ADULT STS LESSON 123 MOSES REHEARSES ISRAEL’S WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE

MEMORY VERSE: “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).

TEXT: Deuteronomy chapters 1 to 4

Deuteronomy is the fifth and last book of Moses. The word Deuteronomy is derived from the Greek word deuteronomion, which means “second law”. It is not that it contains new laws, but those given at Sinai about 40 years earlier are rehearsed here with strong emphasis on obedience. This book is unique for predicting the advent of Christ, the great “Prophet” (Deuteronomy 18:18: Acts 3:20-23; 7:37). Also, the Lord quoted from this book during His temptations (Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13 with Deuteronomy 8:3; 6:16,13; 10:20). The book also reviews the past with an eye on the future. Since it was clear to Moses that the new generation was not better than their fathers (Numbers 20:1-6), he premised their possession of Canaan, victory over foes, prosperity and happiness on continuous obedience to God. The rehearsal of the Law was necessary because the new generation had replaced the men of war who died in the wilderness. Moses, in a series of eight discourses in the plains of Moab, about the end of the 40 years’ wanderings, addressed the children of Israel just one month before they crossed over Jordan to possess the Promised Land. The addresses were first delivered orally and then written (Deuteronomy 1:3; 31:24-26). So, with all the force of his authority, Moses charged the new generation on the need for their continual obedience to God (Deuteronomy 5:29). The reason is because:

One: they were God’s own (Deuteronomy 1:3; 14:1);

Two, He loved them (Deuteronomy 4:37; 7:7, 8);

Three, He desired to preserve and prosper them (Deuteronomy 4:1,40; 5:29; 4:1,40; 5:29; 6:2,3,24); and

Four, that they should demonstrate their gratitude to God for His amazing grace, mercy and privileges by total reverence of and obedience to Him (Deuteronomy 4:7,8; 5:6; 4:33).

1. ISRAEL’S FAILURE AT KADESH-BARNEA

Deuteronomy 1:1-46; Numbers 10:11-28; 11:4-20; 13:1- 14; 14:1-45.

The first chapter of Deuteronomy records how Israel failed to enter the Promised Land. Moses reminded them of how eleven days journey spanned forty years because of their disobedience. He recounted God’s promise for the possession of the land of Canaan (verses 1:6-8), the provision of leaders (verses 1:9-18), the graceless disposition by loafers (verses 1:19-33) and the penalty for their rebellion (verses 1:34-46). The children of Israel were at that time encamped “On this side Jordan, in the land of Moab” (Deuteronomy 1:1,5), when God spoke through Moses saying, “…Ye have dwelt long enough in this mount”. He, therefore, instructed them to proceed in their journey and brought them to Mount Sinai in fulfilment of His promise. Moses, therefore, challenged them to make progress to possess the land. “Turn you, and take your journey…Behold, I have set the land before you: go in and possess the land which the LORD sware unto your fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give unto them and to their seed after them” (Verses 7,8). As Omniscient, God knows when and how to move His people from one stage, state or condition in life to another (2 Peter 2:9). This truth demands that we depend and trust in Him always and maintain unbroken communion with Him. Also, believers are not supposed to rest on their oars irrespective of their spiritual accomplishment but advance every day on the field of evangelism in view of the assurance of His divine presence and promise to give us souls (Matthew 28:20; Psalm 2:8). Moses also reminded them how God multiplied His people in fulfilment of His promise to Abraham and how that became a heavier burden than he (Moses) could bear alone. He prayed that the Lord would increase them more saying, “The LORD God of your fathers make you a thousand times so many more as ye are, and bless you, as he hath promised you!” (Deuteronomy 1:11). Believers should learn from Moses that challenge in leadership should not hinder prayer for numerical growth of the church. “Take you wise men, and understanding, and known among your tribes, and I will make them rulers over you” (Deuteronomy 1:13). Moses knew that he could not do the work alone. Leaders should emulate him and appoint subordinates for the soul-winning task. In the New Testament, our Lord Jesus discipled unlearned people and made them to become able ministers. Paul the apostle also mentored Timothy and Titus who were ministers at Ephesus and Crete. Outlining the qualifications for leadership in the wilderness, Moses emphasised the prominence of wisdom, experience and integrity. Leaders so appointed must be diligent, patient, just and impartial. They must also be resolute, courageous and humble enough to refer difficult matters to the higher authority.

Moses rehearsed the trip from Horeb to Kadesh- barnea, through that great and terrible wilderness (Deuteronomy 1:19). The purpose of this was to make the Israelites appreciate God’s protection and goodness in spite of difficulty and danger (Isaiah 43:2). While God consistently demonstrated His faithfulness towards them, Moses highlighted their refusal to believe in Him. He assured them that, “…the LORD thy God hath set the land before thee” and encouraged them to “go up and possess it, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged” (Deuteronomy 1:21). He thus alluded to their lack of courage and faith, which attracted God’s displeasure. Though the spies affirmed that the land was “good”, they “despised the pleasant land, they believed not his word: But murmured in their tents, and hearkened not unto the voice of the LORD” (Psalm 106:24,25).

All efforts by Moses to encourage them fell on deaf ears as they showed disobedience and rebellion to God. They even alleged blasphemously that: “Because the LORD hated us, he hath brought us forth out of the land of Egypt, to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us” (Deuteronomy 1:26,27). The spies were not sent to determine whether they should possess the land or not; God had already decided it. However, most of them concluded that the land was not worth the risk. Israel failed God because of:

One, lack of trust in Him at the crossing of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:11,12);

Two, they murmured over the bitter water at Marah (Exodus 15:24);

Three, they complained in the wilderness of Sin (Exodus 16:3);

Four, they disobeyed the directive on collection of the daily quota of manna (Exodus 16:20);

Five, complained over lack of water at Rephidim (Exodus 17:2,3);

Six, involved in idolatry with a golden calf (Exodus 32:7-10);

Seven, complained at Taberah (Numbers 11:1);

Eight, murmured over the lack of delicious food (Numbers 11:4), etc. The unbelief of the Israelites brought divine judgment and all the rebels died in the wilderness. “And the LORD heard the voice of your words, and was wroth, and sware, saying, Surely there shall not one of these men of this evil generation see that good land, which I sware to give unto your fathers” (Deuteronomy 1:34,35). God’s displeasure over Israel stemmed from their perpetual backsliding and unbelief.

