My journey through the Bible is well on its way and I have just completed reading the book of Deuteronomy. Moses has led the people of Israel to the banks of the Jordon River and just before the people cross to the promised land, Moses gives them a review of where they have come from and how they got there. He then gives a detailed review of the laws that were handed down to him from the Lord himself.
The admonition to "Love the Lord your God and keep all of his commandments" is repeated over and over. The blessings of doing so are made abundantly clear, as are the dire warnings of the consequences of failing to do so. There is a double motivation in all that is recorded here, a very positive up side and a very scary down side.
Moses is then, at age 120 and still very vigorous, taken up to the mountain where he dies and is buried in an unknown place by the Lord himself. "Never was there a greater prophet in all of Israel."
Joshua is commissioned and as the book ends, the nation of Israel is about to cross the Jordon to the land flowing with milk and honey.
Impressions: Like little children we often need lessons pounded into us before we learn. Repetition is key in teaching, and basically, that is what the book of Deuteronomy is. It is clear that the Lord wants our undivided attention and love. Again we see how onerous the 'Law' is and how insane rules and regulations can become. The purpose in all of this is to help us keep our eyes on God and turn away from distractions and those things that displease Him.
Readability: three stars
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