Read: Deuteronomy 11:1-12:32; Luke 8:22-39; Psalm 70:1-5; Proverbs 12:4
When God condemned the children of Israel to 40 years of wandering while they died out, he didn’t condemn their children who were under the age of 20. They were the ones who had grown up and were now the leaders. Moses addresses them because they had seen with their own eyes the parting of the Red Sea and the judgements on the disobedient. They would be held to a higher accountability because of what they had seen. God was giving them a land that he took care of himself, that wouldn’t have to be irrigated for water or worked. It was cultivated and fruitful, not like Egypt.
If they promised to obey his commands, God would expel the nations ahead of them and give them the land they walked on. No one would be able to withstand them. God gave them the choice of living in a curse or living in his blessing. If they believed and obeyed his commandments, then they would be nothing but blessed. If they disobeyed, they would bring upon themselves curses. The decision was up to them.
God would set up the place of worship and they were only suppose to bring their sacrifices there. They were to bring him a tenth of their grain, new wine or olive oil, the firstborn of their cattle or sheep and any offering they had vowed or wanted to bring to that place and eat them before the Lord. The Levites were to be their guests and they were to always provide for them.
Interestingly, once they were in the land, no food was considered unclean (vs. 20). The only restriction they had was blood. They could not eat something that was still alive; they had to kill it first. He wanted them to learn mercy. He warned them again not to get caught up in worshiping the idols of the land.
Lord, your laws are not grievous but for our good and they bring joy to all who walk in them. Thank you for your Word.
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