Deuteronomy 1: Events at Horeb Recalled / Appointment of the Tribal Leaders / Israel's Refusal to Enter the Land / The Penalty for Israel's Rebellion
Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Pentateuch, the first five books of the bible. It recalls the journey of the Israelites and codifies their laws before they enter the promised land. Get ready for an exciting journey into history and literature.
Events at Horeb Recalled: Deuteronomy 1.1-8
Moses delivers an address to all of Israel as they are outside the promised land, in Moab, "beyond the Jordan." This is in the fortieth year of the exodus, on the first day of the eleventh month. The address is divinely inspired; Moses speaks "just as the Lord had commanded him to speak to them" (Deut. 1.3). The biblical author uses verses 1 through 5 to set us in place and time. A description of the location is given, and in addition to the date given since the Israelites left Egypt, the time during the biblical narrative is also given; this is after Israel has had victories against King Sihon of the Amorites and King Og of Bashan.
The biblical author also is setting up Moses' very lengthy speech that will span most of Deuteronomy. The speech will flesh out the law that has been revealed somewhat willy-nilly throughout the previous four books. It is Deuteronomy that connects the God's law with the rest of the bible, in which people follow or do not follow God's law. Thus far I have been emphasizing that the plot of the biblical narrative follows the relationship between God and God's people as they obey or disobey him. The obedience and disobedience form the dialectical tensions that move the plot forward. In fact, the portion of the speech to be analyzed today, which recounts the exodus up to this point, reveals the very difficult relationship God has had with his people since they left Egypt.
Moses begins his speech:
The Lord told Israel at Mount Horeb that they had stayed long enough and should resume their journey so that they may take possession of the promised land that was sworn to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and that will be inherited by their ancestors for generations.
Appointment of the Tribal Leaders: Deuteronomy 1.9-18
The divine promise of progeny has been made good, so that Moses has difficulty settling disputes between people "as numerous as the stars of heaven." Therefore, in an episode reminiscent of Exodus 18, the tribes choose leaders among themselves as judges - and yet the judgment will be God's. In the Exodus account, however, Moses' father-in-law Jethro gives Moses this idea, and Moses (rather than the people) designates the judges.
Israel's Refusal to Enter the Land: Deuteronomy 1.19-33
In a retelling of the narrative of Numbers 13 and Numbers 14, spies are sent into the hill country of the Amorites, part of the promised land. At the congregation's request, Moses selects 12 spies to send into the promised land to scope it out. They return with a positive report, a la Exodus 13. However, the people are unwilling to go and rebel against God. They complain that the Amorites will defeat them, and it would have been better if they never left Egypt. Moses advocates trusting in the Lord.
The Penalty for Israel's Rebellion: Deuteronomy 1.34-45
Of course, the people do not listen, and the Lord swears that none of the "evil generation" that doubted the Lord will survive to see the promised land, save Caleb and Joshua. Even Moses will be punished for the iniquity of his generation. The children "who today do not yet know right from wrong"will inherit the land. The people lament, and against Moses' advice go to fight the Amorites in an attempt to redeem themselves. But God does not act as a protector (as YHWH Sabaoth, that is) and the Amorites force Israel's retreat.
Join me tomorrow for stages 2 and 3 of Israel's journey
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