Deuteronomy-Where the Law is really Love
Session 1 – Introduction to Deuteronomy - Deuteronomy 1:1-5
Read: Deuteronomy 1:1-5 (While it may be good to read this content and talk about it in class, nothing is as effective or accurate as reading God's word straight from the bible.)
Deuteronomy is a wonderful book for those who want to learn about God. It shows how mankind is offered a choice and tell what happens when one chooses to love and follow God and also what happen when one chooses something other than God. You can easily see how God has chosen to love and bless a nation and what will happen when that nation follows his commands or what will happen when they turns their back on God. “15 See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. 16 For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess. 17 But if your heart turns away and you are not obedient, and if you are drawn away to bow down to other gods and worship them, 18 I declare to you this day that you will certainly be destroyed. You will not live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess. Deuteronomy 30:15-18
In other parts of Deuteronomy we read the lists of blessings 28:1-13 for those who follow the commands and love the Lord. Then you can look at a very long list of curses that will befall those who turn their back on God. 28:15-68 (comment from the teacher: I recognize this is the old testament, dealing with laws, but if I am trying to learn about God and how he thinks, I cannot help but think how many curses did come about for Israel during siege of Jerusalem. Those times were horrendous. Jeremiah 52:6-34 Since these events took place on earth, I wonder what eternal torment will be like for those who do not choose God. Rev. 14:9-12)
To understand the book better, it helps to identify if the speaker is talking about the past, the present or the future. Watch for those times and put yourself in those shoes.
Deuteronomy records the great speeches Moses gives just before his death. He addresses the generation of Israelites who grew up in the wilderness just as they are preparing to enter the land of Canaan. Their mothers and fathers were there to see the ten commends delivered on Mount Sinai but these people are a generation removed. Deuteronomy records a renewed statement and covenant to the current generation of Gods people.
This book teaches man to love and obey God. The word “love” occurs 22 times; “obey” occurs 10 times. The motive for obedience is love. Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). The true motive for obedience is stated in Deuteronomy 6:4,5. God’s love for man is the motive for His guidance and the giving of laws. Man’s love of God is the motive for his obedience. This is not the gospel, but the principle of it is here. This is the pathway of blessing. It is also the answer to those who do not find love in the Old Testament.
Moses pleads with the people to obey. He is now 120 years old and is about to die. For decades he served as a mediator: he was God’s messenger to Israel and represented Israel’s requests to God. He was also Israel’s ruler, guide, and judge, with authority unsurpassed by anyone else in Israel. As his monumental life draws to a close, Deuteronomy is Moses’ last plea to Israel to live by the light of all that God has taught them.
Brief Summary
The Israelites are commanded to remember four things: God’s faithfulness, God’s holiness, God’s blessings, and God’s warnings. The first three chapters recap the trip from Egypt to their current location, Moab. Chapter 4 is a call to obedience, to be faithful to the God who was faithful to them.
Outline: The book records the speeches of Moses:
Setting the scene (1:1-5)
The first speech: Moses reminds them of the past (1:5-4:43)
• God's faithfulness for the 40 years in the wilderness (1:5-3:29)
• Charge for the people to hear the word of the LORD (4:1-43)
The second speech: Moses tells what the LORD demands (4:44-29:1)
• Love God and obey His laws (4:44-11:31)
• Living as He intends His people should (12:1-26:15)
• Blessings and Curses (Chapter 27 & 28)
The third speech: Israel must keep its agreement with the Lord (29:1-30:20)
Final speech and the death of Moses (31:1-34:12)
• A new leader and a place for the Law (31:1-29)
• Moses, his song and blessings (31:30-33:29)
• Death of Moses (34:1-12)
Questions:
1. Who was Moses talking to and where were they?
2. Do you agree or disagree with the statement "the motive for obedience is love"?
3. Before you began this study, what did you expect Deuteronomy to be about?
4. Does it seem strange that a book with so many laws could ultimately be about God’s grace? If so, why?
5. Make a list of some questions you have about Deuteronomy. Perhaps some will have to do with how an ancient book written for Israel could apply to Christians today, which will be a central concern for this study?
Note: Reading the old testament is important, because it gives the history of God's dealings with man. It is hard to understand the new testament without the background of the old testament. It is important, as you read the old testament, to keep a check on your overall thinking. It is easy to fall into legalistic thinking. As Christians we should keep in mind that Jesus came to fulfill the law Mat 5:17 and that we do not live under the law, but under grace Rom 6:14. Here is a link to further address the question about obeying the law.
Last
minute thought:
The connection between Loving
and Obeying: In the old testament, from God's perspective, you prove
your love for him by obeying. How about in the new testament? Here
are a few references that might apply:
John 14:15-21 “If you love me, keep my commands.16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20 On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. 21 Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”
Galatians 5:14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Romans 13:9 The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
1 John 5:2 This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands.
1 John 3:23 And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us.
2 John 1:5 And now, dear lady, I am not writing you a new command but one we have had from the beginning. I ask that we love one another.
2 John 1:6 And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.
Session 2 - - Moses reminds them of the past - Deuteronomy 1:6-3:29
Read: Deuteronomy 1:6-3:29 (While it may be good to read this content and talk about it in class, nothing is as effective or accurate as reading God's word straight from the bible.)
