We rejoin Moses in the midst of speech #2 as he warns the Israelites not to be seduced by anyone suggesting they follow other gods - even if they perform miraculous signs of wonder. God is testing you to make sure your heart is truly His. The false prophet was to be put to death to purge the evil from among them. They were commanded not to listen to family or friends that would entice them to turn away from God, in fact, they were to show them no pity, or spare or shield them. They were to be stoned for attempting to turn the people away from God. If it was proven that men in a town were trying to convert the people to worship other gods, the town was to be destroyed completely and never inhabited again.
Chapter 14 begins with a review of clean and unclean food. (Leviticus 11 Feb 2&3) Also covered is the law of tithes. One tenth of all their produce was to be set aside to the Lord, and eaten in the presence of the Lord at the place He would show them. If they had to travel very far to make these offerings, they were to convert them to silver and buy whatever they liked at the place where the offerings were to be given to the Lord. There they were to eat and rejoice. They were to remember the Levites with part of their offerings. They were to take their tithings to be stored for the Levites every 3 years, to be used as a food bank for the poor and needy.
In ch 15 Moses tells of debts being cancelled every 7 years. They could require payment from foreigners but not Israelites. God wanted them to help their poor by sharing their rich blessings from Him, so they wouldn't be poor anymore. They were to give generously without a grudging heart, and the Lord would bless everything they did. This reminds me of the way my husband responds to this kind of request. He was asked for money from a stranger at a gas station. This person told a story about needing to get somewhere and having no money for gas. He reached into his pocket, pulled out a wad of bills and handed it over to the person. Just like that! I must admit that I struggle with being one of those tightfisted people. So I asked him about it. He gave me the best answer I've ever heard. He said "I'd rather give someone money on the chance that it will help them. That amount of money won't make or break me. If they're trying to trick me, that's on their conscience, but mine is clear." Well said!
Moses continues with details about freeing servants as discussed in Exodus 21:2-6 (Jan 18). The information about every firstborn belonging to God is also reviewed as in Leviticus 27:26 (Feb 9).
Chapter 16 begins with a review of observing Passover as in Numbers 28:16-25 (Feb 20). After 40 years of practice, I hope the Israelites knew how to do this as well as we know how to remember Easter!
Tomorrow read Deuteronomy 16:9-19:21
20100225
Feb 27, 2010 Deuteronomy 9:22-12
Moses reminded the Israelites how they made God angry at Taberah (Num 11:3), at Massah (Exodus 17:7), and at Kibroth Hattaavah (Num 11:34). He reviewed the way the Isrealites balked at the Lord's command to go and take the land as described in Numbers 14. Moses remembered the way he lay prostrate before the Lord hoping that they would not be destroyed for the way they disrespected God. How he fervently prayed for the people, that God would forgive them.
Moses told of the second set of stone tablets Moses chiseled out being written on by the finger of God to replace the first set he had smashed because of his anger at the disobedience of the children of Israel. He described how he made the chest out of acacia wood to place the stone tablets in and that they were in there as he spoke. He spoke of Aaron's death and Eleazar's succession. The Levites had been set apart to do the work of carrying the sacred objects of the tabernacle, which was why they had no share in the inheritance among their brothers. The Lord was their inheritance.
Moses asked them what the Lord required of them. To walk in all His ways, to love Him and to serve Him. It seems a small price for all that the Lord wants to give. (I'll give you a very nice life if you just do what I ask.) Circumcise your hearts. Cut off the stubborn parts. Allow Him inside. Let Him take the lead. They began with 70 members of Jacob's family that went to Egypt. (Genesis 46:27)
Chapter 11 begins with Moses reviewing all the mighty miracles wrought by God on behalf of the Israelites whom He had chosen. They were reminded that they saw these wonders with their own eyes. They were reminded of the awesome power of God to do the unimaginable, to open the earth and swallow men, tents and animals alive. (Num 16) Moses admonished them to follow God to have strength to take over the land of their inheritance, a land that "drinks rain from heaven".
