A Long Sermon

O. T. #368  "A Long Sermon"
Sept. 19, 2014
Introduction to Deuteronomy
...Moses spake unto the children of Israel, according unto all that the LORD had given him in commandment unto them.  Deut. 1:3b

LET IT GLOW

Ok, let's hear some excitement, for we are beginning the fifth book of the Old Testament, the last of the Pentateuch. I know, I'm finding it hard to get excited about a repeat, too. There is a chance that we will get fire-up like Moses, the prophet and author of this book. After all, we could learn something new. The Bible is like that, so many have commented, in that every time we read it, God reveals/teaches to us something new.

Background:

The English title Deuteronomy, in the Greek, means second law. It is not actually a second law given to Israel, but it is an explanation of the first law given to the first generation at Mt. Sinai, which is recorded in the book of Exodus. Moses is the writer of this fifth book of the Pentateuch.

Deuteronomy is primarily sermonic in character, and its sermons drive home what the Jew should have learned from the first four books. Moses omits certain things, such as the building of God's house, the service of the priests and Levites, the laws of sacrifice and purification, the festivals, and the three annual feasts. (Falwell)

Setting:
Like Leviticus, Deuteronomy does not advance historically, but takes place entirely in one location over about one month of time. (1:3) Israel was camped in the central rift valley east of the Jordan River. This location was referred to in Numbers 36:13 as "the plains of Moab." It concentrates on events that took place in the final weeks of Moses' life. The major event was the verbal communication of divine revelation from Moses to the people of Israel. The only other events recorded were: (1) Moses' recording the law in a book and his commissioning of Joshua as the new leader (chapter 31). (2) Moses' viewing of the land of Canaan from Mt. Nebo (chapter 32). (3) His death. (The MacArthur Bible Commentary)

Outline:
Here I sit with three different books/commentaries. They divide this book into similar sections:

Moses looks back at Israel's past wanderings (chapters 1-4)
Moses looks within and reviews the law and Sinaitic Covenant (chapters 5-26)
Moses looks ahead at the new Palestinian covenant (chapters 27-30)
Moses looks up with his departure and a new leader (chapters 31-34).
[Resources: Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the Old Testament, The MacArthur Bible Commentary, Liberty Bible Commentary]

Theological Themes:
Although Deuteronomy has legal details within it, rather than focusing on the priests, it focuses on the people. Moses calls the new generation of Israelites to obey and love the LORD their God. This book is directly quoted over 40 times in the New Testament, with Jesus Christ quoting certain verses. The phrase "the LORD your God" is used 250 times.
Key word and the number of times they are used include: land-153, inherit-36, possess-65, hear-44, hearken-27, heart-46, love-20. (Wiersbe)

Much about the attributes of God is mentioned several times: love, He is the only God, jealous, faithful, merciful, yet angered by sin. Israel was called to obey, love, serve her God by walking in His ways and keeping His commandments. Obeying, they would receive His blessings.
(MacArthur)


LET IT GROW

What would have only been an eleven day journey by foot, turned out to take them thirty-eight more years after leaving Mt. Sinai. It was due to the first generation's unbelief, rebellion against God. So they wandered around in a wilderness, with family, possessions, and animals, led by a cloud and a pillar of fire. They went around and around in the desert.

Moses restated the law because Israel was a new generation, to prepare them for the future with a new challenge, there would be a new leader to follow, new temptations and problems would be encountered. Deuteronomy gives a new and deeper meaning to these Jewish laws and show what they meant in the everyday lives of the people. All of us today can learn much from this book about a loving God and obeying His will.

Verse 5 sets the stage for the first sermon by Moses. He was undertaking to expound the Law. He had given many other sermons, but none was as important as this message. If this sermon failed, the people would not properly occupy the land, if they were allowed to enter at all.  (Falwell)

Prepare for a long sermon next week. It lasts for four chapters. It's always good to look back and learn from the past. So let's get ready with our ears and hearts open to what God has to say to us.

LET IT GO

Let go of unbelief, then believe God's promises, and follow Him.

Look back, look within, look ahead, and look up.

Learn from the past, but focus on the present, and hope for the future.