SHADES BLOG
Weekly Bible Reading Forecast
Week 11 | March 14-20
Israel has come from the wilderness to the edge of the Promised Land. Moses has led well, but because he stole the glory of the Lord by saying he could bring water from the rock, he is not permitted to enter the Promised Land. So, here they all stand on the edge of the Jordan River … waiting for Moses to die so that they can possess the land. But before Moses is “gathered to his fathers,” he gives one last sermon – and that’s the book of Deuteronomy. Here’s a quick outline of the book to help you locate yourself as we read this week:
I’d encourage you to read chapter four slowly and carefully – it’s vitally important. Not only does it become a standard of judgment in the Prophets, but it’s also picked up in the New Testament. Basically, anything Israel does or doesn’t do is outlined right here before they enter the Land. Pay particular attention to the main focus Moses makes: it’s on the Lord’s unmerited grace and favor to Israel.
Moses recites the Ten Commandments and reminds them of their agreement to the “ten stipulations.” I’m struck by the Lord’s knowing response in 5:29, “Oh that they had such a heart as this always ...” Another key text is 7:6 – the impetus for driving out the people and showing them no mercy is because they are holy to the Lord and his treasured possession. He is wholly faithful to his promise to Abraham to give them the Land.
Chapter eight is an amazing chapter exhorting Israel to remember their identity by rehearsing their history. Remember and don’t forget. And let the remembrance lead you to humility (8:3). You’ve done nothing to earn it, no righteousness of your own can gain his blessing. Today’s reading concludes with a call to circumcise one’s heart and be no longer stubborn. Everything that’s about to come in chapters 12-26 can only happen from the heart.
We finish Moses’ encouragement to faithfulness today and get into more rules and regulations. Womp. Womp. BUT – before we get there, God tells them that the land they’re entering into is a land that God himself cares for. Obedience will create flourishing in the land. Take care, lest your heart be deceived with other gods.
Today we learn a bit more about clean/unclean foods, tithes, the Sabbatical year, Passover, Feasts, and Justice. Keep in mind the common theme through these chapters: “You are a people holy to the Lord your God.” And holiness means being rightly related to Yahweh and also rightly related to our neighbors.
These chapters are key for what’s going to happen in Israel. Remember: we’re not in the Land yet – but God is already telling them what they’re going to ask for and how they’re going to be tempted. There is absolutely no reason Israel should be surprised when they get into the land. Kings should be chosen by the Lord and they should keep the covenant and not be pridefully “better” than their brothers. Beware of the abominable practices of the nations around you – especially their diviners and fortune tellers. Furthermore, the Lord promises to raise up *another prophet* like Moses. So, we hear about prophets, priests, and kings in these chapters.
These chapters seem confusing because it’s mainly a bunch of random laws, but I think their orienting theme is justice and righteousness. God is putting stipulations in place to curb dishonesty and injustice. That’s particularly clear in the case of the firstborn in chapter 21. There’s also an interesting text in 21:22-23 which gives background to why the Jews wanted to take Jesus’ body down from the cross after his death. The list of those excluded from the assembly is fascinating – there’s a long remembrance illustrated there. Because the Ammonites tried to curse Israel, they are not welcome. But Israel is also not allowed to abhor Edom because they are descendants of Esau (Jacob/Israel’s brother) nor Egyptians because Israel sojourned in their land. Might this foreshadow the blessing of the nations through Abraham’s offspring?