "And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree; [18] Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee. [19] Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in. [20] Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: [21] For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. [22] Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. [23] And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again." Israel eventually lost its stewardship of the Gospelto the Gentiles because she neglected her duties to serve and love God and to love man. Can what happened to Israel happen to the Church? Why or why not? |
2. Moses' message was at the right place (vv.1b-3)
A. Many believe that this location is where Israel had previously failed and as so this location would remind them about their failure to obey God once before (Num.12:16; 13:1-14:1-45).1) The contrast between the 40 years and 11 days served as a reminder of the consequences of disobeying God.B. Except for the Jordan and the Arabah, the exact locations of these other names are not known with any certainty (v.1).
2) Israel had once before turned a 11 day journey, from Mt. Horeb to Kadesh Barnea to enter into the Promised Land, into a 40 [year] journey.
3) God's warning was clear: do not be slow to believe God again.C. God commanded Moses to deliver the messages to the nation of Israel (v.3).
| To Leaders | 1 Corinthians 9:16-19 " For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! [17] For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me. [18] What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel. [19] For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. The preacher has a commitment, not to baptize, but to preach the Gospel, undiluted, to all who will hear. (1 Corinthians 1:17) |
3. Moses' message was a message of future hope (v.4).
A. Moses reminds the people of their defeat to the two kings of Sihon and Og (Num.21:21-35).
| | King Sihon of the Amorites refused to allow Israel to pass through his land. But, the text tells us, (Numbers 21:24-25 "But the Israelites defeated him with the edge of the sword and took possession of his land from the Arnon to the Jabbok, as far as the Ammonites, for the border of the Ammonites was strong. [25] So Israel took all these cities; and Israel lived in all the cities of the Amorites, in Heshbon, and in all its villages"). Following this King Og of Bashan attacked Israel. God said, (Numbers 21:34-35 "And the LORD said to Moses, "Do not fear him, for I have delivered him and all his people and his land into your hand. You will do to him what you did to King Sihon of the Amorites, who lived in Heshbon. [35] So they defeated Og,43 his sons, and all his people, until there were no survivors,44 and they possessed his land"). How does this related to us? The God os Israel is the God of the Church Age believer, and we are under His protective hand as well. Isaiah 43:2-3 " When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. [3] For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee" |
B. The point of doing this was to encourage the nation of Israel by reminding them that God had given them past victories and that He will preserve them when they enter the Promised Land.4. Moses' message was for a specific purpose (v.5).1) Moses' words are filled with hope and are uplifting to a people conscious of their past failures.2) Crossing the Jordan is not a likely prospect until they feel good about their God and themselves.
A. Moses knew this would be his last message to the nation of Israel, and this would be his final appeal (see Purpose).B. This time as Israel faces the Promised Land, Moses wanted to make sure that they would go over and possess it.
"Moses' First Address: Lessons From Sinai"
Deuteronomy 1:6-18
Lesson 2
Introduction: Through a rehearsal of covenant history, Moses traces Israel's experience beginning with the Lord from Mt. Horeb. He knew that this new generation had to be properly prepared before they entered the promised land and what better teacher than their own history.
I. The Lesson In The Importance Of Having A Vision (vv.6-8)
1. The words "The Lord our God" occurs almost 50 times indicating Yahweh as their sovereign Leader (v.6).
A. Moses recounts how Yahweh told Israel to leave Mt. Horeb.B. This was a reminder that it was God's plan and vision and not Moses'.
| | Deuteronomy 32:7-9 "Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations: ask thy father, and he will shew thee; thy elders, and they will tell thee. [8] When the most High divided to the nations their inheritance, when he separated the sons of Adam, he set the bounds of the people according to the number of the children of Israel. [9] For the LORD'S portion is his people; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance." If we would remember the things God did for us in the past, we would be less inclined to doubt Him in the present. |
2. After Israel had spent almost a year at Mt. Horeb and received the Law it was time for them to move on to possess the land that God had promised them (vv.7-8; Num.10:11).
