Deuteronomy 1 - 2 Summary

Deuteronomy chapters 1 and 2 set the stage for Moses's final addresses to the Israelites, providing a retrospective of their journey from Mount Sinai to the plains of Moab. Here's a summary:

Deuteronomy 1: Recalling the Past Rebellion:

Moses begins by reminding the Israelites of their past rebellion and disobedience. He recounts how, at Horeb (Mount Sinai), God commanded them to take possession of the Promised Land.

He recalls the appointment of leaders to help him judge the people, and then the sending of the 12 spies to scout Canaan.

He emphasizes the people's fear and lack of faith when the spies returned with reports of the land's inhabitants, leading to their refusal to enter.

As a result of their disobedience, God decreed that that generation would not enter the Promised Land, and they were condemned to wander in the wilderness for 40 years.

This chapter is really about setting the scene for why Moses is giving these speeches. It is to remind the current generation of the mistakes of the previous one.

Deuteronomy 2: The Wilderness Wanderings and Encounters:

Moses continues to recount their wanderings, describing how they spent 38 years in the wilderness.

He details their interactions with neighboring nations, including God's instructions regarding the territories of Edom, Moab, and Ammon. God instructed the Israelites not to harass these nations, as He had given those lands to them.

He then describes their victories over King Sihon of Heshbon and King Og of Bashan, highlighting God's provision and the beginning of their conquest of lands east of the Jordan River.

This chapter shows Gods control over all of the nations in the area, and how he was directing the Israelites in their travels.

In essence, these chapters serve as a historical recap, reminding the Israelites of their past failures and God's faithfulness, preparing them for the challenges and blessings that lie ahead as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.