Deuteronomy 6

We’re up to chapter 6 in our Deuteronomy in June series.

Things to ponder and consider:
* This point (6:1) is where the history lesson ends and the exhortation begins.
* Obedience on behalf of Israel is how she is to express genuine loyalty to or fear of Yahweh. ‘Fear’ of Yahweh is a recurring motif in the book: Deut 4:10; 5:29; 6:2, 13, 24; 8:6; 10:12, 20; 11:25; 13:4; 14:23; 17:19; 25:18; 28:58; 31:12-13; cf. also Deut 5:5; 7:21; 10:17, 21; 13:11; 17:13; 19:20; 21:21; 25:18.
* How to interpret the Bible is a big question today. Should we interpret it literally or not? Well, Deut 6:3 says the Promised Land is a land "flowing with milk and honey". And, when we read the accounts of the spies in Num 13:23 and 27, we read that they brought back figs, grapes and pomegrantes. This is confirmation that the land is flowing with milk and honey: Num 13:27.
* In Deut 6:4-5 we have the greatest commandment! Remember, in contrast to the English idiom where the ‘heart’ signifies the seat of the emotions and feelings, in Hebrew the ‘heart’ primarily signifies the seat of the intellect, will, and intention. That's why ‘mind’ is added to the list in the New Testament.
* What do verses 6-9 say about who this is applies to? These verses show us that it was not just for the priests, and it’s not just a legalistic code. It is for everyone in everyday life.
* In verses 20-25, we read about how the family is to teach its children the meaning of these commandments. Presumably the child was already familiar with them, having witnessed their observation; he now wants to know the reason for keeping them. So the question really is: ‘Why do we keep these laws?’ The father’s explanation (vv. 21-25) is a summary of the Israelite faith:
- Israel’s deliverance from bondage in Egypt (vv. 21-22)
- Israel’s divine gift of the Promised Land (v. 23)
- the covenant obligation to obey and fear Yahweh (v. 24a)
- the associated promises of blessing and security (v. 24b)
- the assured result: a true and personal relationship with God that would express itself in the lives of his people (v. 25).

Deuteronomy 5

Continuing our reading of Deuteronomy, today it is chapter 5. Big day today. Today we get the decalogue - the Ten Commandments.

Questions to come later today.

Deuteronomy 4

A chapter a day means you get through the whole book of Deuteronomy in just over a month.

Today, in our reading of Deuteronomy together, we are reading Deuteronomy 4. Click to read here. Or read in your own Bible.

Comments and questions to ponder:
* In Deuteronomy 4, the historical reflection gives way to exhortation: see verse 1. In the light of their collective experience thus far (as illustrated in Deut 1:6-3:29), Moses now spells out to the new generation of Israel the fundamental importance of obeying such a God as Yahweh in the Promised Land. Not only does their future in the land depend upon such obedience, but so also does the fulfilment of their responsibility as Yahweh’s chosen people in relation to the surrounding nations.
* In verses 5-8, what allusions do you see? (Gen 12:1-3)
* What are the two major motivations for obeying the covenant that Yahweh is just about to make with Israel? (Verses 1-4 and 5-8.)
* What would you say is the main theme for this chapter?
* What strikes you from this passage?
* This marks the end of Moses’ first of three speeches in the book of Deuteronomy. The next speech begins with the Ten Commandments. Why stop the first speech here?
* What aspect of God's character does Moses remind Israel of in verses 3-4? (See Numbers 25:1-9.) And in verses 10-14?

What is Deuteronomy all about?

So, you’ve been reading through Deuteronomy for a few days now. What is it all about?

This picture shows the top 200 words. The bigger they are, the more often they are repeated. This is only the top 200. Deuteronomy is about the LORD. Click for larger image.

Deuteronomy 3

We are reading through the book of Deuteronomy in the month of June. Today we’re up to Deuteronomy chapter 3.

It is not too late to begin reading. It will only take you 5 minutes to catch up.

You can read Deuteronomy 3 online here.

Questions and comments to ponder:
* Unless you are an expert in Google maps, you may find this is a geography lesson.
* Note the foretaste of victories (in verse 21).
* Why are the war scenes not elaborated upon? Why are they only reports of victories?
* Note that even the giants are no match for Yahweh! And who has a 13-foot-long bed (and six foot wide)?
* If you have any, place questions in comments.

Deuteronomy 2

We are reading through the book of Deuteronomy in the month of June. Today we're up to Deuteronomy chapter 2.

It's not too late to begin reading. It will only take you 5 minutes to catch up.

You can read Deuteronomy 2 online here.

Questions to ponder:
* How is it that Yahweh, the God of Israel, has sovereignty over more than Israel's borders (Deut 2:5)?
* What is the rationale for non-aggression?
* Note how the other nations listen to Yahweh. How does this serve as a warning to Israel?
* Any other questions, put them in comments.

Mike.

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?