A. The dimensions of this land are enormous (v.7; Gen.15:18; Ex.23:31).1) The boundaries go beyond the territory that Israel ever actually possessed, even during the reigns of David and Solomon (1 Kings 4:21).2) All of Palestine and Syria are included in the geographical description.
3) The fulfillment of this promise will be seen when Christ returns at the beginning of the millennial kingdom (Rev.20:1-6).
- Practically every one of the Major and Minor Prophets mention in some form the hope of future possession of the land.
| | Deuteronomy 1:7-8 "Get up now, resume your journey, heading for the Amorite hill country, to all its areas including the dry country, the highlands, the Shephelah, (The Shephelah is the geographical region between the Mediterranean coastal plain and the Judean hill country. The Hebrew term can be translated "lowlands" or "steppes.") the Negev, (The Hebrew term Negev means literally "desert" or "south." It refers to the area south of Beersheba and generally west of the Arabah Valley between the Dead Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba) and the coastal plain--all of Canaan and Lebanon as far as the Great River, that is, the Euphrates. [8] Look! I have already given over the land to you. " Could Israel have possessed he land now? How did Israel's attitude of compliance with God's directive effect their attainment of the promise of God? |
B. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are mentioned seven times in Deuteronomy, because there was to be no doubt about the permanent nature of this promise (v.7).1) The Lord "swore," with an oath that He will never change that plan (see Psa.110:4).
| | Psalms 110:4 "The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek." 2 Timothy 2:13 "If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself." |
2) God did not want His people to sit and become satisfied, but to continue moving until they saw and possessed the land.
Application: Moses needed to teach this new generation what God had done in the past, He is able to continue in the future. What God has promised, God will do (no matter how long it takes). This would keep the "vision" alive so that they would not wander aimlessly and lose hope. While you and I may not have been promised "land," there are many promises that God has made to us that we can have assurance that He will fulfill. Take some time to sit down and make a list of some, and the next time you feel like you've lost your direction in your Christian walk review this list to regain your "vision.".
II. The Lesson In leadership (vv.9-18).
1. Moses recounts how God had been faithful in His covenant with Abraham (Gen.15:5), and how the Israelites had grown into a nation (vv.9-11).
A. If the nation had any doubt about God's intention or ability to fulfill His promise to Abraham they only needed to look at their present population to put to rest any doubt.B. The term "The Lord your God" occurs over 250 times in the book of Deuteronomy, which constantly affirmed to Israel that her God is not some dead pagan god, but is the Living Lord who made a covenant with her.
C. This fruitfulness created a need for sharing the burden of leadership (v.9).
| | Acts 6:1-3 "And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. [2] Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. [3] Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business." As an institution is faithful to God and grows, so grows the leadership base. However, the incorporation of further leadership does not abrogate the head of that instittion. Moses did not allow, under the direction of God, elders to be chosen so that he could be stripped of authority - nor did God strip Moses of authority. God does not allow the choosing of Deacons in the Church Age to negate the authority of the Pastor. This is a heinous lie inculcated into the Church by heretics. See the following: Hebrews 13:7, 17 " Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. [17] Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you." |
2. The need for delegation (vv.12-15).
A. Because the nation had grown, Moses needed help, so the only way to relieve the pressure was to pass some of the responsibility on to others (vv.9, 12).B. The qualifications for leadership (Heb; ro'sh {roshe}; head, chief, captain: vv.13-15).
1) "wise," chakam {khaw-kawm'}; wise (ethically and religiously), skillful in technical work or administration, or learned2) "discerning," biyn {bene}; to have discernment, understanding, insight.
- These leaders were to be able to comprehend moral qualities and discern right from wrong.3) "experienced men," yada` {yaw-dah'}; to know by experience, to be acquainted with.- They were to be experienced and of good reputation among the people.
| | Acts 6:3 "Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business." 1 Timothy 3:2,7 "A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach [7] Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil." |
3. The need for organization (vv.16-18).
A. Once the leaders are identified they must be organized because they are responsible for passing judgment on controversial issues in their communities.B. Moses develops a simple procedure for making wise decisions.
