Truth 101 Class

  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 relatively recent victories o

  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 (29:1-30:20) - Final Exhortations V.  Concl

  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 119) and concludes in doxolo