><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Deuteronomy) CHAPTER 26 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) v1-11: the law of first-fruits, to be given to God in acknowledgment of His mercies. In what ways did the law require each Israelite to reflect upon and give thanks for what mercies was he specially to give thanks? Have not we far greater cause to do this? Cf Ps 103:1-5; Col 1:12-14. 2) v12-16: the law of tithes, to be given to their ministers, and to others unable to provide for themselves. Note how richly God promises to give to those who thus give to Him and to others. Cf 14:28,29; Pr 3:9,10; Mal 3:8-12; Lk 6:38. 3) v16-19 are the closing exhortation of the discourse begun in chp 5. What covenant obligations did God and Israel respectively undertake? What may we learn from these verses concerning God's purposes for us as His covenant people? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Deuteronomy) Chapter 26 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- The spirit of offering the firstfruits is thankfulness for deliverance. v7-9, "...and the Lord heard our voice and saw our misery, toil and oppression...He brought us to this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey." The Lord commanded His people to provide for the Levite, the alien, the fatherless and the widow, "so that they may eat in your towns and be satisfied." II Cor. 9:6-7, "Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously...God loves a cheerful giver. And GOD IS ABLE TO MAKE ALL GRACE ABOUND TO YOU, SO THAT IN ALL THINGS AND AT ALL TIMES, HAVING ALL THAT YOU NEED, YOU WILL *ABOUND IN EVERY GOOD WORK.* As His covenant people, we must carefully observe His decrees and laws with all our heart and soul, walk in His ways, and OBEY HIM. I think the "risk::benefits" ratio would be 1:infinity/(eternity!) -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Deuteronomy 26 God's Expectation of Israel - Proclaimed the Lord to Be Your God At this point, we reach the end of Moses' second sermon in Deuteronomy - What god Expects of Israel. This is the text division made by Nelson's Bible Maps & Charts. God expects us to worship Him with tithe of the first fruit, with all our hearts and souls to proclaim Him to be our God. EXPECTATION "Today you have proclaimed the Lord to be your God, and that you will walk in His ways and keep His statutes, His commandments, and His judgments, and that you will obey His voice." 26:17. EXHORTATION "------, and that He will set you high above all nations which He has made, in praise, in name, and in honor, and that you may be a holy people to the Lord your God, just as He has spoken." 26:19. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) Psalm 103:1-5 1 ¶ <> Bless the LORD, O my soul, And all that is within me, bless His holy name. 2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget none of His benefits; 3 Who pardons all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases; 4 Who redeems your life from the pit, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion; 5 Who satisfies your years with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle. Col 1:12-14 12 ¶ giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light. 13 For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. The law of first fruits was an acknoldegment of God and His mercy towards the people. They were to give Him first fruits because of what He had done for them - specifically delivery from Egypt. 2) Pr 3:9,10 9 Honor the LORD from your wealth And from the first of all your produce; 10 So your barns will be filled with plenty And your vats will overflow with new wine. Luke 6:38 38 "Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure--pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return." The tithe was used to continue God's work. It was used to allow those in God's service to continue to do so and be provided for by God's people. 3) The people agreed to walk in His ways, keep His statutes, and listen to His voice. God declared Israel His people, treasured possession, promised to set them above other people. God wants each of us to be His covenant people, the people He blesses and has called apart from the world. May each of us live our lives daily as partakers of God's new covenant of grace. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Deuteronomy) CHAPTER 27:1-28:14 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) What ways does God use, through His servants, Moses, the elders and the priests, to impress upon His people how absolutely He requires obedience to all the laws of chapters 5-26? 2) What abiding principles emerge from chp27 concerning a) the authority of ministers to pronouce judgment on sinners in God's name(cf 1Tim 5:20; Tit 1:13;2:15), and b) the failure of the law to bring life? e.g., although Israel literally obeyed verses 2-8(see Jos 8:30-35), they soon broke the other laws. Cf Rom 8:2-4;Gal 3:10-12. 