Deuteronomy 3 -- The Transition Begins

The Israelites had not been a warring people.  Jacob and his small family had travelled to Egypt almost 500 years earlier, and the nation had grown, been enslaved, and then rescued by God.  For the previous 38 years, they’d been nomads in the desert.  Now God had to get them into battle mode to remove the prior inhabitants of the land who’d greatly displeased God with their indescribably wicked lifestyles.  The first to go were the Amorites, who lived just outside the Promised Land on its eastern border.  “All that the army had to do was obey God’s orders, trust His promises, and courageously confront the enemy,” my commentary said.

Two and a half tribes desired this land, and God told Moses they could have it, but their men had to agree to lead the rest of the Israelites into Canaan until the whole land was taken.

Moses so wanted to see the Promised Land, but God wasn’t going to permit him to enter because of his impetuous sin.  He still encouraged the nation by saying, “O Sovereign Lord, You have begun to show Your servant Your greatness and Your strong hand.”  He didn’t want to miss what God was about to do!  My commentary did say that centuries later Moses stood in the Holy Land in glory on the Mount of Transfiguration with Jesus and Elijah!

Moses kept reminding the Israelites that they were privileged and God’s people, out of all the nations on earth.  My commentary added, “It’s when we forget our high calling that we descend into low living.” 

Help me to constantly keep in mind that You have bought me with a price, Father, and that I am Yours.  Keep me away from low living and lead me to Your high calling.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford