Continuing a plan to get through the entire Bible in a year, follow as I journal through the reading. I have chosen a straightforward approach that begins in Genesis and ends in Revelation. This will not be an in-depth study or a comprehensive commentary. There are plenty of sources for such material. This is stage one Bible reading, taking the text at face value and sharing impressions.
Today’s reading comes from the book of Deuteronomy, chapters 8 through 10, in which Moses urges Israel to know, trust, and obey God. Some impressions from the text:
- In Chapter 8, Moses again stresses the importance of knowing the Lord and remembering Him daily. This is the point of our existence. He is the source of our existence, and the reason for our sustenance. He cannot be taken for granted without consequence.
- Chapter 9 hammers home the point that Israel’s deliverance into the Promised Land has nothing to do with their righteousness. They have a forty year track record of grievous rebellion against God. They don’t deserve even to live. But God saves them by his grace to glorify his name. So works our salvation today through Christ.
- Wrapping up Chapter 10, Moses exhorts Israel to “circumcise [their] heart.” Obviously, this alludes to the practice of circumcision, but the object is figurative. Circumcision, the act of cutting off flesh, is a form of self-denial. Deny yourself, Moses implores them (and us). Deny your fleshly nature and hold fast to God and spiritual value.
Return soon as we continue our year-long journey through the text of the Bible.
Catch up on the previous entries:
Archived Genesis posts (scroll down in link).
Archived Exodus posts (scroll down in link) .
Archived Leviticus posts (scroll down in link).
Archived Numbers posts (scroll down in link).
Moses recounts Israel’s journey through the wilderness. – Deuteronomy 1 and 2
Moses emphasizes obedience to, and glorification of, God. – Numbers 3 and 4
God’s commandments serve a holy purpose. – Number 5 through 7
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