~~~~~Lesson: Deuteronomy: Chapters 2-3

At the end of the reading, Moses pleads with God to be allowed to set foot on the Promised Land.  God denies him, still punishing him for his sin of pride earlier (when he claimed to be the one who provided water from the rock).

Moses, clearly, committed the sin of pride. Which "sin" do you commit most often?

Do you feel you are punished when you commit this sin?

Much of the conquest material re-iterated in Deut is in disagreement with the earlier account in Numbers.  Part of this is due to abbreviation.  The author(s) of Deut were not re-writing Numbers, they were attempting to compress the entire conquest into the opening verses.  Other material in disagreement points to later authors adding to the book of Deut, as stated in the “author” section preceding Deut.  

Do the disagreements between Numbers and Deut cause you to doubt the authorship, accuracy, or basis of either book?  


~Reading: Deuteronomy: Chapters 2-3

Chapter 2: Covers the initial lands taken over by the Israelites after the 40 years of wandering. Material is covered more extensively in Numbers. This is simply a brief overview that Moses gave to later generations.

Chapter 3: Contains further information on the conquests.

(3:23-29) "And it was that that I besought the Lord, 'O Lord God, you have begun to show to your servant your greatness and might. For what god in heaven or on earth can perform deeds as mighty as yours? Ah, let me cross over the see this good land beyond the Jordan, this fine hill country, and the Lebanon!' But the Lord was angry with me on your account and would not hear me.
'Enough!' the Lord said to me. 'Speak to me no more of this. Go up to the top of Pisgah and look out to the west, and to the north, and to the south, and to the east. Look well, for you shall not cross this Jordan. Commission Joshua, and encourage and strengthen him, for he shall cross at the head of this people and shall put them in possession of the land you are to see.' This was while we were in the ravine opposite Beth-peor.