Bible Study Notes in Deuteronomy- Chapter 9

Deuteronomy 9

-God’s righteousness verses man’s depravity is the theme of this chapter’s historical narrative for the purpose of remembrance, devotion, and salvation. The LORD wants Israel to “hear” all that He has to say through His prophet Moses in this time before they go in to possess the land He has graciously given to them because of His oath with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Deuteronomy 9:1, 5). He plainly tells them that they have no chance of victory without Him as they face the “great and tall” people of the sons of the Anakim. Their reputation precedes them, but God promises to subdue them and destroy them before the children of Israel, just as He had spoken. He would cross over in advance as a consuming fire so that they could drive them out quickly (Deuteronomy 9:2-3).

-Then God gives warning. When the LORD has driven them out of the land before them, the children of Israel were NOT to say in their heart, “Because of my righteousness the LORD has brought me in to possess this land.” God emphatically tells them that it is only because of these nations wickedness that He, and only He, is dispossessing them, for Israel is “a stubborn people.” God is just simply fulfilling His promise, nothing more really. The Hebrews did not deserve His blessing, and He will go on to speak why that is (Deuteronomy 9:4-6).

-They were to remember, and not forget, how they had provoked the LORD to anger (righteous indignation) and wrath in the wilderness from the day they left Egypt up until the present time because of their rebellion. God was at the point of destroying them and raising up another nation through Moses at Horeb (Mount Sinai), but the great prophet interceded for them (Deuteronomy 9:7-8, 14, 18-20, 24-29). He had gone up to get the tablets of stone spoken and written by the finger of God for their covenant commandments. Through fire, 40 days and nights of not eating nor even drinking water (a supernatural occurrence to say the least), and cloud cover, Moses ventured with the Almighty in a dazzling array (Exodus 24:15-18, Deuteronomy 9:9-11). Moses had seen their debauchery when he came down the mountain with the two stone tablets. The people had quickly turned away from their God and acted corruptly disobeying everything He had commanded them to do. They made a molten image of worship in their stubbornness causing Moses to throw the tablets from his hands smashing them before the people’s eyes (Deuteronomy 9:12-13, 15-17). The mediator and servant of the Most High God then took their sinful thing, the molten calf which they had made with their own hands, and “burned it with fire and crushed it, grinding it very small until it was as fine as dust.” Then Moses threw the dust fragments into the brook of water that came down from the mountain (Deuteronomy 9:21). Moses related other instances where the children of Israel by their sin, doubt, and rebellion provoked the LORD to wrath at Taberah (Numbers 11:1-3), at Massah (Exodus 17:1-7), at Kibroth-hattaavah (Numbers 11:31-34), and at Kadesh-barnea (Numbers 13-14; 32:8-10, Deuteronomy 9:22-23). They had been recalcitrant against the LORD from the day He knew them (Deuteronomy 9:24). Moses’ intercession and rational conversation with the LORD at the end of the chapter puts everything back into perspective. Yes, they had been bad, but the LORD had chosen them, and they were His instruments. To destroy them would break the covenant, and God would never do that. They were His inheritance, He had redeemed them (purchased them) through His greatness, He had delivered them, and He would surely have to remember them now. Moses fought for his people because he knew his God. He simply appealed to His reputation, glory, and nature to overlook even abominable sin. His final summation says so much, “Yet they are Your people…(Deuteronomy 9:25-29).”

-*Application* For us, we know that it is only the righteousness of Christ Jesus that makes us holy and purchased in the sight of Almighty God (Romans 3:21-26, Revelation 5:9). Faith is the only thing that this salvation requires (Romans 10:4, Philippians 3:9, 2 Peter 1:1). We cannot work, or merit, redemption before a perfect Creator. It is only by His grace and mercy (Ephesians 2:8-9). We have no room to boast in our own goodness (Romans 3:26-28). We like sheep have gone astray and He has laid the iniquity of us all on His Messiah (Isaiah 53:6). Just like the Israelites were nothing without their God, we are nothing without our Christ. We don’t deserved His blessings, but the beauty of grace is that it makes life not fair (see https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=be%20my%20escape%20lyric%20video&qs=n&form=QBVR&pq=be%20my%20escape%20lyric%20video&sc=0-20&sp=-1&sk=#view=detail&mid=138AEA86DC1CF72B6B43138AEA86DC1CF72B6B43 for one of my personal favorites by Relient K)

