Deuteronomy 1-3 Lessons from the Wilderness

Thoughts

Deuteronomy picks up right after the end of Numbers, but instead of advancing the story it takes a pause ⏸️

Deuteronomy means “second law”

The whole book is essentially Moses’ final speeches and instructions to the people, given over about a month before his death.

First Speech: Historical Review (Deut. 1:1–4:43)

Second Speech: Covenant Renewal and Laws (Deut. 4:44–28:68)

Third Speech: Covenant and Future Hope (Deut. 29:1–30:20)

Conclusion: Final Acts of Moses (Deut. 31:1–34:12)

Deuteronomy 1

Moses speaks to all Israel east of the Jordan, in the wilderness near the Jordan in the 40th year, 11th month, after leaving Egypt.

God told Israel to break camp at Mount Horeb (Sinai) and go to the land promised to their ancestors- it’s finally time!

Moses recalls appointing chiefs, judges, and leaders to help govern because the people had grown numerous and tells them to judge fairly. Always seek God in difficult cases.

Moses recounts when Israel traveled through the wilderness to Kadesh-barnea.

Spies were sent to scout the land, but the people rebelled after hearing their report. Despite God’s promise, they refused to go.

God declared that none of that generation (except Caleb and Joshua) would enter the land. Moses is also told he will not enter because of their actions and the people are told to turn back toward the wilderness.

The people tried to go into the land on their own, ignoring God’s warning and they were defeated by the Amorites and forced to retreat, remaining in Kadesh for a long time.

Deuteronomy 2

Israel wanders in the wilderness for many years, circling Mount Seir. God commands them not to fight or take land from Edom (descendants of Esau). They must buy food and water as they pass, because God has blessed them.

God instructs them not to attack Moab (descendants of Lot).

God also forbids attacking Ammon (descendants of Lot).

Emim and Anakim! The Rephaim (who Moabites called Emim which means “the dreaded ones” or “terrors”) were a group of large people similar to Nephilim from Genesis 6. The Anakim were the ones that the spies saw and who they defeat in Joshua.

Emim and Anakim! Heres some helpful notes:

Rephaim – A general term for giant peoples in Canaan and surrounding areas. Maybe descendants of Nephilim.

• Anakim: A specific giant clan, associated with Hebron.
• Emim: Another giant clan, east of the Dead Sea, defeated by Moab.
• Zamzummim: Giants near Ammon, defeated by the Ammonites.

God commands Israel to engage Sihon and take his land as the first conquest. Moses offers peace, but Sihon refuses so Israel defeats Sihon, captures cities, and dedicates the land to God.

Deuteronomy 3

Israel turns north and faces King Og at Edrei. God reassures Moses: “Do not fear him, for I have given him into your hand.” Israel destroys Og, his sons, and his people, leaving no survivors.

Og was the last of the Rephaim, and his iron bed (over 13 feet long) is mentioned.

Verse 11: “Is it not in Rabbah of the Ammonites?” It must be on display!

Moses gives land east of the Jordan (from the conquest of Sihon and Og) to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh.

verse 19: “…and your livestock (I know that you have much livestock)” makes me chuckle I don’t know why

Joshua is encouraged by Moses to be strong, for God will give victory over the nations.

Moses begs God to let him cross into the Promised Land. God denies the request but allows Moses to view the land from Mount Pisgah.

vs. 26 “And the Lord said to me, ‘Enough from you; do not speak to me of this matter again.” :(

Questions

Why didn’t Moses mention the reason spies didn’t want to go into the land? He only says they said ‘It is a good land that the Lord our God is giving us.’ (1:25)

What would have changed if Moses was let into the Promised Land?

Application
We can apply these chapters by learning to trust God, even when His plans don’t make sense to us. The Israelites doubted that God would provide, despite all the ways He had already proven Himself, and because of their unbelief, they missed out on the Promised Land. They focused on what looked “big” and overwhelming to them, forgetting that those obstacles were nothing compared to our all-powerful God. In chapter 2, when God told them not to fight certain nations, it may have felt confusing or unfair in the moment, but sometimes God calls us to wait, be patient, and trust His timing instead of rushing ahead.