DEUTERONOMY 

The following comments are from Navigator's and Quiet Time Diary journals. One verse will be entered, then the comment, then the date.

1:8    'See, I have placed the land before you; go in and possess the land which the LORD swore to give to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to them and their descendants after them.'

    Before Moses begins on the second telling of God's Law, he reviews where the Israelites have been so far; now about to enter the promised land. As our (my) life continues, it's always good to review where I've been so far - so not to repeat past errors. (DRM 5/8/06)

1:26    "Yet you were not willing to go up [to the valley of Eshcol, v. 24], but rebelled against the command of the LORD your God;

    These people had short memories. How could they forget their deliverance from the Egyptians? Their unwillingness to follow His direction caused them more suffering. When God states that I should do something, there should be no questioning, just do it! (DRM 5/8/06)

1:30    The Lord your God, who is going before you, will fight for you, as he did for you in Egypt.

    Jesus, God and the Holy Spirit are all happy to support me when I'm down. I never have to worry or even think they will EVER leave me! (DRM 3/23/88)

1:34, 35    "Then the LORD heard the sound of your words, and He was angry and took an oath, saying, 35'Not one of these men, this evil generation, shall see the good land which I swore to give your fathers, . . . {except Caleb . . . and Joshua}.

    Deuteronomy is the second telling of the story given in Exodus and Numbers. This is first told in Numbers 13.
    God had plans to give the Israelites the land, but the spies were afraid of the people who already lived there. Again, they had no faith that God could remove or displace those who were there. With their lack of faith, God decided they would die in the wilderness and the next generation would go into the land.
    Time after time, the Bible reminds us of our need to put our complete faith in Him. He knows all. He deserves our trust. After all these years, He hasn't changed. (DRM 10/29/17)

1:43    "So I spoke to you, but you would not listen. Instead you rebelled against the command of the LORD, and acted presumptuously and went up into the hill country."

    Hearing God's voice can be very difficult! Our busy lifestyles or own determination keep us (me) so busy that I don't keep quiet long enough to hear the Holy Spirit's voice. Sometimes it's loud and clear, but other times require absolute silence - which we all need time to do! (DRM 5/9/06)

2:7a,b    The Lord your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands. He has watched over your journey through this vast desert.

    Moses was reminding the Israelites how good the Lord had been to them - and it seems they needed reminding! Lord, let me always be thankful for all the gifts You have given me. (DRM 3/24/88)

3:21, 22    "And I commanded Joshua at that time, saying, 'Your eyes have seen all that the LORD your God has done to these two kings; so the LORD shall do to all the kingdoms into which you are about to cross. 22Do not fear them, for the LORD your God is the one fighting for you.' "

    It's so easy to just go my own way, and not consult God=Jesus. It's like asking God to bless my decisions - instead of listening for His. God directed this statement from Moses to Joshua. I also need God's direction. (DRM 5/10/06)

3:27    Go up to the top of (Mt.) Pisgah and look west and north and south and east. Look at the land with your own eyes, since you are not going to cross the Jordan.

    Moses knew that he would not be taking his people to the promised land. The Lord allowed him to go to the top of a nearby mountain. The Lord knows all. (DRM 3/25/88)

4:2    You shall not add to the word which I am commanding you, nor take away from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.

    This verse is like Revelation 22:18, 19 except the Revelation verses say what will happen if they/we don't obey.
    Over the years different groups have added more books and/or taken away words from the Bible that they didn't think were relevant any longer.
    God wants us to read and understand what He wrote, not with human modifications. If we do that, He will bless us in some manner.
    Consider what your church is using this week and see if it follows this "test." (DRM  6/18/13)

4:3, 4    Your eyes have seen what the LORD has done in the case of Baal-peor, for all the men who followed Baal-peor, the LORD your God has destroyed them from among you. 4But you who held fast to the LORD your God are alive today, every one of you.

    Why did Israel drift away from the Lord God after all He did for them? While I can't explain the first two generations that were in the Exodus, later there were very few torahs and the elders didn't tell the next generation what they had experienced. Now we have written Bibles and still the majority don't believe what is written.
    We who do believe can thank God for opening our spiritual eyes to all the evidence that He exists and is here to direct our personal lives. (DRM 5/12/13)

4:5    "See, I have taught you statutes and judgments just as the LORD my God commanded me, that you should do thus in the land where you are entering to possess it.

    Like Israel in the past and today, we need to be reminded where the words/laws/directives in the Bible come from. God either spoke them Himself, then through prophets including Moses here, or through Jesus when He was on earth. The Holy Spirit told each writer what to write. The words in the Bible are God's Word to us.
    Our personal goal should be to understand all that God is telling us through all the Bible, not just one book or testament, but everything from Genesis through Revelation.
    No fables in this Book; only the truth. (DRM 12/15/14)

4:9    "Only give heed to yourself and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things which your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life; but make them know to your sons and your grandsons."

    Moses wanted the Israelites to stay on track and remember all that they had seen while the Lord God provided for their needs. He wanted the parents to tell the children these things, so they wouldn't forget God's provisions. While I don't have children, I know that some parents share far more with their children than other parents do. (DRM 5/11/06) 

4:12, 13    Then the LORD spoke to you from the midst of the fire; you heard the sound of words, but you saw no form - only a voice. 13So He declared to you His covenant which He commanded you to perform, that is, the Ten Commandments; and He wrote them on two tablets of stone.

    I didn't remember this detail about the Exodus, probably because I don't remember it being in the movie.
    When God was on the mountain, it acted like a volcano (v. 11) which certainly showed His power and was to stress the importance of this event to the Israelites.
    The Ten Commandments was and still is probably the second most important part in the Bible (Jesus #1) and should be the basis of our life while on earth. How the Israelites in that era would experience this event, and others, then disobey God is beyond my understanding. Like Joshua, we are to serve the LORD. (DRM 12/12/15)

4:15b and 16    Therefore watch yourselves very carefully, 16so that you do not become corrupt and make for yourselves an idol, an image of any shape, whether formed like a man or a woman. 

    This was a verse that affected my whole faith many, many years ago. I still can not fathom why so many people in this country can worship idols and not know what they are doing! (DRM 3/26/88)

4:27    "And the LORD will scatter you among the peoples, and you shall be left few in number among the nations, where the LORD shall drive you."

    This section contains what I would call the prophecies of Moses. Israel has not yet crossed the Jordan River and Moses already is telling them that someday they will be driven out again - and in the latter days (v. 30) they will hear His voice and return again. The prophecy has been fulfilled, PTL. (DRM 5/12/06)

4:35    To you it was shown that you might know that the LORD, He is God; there is no other besides Him.

    Moses is reminding the Israelites (and us) that they actually witnessed the acts and powers of God. The things they were doing were NOT by "blind faith", but God was physically directing their way - seen by His actions.
    Like the Israelites, we also have God directing our paths. If He didn't want us to experience something the "door would be closed" and we would have gone a different way. (I have had many closed doors!)
    God is directing each of our paths, if we know it or not. (DRM 11/26/11)

4:36    "Out of the heavens He let you hear His voice to discipline you; and on earth He let you see His great fire, and you heard His words from the midst of the fire."

    Moses continues his letter or speech to Israel - reminding them of all the things that God has done for them; to illustrate that they are His chosen nation. Still, after time, people seem to forget and go their own ways. God need to be an intimate part of our lives for us to stay devoted to Him. . . (DRM 5/13/06)

5:15    'And you shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the LORD your God brought you out of there by a mighty hand and by an outstretched arm; therefore the LORD your God commanded you to observe the sabbath day.'

    During the past 50 years, I have seen this commandment change from being the most observed to probably the least observed. It all changed in the 1960's and no one seemed to care. Fortunately for Christians, our trust is in Jesus for salvation, but the Law (I think) should still be kept as much as possible. (DRM 5/14/06)

5:27    'Go near and hear all that the LORD our God says; then speak to us all that the LORD our God will speak to you, and we will hear and do it.'

    This quote is from the Israelites to Moses. It shows how quickly they changed from one side to the other. Lord, don't let me sit on a fence and change sides, but rather always be on Your side, and pleasing to You. (DRM 5/15/06)

5:29    Oh that they had such a heart in them, that they would fear Me and keep all My commandments always, that it may be well with them and with their sons forever!   

    This quote is from God Himself. He was talking to Moses after the Israelites said they would do all His commands (v. 27). God knew the Israelites would not keep their promises to fear Him and keep His commandments.
    While controversial, I believe that God doesn't change  and wants us to do the same as written here. Jesus didn't eliminate the Ten Commandments, but rather summarized them. God still would like His spiritual children to try to keep the commandments. If we fail, we sin and ask for forgiveness - but trying to do them is part of God's will for us.  See also Romans 6:15 "Not under law but under grace. . . " (DRM 9/4/16)

5:32    So be careful to do what the Lord your God has commanded you; do not turn aside to the right or to the left.

    Deuteronomy 5 contains the TEN COMMANDMENTS which all should be followed to the letter. This verse is the best summary of the commands. Don't deviate, don't be distracted by the world. Follow the commands. (DRM 3/27/88)

6:3    O Israel, you should listen and be careful to do it, that it may be well with you and that you may multiply greatly, just as the LORD, the God of your fathers, has promised you, in a land flowing with milk and honey.

    This is referring to the Law - or "His statutes and His Commandments" (v. 2). The Lord doesn't want us to listen to the Law, but to obey it.
    As Christians, we are no longer under the Law, as the Jews are, but I think the Ten Commandments are still a good set of standards that we should try to follow, even though Jesus died for our sins. (DRM 9/26/11)

    Scripture often describes the Promised Land as "a land flowing with milk and honey" ( v. 3; 11:9; 26:9,15; 27:3; 31:20), a phrase first used by God in Exodus 3:8. This is poetic language for a "rich and fertile land" (Deut. 6:3 Good News Bible), for large herds producing milk, and for fruit trees, which give "honey" (not bee honey but the thick syrup produced from dates). — Sim Kay Tee (Insight from Our Daily Bread, Radio Bible Class 9/26/11)

6:4, 5    "Hear O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one. 5 "And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul and with all your might."

