We started the book of Deuteronomy, which means “second law.” However, it is not a new set of laws but a restatement of the laws already given to Moses and the people of Israel. The book is primarily comprised of speeches that Moses gave just before the people entered into Canaan. His words, which are really the Lord’s words, were to be a guidebook for them when living in the Promised Land.
Before Moses restated the laws, he took time to recount Israel’s brief
40-year history, since leaving Mt. Sinai. He told of Israel’s coming to Canaan
the first time and of their rejection of the Lord’s gift after hearing the
discouraging reports from the scouting party. He reminded them why the previous
generation had died in the desert because of their rebellion and lack of faith.
Finally, he shared how the Lord brought them into the land east of the
Jordan River. Though God had given them instructions not to harm any of the
people of that land, they had no choice but to defend themselves after they
were attacked by Kings Sihon and Og. As a result of their defeating these two
kingdoms, God gave Israel their land; and, the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half
of Manasseh would settle that land as their inheritance.
On the surface, this retelling of Israel’s history may seem
unnecessary, but it is not. For many people in the crowd, especially children,
this might have been the first time they had heard the story told, certainly by
Moses himself. Furthermore, their story was written down here for future
generations to know. It is typical of us over time, especially if we do not
write it down, to lose what has transpired in the past. The lessons
of the past are good teachers for those living in the present. Not only can we be
reminded of what God has done for us, but we can also learn from the mistakes of our predecessors.
So much of knowing who we are and what we are to be about stems from having in
mind where we’ve come from and what has brought us to this point in life. Thus,
it is a good practice to read of those who have gone before us.
Daily Reflection
What has been your experience with reading and reminding yourself of
your history? Have you discovered the value of knowing the past?
Reminding yourself of the history of the world or of your nation is
one thing, but what about the history of your family? Do you know much about
what has happened with your relatives? Why or why not?
Consider documenting what God has done in your own life, not only for
your own benefit but for the benefit of those to come.
BiAY.org |Day 71 — 294 Days to Go
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