In narrative terms, Deuteronomy comes just as the Israelites, encamped on the plains of Moab, finally stand poised to enter the Promised Land. This entry into Canaan would provide the long-awaited climax of the story that had begun with the promises to the ancestors in Genesis, and whose fulfillment had been delayed by the enslavement in Egypt and the wandering in the wilderness.
Deuteronomy is set in the time of Moses, and Moses as Deuteronomy's speaker, arrests the narrative action in order to deliver the final words to the Israelites before he dies and they enter the Promised Land. Deuteronomy 12:2-28 presents a series of addresses by Moses to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. In verses 4-26 he reviews the nation's history, expounds upon their laws, and instructs them about the importance of loyalty to God. Verse 27 is the covenant of obedience; a ceremony in which Israel takes an oath of obedience. Moses then exhorts Israel to remain faithful to it and......
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Approximate Word Count: 3376
Approximate Pages: 13 (260 words per double-spaced page) |