They were cautioned that they would be tempted to worship other gods. Then the Lord would be angry and they would be sorry. Again they are urged to fix the words of God to their hearts and minds. To bind them on their hands and foreheads. Teach them to their children, talk about them and write them on their doorframes and gates. If they followed God's commandments, He would put the terror and fear of them on the whole land, wherever they went.
Moses blessed them and cursed them. They would be blessed if they followed God's commands, they would be cursed if they didn't.
Chapter 12 Moses told them what they were to do once they had settled into the land. Destroy completely all the places of worship of the other gods. The Lord would tell them where He wanted them to worship Him and bring their burnt offerings. They were allowed to eat as much meat as they wanted to eat, but they were not to eat the blood. They were not to eat the tithe offering in their own towns, but to eat them where the Lord told them and they were not to forget the Levites. Moses reminded them that once the nations had been destroyed, not to inquire how they worshiped their gods, because they did detestable things the Lord hates. Moses urged them to do all the Lord commanded and not to add to it or take away from it.
Tomorrow read Deuteronomy 13-16:8
Moses told of the second set of stone tablets Moses chiseled out being written on by the finger of God to replace the first set he had smashed because of his anger at the disobedience of the children of Israel. He described how he made the chest out of acacia wood to place the stone tablets in and that they were in there as he spoke. He spoke of Aaron's death and Eleazar's succession. The Levites had been set apart to do the work of carrying the sacred objects of the tabernacle, which was why they had no share in the inheritance among their brothers. The Lord was their inheritance.
Moses asked them what the Lord required of them. To walk in all His ways, to love Him and to serve Him. It seems a small price for all that the Lord wants to give. (I'll give you a very nice life if you just do what I ask.) Circumcise your hearts. Cut off the stubborn parts. Allow Him inside. Let Him take the lead. They began with 70 members of Jacob's family that went to Egypt. (Genesis 46:27)
Chapter 11 begins with Moses reviewing all the mighty miracles wrought by God on behalf of the Israelites whom He had chosen. They were reminded that they saw these wonders with their own eyes. They were reminded of the awesome power of God to do the unimaginable, to open the earth and swallow men, tents and animals alive. (Num 16) Moses admonished them to follow God to have strength to take over the land of their inheritance, a land that "drinks rain from heaven".
They were cautioned that they would be tempted to worship other gods. Then the Lord would be angry and they would be sorry. Again they are urged to fix the words of God to their hearts and minds. To bind them on their hands and foreheads. Teach them to their children, talk about them and write them on their doorframes and gates. If they followed God's commandments, He would put the terror and fear of them on the whole land, wherever they went.
Moses blessed them and cursed them. They would be blessed if they followed God's commands, they would be cursed if they didn't.
Chapter 12 Moses told them what they were to do once they had settled into the land. Destroy completely all the places of worship of the other gods. The Lord would tell them where He wanted them to worship Him and bring their burnt offerings. They were allowed to eat as much meat as they wanted to eat, but they were not to eat the blood. They were not to eat the tithe offering in their own towns, but to eat them where the Lord told them and they were not to forget the Levites. Moses reminded them that once the nations had been destroyed, not to inquire how they worshiped their gods, because they did detestable things the Lord hates. Moses urged them to do all the Lord commanded and not to add to it or take away from it.