Verses to Memorize: Deuteronomy 9:4, 7, 29

Bible Study Notes in Deuteronomy- Chapter 8

Deuteronomy 8

-The LORD confirms His word yet again in this chapter to His children of Israel making sure that they know His requirements for staying long term in the land that He swore to their forefathers for a possession. They were to “remember all the way” in which He led them through the wilderness for the 40 years. His purpose was to humble them so that they would depend on Him rather than themselves for the long haul. He tested them to see what was in their heart as far as their devotion to their God and dependence on His ways. He let them be hungry so that He could feed them manna from heaven, a source they had not known previously in their history. He wanted them to understand that man does not live by bread alone, but by everything that proceeds out of the Mouth of the LORD (Matthew 4:4). Their clothing miraculously did not wear out, nor did their feet swell from constant and unrelenting use. The purpose? So that they would understand God’s graciousness and His abiding and loving discipline in their lives as sons and daughters. They were being taught to fear Him alone (Deuteronomy 8:1-6).

-God was bringing them into a “good land” full of brooks of water, fountains and springs, which flowed from the valleys and hills. It would be a land of wheat and barley, of vines, fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil, and honey. It would be a land of plenty where they would lack nothing as long as they blessed the LORD and His ways. A warning is repeated though for when this happened. If they forgot the LORD their God by not keeping His commandments, ordinances, and statutes and becoming excessively proud with their accomplishments and wandering after other gods to serve them, the LORD testifies against them that they will surely perish like the nations before them. Listening to the Voice (counsel) of their God and remembering His gracious provision and enduring wisdom was paramount for their success in perpetuity (Deuteronomy 8:7-20).

-*Application* It is not by our own hands that we get strength and power and wealth. It is a gracious gift of the LORD God. Never, ever, forget that. We are nothing without our Creator and Sustainer. He is the giver of every good and perfect gift (James 1:17). We must allow Him to take us through times of testing and want so that we can come into His abundance with the right heart and attitude. We have to melt into His ways and make Him our entire focus. He will help us to depend on His Sovereignty as we humble ourselves. Then, we will see Him lift us up through His gracious dealings with us. The message for the Israelites becomes a clear message for us in our world today.

Verse to Memorize: Deuteronomy 8:2

Bible Study Notes in Deuteronomy- Chapter 7

Deuteronomy 7

-It was not a matter of “if,” but “when” the LORD would bring His people into the land which He swore to their forefathers. They were guaranteed to possess it (Deuteronomy 7:1-2a). When that happened, God was very specific that they totally destroy making no covenant nor showing any favor with their defeated foe. Further, they were not allowed to intermarry with these foreigners. The LORD details why this was so necessary. The potential was certainly there for them to turn their sons away from the faith and serve other gods. This would anger the LORD of heaven and earth, and He would quickly destroy them for their idolatry. Specifically, they were commanded to tear down their altars, smash their sacred pillars of worship, hew down their wooden symbols of a female deity (Asherim), and burn their graven images with fire. “For you are a holy people to the LORD your God; the LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for His own possession out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth (Deuteronomy 7:2b-6).” Then, the LORD even explains why He choose this common group of people who were few in number from among all the people groups in the earth. It was because of His love and His word, His oath, sworn to the forefathers including Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He was fulfilling His good promise to them in this process because He is faithful and true. However, the fact that He repays those who hate Him is again put forth. He will rapidly destroy these who detest His compassion and grace. Therefore, the children of Israel were again warned of the impending doom if they rejected “to do” His commandment, statutes, and judgments (Deuteronomy 7:7-11).

-The promises of God are continued as the chapter moves along. Conditional guarantees are enumerated if they listen to these judgments and keep and do them. God’s love, blessing, and multiplication are listed with some specific applications. In fact, God assures that they will be blessed above and beyond all peoples in their fruit bearing with no sickness like the plagues that destroyed Egypt when He was bringing them out. Actually, with their enemies, the reverse will be true. All who oppose His people will contract the harmful diseases. It will never pay to go against Israel God emphatically says (Deuteronomy 7:12-15).