Moses tells of how God has provided guidance, protection and correction when the current generation of Isrealites move toward the promised land. The expectation is for the people to listen to the word of God and do what he says. Things work well when they do, and not so well when they do not.
Moses reminds the people of their method of government with a “What you propose to do is good” 1:14 comment and this process is used for hundreds of years. Moses reminds the Israelites of their march from Horeb to Kadesh-Barnea, through 40 years in the wilderness. He shows how near they were to a happy settlement in Canaan. Poor decisions on their part led to a tremendous disappointment for an entire generation of people. Not even a look into the Promised Land. Is there any cause to distrust God? An unbelieving heart was at the bottom of all these problems. Comment: Disobedience to God's laws, and distrust of his power and goodness, flow from disbelief of his word, as all true obedience springs from faith.
Moses tells how God forbids them from harassing the people’s of Moab and Ammon. He gives them possession of the country of the Amorites. God keeps every commitment he makes, even those made to Esau and Lot.
Moses encouraged Joshua, who was to succeed him. Thus the aged and experienced in the service of God, should do all they can to strengthen the hands of those who are young, and setting out in religion. Consider what God has done, what God has promised.
Moses prayed, and kept asking that he might go before Israel, over Jordan into Canaan. “That is enough,” the Lord said. “Do not speak to me anymore about this matter." 3:25-28
Map of the Route of the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt: bible-history.com/maps/route-exodus
Headlines:
• Time
to break camp and move into Promised Land 1:6-8
•
Appointment of leaders, instruction concerning administration of
justice 1:9-18
• Historical review Example of
first attempt to cross into Promised Land Sent spies to check things
out, afraid to enter despite God's presence 1:19-33
• Punishment was that none of first generation would enter Land
1:34-40
• Tried to invade against the Amorites;
were resoundingly defeated 1:41-46
• Traveling
through Edomite territory 2:1-8
• Traveling
through Moabite territory 2:9-25
• A request to
pass through Sihon was refused. Won the resulting war. 2:26-37
• Battle and victory against Og. 3:1-7
•
Division of conquered territory east of Jordan given to Reuben, Gad
and Manasseh. 3:8-20
• Appointment of Joshua as
Moses' successor 3:21-29
Questions:
1. What type of leaders were chosen to help Moses in judging the people? (1:13-16)
2. What happened at Kadesh Barnea? (1:19-22)
3. What complaint did the people have at this time? (1:26-28)
4. What was the penalty for their sin? (1:34-36)
5. Who lived in Mount Seir? Who gave them that place? (2:4,6)
6. What were they told about the Moabites? (2:9)
7. Who was Sihon? What happened to him? Why? (2:26-34)
8. What did Israel take from the kingdom of Og? (3:3-11)
9. Who was to take the place of Moses? (3:26,27)
Note: Reading the old testament is important, because it gives the full history of God's dealings with man. I think it is hard to understand the new testament without the background of the old testament. It is important, as you read the old testament, to keep a check on your overall thinking. It is easy to fall into legalistic thinking. As Christians we should keep in mind that Jesus came to fulfill the law Matt 5:17 and that we do not live under the law, but under grace Rom 6:14. Here is a link to further address the question about obeying the law.
Session 3 - Encourage Israel to keep God's law - Deuteronomy 4:1-43
Read: Deuteronomy 4:1-43 (While it may be good to read this content and talk about it in class, nothing is as effective or accurate as reading God's word straight from the bible.)
As we look at the bigger picture of the bible, it is important to remember that the Israelites are chosen people that will bring Jesus into the world. As part of that plan, God sets the standards very high. He expects obedience, but sets love as a reason for that obedience. "Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live". 4:9
God's power and love toward Israel is relayed here with serious warnings. What are laws made for but to be observed and obeyed? Moses gives special warning to heed the sin of idolatry with warnings about pretend gods like the sun, moon and stars. 4:19
Moses charges them never to forget the covenant. 4:23. Though God is ever mindful of the covenant, we do not remember so well. This ability to forget and go our own way is at the root of all our departures from God. Even today we should watch all things which would put the connection to God out of our minds, and to watch over our own hearts, lest at any time we let it slip. Today, we should be encouraged to watch out and not at any time forget our faith. These are the directions and commands he gives them. That he is a consuming fire, a jealous God, 4:24
It’s like we can see the motive of God as he deals with the Israelites. “Because he loved your ancestors and chose their descendants after them” 4:37 and his motive has not changed, “for God so loved the world”… John 3:15-18
Headlines:
• God expects obedience 4:1-8
• Warning against idolatry, images, making of idols 4:9-29
• God will be faithful to his covenant with them 4:30-31
• Reminder of what God has done for Israel 4:32-40
• Establishment of cities of refuge east of the Jordan 4:41-43
Questions:
1. How does Moses describe the day that God gave the Law?
2. What warning was given in Deuteronomy 4:15–24?
3. What was the stated consequence of violating this law?
4. What cities on the east side of the Jordan were set aside? Why?
Note: Reading the old testament is important, because it gives the full history of God's dealings with man. I think it is hard to understand the new testament without the background of the old testament. It is important, as you read the old testament, to keep a check on your overall thinking. It is easy to fall into legalistic thinking. As Christians we should keep in mind that Jesus came to fulfill the law Matt 5:17 and that we do not live under the law, but under grace Rom 6:14. Here is a link to further address the question about obeying the law.