3) Contrast the nature of the blessings of 28:1-14 with the New Testament phrase 'every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places' (Eph 1:3). What difference between the old and new covenants is here indicated? To what extent do the promises of Dr. 28:1-14 still apply to us? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Deuteronomy) Chapter =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- In this day and age, idolatry is prevalent, in my opinion. It is insidious, so sometimes we don't realize that we idolize something. Another interesting one of the curses was about honoring your father and mother. In contrast, we see the blessing for obedience. Notice the adjectives, "fully obey" and "carefully follow ALL His commands". This should be the behavior of God's chosen people. v10, "Then all the peoples on earth will see that you are called by the name of the Lord, and they will fear you." -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Deuteronomy 27:1 - 28:14 The Curses at Mt. Ebal and Blessings at Mt. Gerizim From Chapter 27 to 34 is Moses third sermon - What God Will Do for Israel. Henrietta C. Mears divided this book into three simple "Looking" phrases - Looking-Back, 1-4; Looking-Up, 5-26; and Looking-Out, 27-33. In the following chapters, we are informed of what to lookout for living a promised eternal life. Blessings and curses are clearly identified to watch for. The Word in Life Study Bible made a drawing for better understanding of this "field meeting" to be held at Shechem. The peak of Mts. Gerizim and Ebal are only approximately 2 miles apart and Shechem in situated in the valley between the two mountains. This "field congregational meeting" would take place in this "natural amphitheater". Now you have the picture that six tribes standing on one side of the valley and the other six tribes on the other side. They all spoke loudly among themselves about what they should and should not do. The purpose of this pre-scheduled meeting is for them not being able to make any excuses of being punished later and claiming to be ignorances -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) God used his servants Moses, the elders and priests, to express to the people just how much He wanted them to obey the laws He set forth. He told them to gather near Mt Ebal to create an altar to the Lord. 2) When we try to obey the law and become legalistic - we fail. We cannot succeed because of our fallen nature. Our sin nature causes us to stumble. When we are redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, we are released from the bondage of sin, unfortunately, we go back in our own weakness to doing that thing we do - sin. Gal 3:10-12 speak on this: 10 For as many as are of the works of the Law are under a curse; for it is written, "CURSED IS EVERYONE WHO DOES NOT ABIDE BY ALL THINGS WRITTEN IN THE BOOK OF THE LAW, TO PERFORM THEM." 11 Now that no one is justified by the Law before God is evident; for, "THE RIGHTEOUS MAN SHALL LIVE BY FAITH." 12 However, the Law is not of faith; on the contrary, "HE WHO PRACTICES THEM SHALL LIVE BY THEM." 3) In chp 28:1-14 we see blessings on the people who'diligently obey the Lord you God' and who are 'careful to do all His commandments'. These are blessings on the people while they inhabit the earth. The difference in the blessings of the OT here and the NT blessings is where they are fulfilled. The OT blessing was fulfilled on earth. The NT blessing is to be fulfilled in the heavenly places. In Eph 1:3 we are told: 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ - And all the people shall say 'Amen'. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Deuteronomy) CHAPTER 28:15-68 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) Examine these five paragraphs, noting their similarities. What are the evils contained in these curses? 2) This chapter shows God's people brought under a judgment worse than any that has befallen a heathen nation. It was fulfilled to some degree in the Assyrian and Babylonian captivities, but mainly in the Fall of Jerusalem in AD70, and the subsequent history of the Jews. How does this emphasize the teaching that it is better not to begin to seek God rather than subsequently to turn away? Cf Mt 12:43-45; Heb 2:1-4;10:26- 31; 2Pet 2:20-22. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Deuteronomy) Chapter 28:15-68 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- The "Curses for Disobedience" are frightening. I believe that the Lord truly wanted to bless His people, but warned them of the devastating consequences of disobedience. The NT references are very powerful, Heb 10:26-31, "If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left...How much more severely do you think a man deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God under foot...who has insulted the Spirit of grace?...It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." It is a sobering message, that should serve to keep us on track and making every effort to share the Gospel with our friends and family. