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 11 through 13, wherein Moses continues to focus Israel’s attention on God. Some impressions from the text:
- Chapter 11 again emphasizes the theme of loving and knowing the Lord. The people may have thought Moses was droning on about it, he spoke of it so much. But it was, and is, that important.
- Moses also repeats himself in regard to the surrounding nations, again warning Israel not to take up their ways.
- One abomination mentioned by name, committed by the surrounding nations in worship of their false gods, is the sacrifice of children by throwing them into fire. We have an analog to this satanic practice today—abortion.
- Chapter 13 concerns itself with many other forms of idolatry. Again, the focus on loving and knowing God proves both affirmative and exclusive. Not only is Israel to steep itself in knowledge of God and his commandments, they are to refrain from giving worship to any other, and must root out and destroy those among them who commit idolatry.
- Our modern sensibilities reject the concept of theocracy. We value religious liberty. But there was no such liberty within Israel. We must contend with this as believers. While there is no biblical justification for civil theocracy today, Israel was right to live their lives and run their society according to God’s commandments.
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. – Deuteronomy 3 and 4
God’s commandments serve a holy purpose. – Deuteronomy 5 through 7
Moses implores Israel to know, trust, and obey God. – Deuteronomy 8 through 10
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