-The LORD now reiterates that they “consume all the peoples whom the LORD your God will deliver to you; your eye shall not pity them, nor shall you serve their gods, for that would be a snare to you (Deuteronomy 7:16).” God further warns them to not be afraid of them in this venture. They were to “remember well” all that He had done for them in their release from Egypt when He performed incredible miracles in never before seen signs and wonders with His mighty Hand and outstretched Arm. God would even command the hornets to be sent upon their foes in this taking of the land until even those hiding would perish. Therefore, there was to be no dread or fear in their spirit. God was in their midst; they had all they needed for victory and success. He went on to say that “little by little” they would conquer the land by clearing away sections at a time. Why? Interestingly enough, God knew that the ravenous wild beasts would be too much for them if there was a quick conquest of the land. Therefore, it would be a methodical destruction. Also, their enemies would be put into confusion as a tactic by the Almighty. The kings would eventually be delivered into their hands so that they could make their name perish from under heaven; “no man will be able to stand before you until you have destroyed them (Deuteronomy 7:17-24).”

-One last time in this chapter God relates His disdain for graven images of false gods that they would need to destroy with fire. He also curbs their material lust by warning them not to covet the silver or gold of their vanquished. They were not to take any for themselves for it would become a snare to them, just like idols. The material greed was rightly denounced by the LORD as an abomination to Him. They were to utterly detest and abhor anything that came under the ban (Deuteronomy 7:25-26). Unfortunately, Israel had some problems in fulfilling this requirement (Joshua 7).

-*Application* When God gives us a word and action to carry out, He is serious about doing exactly what He says. He lays everything out for us, but it is up to us to fulfill our side of the equation. We often have trouble with this. The follow through is too difficult we think, and we make excuses in not carrying out what we know are clear directives from the LORD. Trust and obey, for there’s no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey (from John H. Sammis, see http://www.sharefaith.com/guide/Christian-Music/hymns-the-songs-and-the-stories/trust-and-obey-the-song-and-the-story.html).

Verses to Memorize: Deuteronomy 7:2, 6

Bible Study Notes in Deuteronomy- Chapter 6

Deuteronomy 6

-This is a pinnacle chapter in the exhortation by God through Moses to the sons of Israel, with significance for all of us, right before they go in to possess the land sworn to them by the LORD (Deuteronomy 6:10). This passage is often referred to as the Shema (Hebrew for “hear”). But hearing was not the only thing these children were supposed to do. It is very clear from the text that they were “to do” all that the LORD commanded here in this book (Deuteronomy 6:1-3, 18, 24-25). Their LORD God was One (denoting complete unity in the Trinity), and was to be loved exclusively above everything else (Deuteronomy 6:4-5). These statutes and judgments were designed to be on their “heart” and taught “diligently” to the next generation in all of life’s course (Deuteronomy 6:5-9).

-God makes His point by relating to them they it is He who rescued them from slavery in Egypt when they had no hope, and it is only by His grace that they will accomplish the fantastic things that they are about to accomplish. He is their Provider and Sustainer. They will have “great and splendid cities which you did not build,” “houses full of all good things which you did not fill,” “hewn cisterns (water supply) which you did not dig,” “vineyards and olive trees which you did not plant.” They are guaranteed to “eat” and be “satisfied (Deuteronomy 6:10-12).” They were taught to fear only the LORD their God worshipping and swearing only by His Name and none other. Following other gods from the people that surrounded them would shorten their stay in the land for “the LORD your God in the midst of you is a jealous God.” They were guaranteed the opposite if they disobeyed….they would be wiped off the face of the earth by the LORD (Deuteronomy 6:13-15). They were not to test Him, as they did at Massah (Exodus 17:1-7), but diligently keep His commandments, testimonies, and statutes. They were to do what was “right and good” in the sight of the LORD, their covenant God, so that it would go well for them in the land that their King had given them out of His kindness (Deuteronomy 6:16-18). They were to be purposeful in driving out all their enemies from before them as the LORD had spoken (Deuteronomy 6:19). Reason? God foresaw the temptation and debauchery that these wicked people would bring upon the sons of Israel through the times of the judges, kings, exile, and even unto our modern tense situation in the Middle East.

-Then, God anticipated the questions from generations to come in this chapter dedicated to the preservation of their culture and Godly heritage. When the sons would ask what these testimonies, statutes, and judgments mean which the LORD commanded them, they were to relate to them the exodus journey in which the LORD delivered them from Egypt with His mighty Hand showing “great and distressing signs and wonders” before their eyes against their captors. God brought them “out from there” in order to bring them “in,” to give them the land which He has sworn to their fathers in previous generations. So, for their “survival” and their “good always,” God ordained His righteous regulations expecting complete obedience (Deuteronomy 6:20-25).