    There is only one God that we worship. That's why the Trinity can be hard to explain. God has three natures . . . the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. At the time this was written, the Son and Holy Spirit were not or little known.
    After all that God has given us through His Son and His provisions for our individual lives, we should WANT to love the Lord with every part of our being - just in appreciation for what He has already done for us.
    No other being is higher than God. The leaders of our city, state/province, and nation all have to submit to His rule if they admit to it or not.
    Our God controls the universe. (DRM 6/28/17)

    Deuteronomy 6:4-9, known as the Shema (from the Hebrew for "hear", v. 4), has been called the Creed of Ancient Israel. It emphasizes the Jewish belief in one God and the importance of transmitting faith in Him to the next generation. (from Our Daily Bread, INSIGHT 6/25/17 DENNIS FISHER)

    [Re: 6:5]    Sounds familiar! Now to practice this verse . . . Do I really love God? Can I talk to Him? Does He listen to me? As I progress in the Christian life, I can hope that I will still love God in my trials as when I am well and can praise Him. (DRM 9/7/87)

    [Re: 6:5]    In Matt. 22:36-38 Jesus said this is the great and foremost commandment, and its a good summary of what is needed for salvation. To trust totally in Jesus is to love Him and want to please Him in any way possible in appreciation for the gift of salvation that He has given to us. (DRM 5/16/06)

6:6    These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart.

    Jesus refers to Deuteronomy 6:5 as the greatest commandment (Matt. 22:37, 38).
    The rest of this paragraph in Deuteronomy 6 refers to what we should do with this directive. In this verse we are told to keep the command in our heart - memorize it! Later, we are told to teach it, show it in our spiritual walk and share it with others.
    Reading something in the Bible is good, but applying what it says is better. As Christians, we are to apply the principles - as directed/commanded. (DRM 3/8/14)

6:7    You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up.

    Moses had just repeated the Ten Commandments in chapter five. In this verse he reminds the people to live by them, and teach them to their children.
    I believe that religious Jews still do some of this during the Bar Mitzvah period for their children. The Jewish "problem" is that most Jews now aren't religious. Of course they also don't believe their Messiah has already come and gone the first time.
    As Christians, we are still subject to trying to obey the Ten Commandments, but also can come to Jesus for forgiveness when we fail. (DRM 7/23/14)

6:8    You shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals on your forehead.

    When I read this verse, I thought the locations to be odd - these are the same two spots that the "mark of the beast" can be applied.
    While I can't explain the hand, if we take this verse in context, the Lord God wanted/wants us to love Him with everything we have (v. 8) including our mind. That means to read and study His word every day - so as to internalize what He wants us to do and how we are to act with others.
    Our hands COULD refer to our actions versus our minds being our thoughts.
    God loves us and wants us to love Him too! (DRM 12/9/14)

6:9    You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

    This is part of the introduction to the Ten Commandments. This verse suggests that the list should be everywhere - always in front of you so you won't forget them.
    Today in the USA the Ten Commandments are outlawed from public places like schools and courthouses. It would seem to me that if this continues, the Lord could inflict more natural disasters on this nation. (DRM 2/17/12)

6:13, 14    You shall fear only the LORD your God; and you shall worship Him and swear by His name. 14You shall not follow other gods, any of the gods of the peoples who surround you, . . .

    The Israelites were in the desert during the Exodus. Moses had just told them how good it would be when they got to the promised land (vv. 10-11), but they had to trust Him. There would be other inhabitants in the land and they would be following other gods. The Israelites saw that God truly took care of them and was the only God to be worshiped.
    This applies to us the same way; while we may not worship false idols, it's easy to worship mammon=money as it is a necessity for life. God=Jesus knows our needs and will take care of us - like the Israelites. (DRM 2/16/16)

6:15    . . . for the LORD your God in the midst of you is a jealous God; otherwise the anger of the LORD your God will be kindled against you, and He will wipe you off the face of the earth.

    This sentence begins in verse 14: "you shall not follow other gods. . . "
    The Israelites were in the desert and totally dependent on God to feed them and give them water to drink. As time went on, some got more demanding, followed other gods, and seem to have forgotten how He got them there. They had lost their 'fear of the Lord'.
    God eventually lost patience with the rebels and by the end of 40 years only two who started the journey arrived in the promised land. All the others were second generation.
    God=Jesus is serious. He wants our devotion and love and will reward us in Heaven if our devotion is consistent. (DRM 7/7/16)

6:23    'and He brought us out from there [Egypt] in order to bring us in, to give us the land which He had sworn to our fathers.'

    Moses continues to tell the Israelites to remember where they have been and to worship the Lord God as their survival depends on it (v.24). We all need to worship and depend on the Lord=Jesus to reach our ultimate goal - Heaven. (DRM 5/17/06)

7:5    This is what you are to do to them: Break down their altars, smash their sacred stones, cut down their Asherah poles and burn their idols in the fire. 

    Sometimes I feel that I would really like to do this to my obvious enemies, however with Jesus in my heart, I think the best thing for me to do is love even my enemies with the hope that they will get to know Him through me. (DRM 3/28/88)

8:2    You shall remember all the way which the LORD your God has led you in the wilderness these forty years, that He might humble you, testing you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not.

    God wants our full devotion - not only in the good times (that's easy), but also in the bad times - or times of trial.
    While God loves us as a Father, He also tests our devotion to Him - by allowing things to happen that don't go "our" way. During these times I have had challenges, but also know that He is doing this for my good and it will be better later; because I allowed Him to do it His way and not mine. (DRM 7/15/12)

8:3    He humbled you and let you be hungry, and fed you with manna which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that He might make you understand that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by everything that proceeds out of the mouth of the LORD.

