Todays Reading: Deuteronomy 11:1-7.

We find ourselves on the backdrop of Moses’ recounting of the Law to Israel. This is, in fact, embedded in the name of the book, for “Deutero-” refers to two or second and “-nomy” to law. It is a second law or rather a second giving of the Law, or better, the giving of the same Law to a new generation before they conquered the land. But here Moses’ audience is men who saw the deliverance from Egypt yet were young enough to enter the land. Let us notice a few things together.

Things to Notice

• In verse 1, notice that multiple words for statutes are given. What could be the significance?
• In verse 2, consider that seeing God’s hand at work brought accountability both for faithfulness and the teaching of another generation.
• In verse 3, notice that God defeated Pharaoh in his own territory. What does this tell us about God’s total supremacy? Compare to Deuteronomy 6:4.
• Compare verse 4 with Psalm 27:2-3, and note that “completely” in the NASB is literally “to this day.”
• In verses 5-6, what made the difference between those that “came to this place” and those the earth swallowed?
• In verse 7, consider how head knowledge and heart knowledge differ, that is, direct knowledge of God and indirect knowledge of God. What did these men have that the future generation did not have?

My Thoughts

In reading this passage, I notice that the Law of God must address every area of life–moral, civil, religious, personal. Hence we have love to God expressed in keeping His charge, statutes, ordinances, and commandments. Today, may God help me to yield every activity to His glory.

I also notice the importance of a good heritage. Those who saw God’s hand in a specific way were to communicate that to younger generations. Generations will never see God work in the same way since God deals with each generation according to its specific needs. Therefore, it is incumbent upon older believers to communicate God’s workings in the past to reassure younger believers that God is sufficient for each generation. This will keep the younger generation from being imbalanced by thinking that God only works according to their perception of things. What we cannot learn by experience, we must embrace through teaching.

As well, Egypt was totally destroyed so as not to threaten Israel again by means of warfare. God dismantled Egyptian rulers, gods, armies, and lands on their own territory. God proves that the world is His. When men fight against Him, they must borrow from Him in order to oppose Him. Let us not fear: God is not threatened by the schemes of men, whether political, moral, or religious. He completely destroyed Egypt, and that destruction carried on into the days of Solomon when the boundaries of Israel and Egypt met. Let us remember to live in the good of battles a previous generation has won, and let us not tear down what has been graciously handed down to us.

Lastly, let us ever beware of the battle within, for Israel was divided between those who lasted until the end and those who were consumed by the earth. The reality of false among the true is very sobering and painful. Yet we will not know the extent of this division until glory reveals the true sons of God. In the meantime, we must appreciate those who have endured and encourage those who must still persevere. Endurance is primary in the Christian life, and by it we may tell many things.