1) Listen fairly (v.16a).A) "hear," shama` {shaw-mah'}; to hear with attention or interest, listen to, give heed to.2) Be fair in their decisions (vv.16b-17a).B) They needed to get all the facts (or sides of the story) before making a decision.
A) They were to judge rightly (v.16b).3) Recognize that they represented God (v.17b).- "judge," shaphat {shaw-fat'}; to decide controversy, to execute judgment.B) They were not to show partiality (v.17a).- "righteously," tsedeq {tseh'-dek}; what is right or just, justice, righteousness, to do what's right.
- "partiality," nakar {naw-kar'}; to recognize or acknowledge with honor, respect.A) Their position should not be taken lightly since they represented God in their decisions.4) Recognize limits (v.17c).B) There is more to being in a position of leadership than a title when it comes to serving the Lord, with it comes accountability knowing that God will also hold you accountable for your decisions.
C) They also needed to recognize that without God they could do nothing.
A) Moses stressed the fact that if they ran into something beyond their ability they should seek help from him.
| | How often do divisions develop in the local Church because Deacons or Elders exceed their authority, as bestowed by God? Does pride cause this failure within the leadership structure? Proverbs 25:28 "He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls." Proverbs 16:32 "He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city." Proverbs 13:10 "Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom." |
B) We must never let personal pride get in the way of admitting that some things are beyond our abilities or intellect, for when we do we will find ourselves making poor decisions.5) Serve faithfully (v.18).A) If we are going to serve then we must be able to follow God's instructions.B) When we stop following God's instruction, we stop serving God and start serving ourselves.
Application: Moses knew that leaders affected how others think, feel, and respond. He knew that it was important to make sure that only qualified men were appointed. The emphasis was on character and justice, and the realization that God was the judge and the final authority. While Christians are given a different organizational structure (elders, deacons, teachers, etc.) we would do well to look for the same type of qualities in our leaders. It's when we appoint people to positions that don't have these qualities that we get into trouble. It's when we fail to follow God's "Instruction Book" (the Bible) that we find ourselves with a product that may look good on the outside, but is lacking some screws that may cause it to fall apart in the end.
"Moses' First Address: Failure At Kadesh-Barnea"
Deuteronomy 1:19-46
Lesson 3
Introduction: Moses recounts the journey from Mt. Horeb to Kadesh-Barnea where the people rebelled against the Lord by not taking the Land as it was promised, and then by trying to take the land after they had been judged to die as a generation in the wilderness before the next generation would come to take the land.
I. The Road To Failure (1:19-31).
1. The trip from Horeb to Kadesh-Barnea (vv.19-21).
A. In response to the Lord's command (v. 7), the Israelites went "as the LORD ... God commanded" toward the hill country of the Amorites (v.19).
| | From Easton's "highlanders, or hillmen, the name given to the descendants of one of the sons of Canaan (Gen. 14:7), called Amurra or Amurri in the Assyrian and Egyptian inscriptions. On the early Babylonian monuments all Syria, including Palestine, is known as "the land of the Amorites." The southern slopes of the mountains of Judea are called the "mount of the Amorites" (Deut. 1:7, 19, 20). They seem to have originally occupied the land stretching from the heights west of the Dead Sea (Gen. 14:7) to Hebron (13. Comp. 13:8; Deut. 3:8; 4:46-48), embracing "all Gilead and all Bashan" (Deut. 3:10), with the Jordan valley on the east of the river (4:49), the land of the "two kings of the Amorites," Sihon and Og (Deut. 31:4; Josh. 2:10; 9:10). The five kings of the Amorites were defeated with great slaughter by Joshua (10:10). They were again defeated at the waters of Merom by Joshua, who smote them till there were none remaining (Josh. 11:8). It is mentioned as a surprising circumstance that in the days of Samuel there was peace between them and the Israelites (1 Sam. 7:14). The discrepancy supposed to exist between Deut. 1:44 and Num. 14:45 is explained by the circumstance that the terms "Amorites" and "Amalekites" are used synonymously for the "Canaanites." In the same way we explain the fact that the "Hivites" of Gen. 34:2 are the "Amorites" of 48:22. Comp. Josh. 10:6; 11:19 with 2 Sam. 21:2; also Num. 14:45 with Deut. 1:44. The Amorites were warlike mountaineers. They are represented on the Egyptian monuments with fair skins, light hair, blue eyes, aquiline noses, and pointed beards. They are supposed to have been men of great stature; their king, Og, is described by Moses as the last "of the remnant of the giants" (Deut. 3:11). Both Sihon and Og were independent kings. Only one word of the Amorite language survives, "Shenir," the name they gave to Mount Hermon (Deut. 3:9). " |
1) This was a difficult journey of more than 150 miles through the Desert of Paran (called "vast and dreadful").