    God wants us to be dependent on Him. He loves us and wants to provide for our needs. He fed the Israelites and also provided water.
    If God fed the Israelites in the desert, He is also able to feed us when we are hungry. He knows our needs and will not ignore those who have put their trust in Him. He wants only the best for us - even if we don't "see" it at the time. (DRM 6/3/14)

8:4    "Your clothing did not wear out on you, nor did your foot swell these forty years."

    This could be a preview of what it will be like in Heaven. We won't get sick (foot swell) and our bodies won't change (clothing did not wear out). God will be our provider there - and in most ways He is also our provider here - if we choose to follow Him. (DRM 5/18/06)

8:7    For the LORD your God is bringing you into a good land, a land of brooks and water, of fountains and springs, flowing forth in valleys and hills;

    I have seen photos of Israel from the early 1900's and it was nearly a desert.
    In this verse the Israelites are promised a beautiful land as they travel through the wilderness.
    God blesses those He wants to bless and withholds things if that is His desire. This applies to both people and land.
    God chose to bless the land of Israel after the Exodus and also since 1948. He added rain as a blessing - but can also create drought if that is His desire. This can occur anywhere. (DRM 7/19/13)

8:10    When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God for the good land he has given you. 

    This is a great Thanksgiving verse — a few days early. So often I just eat and never realize the amount of work involved in producing the food that we eat. 
    Verse 17 is also good as it points out that all the strength that we have we should not be self-righteous about — it wasn't we who did a particular feat, but GOD who gave us the ability to do whatever. (DRM 11/18/87)

8:11    Beware that you do not forget the LORD your God by not keeping His commandments and His ordinances and His statutes which I am commanding you today;   

    Israel was just about to enter their new land and this chapter shows God's promises on what they will find there.
    This verse is a reminder that God also wants worship and obedience from the Israelites - and us.
    Without worship, as history shows, the nation of Israel went through many trials and eventually centuries without a homeland. Now they are back in their land - will they follow this verse? (DRM 1/23/12)

8:14    . . . then your heart will become proud and you will forget the LORD your God who brought you out from the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.

    This is the end of a four verse sentence. Moses was warning the Israelites that the time would come when they would be prosperous and think they had made money (v. 13) and good homes (v. 12) on their own and forgot all about God's bringing them out from slavery. They would ignore His Laws/Commandments (v. 11) and do their own things . . . and generally, that's how it is today.
  While I'm not Jewish, I have a lot to learn and be reminded of in these verses. We are to appreciate all the Lord God=Jesus has done for us. Never, never forget Him or stop thanking Him for all good things. (DRM 1/21/15) 

8:16, 17    In the wilderness He fed you manna which your fathers did not know, that He might humble you and that He might test you, to do good for you in the end. 17Otherwise, you may say in your heart, "My power and the strength of my hand made me this wealth."

    We are totally dependent on the Lord God for everything. Even when we buy food with money, we have to remember that the Lord gave us the ability to earn the money to buy these (and other) things.
    When the Israelites were in the wilderness, God was testing their devotion to Him. They had to see that He was their provider as there is no natural food and water for all these people in the desert.
    While I am not in a physical desert, it is tempting to think I'm not dependent on the Lord, but the Holy Spirit reminds me quickly I can lose everything - like in the past. (DRM 6/9/15)

8:19    "And it shall come about if you ever forget the LORD your God, and go after other gods and serve them and worship them, I testify against you today that you shall surely perish."

    I can't think how I could clarify this verse. God wants the Israelites (and us) to worship ONLY Him. Apparently not many take this Book and verse seriously - but let me be an exception - and worship my God=Jesus, and Him only. (DRM 5/19/06)

8:20    Like the nations that the LORD makes to perish before you, so you shall perish; because you would not listen to the voice of the LORD your God.

    The Israelites were about to cross over into the promised land. It was described as a well-watered and fruitful land (vv. 7-9); reminding us that God provides and can withhold rain depending on the nations obedience to Him.
    In prior verses, the Israelites were told to follow the LORD=God then they would receive blessings, but in this verse what would actually happen was declared.
    As Christians we want to follow the Lord=Jesus, and hear His voice directing our way. This verse reminds us what could happen if we choose another way. (DRM 8/15/17)

9:5    "It is not for your righteousness or for the uprightness of your heart that you are going to possess their land, but it is because of the wickedness of these nations that the LORD your God is driving them out before you in order to confirm the oath which the LORD swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob."

    Just in case you thought you deserved this land, God wanted to remind the Israelites that they did many things to provoke Him on the journey. The point is that the other nations they were entering were even worse. God does not want any pride or self-confidence. He wants our dependence on Him. (DRM 5/20/06)

9:7b    . . . From the day you left Egypt until you arrived here, you have been rebellious against the Lord.

    This is a great summary verse of the whole chapter. I should learn not to be rebellious against the Lord, as He can certainly make me regret any wrong decisions that are made against His will. (DRM 3/29/88)

9:25    "So I fell down before the LORD the forty days and nights, which I did because the LORD had said He would destroy you."

    I've watched too many movies, or forgot this part. The Israelites had made the golden calf, then God wanted to destroy them all. Moses pleaded with God for these forty days before he got an answer. The USA society and I admit that I usually want an answer "now" - and I need patience to hear from God. (DRM 5/21/06)

10:2    I will write on the tablets the words that were on the first tablets, which you broke. Then you are to put them in the chest.

    God was certainly gracious to write the tablets a second time for Moses! God is also gracious to us, by His salvation and caring for our daily needs. (DRM 3/31/88)

10:8    At that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to serve Him and to bless in His name until this day.

