Title: The Words Proclaimed by Moses/Deuteronomy 1
The meaning of the word Deuteronomy is 'the second law'. The ‘first law’ (the Pentateuch) was given to the old generation on Mount Sinai, while the ‘second law’ was given to the new generation 40 years later in the plains of Moab beyond the Jordan. Deuteronomy was not a ‘new’ law, but rather a ‘renewal’ and ‘consummation’ of the first law. It was a 'farewell sermon' and 'declaration of the word' that pointed out the core of the past and its spiritual meaning and fulfillment, rather than a simple repetition of the past. Deuteronomy can be divided into: 1) Retrospective of the past (chapters 1-4) 2) present statements (chapters 5-26) 3) prospects for the future (chapters 27-34).
1 “Moses began to explain the law” (1-25)
Christianity is a historical religion, a religion of doctrine, a religion of obedience and practice. Looking back on the past 40 years of history, Moses “explained” again what God had commanded and taught the Israelites through him. The content was that the Israelites, who had left Egypt, were to follow God's instructions and go to the land of the Canaanites and to the Euphrates. It is the land he swore to Abraham and promised to give to them and their descendants. 1) The pilgrimage was not a journey led by Moses ‘alone’, but a journey led by people with wisdom and knowledge as collaborators. 2) The journey of the pilgrimage was a journey that proceeded “as God commanded” and “as he said” (19,21). 3) The journey of the pilgrimage was a journey that had to be done with faith (adventure) ‘without fear’ and ‘do not hesitate’.
2 “But you do not enjoy going up” (26-33)
But the Israelites did not like to proceed by faith on their journey in the wilderness (26). They ‘disobeyed’ God’s command (26). ‘Resentful’ (27). Instead of God’s love, I felt ‘hate’ (27). Hearing negative comments, I became “depressed” (28). Moses encouraged them. He encouraged them to ‘do not be afraid’ and ‘do not be afraid’ (29). He encouraged them that God would “fight for them” (30). Encourage them to ‘hold’ them (31). But they “do not believe” in God (32).
3 “The Lord hears your voice and is angry” (34-46)