Tomorrow read Deuteronomy 13-16:8
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
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
Feb 25, 2010 Deuteronomy 4-6:15
Moses told the people to obey God's laws. He told them not to add or subtract from what they had been commanded to do by God. He reminded them of God's awesome power which they witnessed during the destruction of the worshippers of Baal. (Num 25 Feb 19) Moses admonished them not to get cocky and proud because of their blessings from God. They were told to teach all the commandments to their children and grandchildren. Moses reminded them of the stone tablets written in God's own hand. (Exodus 20:1-17 Jan 23) He also reminded them not to commit the sin of creating idols as when Aaron made the golden calf in Exodus 20:22-23. (Jan 23) He told them tht the consequences of making idols would cause their destruction, but that if they looked for him with all their heart and souls they would find Him. If they remembered Him, He would remember them. A relationship. Chapter 4:31
Have any other people heard the voice of God? Has anyone ever defeated a nation by simply stretching out his arm? These are the works of God. The Israelites were shown these things to see His greatness for themselves. Moses told them to take God into their hearts and follow his commandments, so they could live and prosper.
Moses reviewed the Cities of Refuge and re-introduced the law and where they were when they received it.
The Ten Commandments are reviewed (Exodus 20:1-17 Jan 23) Moses told them that when their forefathers saw the cloud and fire and heard the voice of God they were afraid that they would be consumed. They said they would listen and obey.
Moses told them that for as long as they remembered God and obeyed his commandments they would prosper in the land. "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." Chapter 6:5 Moses told them to impress the commandments upon their hearts, and upon their children, to talk about them when they were at home, or walking on a road, when they lie down or rise up. They were to tie them as symbols on their hands and bind them on their foreheads. They were to write them on doorframes and gates. The Lord would give them cities they did not build, good things they did not provide, wells they did not dig, vineyards and olive groves they did not plant. An inheritance provided to them by God as long as they followed his commandments.
Tomorrow read Deuteronomy 6:16-9:21
Have any other people heard the voice of God? Has anyone ever defeated a nation by simply stretching out his arm? These are the works of God. The Israelites were shown these things to see His greatness for themselves. Moses told them to take God into their hearts and follow his commandments, so they could live and prosper.
Moses reviewed the Cities of Refuge and re-introduced the law and where they were when they received it.
The Ten Commandments are reviewed (Exodus 20:1-17 Jan 23) Moses told them that when their forefathers saw the cloud and fire and heard the voice of God they were afraid that they would be consumed. They said they would listen and obey.
Moses told them that for as long as they remembered God and obeyed his commandments they would prosper in the land. "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." Chapter 6:5 Moses told them to impress the commandments upon their hearts, and upon their children, to talk about them when they were at home, or walking on a road, when they lie down or rise up. They were to tie them as symbols on their hands and bind them on their foreheads. They were to write them on doorframes and gates. The Lord would give them cities they did not build, good things they did not provide, wells they did not dig, vineyards and olive groves they did not plant. An inheritance provided to them by God as long as they followed his commandments.
Tomorrow read Deuteronomy 6:16-9:21
20100224
Feb 24 2010 Deuteronomy 1:16-3
We continue as Moses is delivering the first of three speeches which comprise the book of Deuteronomy. What I like about this book is the familiar terms of you, me, we, I, and so on.
We left off as Moses was recalling how he got help to manage the Israelites. In Exodus 18:21-23 (Jan 6) Jethro, Moses father-in-law asks him what he is doing trying to manage the people all by himself, and suggests he get some help from respected men amongst the people. So Moses reviews the good advice of getting help when you need it to do God's work. We aren't meant to do it alone.
Moses reviews the story (by this time 38 years old) where a search expedition is sent out to scout the territory and see what's there. This is told in Numbers 13:1-25. (Feb 15) The explorers came back fearful of the people they saw there. The Anakites they saw were Nephilim (Genesis 6:4 Jan 2). Ahhh grasshopper! (Num 13:33 Feb 15) The Lord told them He would take care of it but they wouldn't trust Him. God was angry and swore not one of them would see the promised land except Caleb. And because Moses had angered God by not talking to the rock (Numbers 20:12 Feb 17) he was not to enter the promised land either, but his assistant, Joshua would. Then the Israelites tried to make up for their mistake which was a bad idea (Num 14:44-45)
Then they began their 38 year long 11 day trip. They passed by the descendants of Jacob's (Israel) twin brother Esau (Edomites as told in Genesis 36 Jan 12) Moses reminded them that they have been in the desert 40 years and lacked for nothing because God provided everything they needed. Then God told them not to bother the Moabites, because He gave them the land of Ar to possess. These people were the descendants of Lot, Abraham's nephew. (Two sons were born of Lot and his two daughters -Genesis 19:37 Jan 6.) There were the giants from the Nephilim (Anakim, Emim and Rephaim (Num 13:33). So when all the fighting men who had balked at the notion of conquering giants had died it was time to go home. They passed by the land of the Ammonites - the other son of Lot. (Gen 19:38 Jan 6) God drove the people out of the land he wanted to give to the people he wanted to give it to.
