WE NOW begin the book of Deuteronomy nearly all of which Moses rehearsed in the hearing of the people when they were encamped by the river Jordan. Unlike the three previous books, which contain a great many types and shows telling of future events and coming glories, Deuteronomy has but few types and is largely devoted to simply stating facts, concerning their journey through the wilderness and then that which had to do with their possession of the land.
It is not a mere repetition of past events, far from it. Many things we read in the previous books are alluded to here, but they are all part of the great moral teaching of this book. And then there are some parts which were not given before. Some things do not even refer to the wilderness, even referring to their having a king.
Deuteronomy is the book of obedience. It is God’s call to Israel to walk in obedience and a rehearsal of His faithfulness which should give them every cause to want to obey.
“If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: but if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword.” Isa. 1:19,20.
Alas, time proved that, except for a little remnant, Israel had no heart for God and they only earned the curse pronounced for their disobedience. And this is what makes the book so important to God’s people in all ages. We ought to read this precious book where obedience is enjoined so strongly, for obedience and happiness go together. “If ye keep My commandments, ye shall abide in My love.” “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” (John 15:10; 13:17.)
It is most instructive for us to see that when the Lord was tempted by Satan in the wilderness the three answers the Lord used to put the tempter to flight were all quoted from the book of Deuteronomy. His perfect obedience to the Father’s will gave such power to the words of the Lord Jesus that the enemy was defeated. He was foiled to God’s glory by an obedient and dependent Man.
Disobedience characterized the first Adam, whereas perfect obedience was only seen in all the walk and ways of Jesus, the last Adam. We see in Him that which is the highest and loveliest thing in man here below — unswerving devotion to doing the will of God His Father.
What honor then the Lord Jesus put upon the book of Deuteronomy. He is our great Example, for in Him we see that which becomes us and all who desire to follow Him.
ML-09/29/1974