Welcome to Jesus’ favorite book of the Bible!
I say “favorite,” because Jesus quoted more from Deuteronomy than any other book of the Hebrew Scriptures. It was His weapon of choice when doing battle with Satan in the wilderness. He knew to go there for the “greatest commandment.” And whenever he referred to the Ten Commandments, he could have been citing Deuteronomy, for the Ten Commandments appear in chapter 5, as well as in Exodus 20!
Deuteronomy means “Second Law;” it contains a series of messages that Moses delivered to the people of Israel just before he climbed Mt. Nebo, gazed one last time on the Promised Land, and died (Deuteronomy 34). In these sermons, Moses reminds the people of all they had been through, re-iterates the commands of God, and emphasizes the blessings of obedience. I liken Deuteronomy to John 14-17; both contain leaders’ last words to their people.
Deuteronomy 1:6—4:49 is the first of Moses’ last messages and contains a quick review of what had happened since they received the law on Mt. Sinai, including the sad spy mission, the rebellion afterwards, the wilderness wanderings, and the battles against two uncooperative kings. There are several gems in these first four chapters. My favorites are:
- Deuteronomy 2:7, where Moses describes God’s watch-care for His people as they wandered in the wilderness. (If you find yourself in a wilderness time in your life, read this verse!)
- Deuteronomy 4:31, where Moses affirms God’s future mercy whenever His people disobey. (If you find yourself in a place of guilt or shame, read this verse!)
Pastor Gary
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