Session 4 - Love God and obey His laws - Deuteronomy 4:44–11:31
Read: Deuteronomy 4:44-11:31 (While it may be good to read this content and talk about it in class, nothing is as effective or accurate as reading God's word straight from the bible.)
Before we study this section of laws from Deuteronomy we should look back and try to understand why these laws are so important. God created the heavens and the earth, placed man in a wonderful garden seemingly, for the purpose of having a close relationship. Man trashed that relationship by disobeying one of the few rules. After that, man became really corrupt.
5 The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time. 6 The Lord regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled. 7 So the Lord said, “I will wipe from the face of the earth the human race I have created—and with them the animals, the birds and the creatures that move along the ground—for I regret that I have made them.” Gen 6:5-7
The above statement brought about Noah and the flood. Years later we find God working with man again. In these laws of Leviticus and Deuteronomy God is laying out rules in an effort to build a workable relationship between God and Man. We should look at every law/statement as if God has observed man and found things that need addressing. Each one will work toward correcting man's behavior that is unacceptable to God. Some may not look important to our current generation, but they were profoundly important to the people of that time.
The ten commandments are given here and also, in Exodus 20. This new generation is being reminded that God saw these commandment as important enough to scribe them in tablets of stone. Moses says “It was not with our ancestors that the Lord made this covenant, but with us, with all of us who are alive here today.” 5:3 So, the generation of people who are right there with Moses are the target audience as well as their descendants. He makes it clear that they are to: “Walk in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess.” 5:33 They are to place these decrees and laws in visible locations so there is always a reminders and do not forget 6:7-9 Also tell them to your children. 6:20-25 This is repeated in 11:18-21
Chapter 7 carries instruction to drive out all inhabitants of the captured lands and not to intermarry. 7:1-4 God promises to bless them and their offspring if they will keep his commands, decrees and laws. 7:12;13 As we learn later, not following Gods instruction became a stumbling block and caused many problems in the future for the Israelites.
Matthew 4:4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ is a quote from Deut. 8:3. Jesus used this phrase against the tempter during his 40 days and 40 nights in the wilderness.
This section continually reminds the Israelites to remember and never forget Gods effort on their behalf. For example, in 8:10 he says “When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God for the good land he has given you”. And the flip side of this comes in 8:19 “If you ever forget the Lord your God and follow other gods and worship and bow down to them, I testify against you today that you will surely be destroyed”.
Moses makes it clear that there is a specific reason that the inhabitants of these lands are to be driven out by God and why the children of Israel are chosen to receive it. 9:5,6 Then in chapter 10 the golden calf is remembered and a new set of tablets are placed in the arc of the covenant handed over to the tribe of Levi.
God makes it clear that for the Israelites, there is a direct correlation between obeying his commands and rain that will bring successful crops. 11:13-15
Headlines:
• Introduction to the second speech 5:1-5
• Commandments given at Mount Sinai 5:6-22
• Review of his role as mediator 5:23-33
• Further explanation of the first commandment 6:1-9
• Prosperity must not make them complacent 6:10-19
• Teaching the children in the Law 6:20-25
• Avoid mixing with the Canaanites; must remain separate, holy 7:1-8
• Stay right with God 7:9-16
• Do not be intimidated by Canaanites; destroy their idols 7:17-26
• Keep the commandments (adds reminder of wilderness journey) 8:1-6
• Do not forget God when all is well 8:7-20
• Recollection of the story of the giving of the Law on Mt. Sinai 9:1-10:11
• Land is God's gift; they have not "earned" it 9:1-7
• Recounting the golden calf and the breaking of the first tablets 9:8-2
• Remembering the refusal to enter the Promised Land - spy problem 9:22-24
• Back to Mt. Sinai and Moses' intercession and second tablets 9:25-10:5
• Death of Aaron and setting aside of Levites to be holy 10:6-9
• God reaffirms Moses' position as leader 10:10-11
• Exhorts them to fear and love God 10:12-22
• Tells them to keep the Commandments; God is mighty 11:1-7
• If they keep God's Commandments, they will prosper in Canaan 11:8-25
• They can choose: Blessings for faithfulness or cursing for unfaithfulness 11:26-32
Questions:
1. What will your sons ask? 6:20
2. Why did God “set His affection” on Israel? 7:7,8
3. What are the blessings of carefully following his laws? 7:12,13
4. According to Deuteronomy 9:4-5, why were the seven nations being run out of the land?
5. What does “the Lord your god ask of you”? 10:12,13
Note: Reading the old testament is important, because it gives the full history of God's dealings with man. I think it is hard to understand the new testament without the background of the old testament. It is important, as you read the old testament, to keep a check on your overall thinking. It is easy to fall into legalistic thinking. As Christians we should keep in mind that Jesus came to fulfill the law Matt 5:17 and that we do not live under the law, but under grace Rom 6:14. Here is a link to further address the question about obeying the law.
Session 5 - Living as His people should - Deuteronomy 12:1-25:19
Read: Deuteronomy 12:1-25:19 (While it may be good to read this content and talk about it in class, nothing is as effective or accurate as reading God's word straight from the bible.)
