The book of Deuteronomy serves as the final installment of the Torah, where Moses reiterates God’s laws to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. In Deuteronomy 1 to 6, Moses recounts Israel’s journey through the wilderness, reflects on their failures, and issues a passionate call for obedience to God. These chapters lay the foundation for understanding the covenant relationship between God and His people, emphasizing the importance of love, faithfulness, and obedience.
Deuteronomy 1: Moses Recounts Israel’s Journey
In Deuteronomy 1, Moses begins by recounting Israel’s journey from Mount Horeb (Sinai) to the border of the Promised Land. He reminds the people of how God commanded them to leave Horeb and take possession of the land He promised to their forefathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. However, due to the growing population, Moses admits he needed help to govern, and he appointed leaders to assist him in judging the people: “Take you wise men, and understanding, and known among your tribes, and I will make them rulers over you” (Deuteronomy 1:13 KJV).
Moses continues by recalling how the people reached Kadesh-barnea, but instead of trusting God’s promise to deliver the land into their hands, they hesitated and sent spies to scout the land. Despite the spies confirming the land’s abundance, the people feared the strength of its inhabitants and rebelled against God’s command to enter. As a result, God punished that generation by making them wander in the wilderness for forty years, allowing only their children to enter the Promised Land.
Deuteronomy 2: Journey Through the Wilderness
In Deuteronomy 2, Moses recounts the Israelites’ journey around the land of Edom, Moab, and Ammon, reminding the people of God’s faithfulness during their wanderings. God directed them not to provoke the descendants of Esau (Edomites) or the Moabites and Ammonites because these lands were not part of their inheritance.
The chapter highlights God’s provision for the Israelites: “For the Lord thy God hath blessed thee in all the works of thy hand: he knoweth thy walking through this great wilderness: these forty years the Lord thy God hath been with thee; thou hast lacked nothing” (Deuteronomy 2:7 KJV).
Eventually, the Israelites crossed the Zered and Arnon rivers, approaching the territories of Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan. God delivered these kings into Israel’s hands, demonstrating His power and faithfulness in fulfilling His promise to give them the land.
Deuteronomy 3: The Defeat of Sihon and Og
Deuteronomy 3 continues with the victories over Sihon and Og. Moses recounts the battle against Og, king of Bashan, emphasizing God’s command to fear not: “Fear him not: for I will deliver him, and all his people, and his land, into thy hand” (Deuteronomy 3:2 KJV). The Israelites conquered the cities of Bashan and received their inheritance in the Transjordan region, which was allotted to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh.
Moses also reflects on his own longing to enter the Promised Land, recounting how he pleaded with God to allow him to cross over. However, God denied Moses’ request because of an earlier disobedience at Meribah and instead commanded Moses to commission Joshua to lead the people into the land: “But charge Joshua, and encourage him, and strengthen him: for he shall go over before this people” (Deuteronomy 3:28 KJV).
Deuteronomy 4: A Call to Obedience
In Deuteronomy 4, Moses shifts from recounting Israel’s history to issuing a powerful call to obedience. He warns the people to carefully observe God’s laws, emphasizing that obedience will bring them life and blessing as they enter the Promised Land: “Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it” (Deuteronomy 4:2 KJV).
Moses reminds them of the covenant at Mount Horeb, where God revealed Himself in fire and gave the Ten Commandments. He urges the people not to forget what they witnessed and to teach these truths to their children and grandchildren. Moses strongly warns against idolatry, cautioning the Israelites not to worship carved images or anything that is created, but to remain faithful to the one true God.
Moses also highlights God’s unique relationship with Israel, saying: “For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the Lord our God is in all things that we call upon him for?” (Deuteronomy 4:7 KJV). He calls the people to remember the greatness of their God, who led them out of Egypt and made them His chosen people.
Deuteronomy 5: The Ten Commandments Repeated
In Deuteronomy 5, Moses repeats the Ten Commandments, originally given at Mount Horeb. He reminds the Israelites of the covenant God made with them and stresses the importance of obeying these laws as they enter the Promised Land.
The commandments are a reminder of God’s moral expectations, covering aspects of worship, relationships, and conduct:
- No other gods before me.
- No graven images or idols.
- Do not take the Lord’s name in vain.
- Keep the Sabbath day holy.
- Honor thy father and mother.
- Do not kill.
- Do not commit adultery.
- Do not steal.
- Do not bear false witness.
- Do not covet.
Moses emphasizes that God spoke these commandments directly to the people from the mountain, and they agreed to follow His covenant. The people were afraid to hear more from God and asked Moses to speak on their behalf. Moses reminds them of their commitment to live by these laws and stresses that this obedience will result in blessings: “Ye shall walk in all the ways which the Lord your God hath commanded you, that ye may live, and that it may be well with you” (Deuteronomy 5:33 KJV).
Deuteronomy 6: The Greatest Commandment
Chapter 6 contains the famous Shema, one of the most important passages in Jewish tradition, declaring the oneness of God and the central command to love Him: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might” (Deuteronomy 6:4-5 KJV).
Moses instructs the Israelites to keep God’s commandments close to their hearts, teaching them diligently to their children and incorporating them into their daily lives. They are commanded to bind the words of the law on their hands, as frontlets between their eyes, and to write them on their doorposts and gates.
Moses also warns them not to forget God when they settle in the land and prosper. He reminds them of the importance of loyalty to God alone, warning against following other gods: “Ye shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the people which are round about you” (Deuteronomy 6:14 KJV).
Conclusion
Deuteronomy 1 to 6 lays the foundation for understanding Israel’s covenant relationship with God as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. Through recounting their journey and victories, Moses emphasizes the importance of obedience, faithfulness, and devotion to God. These chapters remind the people of their unique calling, the laws that will guide their lives, and the central commandment to love God wholeheartedly. Moses’ words serve as a timeless call to trust in God’s promises and live in a way that honors Him.