-*Application* Pouring into the next generation is an honor and a privilege as we can see from this chapter. Leaving a Godly legacy is the greatest contribution you can make to the future of society and culture. Our lives will quickly pass, and only what we give to the future becomes paramount. Live for God while on this earth. Don’t be filled by greed or self-absorption that leaves no gift for the children and their children. Be responsible and do what is right in the sight of God for those who are coming after you. God will bless your efforts when you take that approach.

Verses to Memorize: Deuteronomy 6:4-9

Bible Study Notes in Deuteronomy- Chapter 5

Deuteronomy 5

-Moses summoned all of the Israelites together to reiterate the Ten Commandments that the LORD gave them, which they agreed to, on Mount Sinai (or Horeb). It was here that God made a covenant with His people; not the fathers, but the sons of Israel at that time. It was a current event, not an affair from antiquity. The glory, fire, awesomeness, fury, and voice of the LORD God Almighty appeared to them there and they survived. Nothing like this had ever happened; it was totally unique (Deuteronomy 5:1-5, 22-26). He was sealing the fact that He was their God and they were His people. He delivered them with a mighty Hand and an outstretched Arm out of the land of Egypt. He was consecrating the fact that He was their Savior and LORD (Deuteronomy 5:6, 15).

-The Ten Commandments were revisited commandment by commandment with some explanation for the preservation of the people in the land (Deuteronomy 5:7-21). The first four had to do with their vertical relationship with their exclusive LORD, and the last six had to do with how to treat their fellow man. Therefore, we can see Christ’s admonition to love God and love people very much evident in these top ten commandments (Matthew 22:37-40, Mark 12:30-31, Luke 10:27).

-Moses’ intercession for the people of God takes center stage in the remaining verses of this chapter (Deuteronomy 5:22-33). He was the one who could go near and hear all that the LORD said in intimacy and clarity (Deuteronomy 5:27a). The people told him at that time that they would hear him and do the things that God commanded him (Deuteronomy 5:27b). The LORD was pleased with their response in all that they had sponken. His comment on the situation is this, “Oh that they had such a heart in them, that they would fear Me and keep all My commandments always, that it may be well with them and with their sons forever (Deuteronomy 5:28)!” God knew the future and saw their obstinate rebellion from the beginning, yet He implored them to give Him their whole heart for blessing and security. His greatest desire was that they walk in all the way that they should go with their King for the prolonging of their days in the land (Deuteronomy 5:33).

-*Application* We are under a jealous God who visits the iniquity of the fathers on the children up to the third and fourth generations to those who hate Him. But, think about the reverse side of things. He shows lovingkindness to thousands, to those who love Him and keep His ways (Deuteronomy 5:9-10). Our unyielding and abiding love is all He really wants. His desire is to bless us and wants no one to turn Him away. It breaks my heart when I see people get angry with God and provoke Him to anger out their ignorance and misunderstanding. These have totally missed the concept of God’s grace, kindness, and mercy usually because of something that has happened as a result of a marred world rather than His intended design. While God is transcendent and has ultimate control, He gave mankind freedom to choose or reject Him. And our rejection of Him has caused all of our pain and misery. His desperate desire is to bring us back into right relationship with Him through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ (John 3:16, 1 Timothy 2:3-5, 2 Peter 3:9). Because of God’s justice, He has to punish all sin. But, because of His grace, He takes pity on those who love Him and follow His ways, which are revealed through Jesus Christ’s atonement on the cross. The choice is yours my friend. Where is your heart today?

