Week 9: Deuteronomy 27-Joshua 14

 

Reflection: Deuteronomy concludes with Moses’ final exhortation, urging the Israelites to "Take to heart all the words by which I am warning you today, that you may command them to your children, that they may be careful to do all the words of this law. For it is no empty word for you, but your very life" (32:46-47a). As they prepare to enter the Promised Land, a steadfast devotion to the Lord and His commands is to shape their lives and actions. As we transition into the book of Joshua, the narrative shifts into a new chapter for God’s people in the land, and the central question remains: Will the people of God remain faithful and obedient to all that the Lord has commanded? This question calls us to reflect on our own faithfulness and commitment to God’s Word as we live in the fullness of His promises through Christ.

Deuteronomy 27-29: Curses and Blessings. Moses sets before the Israelites the blessings of obedience and the curses of disobedience, symbolized by the two mountains, Gerizim and Ebal. These mountains serve as tangible reminders of the covenant and the consequences of faithfulness or rebellion. Despite witnessing God's mighty acts in Egypt and the wilderness, the people still lacked the spiritual insight and understanding required to truly embrace the covenant (29:2, 4). This passage calls us to examine our hearts and the condition of our faith, recognizing that true spiritual sight and hearing come through Christ, who fulfills the covenant and offers grace for our blindness and deafness to God's truth.

Deuteronomy 30-33: Final Words. Moses delivers his final instructions, appointing Joshua as his successor and reminding the people of God’s unwavering faithfulness. He reassures the Israelites that God Himself will lead them and never forsake them (31:3, 6), while also encouraging Joshua with the same promise (31:23). Moses sings a prophetic song, forewarning the people that they will turn to idols but urging them to cling to God's law as their life (32:46-47). In his final blessing, Moses exalts God’s incomparable majesty, declaring, "There is none like God" (33:26), a reminder that God, who rides through the heavens, is both their deliverer and their ultimate hope. For us, this passage points to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises, the One who leads us, never forsakes us, and whose majesty surpasses all.

Deuteronomy 34-Joshua 3: Entering the land. the Israelites mourn Moses’ death and prepare to cross into the Promised Land under Joshua’s leadership. As they face the daunting task of conquering the land, the Lord assures them that they will not be consumed by the inhabitants because His presence, symbolized by the Ark of the Covenant, will go before them (Joshua 3:11). Just as God promised to be with Joshua (1:5, 9), He promises to be with His people, calling them to only be strong and courageous in obeying His law and staying faithful to it. This passage highlights the centrality of God’s presence even in our journey, pointing to Christ, who goes with us, enabling us to be courageous in following His commands and entering the fullness of His promises.

Joshua 4-7: Conquering the land. the Israelites face their first major test in the Promised Land as they approach the city of Jericho. God’s instructions are baffling—walk around the city for seven days in silence and then shout. This seemingly ridiculous command highlights a crucial lesson: God's ways often defy human wisdom, but the question is not whether God can accomplish His purposes, but whether His people will trust and obey Him. The victory at Jericho is a testimony to the power of obedience, as the walls fall not because of military strategy, but because the Israelites followed God's seemingly absurd instructions in faith. For us, this passage points to Christ, who calls us to obey even when His ways don't make sense to us, trusting that His power and wisdom are far greater than our own.

Joshua 8-11: More Conquering.  the Israelites continue their conquest of the Promised Land, overcoming tremendous odds as they defeat coalitions of Canaanite kings. Despite facing overwhelming numbers, such as the armies gathered from the north, which were "like the sand that is on the seashore" (11:4), the result is always the same: Israel prevails. The reason for their success is clear—“because the LORD God of Israel fought for Israel” (10:42). This reminder emphasizes that it is not Israel’s might or strategy that secures victory, but God's sovereign power and faithfulness.

Joshua 12-14: Conquest Complete and Inheritance. Chapter 12 consists of a bunch of names which bear no meaning for us today. Why record all of the people who are conquered by Moses and Joshua? It is not so that we can be impressed at the men Moses and Joshua but to remind us that no matter what the odds, God is with his people and is able to safely deliver them and bring them to the land he has promised. Just as the people inherit the land according to God's word, so too will we inherit all of the precious promises that are for us in Christ.

Family Discussion Questions

• What does this teach us about trusting God to fulfill His promises, even when the situation seems impossible?
• How does understanding our spiritual inheritance in Christ change the way we live today? How can we strive to live in a way that honors the inheritance we have received?
• What does it look like for us to live in obedience to God in our “promised land” today—whether that’s our home, work, or community? How can we cultivate holiness in these areas, reflecting God's character to the world around us?