    The Israelites-Jews keep to tradition. Even though it has been thousands of years since this was written, some Jews have continued this tradition - at least in name. As Christians, we also can look at the person who led us to the Lord and see how the Lord Jesus has kept His family growing through the centuries. (DRM 5/22/06)

10:12, 13    "Now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require from you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways and love Him, and to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, 13and to keep the LORD'S commandments and His statutes which I am commanding you today for your good?

    This was only logical for Moses — and it should be for all who trust in God=Jesus. . . but not all (really very few) Israelites trusted in the Lord with all their heart. They needed to be told what God expected of believers.
    Apparently, from their actions, this was too much to ask - so they drifted away from honoring/worshipping their Deliverer.
    I pray that I, and other true believers, will not drift away from wanting to serve and obey the God who created me. (DRM 4/9/14)

10:15    Yet on your fathers did the LORD set His affection to love them, and He chose their descendants after them, even you above all peoples, as it is this day.

    God is love. In this verse Moses wrote how God loves His people - the Jews of that day and all their descendants.
    When Jesus came to earth, He showed love to ALL people - not just the Jewish people. As time progressed and discussions ensued, the disciples realized that God=Jesus wanted ALL people to love Him like He loved them.
    As Christ followers, Jesus=God loves us and wants us to live with Him forever. This assurance keeps us going from day to day - as we know our eternal destiny. (DRM 10/3/16)

10:17    For the LORD your God is the God of gods and the Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God who does not show partiality nor take a bribe.

    Who is God? He is the Creator and Sustainer of the universe - from every star known to exist to every cell in our body. He loves us all equally, as He made us/put us together from the day we were conceived.
    He is higher than any other god that this world can create. He is Lord of people in authority - if they accept His rule or not. He can not be paid off with a bribe - certainly money has no value to Him.
    Why do people refuse to honor and worship Him? (DRM 11/1/13)

10:20, 21    "You shall fear the LORD your God; you shall serve Him and cling to Him, and you shall swear by His name." 21"He is your praise and He is your God, who has done these great and awesome things for you which your eyes have seen."

    God gave Moses these directives - which seem like a clear indication of what He wants from ALL believers in the one and only God. Like Israel's Exodus generation, it seems that 90% of all people have no trust or dependence on Him. I pray that I will continue to follow His narrow way - as directed here. (DRM 5/23/06)

11:8    "You shall therefore keep every commandment which I am commanding you today, so that you may be strong and go in and possess the land into which you are about to cross to possess it."

    This verse sounds like a directive, "You shall. . . " At least in today's society, people don't like to be told what they shall do, and want to choose to do on their own. Perhaps that's why Israel and today's society won't listen to God. He has our best interests in mind and we have to understand that. (DRM 5/24/06)

11:11, 12    But the land into which you are about to cross to possess it, a land of hills and valleys, drinks water from the rain of heaven, 12a land for which the LORD your God cares; the eyes of the LORD your God are always on it, from the beginning even to the end of the year.

    When the Israelites were in Egypt they had to water their crops "with your foot" (v. 10), because Egypt is mostly desert. Here, God promises that He will water the crops that will be grown. 
    Clearly, God controls the weather and can send rain where it is needed as He desires. If the nation stops following Him and goes their own way, He can stop the rain among other things. This has happened in Israel's later history and also has happened in USA in certain areas.
    Following the Lord and His commandments has far ranging implications! (DRM 4/27/15)

11:13    It shall come about, if you listen obediently to my commandments which I am commanding you today, to love the LORD your God and to serve Him with all your heart and all your soul,

    This makes me think of the "great commandment" (Matt. 22:37) that Jesus spoke of. It's not exactly the same, but close.
    God wants our souls first, then willing servants to advance His Kingdom. We can't serve Him if we have kept our souls to ourselves; as then it would be that we are trying to "buy" admission to Heaven by our works, and that isn't acceptable. (DRM 10/14/11)

11:17    Then the Lord's anger will burn against you, and he will shut the heavens so that it will not rain and the ground will yield no produce, and you will soon parish from the good land the Lord is giving you. 

    A topic of discussion at work TODAY (with a co-worker) was if our current weather disaster was God's punishment to us. While I don't think of it as a punishment, I do think of it as a sign of His strength and power. 
    The co-worker said "God is always good, and would not want to harm us." I still thought of Job and Noah and this verse also seems appropriate to show that God can teach us all a lesson, if we will listen! (DRM 10/6/87)

11:22, 23    "For if you are careful to keep all this commandment which I am commanding you, to do it, to love the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways and hold fast to Him; 23then the LORD will drive out all these nations from before you, and you will dispossess nations greater and mightier than you."

    The Bible seems so clear - "if" you will do this, "then" I will do that. At times the Jewish people have tried to keep the Law and have seen His rewards, but not always, which is the Old Testament story. In some ways each life - like my own - follows the same pattern and needs occasional corrections to stay on track. (DRM 5/25/06)

12:32    See that you do all I command you; do not add to it or take away from it.

    This chapter dealt with obeying the laws that were previously written. When Israel took over a new city, they (Israelites) were instructed to destroy pagan temples, etc. (DRM 4/1/88)

13:4    It is the Lord your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him. 

    This chapter described being swayed by other people to believe in other gods - and the punishment they must receive. Lord, don't let me be swayed into believing in anything but YOU! (DRM 4/2/88)

14:2    For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. Out of all the peoples on the face of the earth, the Lord has chosen you to be his treasured possession.

