Ken Garrison

Israel’s journey had brought them to Mt. Nebo.  The land of Israel was visible across the Jordan River.  It has been almost 40 years since they left Egypt.  They were finally prepared to possess the land promised to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.  It is at this point (on Mt. Nebo) that God specified the requirements for Israel to possess and keep the “Promised Land”.  God issued an addendum to the covenant cut at Mt. Sinai.  

 “These are the words of the covenant which the Lord commanded Moses to make with the sons of Israel in the land of Moab, besides the covenant which He had made with them at Horeb”.  (Deuteronomy 29:1) 

God’s intentions for Israel had been stated earlier.  

One of the most popular Biblical topics is prophecy. Often overlooked is prophecy which has already been fulfilled. One such prophecy occurs in this week’s section. Moses prophesied that when Israel entered the land that they would demand a “king” in order to be like all the other nations (Deuteronomy 17:14). Almost 400 years later in the days of Samuel, Israel made this demand. God told Samuel that Israel had not rejected him (Samuel) but had rejected God.

It took Israel almost 400 years to begin to see themselves as a nation like others. This, I believe, is a function of the fact that Israel had been slaves for an extended period in Egypt. Slavery destroys self confidence in the individual and in the community at large.
Also, in this section, Moses specifically prohibited some activities by a future king.

“Moreover, he shall not multiply horses for himself, nor shall he cause the people to return to Egypt to multiply horses, since the Lord has said to you, “You shall never again return that way.” Neither shall he multiply wives for himself, lest his heart turn away; nor shall he greatly increase silver and gold for himself.” (Deuteronomy 17:16-17)

[Read more…] about Bible Study: Deuteronomy 17-20 (Shoftim)

From the time that God made a covenant with Israel, He began to indicate that He would eventually designate a specific place where He would establish His name. This would become the unique place of worship for Israel, His people. This site would also designate the future seat of God’s Kingdom on earth. The Bible section that we are considering today repeats that declaration again and again. We know that spot would ultimately be the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. But at this point in the revelation, the exact location that the Lord had in mind had not been established. Israel moved about led by the “cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night” which dwelled over the Tent of Meeting in their midst.

We can begin to appreciate the importance of the specific place that God would designate by the number of times that He repeats His command. Without quoting the specific verses, I will simply list them here. They include: Deuteronomy 12:5, 12:11, 12:14, 12:18, 12:21, 12:26, 14:23, 14:24, 14:25,15:20, 16:2, 16:6,16:7, 16:11,16:15, and 16:16.