The Fellowship Residency Program has introduced me to the idea of reading commentaries alongside scripture. By next August, I will have read through the entire Bible as well as The King in His Beauty, our selected commentary. As I am reading, I am writing a little bit about each of the books of the Bible so you and I can have a more thorough understanding of the scriptures. I invite you to follow along with me as we learn the Bible in its entirety from Genesis to Revelation. This summary does NOT encompass the entire book, but it is a good place to start. I encourage you to read for yourself and begin your own Biblical journal along the way. To read any of my other Residency related posts, click here.
Introduction and the Land – Deuteronomy calls upon Israel to obey Yahweh in order for the people to enter and remain in the land, and only those who submit to His Lordship will get to experience His blessing. The call to obedience is predicated upon the grace of God. In essence, this book anticipated the pattern of salvation that is seen in the New Testament and paves the way for Jesus. In the current day, one of God’s central promises is about to be fulfilled, the promise of land (Canaan). The book begins by reflecting on the disobedient generation and their lack of receiving the blessing of enjoying the land. It is quickly made clear that the Israelites are not receiving this land as a result of their hard work but of God’s goodness.
The Grace of God – Some rabbis believed that Israel was God’s chosen people, because they had a willingness to obey God’s law. This was not the case, because Israel was stubborn. It was a matter of God’s grace. Many wonder why at this time he did not share the same grace for the gentiles. The truth is He did have grace for all of His people, but Israel did not fulfill the call to spread his grace to the world. Again, this failure demonstrates the need for a King for the people. More study is needed in that area for me to thoroughly explain this concept. But we do know that His reasoning for choosing Israel surpasses our human understanding. He chose them to show His love to them, even though they disobeyed Him. Even though they did not deserve it, He still delivered. The SAME warrior God that delivered them from Egypt is still fighting for them to fulfill His promise of land to them. The people should be full of confidence. They are not called to obedience to receive God’s love, instead they are called to remember who Yahweh is, what He has done, and to remember His benefits. We are repeatedly reminded throughout Deuteronomy that the Lord has protected and provided for Israel and will continue to do so. He clearly makes known that He is the one and only God, that He rules over history, and that we are not to become fearful because He will one day defeat our enemies Himself to give us the victory that is promised to us.
Israel’s Obedience – God repeatedly calls for a covenant obedience rather than a legalistic or external obedience. God blesses, Israel obeys, and God continues to bless. But they obey, because God first blessed them. Additionally, God’s commands are not to be thought on, but to be lived out and displayed. We are to keep, do, serve, worship, and hold fast to Yahweh and His commandments. Obedience is displayed in both actions and love. And God does not separate the idea of love and fear of Himself. Those who love the Lord fear the Lord. Israel obeys by doing his will and following his commandments. Other words for commandments found in the book include: statutes, rules, ways, testimonies, and law
Yahweh’s Supremacy – The book often discusses the dangers of idolatry as Yahweh is all places and all things at one time. To build an idol to represent Him is too restrictive to His omnipresent nature. Israel must function under the supreme ruling of the Lord and avoid the temptation of worshiping any other idols. We also see that they are all working towards the new Eden. This is something we still see today. Sanctification of creation is moving towards a new Eden with its completion coming after Jesus returns.
Yahweh Alone – Deuteronomy also focuses on Israel worshiping Yahweh in the place that He chooses Himself. The Israelites worship is established and regulated by the word of God with regards to sacrifices, festivals, tithes, offerings, and the reading of the law. However, almost all of the regulations also emphasize the need for rejoicing. The book emphasizes God as a God who is present with His people. Finally, we read that Israel must be cautious of idolatry and false prophets. We are warned that cities of idolatry will be annihilated.
Motive Clauses – Moses not only calls the people to obedience, but he also addresses motives for their obedience. For example, it is often discussed that Israel is commanded to obey so that, “it may go well with you.” Here we see God liken Israel to Adam in the Garden of Eden. If they obey, then they will be blessed. If they do not, they will be greatly cursed. Even in the “secret” sins, God is watching and worried about the Israelites hearts.
Specific Commands – Justice and compassion are key themes in the book of Deuteronomy. Israel is promised that if war begins, He will have their favor in mind. If the enemy agrees to peace instead, then they will simply be slaves to Israel and not be destroyed. We also recognize that no king, prophet, or priest determines autonomously decisions for Israel. Instead, all will submit to the will and word of Yahweh. Additionally, Israel is commanded to care for the poor and generously and graciously meet their needs. There are specific commands for how Israel is to care for their people.
The Future – Another key theme of Deuteronomy is that Israel has the choice between blessing and curse. However, Israel’s failure is almost discussed as if it is guaranteed to happen. However, Moses also discusses a future that someday Israel can repent and the Lord will renew their covenant with the nation. 14 verses discuss the blessings while 50 verses discuss the curses. It becomes clear Israel is doomed to experience the curses as a result of their lack of obedience, but Moses still encourages them that the blessings are not impossible to achieve and they have a choice about whether or not to obey the commands. This discussion points to Jesus and that when redemption comes through Jesus Christ, we have a choice to place our faith in Him because we do not have the will power to choose obedience on our own. Joshua is appointed as the new leader of Israel, and Moses is excluded from the land of Canaan as a depiction that no one is permitted to enter the land as a result of their virtue. The book ends by pointing out that no prophet like Moses has arisen in Israel and none will make themselves known until the coming of Jesus.
Themes: Grace precedes demand, God is supreme
Interlude: A synopsis of Creation to the Edge of Canaan
As weird as it sounds, the central message of the Pentateuch is the coming king and his eternal kingdom. God created, man fell. God promised that one day through the offspring of Eve, the serpent (evil) would be destroyed, but the battle between the two would be intense. God sent judgment by a flood, but it did not wipe out sin as humans were still living for their own glory and pleasure. Winning over sin will “take nothing less than a miracle, for human beings are naturally in alliance with the serpent.” God then promises to Abraham land, children, and a blessing that would reach the whole world and continues to promise this to Isaac and Jacob. God spends this time ensuring that people know it is only by His grace and not human behavior that this promise will be fulfilled.
Exodus begins with part of the promise fulfilled through a people group. God first by grace delivers his people from the serpent offspring, Pharaoh, and then Israel is called to respond in obedience and gratitude for Yahweh’s redemption over their lives. It is then discussed in detail how the Lord can dwell with His people in the tabernacle in Israel. Immediately, after the new covenant, Israel worships the golden calf and breaks the promise. Moses asks they be spared, so sacrifices are created with the intention that they could now receive forgiveness for their sins. Instead of trusting the Lord, Israel grumbled and even believed that God intended harm for their lives.
Deuteronomy is a renewal of the covenant with Israel and is given another opportunity to trust the Lord and enter the land. However, it becomes clear that the promise will become a reality, but slowly. This slow story line is to highlight the depth of Israel’s evil and ultimately point to the need for a savior in Jesus Christ.
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