~~~~~Lesson: Deuteronomy: Chapter 4 Again, we are listening to a speech by Moses to the Israelites. This is a new generation- the old that worshiped the golden calf have all died. Towards the end of chapter 4, Moses says this to them: "This is why you must now know, and fix in your heart, that the Lord is God in the heavens above and on earth below, and there is no other." What is one thing we can do daily to help "fix our hearts" on God and no other? Earlier in chapter 4, Moses not only warned the Israelites against making idols, but specifically prohibited them from worshipping the sun, moon, or any other stars. This shows a clear understanding of the gods worshipped by other cultures. This strict segregation of the God of Abraham from other gods is laid out more than once. Today, do we keep the strict segregation of “our” God from “other” gods? Since the Jews worship the God of Abraham, as do the Muslims, is our segregation a good thing or a bad thing? ~Reading: Deuteronomy: Chapter 4 (1-8) "Now, Israel, hear the statutes and decrees which I am teaching you to observe, that you may live, and may enter in and take possession of the land which the Lord, the God of your fathers, is giving you. In your observance of the commandments of the Lord, your God, which I enjoin upon you, you shall not add to what I command you nor subtract from it. You have seen with your own eyes what the Lord did at Baal-peor: the Lord, your God, destroyed from your midst everyone that followed the Baal of Peor; but you, who clung to the Lord, your God, are all alive today. Therefore, I teach you the statutes and decrees as the Lord, my God, has commanded me, that you may observe them in the land you are entering to occupy. Observe them carefully, for thus will you give evidence of your wisdom and intelligence to the nations, who will hear of all these statues and say, 'This great nation is truly a wise and intelligent people.' For what great nation is there that has gods so close to it as the Lord, our God, is to us whenever we call upon him? Or what great nation has statutes and decrees that are as just as this whole law which I am setting before you today?" (25-26) "When you have children and grandchildren, and have grown old in the land, should you then degrade yourselves by fashioning an idol in any form and by this evil done in his sight provoke the Lord, your God, I call heaven and earth this day to witness against you, that you shall all quickly perish from the land which you will occupy when you cross the Jordan. You shall not live in it for any length of time but shall be promptly wiped out." (36-39) "Out of the heavens he let you hear his voice to discipline you; on earth he let you see his great fire, and you heard him speaking out of the fire. For love of your fathers he chose their descendants and personally led you out of Egypt by his great power, driving out of your way nations greater and mightier than you, so as to bring you in and to make their land your heritage, as it is today. This is why you must now know, and fix in your heart, that the Lord is God in the heavens above and on earth below, and there is no other."
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Holding the position of a Judge was a highly respected occupation. The original judges chosen by the people before the conquest, of course, died over time and were replaced. Future judges, scholars, and lawyers (who were consulted on matters of the law) were also highly respected. ~~~~~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. |
Jennifer Becker Landsberger
Who am I? Freelance writer (magazines, websites, & copywriting), Catholic, military wife, and Mensan. Double Bachelor's in History & Psychology. Witnessing by charity and love are above all. Studying the Bible and beyond helps me on this quest. Feel free to join my walk into the Bible.
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If you found the information helpful, even a small donation would be wonderful! Thank you & God bless you. ~~~Prayer before Writing-
Oh creator of the universe, who has set the stars in the heavens and causes the sun to rise and set, shed the light of your wisdom into the darkness of my mind. Fill my thoughts with a loving knowledge of you, that I may bring you like to others. Just as you can make even babies speak your truth, instruct my tongue and guide my pen to convey the wonderful glory of the Gospel. Make my intellect sharp, my memory clear, and my words eloquent, so that I may faithfully interpret the mysteries what you have revealed. Categories
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To my readers & fellow writers,
I promise: 1. I will pray that God's grace helps illuminate all of our interactions- both those of simple reading and more active conversations. 2. I will communicate with you respectfully and civilly. These are (rightly) issues which we feel passionate about. But even in disagreements, I will respect you fellow "seekers of truth." 3. I will not fall into negative behavior or words, such as insinuations, exaggerations, blames, or personal attacks. I respectfully ask you to do the same. 4. I will pray we will all find the truth and strive to fulfill the two greatest commandments: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these." (Mark 12:30-31) This site will occasionally feature paid posts! I always 100% verify everything I endorse. You will not see posts for products or sites I would not use myself.
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