The stage is being set to develop one place of worship, but first they must destroy the Canaanite places of worship and get a place to worship for themselves. God will choose the right place 12:5-7. Sacrificing of animals will be performed in a specific way and blood is discussed in 12:10-28. It is important to take care how God is worshiped 12:29-31.
Picture for a minute the people these commands will influence. Some people may have been born a slave back in Egypt but they would have been very young during the plagues that caused the release of the Israelites. As you remember everyone above the age of twenty died in the wilderness. A few may be able to remember as a child walking on dry land in the midst of the red sea, but most of them were born during the 40 year delay in the wilderness. You might think they all know God and think he was wonderful, but I am sure there were some like today, just wanted to do their own thing. Of course, I am just guessing here, but rest assured, they were real people like the people we live around everyday. In order for God to get their attention and turn them into the kind of individuals and nation that he expects, it is going to take some drastic changes in their life. The following list of “headlines” is a short statement to remind us of what commands God is delivering to the nation. Moses presents these commends with an expectation that they be learned, remembered and followed.
Headlines:
• Presentation
of Specific Laws 12:1-26:19
• Laws mostly about
ceremonial events 12:1-16:17
• There should be
only one place to worship 12:1-28
• Do not ever
worship other gods 12:29-32
• Beware of false
prophets 13:1-5
• Be watchful of faithless
family members 13:6-11
• Be wary of the
idolatrous city 13:13-18
• Shun pagan mourning
practices 14:1-2
• Listing of clean and unclean
animals: those that can be eaten or not! 14:3-21
•
The practice of tithing; it's a sign of thanksgiving 14:22-29
• The sabbatical year -- all debts are canceled 15:1-18
• Offering the firstborn animal for sacrifice 15:19-23
• Regulations for Passover 1-8
•
Regulations for Feast of Weeks (Pentecost) 9-12
•
Regulations for Feast of Tabernacles (Booths) 13-15
• Obligation to attend feasts, offerings to bring to them 15-17
• Laws of a civil nature 16:18-26:19
•
Appointment of judges, exhortation for impartial justice 16:18-20
• Warning against desecration of the altar and idolatry
16:21-17:7
• High court (priests who are
Levites) should handle difficult cases 17:8-13
•
If a king is needed, listen for God's direction 17:13-20
• Regulations concerning income for the priests 18:1-8
• Avoid pagan practices (divination, passing a child through
fire, etc.) 18:9-14
• Respect for God's
spokesperson -- the prophet 18:13-22
• Rules for
cities of refuge: No blood revenge, but elders should issue justice
19:1-13
• Respect for property rights, cannot
just move someone's property markers 19:14
•
Need for two witnesses, for accusations or proof 19:15-21
• How to prepare for war; do not fear, the Lord is with you
20:1-9
• Treatment of enemies (kill); treatment
of land (save the fruit trees) 20:10-20
• People
as a whole must atone for an unsolved murder; all bear guilt 21:1-9
• Permission to marry a captive woman 21:10-14
• Inheritance rights of firstborn sons remain even if husband does
not love that son's mother 21:15-17
• Rebellious
children cannot destroy family unit 21:18-21
•
Even criminals must be buried "Anyone who hangs on a tree is
under God's curse." 21:22-23
• Caring for
lost or injured animals (even those not your own) 22:1-4
• Proper dress for men and women 22:5
•
Protecting and caring for birds 22:6-7
• Proper
roof construction will prevent accidents from someone falling off
22:8
• Lord makes everything for a purpose; do
not mix things together 22:9-11
• Wear tassels
as a visual reminder of the Commandments 22:12
•
Regulations about divorce and sexual relationships; Men can have more
than one wife; women can have only one husband. More protections for
women in cases of rape 22:13-30
• Those who need
to be excluded from the assembly of the Lord 23:1-8
• The purity of the camp must be maintained; the Lord is holy
23:9-14
• Random laws regulating relationships
with slaves, neighbors 23:15-25
• Rules about
certificate of divorce 24:1-5
• Forbidden acts:
stealing millstones, kidnapping 24:6-7
•
Regulations about leprosy 24:8-9
• Care for
needy with respect and dignity 24:10-15
•
Individuals are each responsible; fathers cannot suffer for children,
vice versa 24:16
• Caring for the less
fortunate, provision for gleaning in fields 24:17-22
• Flogging is limited to 40 lashes; more is considered degrading!
25:1-3
• Humane treatment for working animals
25:4
• Man's widow must marry his nearest male
relative 25:5-10
• Provision for sexual
impropriety 25:11-12
• Do not use two sets of
weights, one for buying, the other for selling 25:13-16
• Treatment of the Amalekites 25:17-19
Questions:
1. What comes to mind when you consider this long list of commands?
2. One message of Deuteronomy is that God blesses the faithful and curses the unfaithful. What reaction do you have to this message?
3. How many of these commands should be followed today? Sounds like a trick question but, how should we as Christians look at this list and learn something about God that can help our life be more like he expects it to be?
