Have you ever heard a really inspiring speech? You're about to, for the Book of Deuteronomy is a series of messages given by Moses to the nation of Israel. These are the farewell addresses--the last words--of Israel's beloved leader. He had led the nation for decades, taking them from slavery in Egypt, through the wilderness, and finally to the border of the new land.
He had sat before God Himself, bringing back to the people laws for worship and for living. He had carried the tablets of the Ten Commandments in his hands. Now the wanderings were over and the new generation was back at the border of the Promised Land. Moses himself would not enter due to his own disobedience - Numbers 20:7-12, so he had the profound duty of reminding the new generation of the importance of obeying God and trusting in Him.
Moses wrote Deuteronomy at the end of the forty-year period in the wilderness. Most likely his successor, Josuha, penned the final summary - chapter 34 - after Moses's death.
Much of Moses' life provides a picture of Christ. Moses is the only biblical figure other than Jesus to be a prophet (Deuteronomy 34:10-12), priest (by interceding for the people, Exodus 32:31-35), and king (though not technically a king, he is called that because he was the leader of Israel, Deuteronomy 33:4, 5).
Both Moses and Jesus were in danger of death as babies - Exodus 1:21; Matthew 2:13. Both were saviors and intercessors - Numbers 14:11; Luke 19:10; Hebrews 7:25. Both were rejected by their countrymen - Numbers 16:1-3; Mark 6:1-6. Moses referred to Jesus in Deuteronomy 18:15: "The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your midst, from your brethren. Him you shall hear." - See also Acts 7:37.
As you read Deuternonomy, remember your own story of what God had done in your life. Thank Jesus for saving you. Then commit yourself to trust, love, and obey Him.
God Bless,
Dan
He had sat before God Himself, bringing back to the people laws for worship and for living. He had carried the tablets of the Ten Commandments in his hands. Now the wanderings were over and the new generation was back at the border of the Promised Land. Moses himself would not enter due to his own disobedience - Numbers 20:7-12, so he had the profound duty of reminding the new generation of the importance of obeying God and trusting in Him.
Moses wrote Deuteronomy at the end of the forty-year period in the wilderness. Most likely his successor, Josuha, penned the final summary - chapter 34 - after Moses's death.
Much of Moses' life provides a picture of Christ. Moses is the only biblical figure other than Jesus to be a prophet (Deuteronomy 34:10-12), priest (by interceding for the people, Exodus 32:31-35), and king (though not technically a king, he is called that because he was the leader of Israel, Deuteronomy 33:4, 5).
Both Moses and Jesus were in danger of death as babies - Exodus 1:21; Matthew 2:13. Both were saviors and intercessors - Numbers 14:11; Luke 19:10; Hebrews 7:25. Both were rejected by their countrymen - Numbers 16:1-3; Mark 6:1-6. Moses referred to Jesus in Deuteronomy 18:15: "The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your midst, from your brethren. Him you shall hear." - See also Acts 7:37.
As you read Deuternonomy, remember your own story of what God had done in your life. Thank Jesus for saving you. Then commit yourself to trust, love, and obey Him.
God Bless,
Dan
