~~~~~Lesson: Deuteronomy: Chapter 1

In chapter 1, one of the first acts of Moses is to have the tribes appoint judges, who will be their rulers and help them resolve conflicts.  While Israel is undoubtedly a theocracy (a society ruled by God), there are echoes of a democracy with this section.  If the people are unhappy with the ruling of their judge, they can go to the leader of the tribe.  Failing that, they can go directly to Moses.  

Question: Do you think any one type of government is better than another?  Keep in mind there are theocracy, democracy, monarchies, socialists, etc.  

Do you think the Bible itself supports one type of government or type of leader over another?  


~Reading: Deuteronomy: Chapter 1

(5-13) Moses began to explain the law in the land of Moab beyond the Jordan, as follows:
"The Lord, our God, said to us at Horeb, 'You have stayed long enough at this mountain. Leave here and go to the hill country of the Amorites and to all the surrounding regions, the land of the Canaanites in the Arabah, the mountains, the foothills, the Negeb and the seacoast; to lebanon, and as far as the Great River [the Euphrates]. I have given that land over to you. Go now and occupy the land I swore to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, I would give to them and to their descendants.'

"At that time I said to you, 'Alone, I am unable to carry you. The Lord, your God, has so multiplied you that you are now as numerous as the stars in the sky. May the Lord, the God of your fathers, increase you a thousand times over, and bless you as he promised! But how can I alone bear the crushing burden that you are, along with your bickering? Choose wise, intelligent and experienced men from each of your tribes, that I may appoint them as your leaders.'"

[14-18: has a brief description of the way that the judges were to wisely rule]

[19-25: history of the twelve scouts who reconnoitered the land of Canaan]

[26-40: the rebellion of the Israelites and God's decree that they will be punished by being forced to wander the desert for 40 years]

[41-46: the failed attempt at taking over Canaan against God's will]