Note: Reading the old testament is important, because it gives the full history of God's dealings with man. I think it is hard to understand the new testament without the background of the old testament. It is important, as you read the old testament, to keep a check on your overall thinking. It is easy to fall into legalistic thinking. As Christians we should keep in mind that Jesus came to fulfill the law and that we do not live under the law, but under grace. Here is a link to further address the question about obeying the law.
Follow-up from class discussion:
"So that you may live and possess the land the Lord your God is giving you" is used many times in this section. Example 16:20 Examine the possible meanings for the people of that generation and is there an application for today? Also, the word detests and detestable occur quite a few times.
Session 6 - Reminders of Gods provisions – First Fruits and Tithe - Deuteronomy 26:1-19
Read: Deuteronomy 26:1-19 (While it may be good to read this content and talk about it in class, nothing is as effective or accurate as reading God's word straight from the bible.)
The ability to remember certain things often needs reminders along the way. God understands this about people. If you look at the culture and social structure of the Israelites you find many festivals like Passover, First Fruits, Pentecost, Trumpets and Booths. There are also Jubilee and the Sabbath. First Fruit offerings and the Tithe are established as a method for the Israelites to remember and show respect for the provisions God has provided.
“When you come to the land” starts this chapter. The Promised Land lay just across the Jordan River, and though there were formidable obstacles (such as a Jordan River swollen by Spring floods and the mighty armies of Canaanites), God still assured them that they will come into the land. It is only by the power of God that they have come this far and will get to their new home.
Tithe and First Fruits are the subject here. The proper attitude is expected when it comes to tithing “I declare today to the Lord your God that I have come to the land the Lord swore to our ancestors to give us.” vs 5. This statement serves as a reminder of how God delivered them into their new home.
Reading these laws is rather easy but actually putting them into action is another thing entirely. If you look at the Pharisees and Teachers of the Law during the time of Jesus, they spent much of their life reading and studying the law and even used force to push others into following it, but they themselves did not understand God very well. They missed Jesus completely. All too often, we know what to do, but we need to be encouraged to actually do it. That encouragement is found here. "The Lord your God commands you this day to follow these decrees and laws; carefully observe them with all your heart and with all your soul". 26:16
Headlines:
• Bringing in the First Fruits 26:1-11
• Present the tithe 26:12-15
• Exhortations to keep all these laws 26:16-19
Questions:
1. What gives you encouragement to do the right thing before the Lord?
2. Does giving to others bring pleasure?
3. Is rejoicing a part of your worship experience? How about gratitude and thanksgiving? Let's look at some New Testament verses to see how these words are used with worship. Please comment on all of these.
◦ Luke 10:20 -
◦ John 4:36 -
◦ John 16:22 -
◦ 2 Corinthians 13:11 -
◦ Philippians 1:8 -
◦ Philippians 3:1 -
◦ Philippians 4:4 -
◦ 1 Peter 1:6 -
◦ 1 Peter 1:8 -
◦ 1 Peter 4:13 -
◦ Revelation 19:7 -
Note: Reading the old testament is important, because it gives the full history of God's dealings with man. I think it is hard to understand the new testament without the background of the old testament. It is important, as you read the old testament, to keep a check on your overall thinking. It is easy to fall into legalistic thinking. As Christians we should keep in mind that Jesus came to fulfill the law and that we do not live under the law, but under grace. Here is a link to further address the question about obeying the law.
Session 7 - Explaining the agreement - Deuteronomy 27 & 28
Read: Deuteronomy Chapter 27-28 (While it may be good to read this content and talk about it in class, nothing is as effective or accurate as reading God's word straight from the bible.)
When you look closely, God is always providing help. To help the Israelites stay close to him a reminder was provided in the form of an alter. They were told to build an alter to the Lord. 27:5-8. The process of using that alter became a pleasing aroma to Lord and a reminder to the people of how God is providing for them.
Curses From Mount Ebal – “9 Then Moses and the Levitical priests said to all Israel, “Be silent, Israel, and listen! You have now become the people of the Lord your God. 10 Obey the Lord your God and follow his commands and decrees that I give you today.” 27:9,10 There is no problem in identify who is talking nor who is target audience. Becoming a “people of the Lord your God” carries some serious obligations. Looking at the curses that follow. It is evident that God will deal harshly with those who do not follow the commands and decrees.
“Cursed is anyone who:
• makes
an idol—a thing detestable to the Lord, the work of skilled
hands—and sets it up in secret.”
• dishonors
their father or mother.”
• moves their
neighbor’s boundary stone.”
• leads the
blind astray on the road.”
• withholds justice
from the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow.”
• sleeps with his father’s wife, for he dishonors his father’s
bed.”
• has sexual relations with any
animal.”
• who sleeps with his sister, the
daughter of his father or the daughter of his mother.”
• who sleeps with his mother-in-law.”
•
who kills their neighbor secretly.”
• who
accepts a bribe to kill an innocent person.”
•
who does not uphold the words of this law by carrying them out.”
