Highlights:
Still on the east side of the Jordan River outside Canaan, Israelites defeat a giant king; Division of land east of the Jordan; Moses can't enter the promised land — emphasizing the importance of doing the will of God and not claiming credit for what God is doing; Cities of refuge established east of the Jordan.
Verses for Today:
That ye may live, and go in and possess (inherit) the land. . . . keep (guard with your life and obey) the Commandments of the Lord your God. . . . and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding. . . . For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh (near) unto them? (Deut. 4:1-7).
Moses reminded the new generation of Israelites that living according to the Word of God would bring lasting fulfillment. He began to explain his first message which highlighted the importance of keeping all the Word of God and was given to their parents nearly 40 years earlier at Mount Sinai (1:3-5).
That ye may live (4:1) meant that the Israelites would enjoy the best in life. The one essential requirement for remaining in the land of promise was obedience to the Word of God. Moses warned them: When thou shalt . . . do evil in the sight of the Lord thy God . . . ye shall soon utterly perish. . . . (God desires that you) seek Him with all thy heart (4:25-29).
We too need a daily reminder to take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul (inner thoughts) diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart . . . teach them thy sons (4:9).
Unfortunately, unless children learn respect for their parents, they seldom learn to respect and obey God, who has promised: Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it (Prov. 22:6).
The Bible provides our only true source for knowing the will and character of our Creator. As we read the Bible with a desire to obey it, the Holy Spirit makes the Word quick, and powerful (Heb. 4:12) so that it becomes a reality in our lives.
The people of God often face seemingly impossible situations. But the Lord has provided the Christian with His Word, which is the sword of the Spirit and the shield of faith (Eph. 6:17,16), since faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God (Rom. 10:17). Keep therefore . . . His Commandments . . . that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee (Deut. 4:40).
Thought for Today:
Praise ye the Lord. Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord, that delighteth greatly in His Commandments (Ps. 112:1).
Christ Portrayed:
By Joshua who led the Israelites into their inheritance (Deut. 3:28). Through Jesus we receive His promised inheritance among them which are sanctified (set apart) by faith that is in Me (Acts 26:18).
Word Studies:
3:7 spoil =plunder; prey =prize of the war; 3:18 meet =fit; 3:28 charge =commission (also 31:14); 4:2 diminish ought =take away anything; 4:10 fear =have reverential heartfelt submission to and respect for (also 14:23; 28:58; Josh. 22:5); 4:13 Covenant =binding agreement with all qualifications given by God (also 5:2; 33:9); 4:14 possess =live in; 4:19 divided =allotted; 4:27 heathen =gentile people; 4:30 tribulation =distress, suffering; 4:34 assayed =ever tried; 4:41 severed =separated; 4:42 unawares =accidentally.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by a Family that loves Jesus • Bible Pathway Media Producer: Rick Hash • Government Officials: Rep. Christopher Carney (PA), Rep. Rosa DeLauro (CT), Sen. Russell Feingold (WI), and Sec. Ken Salazar (Dept. of the Interior) • Country: Bahamas (284,000) in the northern portion of the West Indies • Major languages: English and some Creole • Religious freedom • 72% Protestant; 26% Roman Catholic; 1% Afro-American spiritist • Prayer Suggestion: Your prayers must be offered to God with the Spirit and understanding (John 4:22-24).
Optional Reading: Luke 17
Memory Verse for the Week: Exodus 20:17