Truth 101 Class

  Deuteronomy 2:1-15 recounts the narrative from Numbers 20 toward the end of the 40 year period.  Now that the previous generation has passed, Israel is instructed to move northward through the land of the Edomites and Moabites in preparation for entering the Promised Land.  However, they were not to battle the Edomites or Moabites, who were related descendants of Esau and Lot. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage: Verses 1-3 Deuteronomy 1:46 & 2:1 cover about 38 years referred to as "many days."  Now, God instructs them to travel northward in preparation for entering the Promised Land.   What do these verses show me about God's timing? Verses 4-12 How do I determine which battles to fight or avoid?  How has God been with me and provided for me through the "wilderness" experiences in my life (e.g., refer to v.7)? Learning that the Moabites defeated the Emim and the Edomites defeated the Horit...

  Deuteronomy 1:19-46 recounts the story told in Numbers 13-14 when the Israelites refused to go in and take possession the Promised Land because of their fears and unbelief.  Also recorded is the resulting judgment that none except Caleb and Joshua would enter the Land.  When Israel tried to enter after realizing their sin, they were defeated because God was no longer in their midst in battle. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage: Verses 19-33 How can I overcome fears that prevent me from receiving God's promises or fulfilling His purposes in my life? Verses 34-40 What can God's people learn from the previous generation's failure to follow Him? Verses 41-46 Why is God's presence and timing so important? For music inspired by the story in this Scripture passage, following is a link to a YouTube video: "Giants in the Land" by Vision Worship:  Link

  Deuteronomy 1:1-18 provides the setting of the Book of Deuteronomy: WHO :  Moses is speaking to all Israel (v. 1). WHERE :  They are in the wilderness of Moab on the east side of the Jordan river across from the Promised Land (vv. 1-2). WHEN :  It is 40 years after their delivery from slavery in Egypt (v. 3). WHAT :  Moses reviews God's commandments and explains the law (vv.3-5). WHY :  They are now once again about to "go in and take possession" of the Promised Land (vv. 6-8).  Verses 9-18 recount their leadership structure ( ref. Exodus 18 and Numbers 11:16-25 ), which is particularly important as Moses will no longer be leading them into the Promised Land. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage: Verses 1-8 The Israelites are being given a second chance to claim the Promised Land, forty years later.  What are some second chances that I am grateful to God for in my life? God gave Israel rela...

  Deuteronomy literally means second law .  This book provides a review of the Law and concludes the Pentateuch (i.e., the first five books of the Bible:  Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy).  It is also a book of transitions with God speaking through Moses to teach His People what He wants them to know, as they transition from 40 years of wandering in the wilderness to finally entering the Promised Land. Moses is now 120 years old.  He has been the leader of the Israelites in the wilderness ever since they were delivered from slavery in Egypt.  However, he will not be entering the Promised Land, so Deuteronomy essentially records his farewell speeches as he transitions leadership to Joshua.  A common outline for the Book of Deuteronomy is structured around three speeches of Moses: I.  Introduction (1:1-5) II. First Speech (1:6-4:43) - Historical Review III. Second Speech (4:44-28:68) - Covenant Stipulations IV. Third Speech (29:...

  The Book of Psalms is a beloved collection of 150 psalms grouped into five books:  Book I (1-41), II (42-72), III (73-89), IV (90-106), and V (107-150).  Some have considered parallels between these and the Pentateuch (i.e., Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy): Book I begins the psalms and introduces the overall theme of wisdom literature that the righteous are blessed but the wicked will receive judgment.  God is typically referred to as the Covenant LORD . Book II focuses on deliverance , particularly God's deliverance of David from his enemies.  God is often referred to as Elohim, Almighty God . Book III includes psalms of community worship and laments.  Many of these psalms are written by Levitical worship leaders such as Asaph or the Sons of Korah. Book IV starts with a psalm of Moses and includes some historical psalms.  Several of these psalms also show the depravity of man. Book V focuses on God's Word (e.g., Psalm 11...