A lists of blessings for obedience are found in 28:1-13 and are for those who follow the commands and love the Lord. In reading these it seems obvious that following God is the only rational choice. Then consider the long list of curses that will befall those who turn their back on God. 28:15-68 (comment from the teacher: I recognize this is the old testament, dealing with laws, but if I am trying to learn about God I cannot help but think how many curses actually did come upon Israel during siege of Jerusalem. Those times were horrendous. Jeremiah 52:6-34 Since these events took place on earth, I wonder what eternal torment will be like for those who do not choose God. Rev. 14:9-12)
Headlines:
• Instructions
for building an altar on Mount Ebal 27:1-8
•
Another exhortation to keep the law 27: 9-10
•
Proclamation of blessings and cursings on Mounts Gerizim and Ebal
27:11-26
• Obedience leads to blessings, six are
listed, plus a commentary 28:1-14
• Disobedience
leads to cursings, six are listed, plus a commentary 28:15-68
Questions:
When the law was written on stones rather than written on the heart by the Holy Spirit we have today, they had to make intellectual decisions and use the elements of fear to keep them in line. Today, believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, have the law of God written on our hearts. We have The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit actually living inside of us as we are the temple of the Holy Spirit. Rather than fear of punishment and a curse, we have the motivation of love without fear. The Lord turned our "have to" into "want to". Freedom in Jesus brings rest and His commandments are not a burden to us. Let's celebrate the verses below and the fact that Jesus took the curse upon Himself so that we can live in the blessings of Abraham, the father of faith.
Make notes on each one and thank Jesus:
Note: Reading the old testament is important, because it gives the full history of God's dealings with man. I think it is hard to understand the new testament without the background of the old testament. It is important, as you read the old testament, to keep a check on your overall thinking. It is easy to fall into legalistic thinking. As Christians we should keep in mind that Jesus came to fulfill the law and that we do not live under the law, but under grace. Here is a link to further address the question about obeying the law.
Follow-up from class discussion:
Blessings, here, mainly concerned agricultural prosperity, family happiness, victory over enemies and honor in the eyes of other nations.
Corresponding to the blessings for obedience were the curses for disobedience. In general these would take the form of diseases and plagues upon their families, flocks, herds and crops (15-24) and repeated defeat in war (25-35). Finally, the nation that God had chosen to be the leader of all nations would go into humiliating captivity (36-46)
Studying the old testament and living the new testament makes me curious to see if similar expectations exist in both parts of the bible. Consider this example in reference to obedience: (can you think of others?)
Deuteronomy 27: 1. If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. 2. All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God:
1. Jesus related the keeping of His commandments to loving Him.
a. John 14:21 – 21 Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”
b. John 14:15 – 15 “If you love me, keep my commands.
2.Jesus related the keeping of His commandments to His Lordship over your lives.
a. Luke 6:46 – 46 “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?
b. Matthew 7:21-23 – 21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’
Session 8 - Israel must keep its agreement with the Lord - Deuteronomy 29 & 30
Read: Deuteronomy 29 & 30 (While it may be good to read this content and talk about it in class, nothing is as effective or accurate as reading God's word straight from the bible.)
Renewal of the Covenant
The covenant between the Lord and the Israelites are a centerpiece of the old testament. Ever since the fall of Adam there has been a separation between God and man. Here God is reaching to mankind and saying we can be close if you will show your love for Me by fulfilling your part of the bargain and obey My commands. “Carefully follow the terms of this covenant, so that you may prosper in everything you do.” 29:9 The covenant requires that both parties contribute to the agreement. (At some point we must discuss the “covenant that Christians have with God) Moses reminded them of what they saw, but did not yet understand. God provided clothes that did not wear out and sandals for their feet. God has made the first step of the agreement by providing for their needs during the 40 years. He did this “so that you might know that I am the Lord your God.” 29:6
Moses explained what they saw and offers many warnings. “When such a person hears the words of this oath and they invoke a blessing on themselves, thinking, “I will be safe, even though I persist in going my own way,” they will bring disaster on the watered land as well as the dry.” 29:19 This concept of “I will be safe” is still around today. Often we bargain in our mind just, what I can get by with, so that I can “go my own way.” Worth thinking about!
In Chapter 30, the Lord makes it clear that they will serve other gods and be scattered away from the land eventually, but also they will bring the blessings and the curse to mind and they will return to the Lord from the places that they have been scattered. The Lord will bring them back to the land and restore them and He will circumcise their hearts to love Him and obey Him.
Chapter 30 ends by talking about the choice offered the Israelites. Moses says now choose life. 30:19,20 It is easy to see that we have hundreds of choices each day but choosing how we respond to Gods call is the most important one around. Jesus says "I am the truth and the life, no one comes to the father but by me". John 14:6 Another place he says "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind". Matthew 22:37 One of the great similarities between the old testament and new is the expectation to love the Lord. Learning how to do that with our thoughts and actions is of most importance.
Headlines:
Renewal of the Covenant 29:10-29
Conditions for blessings 30:1-10
Final exhortation -- make good choices 30:11-20
Questions:
What was the warning against any "individual" who chose to turn their heart "away" from the Lord to go and "serve other gods"? 29:18 -
Where do we see something about a poisonous fruit or bitter root in the New Testament? Consider the following verses:
The "prophets and righteous people" longed to know what persons would be a part of this "grace" that the Lord would send by the promise of His Spirit. We are the ones who have experienced it. The Lord actually lives inside of us and gives us the power to live for Him through His Spirit. Grace is "undeserved" and it cannot be "earned". We can never be worthy of it apart from what Jesus has done for us. He took the curse of the law and we have grace to walk in. By grace, we have eyes to see, ears to hear, and a heart to believe. What was the apostle Paul's prayer for us and one that we can pray for one another? Consider this verse: Ephesians 1:13-23 -
Jesus told His disciples that they were "blessed" to have ears to hear and eyes to see. Consider: Corinthians 2:6-16 -
What would the Lord do even for the outcasts to the ends of the earth? Deut 30:4-5
What has the Lord done to our hearts through the Holy Spirit?
