What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 1:5?

On the east side of the Jordan

• The setting is precise and literal. Israel is camped on the eastern bank of the Jordan River, opposite Canaan (cf. Deuteronomy 1:1; Numbers 36:13).

• This location underscores that the nation is on the verge of entering the promised land yet not there quite yet (cf. Joshua 1:14-15).

• By fixing the scene here, the text reminds readers that God’s promises are imminent and tangible—only a river’s crossing away.

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In the land of Moab

• Moab is territory Israel traversed after their wilderness wanderings (cf. Numbers 21:11-13).

• God had directed Israel not to attack Moab (Deuteronomy 2:9), so this land becomes a temporary staging ground rather than a conquest.

• The mention of Moab highlights God’s sovereignty over nations and boundaries (cf. Acts 17:26) and shows His care in guiding Israel safely to their appointed inheritance.

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Moses began to explain

• Moses, nearing the end of his life, turns from leader-warrior to teacher-shepherd (cf. Deuteronomy 31:2).

• “Began” signals a fresh initiative: Moses will review, clarify, and press home God’s word so the next generation embraces it (cf. Deuteronomy 6:6-9).

• Explaining Scripture is the duty of every God-appointed leader (cf. Nehemiah 8:8; 2 Timothy 4:2).

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This law

• The phrase covers all the covenant instruction given at Sinai and reiterated in Deuteronomy (cf. Deuteronomy 4:8; 17:18-19).

• God’s law is portrayed as complete, good, and life-giving—never optional (cf. Psalm 19:7; Matthew 5:17-19).

• Moses’ exposition underscores that God’s word is understandable and meant to be obeyed, not left mysterious or distant (cf. Romans 10:8).

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Saying:

• This colon introduces a long discourse spanning Deuteronomy 1–30.

• Every following word carries the weight of divine authority, not mere human commentary (cf. 2 Peter 1:21).

• The narrative pause invites listeners to lean in, ready to receive the covenant terms that shape their identity and destiny.

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summary

Deuteronomy 1:5 roots us in a real place and moment—east of the Jordan, in Moab—where Moses, under God’s direction, begins expounding the covenant law. The verse emphasizes proximity to promise, the protective boundaries of God, the necessity of clear teaching, the sufficiency of God’s law, and the divine authority behind every word that follows.