Tied Together: A One-Year Journey Through the Bible | Day 49 | March 1, 2026

 Scripture:

Introduction to Deuteronomy

Forty years have passed since the Israelites left Egypt. The generation that refused to enter the Promised Land has died in the wilderness, and now their children stand on the eastern bank of the Jordan River, ready to cross over. Moses, who cannot enter the land because of his own disobedience, has a few final things to say. This is where the book of Deuteronomy begins—with an aging leader addressing a new generation.

The name Deuteronomy means "repeated law" or "second law," which fits the book well. Much of what Moses shares here appears earlier in Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers. But this generation did not personally experience the slavery in Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, or the thunder at Sinai. Moses wants them to understand their history so they can know God—and knowing God enables them to trust Him.

Moses wrote this book, though the final chapter describing his death was likely added by Joshua. The setting is the plains of Moab, just across the Jordan from the land God promised to Abraham centuries earlier.

The book opens with Moses recounting Israel's journey—the victories, the failures, and God's faithful provision throughout. He then repeats the laws of the covenant, reminding the people what God expects of them. But Moses frames obedience not as burden but as blessing. One of the book's most beloved verses captures this: "And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the Lord's commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good" (Deuteronomy 10:12–13).

For your own good. The laws can seem overwhelming, even harsh, when read in long lists. But Moses wants the people to understand that these commands flow from God's love. They are guardrails, not chains—designed to lead toward life and flourishing.

At the heart of Deuteronomy lies a choice. Moses sets before the people two paths: follow God and receive blessing, or turn away and face consequences. Their parents chose poorly; Moses pleads with this generation to choose differently.

Moses also looks ahead prophetically. He knows that Israel will eventually become disobedient, that they will be scattered and exiled. But he also promises that God will bring them back, restore their land, and give them a new heart—one that allows them to truly love God as He deserves. This promise of a new heart echoes through the prophets and finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who makes a way for hearts of stone to become hearts of flesh.

After delivering his message, Moses officially commissions Joshua as Israel's new leader. He then teaches the people a song—something like a national anthem, though it speaks honestly of Israel's future failures and the consequences they will bring. Yet even this song ends with hope: God will make atonement for His people. That promise points directly to Jesus, who would become the final and perfect atonement.

Moses then ascends Mount Nebo, looks out over the Promised Land he will never enter, and dies. The book closes with a tribute to this remarkable prophet—a man who spoke with God face to face.

The Books of the Law end here, but the story continues. A new generation stands ready to claim what their parents forfeited. And the God who remained faithful through forty years of wandering will prove faithful still.

Scripture:

Deuteronomy 1