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Deuteronomy 28 The Great Prophecy about the Jews This 28th Chapter of Deuteronomy, placed alongside the History of the Hebrew Nation, constitutes one of the Most Astounding and Indisputable Evidences of the Divine Inspiration of the Bible. How else is it accounted for? [Halley's hdbk] Verses 47-49 could refer to the Roman invasion, A.D. 70, under Titus. This was indeed a bloody page of history! Verses 63-67 describe the Jew today. God spoke this more than 3,000 years ago. Chapter 28 leaves Israel where that nation is today - "Scattered"- he shall be scattered from one end of the earth to the other. Today the Jew is everywhere - there are German Jews, Russian Jews, Italian Jews, American Jews, etc. (v. 64) "Restless"- no rest for the Jew in these countries (v. 65) "sorrowful"- the Jew today has a trembling heart and sorrow fills him. Think of the way he has been treated in many countries (vv. 65-67). God foretold all this of him! [Mears - What the Bible is all About] -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) The evils in the curses center around physical punishments, separation as a people, continuing cursing to the next generations, oppression by other nations, and many others. 2) Heb 2:1-4 says: 1 ¶ For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it. 2 For if the word spoken through angels proved unalterable, and every transgression and disobedience received a just penalty, 3 how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? After it was at the first spoken through the Lord, it was confirmed to us by those who heard, 4 God also testifying with them, both by signs and wonders and by various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit according to His own will. There is no turning back. Heb 10:26-31 26 For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a terrifying expectation of judgment and THE FURY OF A FIRE WHICH WILL CONSUME THE ADVERSARIES. 28 Anyone who has set aside the Law of Moses dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 29 How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know Him who said, "VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY." And again, "THE LORD WILL JUDGE HIS PEOPLE." 31 It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Luke 9:62 But Jesus said to him, "No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." May each of us press forward knowing this: Phil 3:8-14 8 More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, 9 and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, 10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; 11 in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. 12 Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Deuteronomy) CHAPTER 29-30 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) Picture the moving scene described in 29:1,2,10,11, and consider what strong reasons the people had for being loyal to the Lord. Why, thenm did Moses fear that they would not prove steadfast? See 29:4,18,19; cf Acts 20:29,30. 2) For what prupose is revelation given, according to 29:29? Cf Jas1:22. What is God's character as revealed in Chp 30? And what is His people's responsibility? 3) Compare 30:11-14 with Rom 10:6-9 and note ways in which the OT Law and NT gospel are identical. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Deuteronomy) Chapter 29-30 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- The Israelites "track record" of disobedience made Moses fear the worst. However, the people had every reason to Trust, v3, "with your own eyes you saw those great trials, those miraculous signs and great wonders..." It goes to show that we shouldn't depend on signs and wonders. Even those who saw great signs wavered, so why do we need to see them to believe? Revelations are seemingly given to develop a stronger obedience and faith in us. To show the Lord's power. Matt. 4:4, "Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God." This section is entitled - "The Offer of Life or Death" - what a Powerful statement! I am really blessed by it, and recommend reading it at least twice, once aloud. v14, "IT IS NOT UP IN HEAVEN...NOR IS IT BEYOND THE SEA...*THE WORD* IS VERY NEAR YOU; IT IS IN YOUR MOUTH AND IN YOUR HEART **SO YOU MAY OBEY IT**" Our responsibility? OBEY, OBEY, TRUST & OBEY THE LORD! (And we must know His Words in order to obey - reading the Bible is essential.) -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Deuteronomy 29 and 30 The Institution of the Palestinian Cavenant God made covenants with Noah, Gen. 7:11, with Abraham, Gen. 17:7 and with Moses, Ex. 19:5. Now due to the changing of leadership, God updated His covenant, the Palestinian Covenant in the land of Moab, before intering into Canaan. There are seven parts of this covenant: Israel to be dispersed for disobedience, 28:36, 49-53,63-68 and 30:1; Israel will repent while in dispersion, 30:2; The return of Christ will occur 