Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Deuteronomy 1

We’re reading Deuteronomy in the month of June, and we’re starting with Deuteronomy 1.

Click here to read it online.

Questions to ponder:
* When was Deuteronomy written?
* An eleven-day journey (verse 2) took 40 years!! What’s up with that?
* Why is Israel called Israel before the Israelites have obtained possession of the land?
* Who is speaking in verses 9-18? God or Moses?

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Hi Mike!
I think its Moses speaking in verses 9-18 of chapter one although I find the reference to "At that time" a little confusing. That is, Moses exasperation with the people was expressed in Numbers 11 after they grumbled, but the suggestion to appoint judges was made by Jethro in Exodus 18. Why does Moses associate the appointment of leaders with "that time"? In any case I note the lack of optimism expressed in Deuteronomy: the people and their strife are a burden and provision needs to be made for it.

I was also struck by the laying of a historical context for the law - it is not in a vacuum. Most particularly I think of the LORD's identification with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and his promise to them.

Regards, Jeremy