    This was written by Moses to the Israelite people of the day. Thanks to Jesus Christ and His resurrection, I am one of His chosen people and I can never be too thankful! (DRM 4/3/88)

15:7    "If there is a poor man with you, one of your brothers, in any of your towns in your land which the LORD your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart, nor close your hand from your poor brother;

    I had a person ask me for money just last evening. I absolutely refused. Why? At first I knew I had loaned him money several other times and he never paid back the loans. Then later I found out he wanted the money to gamble; and I was glad with my decision.
    The key word to this verse is "brother," referring to other believers in the Lord in need. These could be people in church that we know are true believers. These are the people God wants us to help.
    In today's society, prayer is the best thing to do FIRST, then do as the Holy Spirit leads. (DRM 12/4/12) 

15:11    There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land.

    How easy it is to ignore the poor people in this land of plenty. When I am asked to help the poor, I feel quite guilty and ashamed when I say no. Lord, let me find more time to help others in need! (DRM 4/4/88)

15:12    "If your kinsman, a Hebrew man or woman, is sold to you, then he shall serve you six years, but in the seventh year you shall set him free."

    While I don't understand the reason for slavery in the Bible, this verse seemed a bit more limiting. In the seventh year the slave was free to leave. As believers, we could be considered slaves to Christ, but this is a good position to be in. (DRM 5/26/06)

16:3    Do not eat it with bread made with yeast, but for seven days eat unleavened bread, the bread of affliction, because you left Egypt in haste - so that all the days of your life you may remember the time of your departure from Egypt. 

    This part of the 16th chapter of Deuteronomy deals with Passover as an Israeli feast. This applied to me because it is currently Passover, and we are eating Matzos nearly every day right now. (DRM 4/5/88)

16:7    And you shall cook and eat it in the place which the LORD your God chooses. And in the morning you are to return to your tents.

    This reference to the Passover meal is different from what I think occurs today. Apparently the Israelites ate this meal at the synagogue or anywhere but their home - tent. The Jews that I'm familiar with today eat Passover in homes, then sleep at home the same night. Times change. (DRM 5/27/06)

17:15    be sure to appoint over you the King the Lord your God chooses. He must be from among your own brothers. Do not place a foreigner over you, one who is not a brother Israelite. 

    Who says politics and "religion" don't mix? God clearly stated, through Moses, that He has complete authority and it is He who tells us who to choose - if we ask Him. (DRM 4/6/88)

18:18    'I will raise up a prophet from among their countrymen like you, and I will put My words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him.'

    This is another statement of God that was given through Moses. In the future He would speak through prophets. The prophets could be tested (v. 22) to see if they were from God. We can follow the same test today with people who claim to be prophets - telling us of future events. (DRM 5/28/06)

18:22    If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the Lord does not take place or come true, that is a message the Lord has not spoken.

    Sometimes I wonder if "my" new ideas are really "mine" or if they come from God. Lord, help me to know when the thoughts that I have are truly from You! (DRM 4/7/88)

19:9b+    I command you today - to love the Lord your God and to walk always in his ways - then you are to set aside three more cities (of refuge).

    The command was what got my attention in this chapter. I must always walk in the way of the Lord and NOT be diverted. (DRM 4/8/88)

20:7    Has anyone become pledged to a woman and not married her? Let him go home, or he may die in battle and someone else marry her.

    This chapter deals with "Going to War" and this verse seemed interesting to me. Now I understand how there were many marriages just before a man went to war - even in modern times. (DRM 4/9/88)

21:23a     . . .you must not leave his body on the tree overnight. Be sure to bury him that same day, because anyone who is hung on a tree is under God's curse. 

    This could be another prophetic verse about the Lord Jesus Christ. While Jesus hung on a tree (cross), He was taking away the sins of the world. (DRM 4/10/88)

22:5    A woman must not wear men's clothing, nor a man wear woman's clothing, for the Lord your God detests anyone who does this. 

    So easy said! In these "end times," it is hard to tell who is male and who is female sometimes. Thank God that I never had a desire to do this! (DRM 4/11/88)

23:15    If a slave has taken refuge with you, do not hand him over to his master. 

    This verse makes me think of the U. S. Civil War and the "underground railroad." To think of just how many years that slavery was accepted is frightening. (DRM 4/12/88)

24:16    Fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor children put to death for their fathers; each is to die for his own sin. 

    This verse reminded me of a verse in Psalm 103. We can not be responsible for the salvation of others or anything else. We must trust Him to provide everything. (DRM 4/13/88)

24:19    When you reap your harvest in your field, you shall not go back to get it: it shall be for the alien, for the orphan, and for the widow, in order that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hands.

    This reminds me of the book of Ruth in the Bible. Boaz followed the rule that was given here (Ruth 2:3) and that led to meeting and marrying Ruth, who was an earthly ancestor of Jesus (Matt. 1:5).
    We are to help the alien, the orphan, and the widow as directed here. They generally have all had a recent change in their life and need assistance to get started again in their new situation. No one likes to be alone and we are to show Christ's love by helping in any way that we can. (DRM 10/27/17)

24:21    When you gather the grapes of your vineyard, you shall not go over it again; it shall be for the alien, for the orphan, and for the widow.