Moses reviews the defeat of Sihon King of Heshbon as described in Numbers 12:21-32 (Feb 18) They also defeated the kingdom of Og of Bashan, who was a remnant of the Rephaites, and mentions his giant iron bed. After describing these military triumphs, Moses reviews the division of the land and the details of the 2 1/2 tribes who were on the east side of the Jordan river. (Num 32:33 Feb 22)
God told Moses to go to the top of Pisgah and look in all directions to see the land that the Israelites would inherit. Moses was to die and not enter the land. (Num 27:12) Moses reminded the Israelites that Joshua was to succeed him as leader. (Num 27:15-23)
Tomorrow read Deuteronomy 4-6:15
We left off as Moses was recalling how he got help to manage the Israelites. In Exodus 18:21-23 (Jan 6) Jethro, Moses father-in-law asks him what he is doing trying to manage the people all by himself, and suggests he get some help from respected men amongst the people. So Moses reviews the good advice of getting help when you need it to do God's work. We aren't meant to do it alone.
Moses reviews the story (by this time 38 years old) where a search expedition is sent out to scout the territory and see what's there. This is told in Numbers 13:1-25. (Feb 15) The explorers came back fearful of the people they saw there. The Anakites they saw were Nephilim (Genesis 6:4 Jan 2). Ahhh grasshopper! (Num 13:33 Feb 15) The Lord told them He would take care of it but they wouldn't trust Him. God was angry and swore not one of them would see the promised land except Caleb. And because Moses had angered God by not talking to the rock (Numbers 20:12 Feb 17) he was not to enter the promised land either, but his assistant, Joshua would. Then the Israelites tried to make up for their mistake which was a bad idea (Num 14:44-45)
Then they began their 38 year long 11 day trip. They passed by the descendants of Jacob's (Israel) twin brother Esau (Edomites as told in Genesis 36 Jan 12) Moses reminded them that they have been in the desert 40 years and lacked for nothing because God provided everything they needed. Then God told them not to bother the Moabites, because He gave them the land of Ar to possess. These people were the descendants of Lot, Abraham's nephew. (Two sons were born of Lot and his two daughters -Genesis 19:37 Jan 6.) There were the giants from the Nephilim (Anakim, Emim and Rephaim (Num 13:33). So when all the fighting men who had balked at the notion of conquering giants had died it was time to go home. They passed by the land of the Ammonites - the other son of Lot. (Gen 19:38 Jan 6) God drove the people out of the land he wanted to give to the people he wanted to give it to.
Moses reviews the defeat of Sihon King of Heshbon as described in Numbers 12:21-32 (Feb 18) They also defeated the kingdom of Og of Bashan, who was a remnant of the Rephaites, and mentions his giant iron bed. After describing these military triumphs, Moses reviews the division of the land and the details of the 2 1/2 tribes who were on the east side of the Jordan river. (Num 32:33 Feb 22)
God told Moses to go to the top of Pisgah and look in all directions to see the land that the Israelites would inherit. Moses was to die and not enter the land. (Num 27:12) Moses reminded the Israelites that Joshua was to succeed him as leader. (Num 27:15-23)
Tomorrow read Deuteronomy 4-6:15
20100223
Feb 23, 2010 Numbers 34-36 Deut 1:1-15
The Lord gave Moses the boundaries of Canaan. I prefer pictures, so I found one to illustrate how the land was divided amongst the 12 tribes. This land was given to 9 1/2 tribes because the families of the tribes of Reuben, Gad and the half tribe Manasseh had all received their inheritance previously, according to their bargain. Eleazar, Joshua and one leader from each tribe were appointed to help Moses in the task of assigning the inheritances to the Israelites.