30:3; Israel will be restored to the land, 30:5; The nation will receive a new heart, 30:6; Israel'soppressors will be judged, 30:7; The nation will experience prosperity, 30:9. [Willmington's Guide to the Bible] compare 30:12-14 with Romans 10:6-8, Paul tells us that the resurrected Christ, as the living Word, is near us, even in our mouth and in our hearts that we may receive Him. Key Verse 30:6 "--- the Lord your god will circumcise your heart and the heart of your descendants, to love the Lord your God with all your heart (mind) and with all your soul (will), in order that you may live." -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) The people had seen so much, experienced God's signs and wonders. We always feel that if only we could see and touch and hear we would belive. But we must consider Luke 16:20-31 20 "And a poor man named Lazarus was laid at his gate, covered with sores, 21 and longing to be fed with the crumbs which were falling from the rich man's table; besides, even the dogs were coming and licking his sores. 22 "Now the poor man died and was carried away by the angels to Abraham's bosom; and the rich man also died and was buried. 23 "In Hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and *saw Abraham far away and Lazarus in his bosom. 24 "And he cried out and said, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus so that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool off my tongue, for I am in agony in this flame.' 25 "But Abraham said, 'Child, remember that during your life you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus bad things; but now he is being comforted here, and you are in agony. 26 'And besides all this, between us and you there is a great chasm fixed, so that those who wish to come over from here to you will not be able, and that none may cross over from there to us.' 27 "And he said, 'Then I beg you, father, that you send him to my father's house-- 28 for I have five brothers--in order that he may warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.' 29 "But Abraham *said, 'They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.' 30 "But he said, 'No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent!' 31 "But he said to him, 'If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead.'" Further, Jesus tells Thomas in John 20:28-29 28 Thomas answered and said to Him, "My Lord and my God!" 29 Jesus *said to him, "Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed." May we grow our faith to believe in what is not seen. Hebrews 11:1 ¶ Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2) Revelation is given that we may observe all of the law. James 1:22 says: 22 But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. God is presented here as a loving father. It is our responsibility to love our Heavenly Father and obey His commands. 3) Deut 30:11-14 11 ¶ "For this commandment which I command you today is not too difficult for you, nor is it out of reach. 12 "It is not in heaven, that you should say, 'Who will go up to heaven for us to get it for us and make us hear it, that we may observe it?' 13 "Nor is it beyond the sea, that you should say, 'Who will cross the sea for us to get it for us and make us hear it, that we may observe it?' 14 "But the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may observe it. Rom 10:6-9 6 But the righteousness based on faith speaks as follows: "DO NOT SAY IN YOUR HEART, 'WHO WILL ASCEND INTO HEAVEN?' (that is, to bring Christ down), 7 or 'WHO WILL DESCEND INTO THE ABYSS?' (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead)." 8 But what does it say? "THE WORD IS NEAR YOU, in your mouth and in your heart" --that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, 9 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; May each of us strive to keep the word near to our mouth and heart that we observe it continually. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Deuteronomy) CHAPTER 31 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) What made it possible for Israel, and what makes it possible for us to 'be strong and of good courage' and not to 'fear or be in dread' even when great human leaders pass away? See verses 1-8 and cf Heb 13:7,8. 2) In how many different ways did the Lord, through Moses, seek to safeguard Israel against the backsliding which He knew, nevertheless, would take place? What alone can keep us steadfast? Cf 1 Pet 1:5;Gal 5:16. Cf also Dt 32:46,47. 3) How does this chapter emphasize the need for something beside the law of God to promote obedience? Cf Rom 8:3,4;2Cor 3:5,6. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Deuteronomy) Chapter 31 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- God's great works, along with the testimony of those that followed and walked with Him should give us courage. Mentors in Christ. Like Paul was for Timothy. Like Jesus was especially for Peter, James and John. v6b, "for the Lord your God goes with you; He will NEVER LEAVE NOR FORSAKE YOU." The Lord knew in advance that they would worship idols. He specifically commands them to teach their children. 