top of page
< Back

chapter 1

Summary:

Serves as an introduction to the book of Deuteronomy, where Moses begins his final address to the Israelites. He recounts their journey from Mount Horeb (Sinai) to the edge of the Promised Land, emphasizing their disobedience and the consequences they faced. Moses reminds them of God's commands, their rebellion, and the appointment of leaders to help govern the people.


Key Points:

  • Moses' Address to Israel Moses speaks to all Israel, recounting their journey and the instructions given by God. (Deuteronomy 1:1-5)

  • Command to Leave Horeb God commands the Israelites to leave Horeb and take possession of the land promised to their ancestors. (Deuteronomy 1:6-8)

  • Appointment of Leaders Moses appoints leaders from each tribe to help judge and govern the people. (Deuteronomy 1:9-18)

  • Spies Sent to Canaan Moses recounts the sending of spies to explore the Promised Land and their report. (Deuteronomy 1:19-25)

  • Israel's Rebellion The Israelites rebel against God's command to take the land, leading to God's anger and their punishment. (Deuteronomy 1:26-33)

  • Consequences of Disobedience God decrees that the current generation will not enter the Promised Land, except for Caleb and Joshua. (Deuteronomy 1:34-40)

  • Defeat at Hormah The Israelites attempt to enter the land without God's blessing and are defeated by the Amorites. (Deuteronomy 1:41-46)

new covenant reflections

  • Obedience to God's Commands
    Deuteronomy 1 emphasizes the importance of obeying God's commands, which is a central theme in the New Covenant. Under the New Covenant, obedience is not just about following laws but about a transformed heart and spirit, as prophesied in Jeremiah 31:33 and fulfilled in the New Testament.

  • Leadership and Guidance
    Moses appoints leaders to help govern the people, reflecting the New Covenant's emphasis on spiritual leadership and guidance. In the New Covenant, Jesus appoints apostles and leaders to guide the church, emphasizing servant leadership and pastoral care.

  • God's Promises and Faithfulness
    The chapter recounts God's promises to the Israelites and their journey to the Promised Land. Similarly, the New Covenant is based on God's promises of salvation, eternal life, and a restored relationship with Him through Jesus Christ.

  • Rebellion and Consequences
    Deuteronomy 1 highlights the Israelites' rebellion and the consequences they faced. The New Covenant also addresses human sin and rebellion but offers redemption and forgiveness through Jesus' sacrifice.

  • Inclusivity
    While Deuteronomy 1 focuses on the Israelites, the New Covenant expands God's promises to all people, including Gentiles, emphasizing inclusivity and the universal offer of salvation.

bottom of page