The beginning of Deuteronomy is Moses telling his side of the story to the children of Israel. Sparing no feelings and mincing no words, he threads his way from when they were in Egypt and details every shortcoming and miserable attitude the Israelites had along the way.
Moses reminds them how they lashed out against him, against Aaron, against God. He reminds them of all the miracles God did for the Israelites, in preserving them time and time again through the most miraculous events: freedom, salvation from pharaoh’s army, manna from heaven, meat when they complained, constant water even if it had to be taken from a rock, clothes and shoes that never wore out…
The most important thing I noticed in my reading today was the countless number of times Moses (and sometimes Moses AND Aaron) had to flatten themselves before the Lord, crying out for Him not to destroy His people. Time and time again, God would have destroyed the Israelites, His chosen people, for their constancy and persistence in rebellion and complaining.
One of the most interesting facts about Moses’ recounting of their journeys up-to-date is what he told the children of Israel… God was not taking them into the Promised Land because of their righteousness. He was not honoring the uprightness of their hearts with this mind-boggling blessing. No. His purpose was simple…
The wickedness of the nations already dwelling in the Promised Land was so great before the Lord, that He brought the Israelites in so that they, by His power, could drive them out. Additionally, this would be the fulfillment of the promise He made so very long ago to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. The land would belong to the Israelites because of His word and not because of anything they had done to deserve it.
And God’s promise was still a promise… His people were chosen regardless.