| | From Easton's "abounding in foliage, or abounding in caverns, (Gen. 21:21), a desert tract forming the north-eastern division of the peninsula of Sinai, lying between the 'Arabah on the east and the wilderness of Shur on the west. It is intersected in a north-western direction by the Wady el-'Arish. It bears the modern name of Badiet et-Tih, i.e., "the desert of the wanderings." This district, through which the children of Israel wandered, lay three days' march from Sinai (Num. 10:12, 33). From Kadesh, in this wilderness, spies (q.v.) were sent to spy the land (13:3, 26). Here, long afterwards, David found refuge from Saul (1 Sam. 25:1, 4). " |
2. Spying out the promised land (vv.22-25).2) This brought them to the southern perimeter of the Promised Land at Kadesh Barnea.B. Moses reiterated the Lord's command (v. 8) to take possession of the land the Lord had set before them and exhorted them not to be afraid (vv.20-21).- This exhortation is often renewed in these last addresses of Moses, thus indicating that the Israelites were afraid.
A. Being fearful of what lay before them, the people suggested that some men be sent into the land to explore it (scout or spy out) and, bring back information about routes of travel and cities they would encounter (v. 22).B. Noting the narrative in Numbers 13:1-3 and here in verse 23, it appears that the people first suggested that a scouting report be made.
1) Moses approved the idea and referred the request to the Lord who agreed to it.
| | God knew the hearts of the people, and knew their fears - so He worked with their weakness to try and bolster up their weak faith. Isaiah 1:18-20 "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. [19] If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: [20] But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it." 1 Samuel 16:7 "But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart." |
2) Moses then ordered that each tribe send out one representative.C. Moses recalls the event but left out the details of the command, the description of the exploration, and the report of the spies (vv.24-25; Num 13:3-33).1) In these accounts Moses said only that the spies returned with a report that the land was good and that they brought back some fruit from the Valley of Eschol as evidence (v. 25).2) Valley of Eschol (esh'-kol, "a cluster of grapes") lies about two miles north of Hebron which was rich in vineyards (grapes are still grown there today).
| | International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) states: esh'-kol ('eshkol; Pharagx botruos), "a cluster of grapes"): The spies came to Hebron "and they came unto the valley of Eshcol, and cut down from thence a branch with one cluster of grapes" (Nu 13:23,14; 32:9; Dt 1:24). It was a valley near Hebron rich in vineyards. Fruitful vineyards are still the most characteristic feature of the environs of Hebron, especially on the North. No particular valley can be identified, though popular tradition favors the wide and fertile valley, near the traditional site of "Abraham's oak," a little to the West of the carriage road just before it enters the outskirts of Hebron. E. W. G. Masterman |
3. Rebelling Against God (vv.26-31).
A. In spite of the good report and the evidence of the richness of the land, the people refused to enter because the rest of the report discouraged them (vv.26-28).1) They rebelled against God by their unbelief and mistrust of God's motives (vv.26-27).