    This section of Deuteronomy implements the "law" that leaves food on trees and edges of fields for the aliens, orphans and widows. In this way the poor were allowed to harvest the remainders.
    This makes me think of the book of Ruth and how she gleaned the remainders from Boaz's fields.
    God had a system that provided for everyone's need. The poor had to work to get the gleanings rather than today's government handouts. The work probably also helped in the health of those who needed the food. . . (DRM 10/8/13)

    1406 BC - Deuteronomy
    1000 BC - Ruth

25:8b, 9    If he persists in saying, "I do not want to marry her," 9his brother's widow shall go up to him in the presence of the elders, take off one of his sandals, spit in his face and say, " This is what is done to the man who will not build up his brother's family line."

    This verse is referring to two brothers, and one brother dies where the other brother is unwilling to marry the widow. The Mosaic law is interesting and this spitting verse was fascinating to me. (DRM 4/14/88)

26:19    He has declared that he will set you (the Israelites) in praise, fame and honor high above all the nations he has made and that you will be a people holy to the Lord . . . "

    The Israelites or Jews were the chosen people of the Old Testament. After Jesus died for the sins of ALL men, when we trust in Jesus, we are spiritual Jews. (DRM 4/15/88)

27:16    Cursed is the man who dishonors his father or his mother.

    This is one of the 12 curses listed in this chapter. This curse is similar to one of the 10 Commandments. Lord, help me to keep ALL Your commands! (DRM 4/16/88)

28:15    However, if you do not obey the Lord your God and do not carefully follow all his commands and decrees I am giving you today, all these curses will come upon you and overtake you:

    This chapter showed many curses that the Lord can and has done to people in the past. I still believe that the Lord does provide trials for everyone to make them stronger in their dependence on Him. (DRM 4/17/88)

29:3, 4    . . . the great trials which your eyes have seen, those great signs and wonders. 4"Yet to this day the LORD has not given you a heart to know, nor eyes to see, nor ears to hear."

    The Israelites were still in the desert. If they didn't see the parting of the Red Sea, their parents did. Still, in their hearts, they didn't know God. Unfortunately this is STILL true for most of their descendents. We can show them the difference, but only the Holy Spirit can change their hearts. (DRM 5/29/06)

29:19, 20    When such a person hears the words of this oath (the Bible law), he invokes a blessing on himself and therefore thinks, "I will be safe . . . " 20The Lord will never be willing to forgive him.

    Overconfidence is not something that I feel that I have concerning God's book, the Bible!
    Lord, don't let me ever think I totally understand everything. I will always need Your help! (DRM4/18/88)

29:23    'All its land is brimstone and salt, a burning waste, unsown and unproductive, and no grass grows in it, like the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah, Admah and Zeboiim, which the LORD overthrew in His anger and in His wrath.'

    Apparently the land of Israel was a very fertile land when the Israelites arrived. This prediction of Moses was that the land would be a wasteland because of the Jews disobedience. When we turn from our God and depend on others (gods, money) our lives can also be a waste. (DRM 5/30/06)

30:6    "Moreover the LORD your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your descendents, to love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, so that you may live.

    God promised Moses that after the Israelites left the land that He would have them return from captivity (vv. 2-5).
    In this verse He promises the people of Israel that He will also change their hearts so they will love Him with all their heart and soul so they will live . . . forever.
    Note that He is the One who changes hearts to love Him. Yes, we decide to follow Him, but He changes our heart as a result of our commitment totally to Him.
    Like the Israelites referred to here, when we commit our hearts to Him and ask for forgiveness for our sins, we can be assured we will live with Him forever. (DRM 3/17/16)

30:9    "Then the LORD your God will prosper you abundantly in all the work of your hand, in the offspring of your body and in the offspring of your cattle and in the produce of your ground, for the LORD will again rejoice over you for good, just as He rejoiced over your fathers;"

    God, through Moses, had just promised the restoration of Israel "And you shall again obey the Lord, and observe all His commandments. . . " (v. 8) apparently in that order. I think this can also be taken personally - so long as I continue to depend only on Him. (DRM 5/31/06)

30:15    "See, I have set before you today life and prosperity, and death and adversity;

    This is part of a quote from Moses to the Israelites just before his departure from their presence (Deut. 34:4).
    A choice has to be made by everyone, past and present, to either worship and serve the Lord God=Jesus or not. In this verse, Moses used words that are/or could be misunderstood. Following the Lord doesn't necessarily give us financial prosperity, but rather a spiritual prosperity where we will learn and understand the Lord's actions and have the assurance of eternal life with Him in Heaven. (DRM 4/6/14)

    To choose life is to choose God Himself and obey His Word. — from Our Daily Bread, Julie Ackerman Link 4/6/14

30:16    For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the Lord . . . will bless you. . . 

    The great assurance must be in the Bible in many ways and several times. I still love the words and hope that I may be a willing servant. (DRM 4/19/88)

30:17, 18    But if your heart turns away and you will not obey, but are drawn away and worship other gods and serve them, 18I declare to you today that you shall surely perish. You will not prolong your days in the land where you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess it.

    Moses was clearly speaking for the Lord God in these verses. It was a warning as the Lord knew the hearts of the Israelites from time past. God also knew (knows) the future and what the Israelites would eventually do.
    The answer to this situation is not to drift away from the Lord God. Keep reading His Word and listening for His still small voice. Even if you have read the whole Bible ten times, keep reading it - as there's always something new to be gleaned from the Word. (DRM 10/3/12)

30:19, 20    I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants, 20by loving the LORD your God, by obeying His voice, and by holding fast to Him; for this is your life and the length of your days, that you may live in the land which the LORD swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them."