The disposition of God towards unbelievers has not changed. The only way of escape is repentance and faith in Christ. Following God regardless of obstacles and difficulties is the only way to overcome challenges and storms of life. He wants everyone to believe, trust and follow Him by Faith. Although the children of Israel, on hearing the judgment pronounced by God, repented and said: “We have sinned against the LORD, we will go up and fight, according to all that the LORD our God commanded us” (Deuteronomy 1:41), it was superficial as it did not lead to a change of their character. Their repentance was without godly sorrow and change of attitude as manifested shortly after when they refused to heed divine instruction not to go uphill to fight the Amorites and were defeated because the presence of God had departed from them (Deuteronomy 1:43).

2. THE ISRAEL’S WANDERING THROUGH WILDERNESS.

Deuteronomy 2:1-37; Numbers 15:1- 20; 20:1-29; Isaiah 5:8; Genesis 36:8; Joshua 24:4.

“And command thou the people, saying, Ye are to pass through the coast of your brethren the children of Esau, which dwell in Seir; and they shall be afraid of you: take ye good heed unto yourselves therefore: Meddle not with them; for I will not give you of their land… because I have given mount Seir unto Esau for a possession” (Deuteronomy 2:4,5). In spite of the 40 years of wandering, God still guided His people to the Promised Land. He relayed the years they spent in the wilderness (verses 1-25), with their journey past Edom, Moab and Ammon, and the victory over King Sihon (verses 26-37). God still guides today. Moses, in this chapter, makes his narrative about which nations they must not attack like the Edomites, Moabites and Ammonites; and the nations they should attack and conquer like the Amorites (Deuteronomy 2:24,25). The reasons for sparing the lands of the Moabites and Ammonites was because they were the descendants of Lot (Genesis 19:36-38). However, God permitted the children of Israel to fight with the Amorites (Deuteronomy 2:30,32).

3. ISRAEL MAKES PREPARATIONS FOR EAST OF JORDAN.

Deuteronomy 3:1-29; Numbers 21:33-35; 32:33; Philippians 2:4; 1 Corinthians 10:24,33; 13:5.

Here, Moses recounted how the Israelites faced well- fortified armies of Bashan and Heshbon and their respective kings (Og and Sihon). They won because God fought for them and they took all the cities and spoils. God will always fight for His people regardless of how insurmountable the challenges they face look. Moses also rehearsed how he divided the land for the Reubenites, Gadites and half tribe of Manasseh on the condition that: “…ye shall pass over armed before your brethren the children of Israel… Until the LORD have given rest unto your brethren, as well as unto you… and then shall ye return every man unto his possession, which I have given you” (Deuteronomy 3:18,20). Moses also reported how he exhorted Joshua, his successor, to be courageous. Encouraging and developing leaders for continuity is a major responsibility of elders and experienced leaders. Moses also remembered his prayer to God for permission to enter the Promised Land. His prayer focused on thanksgiving, divine goodness and request to enter Canaan. God responded to his prayer but denied him entry into Canaan. “But the LORD was wroth with me for your sakes, and would not hear me: and the LORD said unto me, Let it suffice thee; speak no more unto me of this matter. Get thee up into the top of Pisgah, and lift up thine eyes westward, and northward, and southward, and eastward, and behold it with thine eyes: for thou shalt not go over this Jordan” (Deuteronomy 3:26,27). Believers and Christian leaders should fear God in all their dealings because He is capable of disciplining His children. He respects no one; He has power to keep as well as to cast away.

4. ISRAEL RECEIVES RENEWED CHARGE ON OBEDIENCE AND CITIES OF REFUGE.

Deuteronomy 4:1-49; Leviticus 19:37; 20:8; 22:31; Hebrews 12:28, 29; Job 28:28.

“Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you” (Deuteronomy 4:1). Here, Moses makes a passionate appeal to Israel on the necessity of obedience to God’s laws. He reminded them of the trajedy of Baal-Peor (verses 1-8), the experience at Mount Sinai or Horeb (verses 9-20). The rehearsal by Moses was aimed at stimulating and exhorting Israel to willing and loving obedience for their good. He commanded them to resist idolatry, which God expressly forbade to avoid being consumed by His wrath (verses 23-40). Obedience to God and His laws assure of His presence and blessings. “Thou shalt keep therefore his statutes, and his commandments, which I command thee this day, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days upon the earth, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, for ever” (Deuteronomy 4:40). Lastly, Moses also rehearsed his instruction for appointment of three cities of refuge east of Jordan (verses 41-49) for the manslayer to hide until his case is determined by the judges. God demands absolute obedience to all the precepts given and were rehearsed for the new generation to learn to obey Him.

QUESTIONS FOR REVIEW:

1. Why was it necessary for Moses to rehearse the laws to the children of Israel?
2. What is the danger of complacency in Christian living?
3. How and why does God expects believers to conquer the land?
4. Mention some of the qualifications for leadership highlighted in the text.
5. What is the danger inherent in the sin of unbelief?
6. Give instances where the children of Israel displeased the Lord.
7. What can we learn from God’s instruction to the Israelites concerning the Edomites?