32:46, "Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to obey carefully all the words of this law." The Lord even dictated the words of the prediction and law to Moses in a SONG, so that the Israelites would remember it clearly. Truly, none of us can obey Christ's Laws perfectly. It is impossible for us to obey all the letters of the law, to walk as Jesus did. Even after being saved, we sin in our own weakness. However, Romans 10:4 says, "CHRIST IS THE END OF THE LAW so that there may be RIGHTEOUSNESS FOR EVERYONE WHO BELIEVES." -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Deuteronomy 31 Be Strong and Courageous Moses told all Israel , 31:1, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, ----." 31:6. The same statement Moses told Joshua "Be strong and courageous". It is very important to be strong, courageous and not to be afraid. In John 13:36-38, Peter denied to be a disciple of Jesus because he lost his courage and afraid of death. The lesson in this chapter teaches us that courage is far more important than zeal and good work. For instance, when you select some to serve the Lord in your church, make sure them are the courageous ones. The 300 of Gideon's troop is also another good example of this case. The New Testament Comparison - "Do Not Be Afraid, Little Flock" In 31 of Deuteronomy, Moses instructed them how to prepare themselves to enter into the promised land. In Luke 12 Jesus told us how to prepare our selves to enter into the Kingdom of God. 12:27-34 "------ seek ye the kinkdom of god; and all these thins shall be added unto you. FEAR NOT, LITTLE FLOCK; ----." -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) Verse 6 tells us our source for courage and strength: 6 "Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you." 7 Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. It is always difficult when the body loses a strong leader in the Lord, but Christ provides for His lambs. He will provide the leadership for His flock. 2) Our lone source for steadfastness is to walk in the Spirit. Gal 5:16 16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. Cf'ing 32:46,47 - we must pass these traditions on to future generations, that they too may walk in the ways of the Lord. 3) This chapter shows what is revealed to us in the NT in Rom 8:3,4 3 For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, 4 so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Deuteronomy) CHAPTER 32:1-47 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) What is said of God in His essential attributes? And what, in contrast, of the nature of Israel? 2) What did God do for Israel(at least 7 things are mentioned in vs 7- 14), and how did Israel requite His loving-kindness? 3) What is God's purpose in His judgments, and what will be the final outcome? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Deuteronomy) Chapter 32:1-47 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- God is the Rock, His works are perfect, all His ways just, FAITHFUL, He does no wrong, upright and just, "your Creator", the Most High, like an eagle protecting his young. Israel, on the other hand, rejected God, v15-16, "..grew fat and kicked became heavy and sleek. He abandoned the God who made Him made Him jealous with their foreign gods and angered Him with their detestable idols." He gave the nations their inheritance, divided all mankind, set up boundaries for the peoples based on the number of the sons of Israel, found them in a desert land and shielded and cared for them, guarded them as the apple of his eye, lead them, made Israel ride on the heights of the land, fed Israel with the fruit of the fields, nourished them. But Israel (Jeshurun) abandoned Him after all this, rejecting Him as their Savior. We read in Romans 10:19, "Did Israel not understand? First, Moses says, "I will make you envious by those who are not a nation; I will make you angry by a nation that has no understanding." This is the same portion found in Deut 32:21, prophesying the adoption of Gentiles into the family of Jesus Christ. V35-41 proclaim God's judgement of sin, "It is mine to avenge; I will repay He will avenge the blood of His servants; He will take vengeance on His enemies and make atonement for His land and people." -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Deuteronomy 32: 1-47 The Song of Moses Moses wrote three songs: Exodus 15, Psalm 90 and Deuteronomy 32. This song is not only a praising song of creation and salvation, Rock. But also a warning of punishment for their disobedience. God protects His people like eagle does to its young; keep them under its wing and teaching them how to fly by catch them in the air just before hit and being hurt from drop on the ground, 32:11. Israel is like these young birds; they are fed so well and "grew fat and kicked". Unfortunately, they forget their maker. The theme of this song, to me, is the Rock, 32:4. "The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge. My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." Psalm 18:2. