Numbers 36 -Deuteronomy 1 & Psalm 32

Finally, we reach the end, but of course there are questions that Israel still has about the land, primarily concerned with a previous decision which will enable daughters to inherit land if there is no son. In Numbers 36, the tribes are concerned that if these women then marry outside their tribe that the tribe will loose the land. So God determines that women must marry within the tribe to maintain the equal distribution of the land.

And there we have it, Numbers is done. So that is Leviticus and Numbers you have made it through. Congrats.

So now we need an introduction to Deuteronomy since we jump right into our reading. Deuteronomy is the final book of the Pentateuch, or the Torah. The Pentateuch is frequently seen as the books of Moses, at first believed to be written by Moses but we have come to understand that is not the case. However, it is pretty clear that if there was one dominant person in the first five books, including Genesis, then Moses is that person.

The Book of Deuteronomy, its name means "second law-giving", can be best described at Moses' journal. Through out, Moses provides further development on the law and instructions to Israel. Moses also provides reflections upon past events, putting these events into context so that Israel can learn from them. The first four chapters recall the journey from Sinai to the Transjordan region. The next section, roughly from the middle of chapter 4 through 28 is further instructions to Israel about the covenant. The third section from 29 to 32 includes a supplementary covenant struck between God and Israel in Moab. Finally the book ends with Moses' final words to Israel, his death and turning the leadership over to Joshua.

Good readings!

So the first chapter of Deuteronomy picks up Moses' retelling the story of Israel's journey from Sinai to the Transjordanian region. While they are encamped in the region near the Jordan, Moses reminds Israel of their journey, beginning with the appointing of elders and leaders to assist him. He then recalls the sending of spies into the Promised Land, the refusal of Israel to go into the land and God's subsequent punishment for this betrayal.

The story begins...

Psalm 32

Forgiveness is a powerful thing, it offers new life and new vitality. The 32nd Psalm provides an illustration of this reality. The psalmist offers thanksgiving and praise as he or she receives forgiveness from God for sins committed.

The psalmist shares how the knowledge of his or her sin has lead to a period of personal disintegration and turmoil. Perhaps they are describing an illness that they believe to be part of God's judgment or perhaps their guilt is eating away at their souls. This illness however is lifted when they acknowledge their sin to God and seek forgiveness.

To the joy of the Psalmist, God grants the forgiveness and now the psalmist seeks to instruct Israel on confession, encouraging them to confess their sins to God and to find forgiveness.