An Introduction To Deuteronomy

by F. MCCORMICK. | Category: An Introduction To Deuteronomy | Jan 1956

Deuteronomy in the Greek means "second law," or a second giving of the law, but this book is far more than a repetition of the law, as the observant reader will readily see. In point of time the book comes in between Numbers 27 and Deuteronomy 34, the contents being spoken and written in the last month of the 40th year after coming out of Egypt. It is quoted about 30 times in the New Testament, and the Lord Jesus in His temptation uses only the words of this book to repel the Adversary. The circumstances in which these discourses are given, give the book a deep solemnity and power of appeal. Moses the man of God had been a faithful leader and shepherd to Israel during those eventful years from Egypt to the border of the land. He had interceded for them again and again when God would have destroyed them for their sin. He had borne in meekness and gentleness with them in their murmurings and rebellion, and had refused to be the progenitor of a greater nation than Israel, when God would have made an end of them. Alas, at Meribah he was provoked, spoke inadvisedly with his lips, and failed to sanctify God in the eyes of the people. Consequently God said he would see the land but not enter it. Six times in this book reference is made to this incident. Moses longed to go in, for he says-" I besought the LORD at that time, saying ... Let me go over, I pray Thee, and seethe good land" (3.23-29), but God said-" Let it suffice thee; speak no more unto Me of this matter."

Behold the aged Moses giving his last message to a new generation about to enter the land of promise, while he, their faithful counsellor and guide, is shut out.

How solemn it must have been for them to see and hear the pleadings of this well nigh heart-broken lover of the nation appealing for their love and loyalty to God and His word, as in calm resignation to the will of God he looks into the future! In wishing them well he says, "The... LORD make you a thousand times so many more as ye are, and bless you." In the early chapters he takes them back to past events and experiences in their national history, and culls lessons and warnings for their instruction, ever reminding them of God's faithfulness and love. They were what they were because God loved and chose their fathers and them (4.37, 7.9, 10.15, 14.2). How true of us!

"By the grace of God I am what I am," said Paul. Such was the basis of Moses' appeal. They had been loved, and so have we, and now "We love because He first loved us." Much instruction is given as to their future conduct in the land, and they are brought face to face with the fact that they have to do with the living God. Much is brought before us regarding the character of the Godhead, His unity (6. 4), and His spirituality. God is One, and God is Spirit. To grasp this will save them from idolatry. As to God's character, He is "a jealous God" (4.24), merciful (4.31), faithful (7.9), great, mighty, terrible, God of gods, Lord of lords, to whom belongeth the heaven, the heaven of heavens, and the earth (10. 14, 17). " There is none like unto God ... who rideth upon the heavens for thy help (33.26). They will conquer, triumph, and possess, if they obey and trust their God. We can almost hear the echo in the words of Paul of the words of Moses to this new generation : "I commend you to God, and to the word of His grace." Young disciple, know your God and trust Him, love and obey him, and spiritual prosperity and triumph will follow.

Note, too, throughout this book the prominent place given to the word of God. "Moses commanded us a law, an inheritance for the assembly of Jacob " (33.4). The book of the law was to be their national guide book; it was to be read every seven years in the hearing of the assembled people, young and old (31. 10-13). Give attention to reading! It was to be their standard in the land (27.3-8), answering to the faith once for all delivered to the saints, for God's people to-day. They were not to add to, or diminish therefrom. "It is no vain thing for you," says Moses, " it is your life." It was to find a place in the home, and above all, "in your heart and in your soul" (11.18-20). But it was a solemn thing for them to remember (as it is for us) that this same word remained witness against them before God (31. 24-26). Absolute separation from immoral customs and religious entanglements are enjoined, and irregular marriages are forbidden (7. 2-4). God's kindness, to man, beasts, and birds, is seen in the statutes of chapter 15. Interesting information regarding national military service is found in chapter 20, but we hope none of our young men will go back from the Lord's battles through being fearful and fainthearted. (Read Hebrews 12.3, 4). Precise details are given relative to the execution of justice and judgement in the nation, and interesting and helpful principles applying to judges, witnesses, and accused are given in chapters 16, 17, 19, 21, 25. This too is an important matter for the holy nation today (1 Corinthians 5.12). When they entered the land they were to offer their sacrifices only in "The place which the LORD thy God shall choose." God had not many temples and altars in the land. The unity and testimony of the nation were seen in their recognition of one place, one altar. This phrase is used about 16 times in the book.

F. MCCORMICK. | Jan 1956
An Introduction To Deuteronomy