Verse to Memorize: Deuteronomy 5:29

Bible Study Notes in Deuteronomy- Chapter 4

Deuteronomy 4

-With a tremendous exhortation Moses now urges Israel to follow all of God’s statutes, judgments, and ordinances that he was teaching them to perform. The purpose? That they would live and go in and take possession of their Promised Land, which the LORD their God had generously given to them. They were warned not to add to the Word of the LORD or take away from it (Deuteronomy 4:1-2). Their eyes had seen all that God had done to bring them to this point by destroying their enemies and providing safe passage in all their wanderings and battles. Keeping God’s statutes and judgments as He had commanded was essential in their new endeavor into the land. It would indeed be their wisdom and understanding in the sight of all peoples making them all say, “Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people (Deuteronomy 4:3-6).” The people of Israel were intended to be a glorious testimony. Moses continues, “For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as is the LORD our God whenever we call on Him? Or what great nation is there that has statutes and judgments as righteous as this whole law which I am setting before you today (Deuteronomy 4:7-8)?” Then Moses turns his attention to the heart of this people. “Only give heed to yourself and keep your soul diligently, so that you do not forget the things which your eyes have seen and they do not depart from your heart all the days of your life; but make them known to your sons and your grandsons (Deuteronomy 4:9).” Moses called on them to remember when they stood before the glory of the LORD at Horeb (Mount Sinai). He wanted to instill the literal and abiding fear of the Almighty who reigns in majesty, truth, and splendor speaking with His Voice, though not seen, and displaying “fire to the very heart of the heavens: darkness, cloud and thick gloom (Deuteronomy 4:10-12).” This was the God of the covenant who commanded them to perform the Ten Commandments written by His Hand on two tablets of stone. God had instructed His servant, Moses, to teach the principles of this Law of God for the purpose of gaining entrance and longevity in the land that they were going to possess avoiding idolatry, which man has a tendency to do (Deuteronomy 4:13-19). The LORD reminded them that He alone had taken them and brought them out of the “iron furnace,” which was Egypt to be a people of His own possession (Deuteronomy 4:20). Moses further noted the pain he had incurred as the LORD was angry with him on their account and his inability, sworn by God, to go into the Promised Land across the Jordan because of their actions in unfaithfulness. But then he did provide hope with the word of the LORD that they, these descendants, would indeed be able to cross over and take possession. He then reiterated that they watch out for themselves when that happened so as not to forget the covenant of the LORD and make vain images to worship other than Him alone (Deuteronomy 4:21-23). “For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God (Deuteronomy 4:24).”

-The next section describes how things will be if they transgress and break covenant with their faithful Creator and God. If they act corruptly and create idols, heaven and earth witnesses against them in the sight of Moses, that they will perish quickly from the land where they were to go. They will not live long on it, but be utterly destroyed and scattered among the peoples of the earth where they will be few in number and powerless. But, the LORD will not forget them and beseeches them to call upon Him when they are exiled as evidenced by this word, “But from there you will seek the LORD your God, and you will find Him if you search for Him with all your heart and all your soul. When you are in distress and all these things have come upon you, in the latter days you will return to the LORD your God and listen to His Voice. For the LORD your God is a compassionate God; He will not fail you nor destroy you nor forget the covenant with your fathers which He swore to them (Deuteronomy 4:25-31).” Nothing like this had ever been done before, nor would it ever be like this again. Israel was His chosen people to carry out His redemptive plan for the whole world. Nothing would deter it. They had a privileged position, but incredible responsibility. God revealed Himself to the Jews in special ways through signs and wonders and wars and a mighty Hand and an outstretched Arm and by great terrors. “To you (Israel) it was shown that you might KNOW (emphasis mine) that the LORD, He is God; there is no other besides Him (Deuteronomy 4:32-35).” Out of the heavens God uniquely let them hear His Voice to discipline (yacar- to admonish, instruct, discipline, chasten) them for the journey that would one day result in the salvation of the whole world. He let them see His great fire also from which they heard His words. Why? “Because He loved your fathers, therefore He chose their descendants after them. And He personally brought you out from Egypt by His great power, driving out from before you nations greater and mightier than you, to bring you in and to give you their land for an inheritance, as it is today (Deuteronomy 4:36-38).” There was no other God, and Moses emphatically let his people know this before he was to pass on into eternity. He desperately wanted it go well with them in the land that they were going into. He knew that God would not share His glory, and that His statutes and commandments were good for posterity and well-being (Shalom) in the land He would give them for all time (Deuteronomy 4:39-40).

-Then Moses set apart the three cities across the Jordan to the east as places of refuge for unintentional manslaughter. These included Bezer for the Reubenites, Ramoth in Gilead for the Gadites, and Golan in Bashan for the Manassites (Numbers 35:14, Deuteronomy 4:41-43). The rest of the chapter sums up the commands of the LORD and the geographical locations where the children of Israel had possession (Deuteronomy 4:44-49).