What did the Lord have planned for their future when they returned to Him again? Deut 30:8-10
Consider the circumcision of the heart in Romans 10:1-10?
Session 9 - A new leader and a place for the Law - Deuteronomy 31:1-29
Read: Deuteronomy 31 (While it may be good to read this content and talk about it in class, nothing is as effective or accurate as reading God's word straight from the bible.)
In Chapter 31, the Israelites will be given the notice that Moses will not go across the Jordan with them, but the Lord will go ahead of them and give them success. He lets the people know that Joshua is the new leader that will be taking them instead of Moses. They need not fear for the Lord will not fail them or forsake them.
Moses called to Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the Lord swore to their ancestors to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance." 31:7
When Moses finished writing the words of this law in a book, he had the Levites who carried the ark of the covenant to place the book beside the ark of the covenant to remain there as a witness to the Israelites. (31:24-26) ... Moses knew how rebellious and stubborn they were while he has been alive; what did he know they would be like after his death? 31:27
The Lord told the Israelites to be strong and courageous because He would be with them and not forsake them. Later, Moses told Joshua the same thing. The Lord has given us the same assurance. Hebrews 13:5
Headlines:
• The
charge to the priests. 31:9-10
• Moses wraps up
loose ends; appoints Joshua, writes laws and gives to elders
31:1-13
• Official commissioning of Joshua
31:14-15
• The Lord teaches Moses a song to
share with Israel - to help them remember 31:16-22
• Final charge to Joshua 31:23
• More details
of the covenant ceremony 31:24-29
Questions:
What previous defeats can they look to and know that the Lord will do the same to their present day enemies? 31:4,5 -
What day was it to be celebrated on every 7 years? 31:10
What was the purpose for the children being present to hear this? 31:13
What does the Word of God reveal about us today as we read it? Hebrews 4:12 -
The Lord gave Moses a song to teach to the sons of Israel because once they got into the promised land, they would eat and be satisfied and become prosperous, causing them to forsake the Lord. When He brought judgment to them and they were no longer in the land, they would remember the song and realize they once again needed the Lord. Many times when we are in prosperity, we forget our need for God. It is important to learn how to live in times of prosperity as well as times of adversity.
Many times, a song can bring us into His presence for a time of thanksgiving. Consider some songs that help us gain strength and worship God. David states that in the presence of the Lord there is fullness of joy. Nehemiah states that the joy of the Lord is our strength. Moses wrote a song so that they could remember it when they found themselves without strength and needing God's touch. See if the following verses touch your heart:
Session 10 - Moses, his song and blessings - Deuteronomy 31:30-33:29
Read: Deuteronomy31:30-33:29 (While it may be good to read this content and talk about it in class, nothing is as effective or accurate as reading God's word straight from the bible.)
The song of Moses highlights these subjects:
(1,2) The character of God,
(3-6) The character of Israel.
(7-14) The great things God had done for Israel.
(19-25) The wickedness of Israel.
(15-18) The judgments which would come upon them for their sins.
(26-38) Deserved vengeance withheld.
(39-43) God's deliverance for his people.
(44-47) The exhortation with which the song was delivered.
(48-52) Moses to go up mount Nebo to die.
Moses says of God "He is the Rock." 32:4 This is the first time God is called so in Scripture. The expression denotes that the Divine power, faithfulness, and love, as revealed in Christ and the gospel, form a foundation which cannot be changed or moved, on which we may build our hopes of happiness.
The conclusion of the song includes, Deuteronomy 32:39-43) 1. Glory to God. No escape can be made from his power. 2. It speaks terror to his enemies. Terror indeed to those who hate him. The wrath of God is here revealed from heaven against them. 3. It speaks comfort to his own people. The song concludes with words of joy. Whatever judgments are brought upon sinners, it shall go well with the people of God.
Chapter 33, begins with Moses adding a solemn blessing and sharing a description of the glorious appearance of God in giving the law. His law works like fire. If received, it is melting, warming, purifying, and burns up the dross of corruption; if rejected, it hardens, sears, pains, and destroys. The Holy Spirit came down in cloven tongues, as of fire; for the gospel also is a fiery law. The law of God written in the heart, is a certain proof of the love of God: we should consider His law as one of the gifts of his grace.
No one had such a God as Israel.
