Deuteronomy 1 – 2
Moses is addressing the people of Israel on the other side of the Jordan from the Promised Land. He reviews what has happened since they left Egypt and how an eleven-day journey could take forty years. In Numbers 13, the Lord told Moses to send scouts, but here Moses says “you all came to me and said, ‘First, let’s send out scouts to explore the land for us.’” Moses says he thought it was a good idea and did so.
Question: Did God tell Moses or did Moses take the people’s suggestion?
It would appear that there is a contradiction, but it’s possible God told Moses by using the suggestions and agreement of the Israelites.
Moses reviews the results of the scouts’ report and the fear and lack of trust that led to a forty-year wandering in the wilderness. He did not pull any punches when talking about the people’s disobedience.
In chapter 2, there is further review of their wanderings, including how God kept his word to the Edomites (descendants of Esau). We learn that by the time thirty-eight years have passed, all the men old enough to fight at the time of the scouting, had passed away. God promised to make people throught the earth terrified of them: “When they hear reports about you, they will tremble with dread and fear.”
One might ask why Moses felt it necessary to review all that had happened since they left Egypt. How soon people forget! We need to review the blessings God has given us, not gripe and complain about the challenges. God inhabits the praises of His people. Let’s praise Him for all He has done for us.
Tomorrow, its Deuteronomy 3 – 4.
Outback Goodness
Tonight, I took Richard to Outback Steakhouse for his birthday (his birthday is March 4th). He had Surf & Turf and I had the Outback Special Steak. We both had the most wonderful dessert: Sydney’s Sinful Sundae. It was absolutely luscious: vanilla ice cream coated with toasted coconut, covered with chocolate syrup, topped with whipped cream and accompanied by fresh strawberries. Yum! Yum!
Until next time…
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