How does Deuteronomy 1:5 encourage us to seek deeper understanding of God's Word? Setting the Scene “On the east side of the Jordan in the land of Moab, Moses began to explain this law, saying:” (Deuteronomy 1:5) What Moses Did • He paused before the people entered the Promised Land. • He “began to explain” (lit. “expound, make plain”) the law they had already received. • He showed that simply possessing the text is not enough; understanding it matters. Why This Encourages Deeper Study • God’s Word is meant to be explained, not assumed. • The verse highlights an intentional, ordered approach to Scripture—teaching before action. • If Moses, who received the law firsthand, still broke it down for the people, we too should invest time to grasp its full meaning. Link to Obedience and Blessing • Explanation leads to comprehension; comprehension fuels obedience (Deuteronomy 4:1–2). • Israel’s success in the land depended on obeying understood commands, not vague impressions (Joshua 1:8). Echoes Throughout Scripture • Ezra did the same: “For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD and to practice it, and to teach…” (Ezra 7:10). • Nehemiah’s leaders “read from the Book of the Law of God, explaining it so that they understood the reading” (Nehemiah 8:8). • The Bereans “examined the Scriptures daily to see if these teachings were true” (Acts 17:11). • “Make every effort to present yourself approved… rightly handling the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). Practical Takeaways for Today • Schedule regular, unhurried time to read and “explain” the passage to yourself—define key words, note context. • Use reliable tools—original-language helps, cross-references, faithful commentaries. • Share insights with others; teaching reinforces learning (Hebrews 10:24–25). • Apply what you learn immediately: understanding without obedience stalls spiritual growth (James 1:22–25). Summary Deuteronomy 1:5 models a commitment to dig beneath the surface of God’s revelation. Moses’ careful exposition invites every believer to open the text, ask what it means, and live it out—confident that deeper understanding leads to deeper obedience and richer blessing. |
    |