Now that Moses has given the statutes and ordinances to Israel a second time, he faces the end of his days at the direction of Almighty God. It is time to appoint and commission Joshua to lead the people in the stead of Moses, and God does so by appearing at the tent of meeting in a cloud. Sadly, the Lord tells Moses that the people he shepherded for so long will soon abandon God and His ways. Moses gives Israel a song to pass down which prophesies the coming wrath of God for Israel’s rebellion, focusing on God’s power over the worthless idols that Israel will turn to worship. After this warning, the Lord tells Moses that it is time to ascend Mount Nebo, where he will see the Promised Land before he dies. His final words are a pronouncement of blessings on each tribe of Israel.

Deuteronomy 31 - 1:01 .

Deuteronomy 32 - 9:10 .

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Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.

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Moses continues to explain to Israel that they will be blessed if follow the Lord and cursed if they follow other gods. He calls out that thought which is so common to mankind: I am the exception to the rules, and as Moses puts it, “I will have peace even though I follow my own stubborn heart.” Contrary to what much of western society teaches, we are not called to pursue out heart’s desires; we are instead called to position the Lord as our heart’s desire and follow hard after him. By making the Lord the center of their affections and their delight, Israel could expect lavish provision from the Lord.

Deuteronomy 28:36 - 1:03 .

Deuteronomy 29 - 8:45 .

Deuteronomy 30 - 15:12 .

:::

Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.

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In our reading today, Moses outlines the blessings and the curses that will fall upon Israel: blessings if they keep the covenant of the Lord, and curses if they abandon the Lord’s covenant. Keep in mind that these statutes include prescribed ways in which Israel can repent of sin and execute justice. To reject the statutes and ordinances is to reject a good God who loves His people, denying that His ways lead to prosperity. Israel will serve as a witness to the nations about the Lord and His power. If they obey Him, the nations will see God’s kindness and provision. If they reject Him, the nations will witness the devastation and ruin of those who forsake His goodness and grace.

Deuteronomy 26 - 1:04 .

Deuteronomy 27 - 5:09 .

Deuteronomy 28 - 10:41 .

Psalm 67 - 17:43 .

:::

Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.

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Our reading today contains some statutes that seem harsh, some that seem odd, and others that could easily be incorporated into daily interactions today. A few things to remember: first, the covenant with Israel was one in which the entire community had to remain holy because the Lord is holy and lived among them; sometimes this means being set apart and pure in simple daily routines as a reminder that they are to be distinct among the nations. Second, it’s clear that the Lord hates injustice, which is why he sent His Son in our place, so that justice could be executed on the cross. Third, nobody likes a mooch, man! Go home and eat your own grapes!

Deuteronomy 22 - 1:01 .

Deuteronomy 23 - 6:03 .

Deuteronomy 24 - 10:45 .

Deuteronomy 25 - 14:41 .

Psalm 66 - 18:08 .

:::

Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.

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Moses continues to speak to the Israelites before his impending death, reminding this new generation about the laws and statutes that have been put in place. Many of the structures given here for a system of justice continue to provide a template for our judicial systems in the west today, including concepts such as the testimony of multiple witnesses, a hierarchy of courts, and varying degrees of manslaughter. We’ll see a foretelling of King Solomon’s fall as Moses forewarns them about the dangers of a king who acquires too many wives and horses. We’ll also see a foreshadow of Christ in today’s passage; He is the prophet raised from among Israel’s brothers who will tell them everything God commands Him.

Deuteronomy 18 - 1:02 .

Deuteronomy 19 - 4:41 .

Deuteronomy 20 - 9:57 .

Deuteronomy 21 - 13:54 .

Psalm 65 - 18:16 .

:::

Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.

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There is a beautiful picture on display in the act of bringing a tenth of your produce to the Lord as an offering. The instructions given to Israel are that they should bring the tenth to where the Lord resides and have a feast in the presence of God. So get this: God provides all the food as a gift, the Israelite brings some of it back to supply the party, and then in a way the Israelite and God feast together at the same table. Who would turn aside from this God? And friends, one day, we, too, will feast with our heavenly Father. Moses also gives instructions on cancelling debts, lending to the poor, releasing slaves, celebrating festivals, appointing judges and trying cases.

Deuteronomy 14 - 1:01 .

Deuteronomy 15 - 5:18 .

Deuteronomy 16 - 10:14 .

Deuteronomy 17 - 14:17 .

Psalm 64 - 18:18 .

:::

Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.

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If Israel enters the land and follows the Lord’s statutes and ordinances, they will be blessed by the Lord. If, however, they turn from keeping his law, they will receive a curse from the Lord, rather than a blessing. After warning the Israelites of what’s at stake, Moses begins to give a second presentation of the law of God to a new generation, hence “Deuteronomy,” meaning “second law.” Among his many admonitions is the destruction of high places and altars to foreign gods, saying, “You are not to do as we are doing here today; everyone is doing what seems right in his own sight.” Under this covenant, the purity of God’s people as a whole was tantamount, for they represented God on the earth. Therefore sin and idolatry could not be tolerated among those who were a part of Israel.

Deuteronomy 11 - 1:01 .

Deuteronomy 12 - 7:33 .

Deuteronomy 13 - 14:39 .

Psalm 63 - 18:44 .

:::

Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.

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Today, Moses preaches against the very sins that end up bringing a curse upon Israel. As Moses continues his prelude to a recounting of the Law to Israel’s next generation, he warns them against both idolatry and self-righteousness, which in both cases is a means of robbing God of the glory that is due Him and Him alone. He urges them to remember that the land they are entering has been given to them, not because of their righteousness, but because of the wickedness of the nations they are entering. When they become satisfied with the good of the land, they are not forget to worship God, love Him, and keep his commands.

Deuteronomy 8 - 1:01 .

Deuteronomy 9 - 4:42 .

Deuteronomy 10 - 12:34 .

Psalm 62 - 17:01 .

:::

Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.

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