    The directive/instruction is in v. 20. The preliminary warning/curse is in v. 19. God wants us to pay special attention to what He is directing us to do.
    God wants us to love Him, to listen and obey His voice, and to hold fast to His word.
    When we depart from His instruction we become cursed in some way. It is a narrow road to follow, but will be worth the effort in the world to come. (DRM 4/5/13)

31:6    "Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you."

    This quote of Moses tells the Israelites to be strong under Joshua's leadership, and not to fear, as the Lord God is with them. This is a great verse for me to take personally, as I need His direction daily. (DRM 6/1/06)

31:8    The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged.

    (Moses was dying and was instructing Joshua that he would succeed him.) Sometimes it seems that the Lord has forgotten me when things don't go "just right." It's always good to be encouraged that we KNOW, that no matter what, the Lord is with us! (DRM 3/21/87)

31:20    For when I bring them into the land flowing with milk and honey, which I swore to their fathers, and they have eaten and are satisfied and become prosperous, then they will turn to other gods and serve them, and spurn Me and break My covenant.

    Here God was telling Moses the future of the Israelite people after his (Moses) death. If anyone qualifies to be a prophet, God does!
    As He said, the Israelites did all these things - which are part of human sinful tendency.
    Even after giving our soul to God=Jesus, we sin and need to pray for forgiveness. (DRM 1/20/13)

32:4    The Rock! His work is perfect,
            For all His ways are just'
            A God of faithfulness and without injustice,
            Righteous and upright is He.

    This is a great description of God - as told by Moses. He never makes a mistake. While I need more patience, He does everything in His own timing. I wouldn't still be writing these if He was done with me. He is truly my King. (DRM 6/2/06)

32:7    "Remember the days of old,
           Consider the years of all generations.
           Ask your father, and he will inform you,
           Your elders, and they will tell you.

    As we sit in the 21st Century, it seems hard to comprehend Moses, 3400 years ago, telling us to "remember the days of old," as people were on earth thousands of years before him!
    As time progresses, we learn more and more things from the previous generation: It could be from your parents or someone else from that generation, or maybe even the previous generation to that.
    There is a lot of knowledge, both physical and spiritual, that should be shared. Don't ignore your elders, they have a lot of experiences to share. (DRM 10/7/17)

32:8    When the Most High gave the nations their inheritance,
           When He separated the sons of man,
           He set the boundaries of the peoples
           According to the number of the sons of Israel.

    This is from the "Song of Moses." It has to be prophetic as the Exodus was still in progress - not yet in the land. The 12 tribes got their land after arriving with Joshua - but by size?
    I also saw here that the people of Israel are called the "Sons of man" - thus indicating to me that Jesus' name - "Son of Man" could have meant He was one of the people of Israel - that makes sense! (DRM 6/5/14)

32:11    "Like an eagle that stirs up its nest,
             That hovers over its young,
             He spread His wings and caught them,
             He carried them on His pinions."

    This is from "The Song of Moses" and refers to the Israelite people.
    While these people were rebellious with God (v. 5), He still loved them and wanted them to follow His direction.
    This verse is a good illustration of God's love and protection - like an eagle watches over its young.
    God also loves us, as He loved them, and wants us to follow His direction. W have to listen to hear that still small voice of the Holy Spirit, then follow Him and not our own way. (DRM 5/25/17)

32:29    If only they were wise and would understand this and discern what their end will be!

    Why do unbelievers not believe? I remember myself not believing and how deceptive other people can be. Thank God for the Light of His word! (DRM 4/20/88)

33:29    Blessed are you, O Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord? He is your shield and helper and your glorious sword. Your enemies will cower before you. . .

    The last public words of Moses telling the Israelites that they are the saved people. Thank you, God, that through Jesus Christ, I have been spiritually saved! (DRM 4/21/88

34:4    Then the LORD said to him [Moses], "This is the land which I swore to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, saying, 'I will give it to your descendants'; I have let you see it with your eyes, but you shall not go over there."

    Moses was 120 years old when Israel had reached the border of the land that would be called Israel. While "his eye was not dim, nor his vigor abated" (v. 7), I would think it would be difficult for him to begin the fight over Jericho as soon as Israel entered the promised land.
    In this verse, God showed Moses the land from Mount Nebo, Pisgah, even though Moses would not enter it because of his sin (Numbers 20:8-12).
    We all have hopes and dreams that are unfilled - like Moses did. God=Jesus has other, better plans for us. We have to trust in Him and know the future will be better in His coming Kingdom. (DRM 8/1/16)

34:6    And He [God or Jesus?] buried him [Moses] in the valley in the land of Moab, opposite Beth-poor; but no man knows his burial place to this day.

    Who buried Moses? I've never heard of God walking on the earth, so probably in was Jesus. In v.7 we are told that even though Moses was 120 years old, his eyes were still good and he still had vigor. How I pray that I will still have vigor and want to tell people about the Lord until my last day. (DRM 6/3/06)

34:10, 11a    Since then, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face, 11who did all those miraculous signs and wonders the Lord sent him to do. . .

    As it says in this verse, no one else has ever done all the signs and wonders that Moses did while he was alive — all thanks to the power of God! (DRM 4/22/88)