-*Application* Moses says these things which are well worth considering today: “Give heed,” “Keep your soul diligently,”  “Do not forget,” “Watch yourselves carefully,” and “Beware” (Deuteronomy 4:9, 15, 19, 23). There is only one God, and that is Yahweh (the LORD). He is the God of heaven and earth and controls His creation with wisdom, majesty, and transcendence. He chooses particular things and people to bring about His glory at the proper time, yet gives us choices and decisions in the matter. That is evident from this incredible passage. Will we cooperate with the LORD, who will win regardless, or fight against His sovereignty? Thank Him for His compassion and wonders today. You are indeed blessed if you are His child and part of His Kingdom. Take no part in idolatry and the fading things of this temporary world. He is God, and there is no other. Unite with Him!

Verses to Memorize: Deuteronomy 4:1, 9, 20, 30-31, 35, 37, 40

Bible Study Notes in Deuteronomy- Chapter 3

Deuteronomy 3

-The history lesson is completed in this chapter as Moses recounts going up the road to Bashan and the total defeat of Og, the king of Bashan, and all his people by the command and strength of the LORD. They captured all his cities at that time, which amounted in sum to 66. Some were fortified with high walls, gates, and bars but some were not. The men, women, and children of that nation were utterly destroyed in this conquest. Only the animals and the spoils of the area survived, just as in the instance of defeating King Sihon of the city of Heshbon and the Amorites. Therefore, from the Arnon Valley, which is mid-way up the Dead Sea area, to the far north where the majestic Mount Hermon is located, the Israelites took possession of the hill country of Gilead and what is today the Golan Heights. The tribes of Reuben and Gad, along with the half-tribe of Manasseh were given these lands east of the Jordan as a possession. For more depth on that, see Numbers 32. Moses reiterated these tribes commitment to go and cross the Jordan with their men of war to assist their brothers in the conquering of the remaining Promised Land. Wives, little ones, and the animals were to remain in their cities and towns, but the men would be constrained to fight with their fellow countrymen until the LORD had given them complete victory and rest on the other side of the Jordan (Deuteronomy 3:1-20).

-The commissioning of Joshua is then taken up by Moses. He exhorted his young protégé with the fact that he had seen all that the LORD had done in giving Israel victory after victory with the promise of future conquest in His Name. Moses continues with powerful words, “Do not fear them, for the LORD your God is the One fighting for you (Deuteronomy 3:21-22).” Moses also pleaded with the LORD at that time to relent, show him favor, and let him be able to cross over the Jordan into the Promised Land. He praised the all-powerful God of heaven and earth who could do such great and mighty acts, but the LORD was angry with His servant on the account of his grumbling and unfaithful people. He would not listen to Moses on this issue and said, “Enough! Speak to Me no more of this matter. Go up to the top of Pisgah and lift up your eyes to the west and north and south and east, and see it with your eyes, for you shall not cross over this Jordan (Deuteronomy 3:23-27).” Moses was denied, but he stayed obedient in the face of disappointment. The LORD commanded him at this point to “charge Joshua and encourage him and strengthen him, for he shall go across at the head of this people, and he will give them as an inheritance the land which you will see (Deuteronomy 3:28).” So Israel remained in the valley opposite Beth-peor until God would direct them further (Deuteronomy 3:29).

-*Application* Joshua, or Yeshua (God saves), is the Hebrew name for Jesus. I find it interesting that God providentially chose this name to lead His people across the Jordan into the Promised Land. Jesus, the LORD in the flesh, is the One that God would eventually send to set every man, who believes, free from the penalty of sin and provide a new spiritual birth for eternal life in His Kingdom. This historical-narrative has great spiritual foreshadowing and significance for us as Christians. Have you come into the Promised Land carried at the head by Jesus Christ, the suffering Servant? Another application to consider is Moses’ beseeching unto the LORD. We have to be okay with His answers even when they don’t personally suit us. Don’t insist on your own way. Be humble and obedient even in the face of unrealized dreams and disappointments. God is in control and will work everything out for His glory one way or another. We are not the king; He is. A final application in this chapter revolves around the concept of momentum. Isn’t awesome when we find ourselves enjoying the victorious favor of the LORD in our lives? God has ways of showing us His greatness at times when He decides to shower us with blessings, like He did with the Israelites concerning Bashan and the Amorites. Our acknowledgement of the Almighty is truly key in these kinds of times. Nothing is too hard for the LORD (Jeremiah 32:17). Daniel Murphy of the New York Mets is a great example of this in the 2015 MLB postseason.

Verses to Memorize: Deuteronomy 3:22, 28