The Levites were given towns with pastureland surrounding them. There were to be six Safe Towns where a person could go if they killed someone and needed to be protected until their trial. If the death was intentional they were put to death to cleanse the land. Blood polluted the land until the murderer atoned with his own blood. In order to be found guilty at trial, there needed to be 2 witnesses to the crime. If you were innocent you had to stay in the Safe Town until the high priest died.
The leaders from the tribe of Manasseh went to Moses to speak about the inheritance of the 5 sisters (Num 27:1-11 Feb 20) and how to treat their inheritances should they marry outside of their tribe. God told them they could marry anyone they wanted - as long as they were from the tribe of their father. So it became a law that women of each tribe would only marry someone from the tribal clan of their father. That way no inheritance would pass from tribe to tribe.
Deuteronomy means second law. The fifth and final book of Moses contains three speeches that he made to the Israelites before they took their inheritances in Canaan. The 11 day journey took the children of Israel 40 years to make because of their lack of faith in God.
The First Speech reviews the past. Moses told them what the Lord told him at Mount Sinai 40 years earlier. God had told them to go into the land of the Amorites and their neighbors, the Canaanites, that this was the land God had promised to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Moses told them how he had asked God for help to manage so many people and God told him to choose respected members from every tribe to help Moses lead the poeple Some of the leaders were military officers and some were judges.
Tomorrow read Deuteronomy 1:16-ch3
20100222
Feb 22, 2010 Numbers 31:48-ch 33
The army commanders told Moses that they wanted to give all the gold they had recovered from the battle to God. Moses and Eleazar accepted it and placed it in the Tent of Meeting.
The Reubenites and the Gadites wanted to have their land right where they were and not cross the Jordan River. Moses negotiated with them and reminded them that this choice was exactly what had angered the Lord when the scouting expedition (Feb 15th entry Numbers 13) returned from their 40 day trip. So they decided it would be ok if they got their flocks, wives and children settled and then led the battle into Canaan. Once the land of Canaan was secure then they would return to their wives, children and flocks.
Chapter 33 gives an account of the locations the Israelites camped during their 40 years in the desert. They were finally going to arrive in the promised land. First they had to drive out all the people who lived there. The Lord promised them that He would show them how to divide the land according to the needs of each family. God warned them that if they did not force out all the people, they would be like a sharp stick in the eye or thorns in their sides. Worst of all, God would treat the Israelites as badly as he had planned to treat the Canaanites.
Tomorrow finish Numbers! Also read Deuteronomy 1:1-15
The Reubenites and the Gadites wanted to have their land right where they were and not cross the Jordan River. Moses negotiated with them and reminded them that this choice was exactly what had angered the Lord when the scouting expedition (Feb 15th entry Numbers 13) returned from their 40 day trip. So they decided it would be ok if they got their flocks, wives and children settled and then led the battle into Canaan. Once the land of Canaan was secure then they would return to their wives, children and flocks.
Chapter 33 gives an account of the locations the Israelites camped during their 40 years in the desert. They were finally going to arrive in the promised land. First they had to drive out all the people who lived there. The Lord promised them that He would show them how to divide the land according to the needs of each family. God warned them that if they did not force out all the people, they would be like a sharp stick in the eye or thorns in their sides. Worst of all, God would treat the Israelites as badly as he had planned to treat the Canaanites.
Tomorrow finish Numbers! Also read Deuteronomy 1:1-15
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