Deuteronomy 3-4
As Moses continues to recount the conquests of the nation of Israel he reminds the people of the destruction of king Og. Og was a giant man and the Israelites defeated him and took his 60 cities. The lands they took on the west side of the Jordan were given to the tribes of Reuben, Gad and half the tribe of Manasseh.
Now the rest of the Israelites are to enter into the land and God has reminded Joshua not to fear because He will do the same things done to Sihon and Og when he leads Israel into the land.
Moses begs one last time to enter the land but is told he will only be allowed to look at it. Joshua will take the lead from Moses and he is to be encouraged and strengthened by Moses.
An Overview of Chapter 4
As Moses prepares to review the law he first gives them a warning to follow the commandments of the Lord. He reminds them of their brothers who were killed when they worshipped Baal. Moses also instructs the Israelites to teach their children what they have lived through and about the laws.
God never appeared to the people in physical form so that they would not make idols of Him and worship the idols instead of Him. God is a jealous God who will not put up with them worshipping anything except for Him. If they worship idols the Lord will scatter and destroy them. Even though God is a jealous God He is also a compassionate God who will listen to the people if they repent and return to Him.
What God has done for the Israelites is unlike anything that has been done in history. The entire nation heard His voice, He gave them signs and wonders, He fought for them, He loved their fathers so much that this generation will get to enter the land. There is no other God like this, and because of this the Israelites should keep His commandments and do what He says.
Moses also names the three cities of refuge for the nations that will not enter the land.
Reflection
What victories has God given you? What great blessings has God given you? How has God made Himself known to you? As you consider these things shouldn’t your desire be to serve Him?
For Further Study
Idols: Exodus 20:4, Leviticus 26:1, Deuteronomy 4:28, Psalm 78:58, Psalm 115:1-8, Psalm 135:15-18, Isaiah 2:18-20, Acts 17:29, 1Corinthians 5:11, 1Corinthians 6:9, Colossians 3:5