| | Unbelief is disease-like in that it has a "communicable property", RE Deuteronomy 1:28a, Deuteronomy 1:28 "Whither shall we go up? our brethren have discouraged our heart, saying, The people is greater and taller than we; the cities are great and walled up to heaven; and moreover we have seen the sons of the Anakims there." Hebrews 3:12-13 " Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. [13] But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin." Mark 6:4-6 " But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house. [5] And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. [6] And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching." Unbelief robs the believer of the blessing of God because,
"We must do something about Grandfather," said the son. "I've had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor." So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner. Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl. When the family glanced in Grandfather's direction, sometimes he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone. Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food. The four-year-old watched it all in silence. One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor. He asked the child sweetly, "What are you making?" Just as sweetly, the boy responded, "Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food when I grow up." The four-year-old smiled and went back to work. |
2) The size and strength of the inhabitants, the high fortifications of their large towns, and the presence of the Anakites made the Israelites so fearful (v.28).
| | Deuteronomy 1:28 "Whither shall we go up? our brethren have discouraged our heart, saying, The people is greater and taller than we; the cities are great and walled up to heaven; and moreover we have seen the sons of the Anakims there." From Smith's Bible Dictionary "(long-necked), a race of giants, descendants of Arba, #Jos 15:13; 21:11| dwelling in the southern part of Canaan, and particularly at Hebron, which from their progenitor received the name of "city of Arba." Anak was the name of the race rather than that of an individual. #Jos 14:15| The race appears to have been divided into three tribes or families, bearing the names Sheshai, Ahiman and Talmai. Though the war-like appearance of the Anakim had struck the Israelites with terror in the time of Moses, #Nu 13:28; De 9:2| they were nevertheless dispossessed by Joshua, #Jos 11:21,22| and their chief city, Hebron, became the possession of Caleb. #Jos 15:14; Jud 1:20| After this time they vanish from history. " |
B. Moses urged them not to be afraid, and that the Lord would lead their way just as He had done in Egypt and Sinai (vv.29-31).
| | Deuteronomy 1:29 Then I said unto you, Dread not, neither be afraid of them. `arats [aw-rats'], Qal Imperfect = (stop) being afraid, no fear! 2 Timothy 1:6-8 "Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God" |
Application: The Israelites started out obeying God, but in the end failed to obey fully. Instead of putting their trust in God they began to doubt Him. Rebellion against God usually starts slowly by questioning His directions, and eventually leads to a rejection of His ways. If we want victory in our walk with the Lord then we need to learn to trust and obey Him fully, and not try to second guess His motives or His directions.
| | The Israelites obeyed partially, but not completely, and thus failed to inherit the promise of God. God despises rebellion and partial compliance, but demands full obedience by those who follow Him! No religion here! 1 Samuel 15:22-24 "And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. [23] For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king. [24] And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice" |
II. Living With The Consequences Of Rejecting God (vv.32-40).
1. The Anger of the Lord (vv.32-40).
A. In spite of the promise of the Lord's leadership the people refused to enter the land (vv.32-36).
| of Sin | Deuteronomy 1:8 Behold, I have set the land before you: go in and possess the land which the LORD sware [shaba` shaw-bah']unto your fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give unto them and to their seed after them. Deuteronomy 1:34-35 "And the LORD heard the voice of your words, and was wroth, and sware, [shaba` shaw-bah'] saying, [35] Surely there shall not one of these men of this evil generation see that good land, which I sware to give unto your fathers.... " [shaba` shaw-bah'], to speak seven times, to make a solemn oath. Will God punish sin? Yes, absolutely. Just as He covenanted with Abraham, He covenanted with the first generation of Israel that they would NOT enter the land. Why? Leviticus 20:26 "And ye shall be holy unto me: for I the LORD am holy, and have severed you from other people, that ye should be mine." |
1) The Lord declared that they would not see the Promised Land (vv.34-35).2) Only those under twenty years of age, and Caleb and Joshua would enter it (vv. 36, 38-39; Num.14:30-31). Caleb would receive the area he had explored. (vv.32-36).
