Moses explains that after the Israelites cross the Jordan River and enter Canaan, they must build a special altar on Mount Ebal. Then the Levites will pronounce a series of curses on the nation that will fall on them if they violate commands from the Law of Moses. The final curse is a catch-all. Paul will
Here, Moses gives classic conditional promises to Israel: blessings if they obey and graphic curses if they do not. This reminds us of promises of Jesus that likewise include important conditions. This chapter also contains a remarkable, faith-building prophecy of the crucifixion of Christ, one recognized by many early Christians writers but largely unknown today. Teaching
Your Life Shall Hang Before Your Eyes (Deuteronomy 28) View Lesson
Your Life Shall Hang Before Your Eyes (Deuteronomy 28) View Lesson
Moses warns the people that when they cross into Canaan, there must be “no bitter root” among them. That admonition is repeated later in Hebrews, addressed to Christians. In this lesson, we explore the practical applications for us today. This is a call for us to be courageous in addressing sin and bitterness, in a
The previous chapters focused on God's justice. Here, we see the mercy of God: how He blesses and rejoices over His people when they turn back to Him after going astray. Understanding the lavish mercy of God will have a profound impact on our Christian walk, including God's expectation that Christ's followers generously grant mercy
The passage in view, later quoted by Paul in Romans 10, is especially relevant to Christians today. Evangelical Protestants have taken it out of context to introduce the last step of their popular ‘Romans Road’ presentation of the gospel to unbelievers. Here we strive to reclaim its original intended meaning and expose the watered-down evangelical
In Your Mouth and In Your Heart (Deuteronomy 30:11-14) View Lesson
In Your Mouth and In Your Heart (Deuteronomy 30:11-14) View Lesson
This may be one of the most important lessons in the entire book of Deuteronomy. God (through Moses) now offers His people a choice: to obey Him (and be blessed) or disobey Him (and be cursed). He gives them free choice. Understanding the freedom God gives each of us to choose and follow Him will
I Set Before You Life and Death (Deuteronomy 30:15-20) View Lesson
I Set Before You Life and Death (Deuteronomy 30:15-20) View Lesson
Moses called Joshua and the Israelites to be “valiant and strong”, to be prepared for the battles ahead. Later, Paul will give the same charge to Christians, calling them to be courageous. In this countercultural lesson, we explore the meaning of this ancient challenge, especially as it applies to men today. We also consider how
Moses gives God's people a very unusual song to sing! This song would both serve as a warning to the Israelites and later be quoted by various New Testament writers to support important spiritual principles for Christians, including the foundation for Jesus' teaching on nonresistance. Teaching Notes Deuteronomy 31:9-32:34 - Lesson Notes
Moses is reminded that he will die without entering the Promised Land, due to striking the rock the second time. We explore why that act brought such severe consequences, and the sober warning it provides for us. Also, Moses blesses the tribe of Levi for a puzzling reason: for not considering their relatives! We consider
Final Blessings of the Tribes (Deuteronomy 32:44-33:11) View Lesson
Final Blessings of the Tribes (Deuteronomy 32:44-33:11) View Lesson
This final lesson from Deuteronomy features several prophecies about Jesus. We see Him foreshadowed in the unusual blessing given to Joseph’s tribe, in the details surrounding Moses’ death, and in the name of the man chosen to finish the mission (Joshua, or Jesus). Then the closing words point us back to one of the most