Deuteronomy 1 Commentary

Moses sets the historical and geographical context of the covenant message he is about to deliver to the Israelites. He intends to tell them all that God has commanded him.

Moses recounts Israel’s history after leaving Egypt. He begins by reminding the Israelites of God’s command to leave Mount Horeb, where they received the Law, in order to go and conquer the Promised Land.

Moses recounts the story of Israel’s journey from Mount Horeb (Sinai). He had the people choose wise and respected men and appointed them as leaders because the Israelites had become so numerous.

Moses reminds the people that he called upon the judges to conduct their legal procedures with equity, knowing that every judgment belongs to the LORD.

Moses continues to recount Israel’s history in leaving Egypt up to this point. At Kadesh Barnea, he commanded the Israelites to go up and occupy the Promised Land because it has been given to them by the LORD, the one to whom all things belong. The people asked to send in a party to spy out the land, which Moses agreed to.

Moses continues recounting their exodus history. Due to lack of trust in the LORD, the Israelites rebelled against the command to go up to possess the land. They refused to take possession of what God had given.

Moses continues his history lesson. God judged the first generation of Israelites for covenant violation by precluding them from entering the Promised Land.

The story continues. The disobedient Israelites decided to go up and fight with their enemies against the will of God. Consequently, their tentative conquest was unsuccessful and shameful.