B. Moses told the people that the Lord was angry with him also "because of you" (v.37).1) Moses himself would not be allowed to enter the land.A) "Because of you" refers back to the experience of the Israelite quarrel with the Lord at the waters of Meribah (Kadesh), which took place years later than the time of the spies' report.
| | Deuteronomy 1:37 Also the LORD was angry with me for your sakes, saying, Thou also shalt not go in thither. Moses also only partially obeyed God at Kadesh .... and both he and Aaron would, because of this, be unable to enter the Promised Land in their earthly life: Numbers 20:7-13 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, [8] Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock: so thou shalt give the congregation and their beasts drink. [9] And Moses took the rod from before the LORD, as he commanded him. [10] And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them, Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock? [11] And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also. [12] And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them. [13] This is the water of Meribah; because the children of Israel strove with the LORD, and he was sanctified in them." However, God in His infinite Grace allowed Moses to enter the Promised Land at the Mount of Transfiguration, and see the Promised Lamb of God: Matthew 17:1-3 "And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, [2] And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. [3] And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him." |
C. Joshua is called Moses' assistant (haomed lepaneka, lit., "he who stands before you") and would not only enter into the Promised Land, but would lead the people in also (v.38).B) There the Lord said that Moses and Aaron would not enter the land because they did not trust Him enough to honor Him as holy in the sight of the people (Num 20:12).2) Moses in these last addresses to the people looked behind his own failure and referred to the cause of his action, which was the people's criticism of the Lord's provision of food.D. Only the children who were then helpless and uninformed would acquire the country that the generation at Kadesh had faithlessly failed to invade and possess (vv.39-40).
| | Deuteronomy 1:39 Moreover your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, and your children, which in that day had no knowledge() between good and evil, they shall go in thither, and unto them will I give it, and they shall possess it. Deuteronomy 24:16 "The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the children be put to death for the fathers: every man shall be put to death for his own sin." |
2. Walking in the flesh (vv.41-46).1) Rather than achieving the promised homeland, that generation was condemned to return to the desert by the Red Sea road.2) The two verbs "turn" and "set out" are commonly used together with the sense of going on a journey and does not imply destination necessarily (v.40).
A. Being sent back into the vast, dreadful desert (v.19) was more than the people could take (v.41).1) They frivolously confessed their sin, put on their weapons, and presumptuously went up into the hill country.2) Without consideration of the Lord's later command, their action of going up into the hill country was foolhardy without the Lord's approval.
| | Deuteronomy 1:41-42 "Then ye answered and said unto me, We have sinned against the LORD, we will go up and fight, according to all that the LORD our God commanded us. And when ye had girded on every man his weapons of war, ye were ready to go up into the hill. [42] And the LORD said unto me, Say unto them, Go not up, neither fight; for I am not among you; lest ye be smitten before your enemies." 2 Peter 3:9-12 "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. [10] But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. [11] Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, [12] Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?" |
B. Lord declared that he would not go with the people and told them of their defeat, but they failed to listen to the Lord once more (vv.42-46).1) The three verbs--in Numbers 14:44 ("they went up"), here in v. 41 ("we will go up"), and in v.43 ("marched up") -- all suggest audacity, foolhardiness, presumption, rashness, and arrogance.2) The Israelites met the Amorites somewhere north of Kadesh Barnea and were routed (v.44).
A) The Amorites' pursuit "like a swarm of bees" describes numerical greatness, persistence, and ferocity.3) The army returned to Kadesh, and the people did not attempt again to invade the land from the south (v. 45).B) Hormah lies about fifty-five miles northeast of Kadesh Barnea.
4) The Hebrew phrase, noting the time Israel spent in the Kadesh-Barnea area, figuratively expresses a long, indefinite time and suggests that a large part of the next thirty-eight years was spent there (v.46).
Application: The Israelites had gladly received God's gifts but failed to take to heart His goodness and grace. Instead they hardened their hearts against the Lord and reaped the rewards of their actions. While we can proclaim "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" (Phil 4:13 KJV), this lesson teaches us "apart from God we can do nothing but get ourselves into trouble!"