Page 53 - Advanced OT Survey Student Textbook
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rebelling below. As they worship Baal, God sends a plague, decrees death- Phineas. Stressing surety of
His promises, God gives instructions for life in Canaan: land allotment (Chapters 26-27), succession of
leader- Joshua (Chapter 27), offerings and laws (Chapters 28-30), [vengeance on Midian, Chapter 31],
special portion for 2½ tribes (Chapter 32), [journey from Egypt, 33], drive out locals (33), boundary and
city designation (Chapters 34-35), heirs (Chapter 36).
The book of Numbers
Deuteronomy
Deuteronomy is also known as the second giving of the Law.
Author and Date: Moses is most likely the author. The date of Deuteronomy
is unknown but any time after exodus from Egypt.
The theme(s) include: Same Covenant, new Generation, new Setting.
The main message of Deuteronomy focused on restating the terms of God’s
covenant, Moses reminds the people of God’s past faithfulness, charges them to remember His law, and
presents the choice and consequence of obedience or disobedience.
Chapter 1-3 is a Historical Prologue. Chapter 1-3 narrates the past commitment of God to his people.
These initial chapters contrast God’s faithfulness with Israel’s unfaithfulness. An 11-day trip took 40
years, but God was faithful to His covenant (verses 1-8). After stressing strife (verses 9-18), Moses traces
Israel’s trip from Sinai to Kadesh, juxtaposing God’s promises and Canaan’s prosperity with Israel’s
disbelief, rebellion and penalty, for nation and Moses (V 19-46). After a period of punishment, Israel
journeys from Kadesh to Moab. Despite Israel’s repeated rebellion, God did not abandon His people, but
He protects and provides for them in the desert (V 7). Just as God had provided a homeland for Edom,
Moab and Ammon (Abram’s relatives), He had prepared a place for Israel (verses 1-25). He gave them
victory over their enemies, Sihon, Hesbon, Og-Bashan, land for Rueben, Gad, ½ Manasseh (2:26-3:22),
but Moses was not allowed to enter the new land (V 23-29).
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