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) Deut 32:3-4 3 "For I proclaim the name of the LORD; Ascribe greatness to our God! 4 "The Rock! His work is perfect, For all His ways are just; A God of faithfulness and without injustice, Righteous and upright is He. The Lord is described as Great, our Rock, Just, faithrful, righteous. 2) The Lord lead Israel, selected them apart, crushed their enemies and so many more things. Israel requited His love by rejecting Him, and constantly turning away... 3) God's motivation for judgement is not punishment, but chastening. We can remember too that because God loves us and has selected us to be His bride he wants to protect and care for us. Deut 32:9-11 9 "For the LORD'S portion is His people; Jacob is the allotment of His inheritance. 10 "He found him in a desert land, And in the howling waste of a wilderness; He encircled him, He cared for him, He guarded him as the pupil of His eye. 11 "Like an eagle that stirs up its nest, That hovers over its young, He spread His wings and caught them, He carried them on His pinions. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Deuteronomy) CHAPTER 32:48-34:12 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) Chp 33. Whence and why did these blessings come to the Israelites? Define for yourself the character of significance of each of the blessings here promised, and compare with them our blessings in Christ. 2) 32:48-62;34:1-12. Ponder a) the character and work of Moses, and b) the time and manner of his death. What may we learn from this record? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Deuteronomy) Chapter 32:48-34:12 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- Before Moses died, he blessed each Israelite tribe. The blessings were tailored to each tribe's "personality". Eph 1:3, "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us IN THE HEAVENLY REALMS WITH EVERY SPIRITUAL BLESSING IN CHRIST." But the most precious is in Eph 1:7, "...in Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins..." Moses was the only man to see God face to face. He was very humble, as recorded in Numbers 12:3. He was also called "the servant of the Lord." His death occurrring just before the Israelites were to cross into the promised land must have been confusing to the people, and bittersweet for Moses. Interestingly, it seems to indicate that the Lord buried Moses (34:5-6), and no one can find Moses' remains to this day. It also says that he died in good health. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Deuteronomy 33 and 34 The End of Moses' life For years, it always bothered me that God did not allow Moses to enter into Canaan. I always felt that Moses did so much for God and was so dedicated to serve the Lord. He should deserve to go into Canaan. I feel that it is not fair for Moses to not be able to go to Canaan. Thanks to God, He gave me the answer for this bothersome issue to me. In Chinese history, if a man did a great achievement for a king, the ultimate reward from the king would be receiving a trophy that would be able to save his life in case he should be charged for death penalty later. This royal law was established base on the concept of "deduct the charges from the accomplishments". That was the thought I had in my mind for Moses case. When I read this story again, this same feeling came to my mind. However, the Lord gave me understanding and peace for this case today. The "deduct the charges from accomplishments" is a human law in a human kingdom. In God's Kingdom, what is right is right and what is not right shall be judged and punished. Now I have peace in my mind and the case teaches me about God's fairness. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) All the blessings bestowed upon Israel were from the Lord. OT Isrealite blessing Our portion in the NT =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- v6 "May Reuben live and not die Eternal life through Christ v7 Judah;help against his adversaries." Strength to combat the Enemy v8 Levi; set apart for God Santified through Christ v12 Benjamin, security Security v13 Joseph "Blessed land" Mansion in the Kingdom v18 Zebulun Rejoice in your going forth Spreading the Gospel in Joy v18 Issachar, in your tents. Joy in serving in the church v20 Gad-blessing to those who help Blessing to compassionate ones v22 Dan, lion's whelp Strength and courage. v23 Naphtali full of the blessing Same v24 Asher, favored by his brothers Christian fellowship v28 "So Israel dwells in security Safety in Christ 2) These chapters record the death of Moses, a man who was willing to serve God and join Him in His work. May each of us take this same attitude that Moses had that we may be willing to join God in the work He is accomplishing around us and invites us to join with Him in performing.