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Feb 26, 2010 Deuteronomy 6:16-9:21

I didn't mention it, but the second speech began in chapter 4:44. So we will continue with Moses' speech #2.

Moses commanded them not to test the Lord as they did at Massah. (Exodus 17:1-7 Jan 22) When their children ask them what the laws mean, they were to tell them the story of how God saved them.

In Chapter 7 they are given detailed instructions for dealing with the seven nations they would destroy. They were not to intermarry with them, because they would turn their children away from God. All of the altars and idols made by these nations were to be destroyed.
They were told that they were favored by God because they were fewest in number, not the greatest. Also, God kept his promise to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob by giving them the land He had promised to give them. "Know therefore that the Lord your God is God." (Deut 7:9) Moses told the Israelites how the Lord would bless them for living according to His commandments; and not to be afraid of the nations which seemed stronger than they were, that the Lord was with the Israelites and they would succeed.

Chapter 8 lists the ways God had blessed the Israelites. To remember that the Lord led them in order to humble them and test them to know what was in their hearts. To realize that in 40 years their clothes never wore out and their feet didn't swell. That as a man disciplines his son, so God had disciplined them. To remember God for all the blessings they have come from Him. And, if they were ever to make the mistake of worshiping other Gods they would be destroyed.

Chapter 9 begins with a reminder that it is God who is making victory against the Anakites possible. The Anakites are being driven out because of their wickedness, not because of the righteousness of the Israelites. Moses exhorts them to never forget they way they provoked the Lord while he was on Mount Sinai, by having Aaron make a golden calf for them to worship. (Exodus 32-Jan 27) When Moses returned from the talking with God he became so angry that he smashed the stone tablets, and fasted for 40 days and nights and begged the Lord not to destroy them. The Lord listened to Moses. Moses burned and ground the golden calf to powder and threw it into a stream which flowed down the mountain.

Tomorrow read Deuteronomy 9:22-12:32

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