Image source: BiblicalFoundationsForFreedom
Its almost 20 years since my mum passed away. I was with her in her last days, and her last words to me about family have continued to guide my relationship with my extended family. We all tend to give a lot of importance to the last words of our loved ones who have passed away. We believe there is deep wisdom in those last words.
The book of Deuteronomy is Moses last words, to Israel before his death. He had led them out of Egypt and for 40 years in their stay in the wilderness. As they were finally preparing to enter the promised land, God informed Moses that it was time for him to leave this world, and transition to heaven. So, in Deuteronomy, Moses reminds the people of the most important issues in their relationship with God.
Deuteros – Nomos meaning “Second Law” is the title of the book in Greek. The Bible scholars who translated the book from Hebrew to Greek called it “Second Law” because Moses repeated the Ten Commandments and other laws in this book. These were laws that he had first presented to the people in the book of Exodus.
However the Exodus adult generation had all died, and it is their children who are now preparing to enter the promised land. Before Moses hands over leadership to Joshua, and departs from them, he reminds them of their history, their covenant with God, the laws and regulations to guide them in the promised land, the blessings that will follow them for obeying the laws, and the negative consequences for disobedience.
When Jesus was asked which is the greatest commandment, he quoted Deuteronomy 6:4-5 (NIV): “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.”
In the coming weeks, we will study Deuteronomy together. This continues our study of the books of the Bible. In 2021 we started with Genesis and went through Exodus, Leviticus and Numbers. These past book studies are available on the blog website; revisit them to remind yourself of where we are coming from.
To new readers, I started this weekly blog 4 years ago to share my reflections on the Bible with family and friends; with the passing of time that circle has grown larger and larger. I hope this inspires you to learn more about your faith.
Thank you for being a part of this journey, God bless you richly, Amen!
Jesus, our redeemer, healing the world... 