Purpose

Moses' final speeches to Israel, reviewing the Law and preparing them for life in the Promised Land.

Author

Moses, at age 120, giving his final speeches to Israel before his death. These are his last words to the people he had led for 40 years, filled with wisdom and passion for God.

Historical Context

Written: 1440-1400 BC. Moses' farewell addresses before his death and Israel's entry into the Promised Land.

Significance

Emphasizes loving obedience to God and serves as a covenant renewal before entering the land.

Key Themes

Covenant Renewal, Obedience, Love for God, Blessing and Curse, Leadership

Interesting Facts

• Jesus quoted Deuteronomy more than any other Old Testament book
• Contains the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4) - Judaism's most important prayer for 3,400 years
• Moses was 120 years old but his 'eye was undimmed and his vigor unabated' when he died

Prophecies

• A prophet like Moses would arise (Deuteronomy 18:15) Fulfilled: Jesus Christ, whom Peter identified as this prophet in Acts 3:22 (1400 years later)
• Israel would be scattered among the nations but later regathered (Deuteronomy 28-30) Fulfilled: The Jewish diaspora and the return to Israel in 1948 (2500 years later)

Deuteronomy Chapter 1 serves as the opening of Moses' farewell addresses to the Israelites, reflecting on their journey, experiences, and the laws given to them by God. The chapter begins with Moses speaking to the people of Israel beyond the Jordan River in the wilderness, specifically in the Arabah region. It marks the fortieth year since their exodus from Egypt, indicating a significant moment as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. The chapter recounts the eleven-day journey from Horeb to Kadesh-barnea, emphasizing that they have lingered long enough at the mountain and must now advance into the land promised to their ancestors—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Moses recalls the immense size of the Israelite population, likening them to the stars of heaven, which underscores the growth and favor they have received from God. Moses reflects on the burdens of leadership, expressing his inability to govern the people alone due to their vast numbers. He urges the Israelites to choose wise and experienced men as leaders for their tribes, thus establishing a system of governance to help guide and judge fairly among them. This directive emphasizes the importance of wise leadership and justice within the community, highlighting that judgment belongs to God and must be conducted without favoritism. The chapter concludes with a reminder of their previous journey through the wilderness to Kadesh-barnea, where they stood on the brink of entering the land God had promised. Moses’ words provide not only a historical recounting but also a motivational call to action, encouraging the Israelites to seize the opportunity before them. This serves as a crucial transition from their past experiences in the wilderness to the hopeful future that awaits in the Promised Land.