Journal Through the Bible: Week 26 Thursday

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Deuteronomy 2:1-3:11

Moses continues his historical narrative and lessons for the benefit of the younger generation of Hebrews. They had wandered for 38 years from the time they left Kadesh-barnea until the time of the crossing over the brook Zered. (See 2:14)

Moses also took the time to give them brief genealogical and geopolitical lessons about the lands of Edom, Moab, and Ammon and the people that inhabited them. God did not give any of these lands unto the Israelites because they belonged to other descendants of Abraham and his nephew, Lot.


Does God issue any commands in this passage?

• Within the narrative Moses reminded the younger generation of God's command not to bother Edom, the descendants of Esau. (This was more recent history. The younger generation had been some of the ones passing that way as recorded in Numbers 21:4.)
• Also within the narrative Moses reminded the people that God commanded them to leave Moab, the descendants of Lot, alone. 
• Moses also reminded them that God wanted them to leave Ammon, the descendants of Lot, alone.
• Moses reminded them of the victory when God commanded them to destroy Sihon and the giant Og as a sign of His intention to give them the land of promise.

Does God make any promises?

• Yes, He promised that the dread of the Israelites would be upon all the inhabitants of Canaan and that He would give the Israelites the land of those nations.

Does this chapter teach anything about Jesus?

• Not that I identified.

Does this chapter teach anything about yet-future events?

• In the account of the intervening years, Moses talked of their wilderness wanderings while reminding the people of the promises of God to give them the land. God has promised us a land, too. It often seems as though we are wandering in the wilderness while awaiting the time appointed until we can take possession of it.