Headlines:
◦ Give
ear O heavens! 32:1-3
◦ Indictment
of Israel 32:4-6
◦ The Lord is
still faithful in His care for Israel 32:7-14
◦ And Israel was still ungrateful 32:15-18
◦ The Lord had every reason for righteous anger
32:19-27
◦ Israel still had higher
thought than neighbors 32:28-33
◦
Vengeance belongs to the Lord; the Lord's people will be vindicated
32:34-43
◦ Moses actually sings
(recites) his song to the people 32:44-47
◦ Moses climbs Mount Nebo and views Canaan -- from a distance
32:48-52
◦ Moses' final farewell
and blessing for the people 33:1-29
◦ Introduction 33:1-5
◦ Blessing
of each tribe, except for Simeon, which had already disappeared
33:6-25
◦ Conclusion, blessings
for the future. Other nations will be jealous of Israel's good
fortune and awesome God. 33:26-29
Question:
Anytime people fall into the sin of idolatry, who are they giving worship to whether they realize it or not? Consider this: 1 Corinthians 10:14-22 -
God was made jealous by their serving idols. To get their attention and bring them back to Himself, He would also make them "jealous" with another people that would be offered His salvation and blessings. 32:21 ... In the New Testament everyone who is not a Jew is considered a Gentile. All the nations that are not Israel are called Gentile nations. God had a plan from the beginning that the Lamb of God would be slain for the sins of the whole world. When the Israelites rejected God, God brought in the Gentiles, but God will give Israel a future and a hope. He will atone for the Land of Promise and for His People, Israel.
Read what Paul teaches on this and comment as you like:
God will avenge the blood of His servants. He will make the nations and the people pay who afflict His own. God knows how His children are treated and no one will get away with harming them. 32:40-43. This is what God's wrath in the end of the world is all about. When we read the seals that break, the trumpets that sound, and the bowls of wrath that are poured out in the book of Revelation, it is God's wrath being spent on those who have tried to destroy His land and His people. They will have the Gospel preached to them, but if they refuse to repent, they will pay the price of eternal damnation. Consider the following verses:
Session 11 - Death of Moses and Wrap-up - Deuteronomy 34:1-12
Read: Deuteronomy 34:1-12 (While it may be good to read this content and talk about it in class, nothing is as effective or accurate as reading God's word straight from the bible.)
Chapter 34, we say good-bye to Moses, as he was shown all of the promised land from the top of Pisgah on Mount Nebo in the plains of Moab, which is opposite Jericho. 34:1-3 Moses saw it, but did not enter it. In fact, that very day, he died and was buried by the Lord Himself. 34:4-6 (There is a very interesting Scripture about the devil fighting for the body of Moses. Read in Jude 1:1-10. Wonder why the devil wanted the body of Moses?) He dies at 120 years of age. What a man; what a prophet. In fact, no other prophet was like Moses, with whom God spoke face to face.
In the New Testament, one of the men chosen to care for widows while the apostles were devoting themselves to the Word and prayer, was Stephen. Stephen, who was full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people. Some men rose up to argue with him, but were unable to cope with the wisdom and the Spirit that was talking through him. They induced men to say that he was speaking against Moses and God and got the people stirred up against him. Before he was literally "stoned to death" to become the first martyr for our Lord, he gave a great history lesson on Moses. It shows us how Moses' life was portioned out into sections of 40 years each. Moses was raised as the son of Pharaoh for 40 years; then he fled and lived in the land of Midian for 40 years before he saw the burning bush in his 80th year of life and the Lord called him to be the deliverer of His people from slavery in Egypt. We know he led the children of Israel through the wilderness and gave them the commandments of God through a period of 40 years. That is the 120 years that he lived. Now, we have come to the end of his life and his writings as we read the last chapter of Deuteronomy. You might find it interesting to review what Stephen said before the Sanhedrin in Acts 7:1-53. This is a great way to end our studies on the life of Moses.
Headlines:
Moses climbs up Mount Nebo 34:1
Looks over the whole land 34:2-4
Moses died in the Moab, but no one knows where he was buried Moses was 120 years old, "yet his eyes were not weak nor his strength gone." 34:5-8
The people mourned for 30 days, until the time of weeping was over
Joshua was filled with the spirit of wisdom 34:9Moses was one of a kind 34:10-12
"Since then no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face.…"
Questions:
Verse 9 says "Now Joshua son of Num was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him." Consider these examples of "laying on of hands" in the New Testament.
What does it mean to have a "spirit of wisdom"? Can any of us have it? Comment on the verses below:
What did Jesus and the apostles reveal to us about Moses and the Law? Comment on the verses below:
Jude 1:9 -
Wrap-up thought:
I want to end our study with a thought from Deuteronomy 5-8 “5. See, I have taught you decrees and laws as the Lord my God commanded me, so that you may follow them in the land you are entering to take possession of it. 6. Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear about all these decrees and say, “Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.” 7. What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the Lord our God is near us whenever we pray to him? 8. And what other nation is so great as to have such righteous decrees and laws as this body of laws I am setting before you today?” Notice how the Lord commanded Moses and how Moses recognize how important it is for the nation of Israel to be noticed and respected by other nations. One time I ask Chuck, our resident Jew, if Jews were encouraged to evangelize. He assured me, Jews do not seek converts to Judaism. So why is it important to be an example to other nations. This thought has re-occurred in my thinking for years and I do not have an answer that feels right, so let me leave that question with you. Why is it important for a Jew to show wisdom and understanding to other nations? It might be a good study to address that question from a Christian standpoint.
Reference: The Holy Bible, Youversion, Strong's Exhaustive Concordance, Biblewise, Blueletterbible, RTB biblestudy
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