Deuteronomy 9:1-12

 

Craiyon-generated image of an hourglass in the desert with Deuteronomy 9:1 quoted

Deuteronomy 9:1-12 emphasize that it is God's faithfulness to the covenant and His righteousness in punishing the wicked that will enable Israel to defeat the mighty nations in the Promised Land.  Israel is warned against a proud heart and reminded of their stubborn rebellion from the time they left Egypt to now. Even at Horeb or Mount Sinai, when God was giving them the Commandments, they had made the graven image of a golden calf (ref. Exodus 32). 

Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage:
  • Verses 1-3
    • These verses say "today" or "now" is the time when the long-awaited promise of the Land is to be fulfilled. What should I remember when facing something I have long anticipated, know will change my life, but have substantial concerns about?
  • Verses 4-6
    • These verses remind Israel three times that they are being given the Land NOT because of their righteousness.  How might this also be a warning to me about having a prideful heart?
  • Verses 7-12
    • What can help guard us from rebelling against our holy and faithful God?


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Psalm 3

Image
  This is a wonderful psalm of trust in God, even though the background circumstances as told in 2 Samuel 15-18 are devastatingly heartbreaking.  King David's own son Absalom, whom he loves, has amassed followers who have turned against him.  Absalom is seeking to kill his father, and is leading a rebellion with those who are even saying that David is beyond help from God.  So, in Psalm 3, David cries out to God about the "many" who rise up against him.  Yet, David has assurance in God's protection and answer to prayer.  His faith that God will sustain him, enables him to sleep peacefully and not be afraid.  He closes by praying for deliverance, knowing that God is able to save both physically and spiritually; and that God blesses His people. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-2 David responded to his heartbreaking and life-threatening circumstances by crying out to God.  Durin...
Read more

Psalm 1

Image
     Psalm 1 can be considered an introduction to the Book of Psalms, reflecting a theme common to Wisdom literature:  righteous living leads to life and blessings, in contrast to wicked living which leads to destruction and curses.  Verse 2 is a key verse focusing on meditating day and night on God's Word. (NOTE: "the law of the LORD" is "Torah," which can specifically refer to the Pentateuch, but more generally to God's instructions and thus, to what He has revealed in His Word)   To "meditate" is to mutter, contemplate, and ponder, so that God's Word enters our hearts and minds; and is then lived out in our actions.   It is like chewing and digesting, in order to internalize, nourish, and then bear fruit. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider while meditating upon this psalm: Verse 1:  What does being "Blessed" indicate? What temptations and sins do I need to address in my life?   Of the sins that th...
Read more

Psalm 149

Image
  Psalm 149 is part of the Final Hallel section (146-150), providing a doxology to the Book of Psalms.  These praise psalms begin and end with "Praise the LORD!" or "Hallelujah!"  This psalm is likely a victory song of praise from God's People to their King for deliverance but also judgment against their enemies. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-5 God's people are called to praise Him no matter where we are, together in assembly (v. 1) as well as alone in our beds (v. 5).  What do these verses teach us about praising the LORD? The last part of verse 4 may be translated "crowns the humble with victory," "adorns the afflicted with salvation," "beautifies the meek with salvation," "glorifies the lowly with salvation," or "exalts the oppressed by delivering them."  C.H. Spurgeon says that each "gives a new shade of meaning, well worthy...
Read more