Background: "It has now been forty years since the Israelites left Egypt, and the time has come for Moses to leave his people. He will be translated and taken up. Joshua will take over and lead them across the Jordan River to the promised land. In chapters 5-11, Moses explains and teaches about the Ten Commandments and other laws of spiritual progress. The last 4 chapters of Deuteronomy, chapters 31-34, serve as a supplement and speak of Joshua's ordination, as Moses' successor, and of Moses' death (we know that he was actually translated).
A hint as to the importance of Deuteronomy is the fact that it is quoted by Old Testament prophets more than any other of the five books that Moses wrote (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy)." OT Made Easier, pg. 217-8.
Let me quickly highlight one of the great finds in this weeks reading;
Deuteronomy 8:4 I discovered that the Israelites clothing "waxed not old upon thee, neither did thy foot swell, these forty years." Their clothes did not wear out; and they didn't have foot trouble. How about that?!?! They probably did not wear shoes as sassy as those pictured above, but imagine if your feet never swelled?!?!
Scriptures to read this week: Deuteronomy 6; 8; 11; 32
PURPOSE: To encourage class members to (1) remember the Lord and the covenants they have made with him and (2) create an environment that will help them do so.
Study the following scriptures:
a. Deuteronomy 6:1–9; 11:18–21. Moses gives instructions to the Israelites to help them remember their covenants. He instructs parents to teach their children his words.
b. Deuteronomy 6:10–12; 8:1–20. Moses reminds the Israelites of God’s blessings to them. He warns them that they will perish if they do not obey God’s commandments and remember Him.
c. Deuteronomy 32:1–4, 15–18, 30–40, 45–47. Moses counsels the Israelites to be mindful of the Rock of their salvation (Jesus Christ).
After testing, chastening, and teaching the Israelites in the wilderness for 40 years, the Lord said they were ready to enter the promised land. But first he had some important instructions for them. Moses delivered these instructions in three sermons that are recorded in Deuteronomy.
• Why do you think Moses told the people to place passages of scripture between their eyes, on their hands, on the posts of their houses, and on their gates? How would such constant reminders affect our actions? What can we do in our homes to remind us of the Lord, his words, and our covenants with him? Do the pictures on our walls, the books we read, and the movies and television shows we watch remind us of the Lord, or do they suggest a longing for the world?
• What are Moses’ main messages in Deuteronomy 6:10–12 and 8:1–20? What does it mean to forget the Lord? (See Deuteronomy 8:11.) What are the consequences of forgetting him? (See Deuteronomy 8:19.)
• Who is the Rock spoken of in Deuteronomy 32:3–4? (Jesus Christ.) Why do you think Jesus Christ is sometimes called the Rock? (See Helaman 5:12.) What does it mean to build upon the Rock? (See Deuteronomy 32:46–47; Matthew 7:24–27; D&C 50:44.)
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