What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 4:21? The LORD, however Moses begins with an intentional pause, drawing attention back to God’s personal involvement. • Even as Moses recounts past events, he emphasizes the Lord’s sovereignty (Deuteronomy 4:3–4). • Similar wording appears in Psalm 106:23, where God’s intervention is central: “He said He would destroy them—had not Moses His chosen one stood in the breach.” was angry with me Moses freely admits God’s righteous displeasure toward him. • Numbers 20:12 recalls the specific failure at Meribah: “Because you did not trust Me enough to honor Me as holy… you will not bring this assembly into the land.” • God’s anger is never capricious; it is always a response to unbelief or disobedience (Hebrews 3:17). on account of you He reminds Israel that their rebellion contributed to his discipline. • At Meribah, the people “quarreled with Moses” (Exodus 17:2), provoking the atmosphere that led to Moses’ misstep. • Psalm 95:8–9 speaks of that same generation testing the Lord in the wilderness. and He swore God confirmed His verdict with an oath, underscoring its certainty. • See Deuteronomy 3:26: “But the LORD was angry with me on your account and would not listen to me. ‘That is enough,’ the LORD said.” • Hebrews 6:17–18 shows that when God swears, His purpose is unchangeable. that I would not cross the Jordan A specific, measurable boundary was set. • Deuteronomy 34:4 records the fulfillment: Moses views the land from Pisgah but does not enter. • Joshua 1:2 then opens a new chapter: “Moses My servant is dead… now therefore arise, cross this Jordan.” The mission continues, though the leader changes. to enter the good land God’s description of Canaan highlights its blessing. • Deuteronomy 8:7 calls it “a good land of brooks of water, fountains and springs.” • Exodus 3:8 originally framed it as “a good and spacious land… flowing with milk and honey.” that the LORD your God is giving you The focus shifts from Moses’ loss to Israel’s gift. • Deuteronomy 1:25 affirms, “It is a good land that the LORD our God is giving us.” • The verb “is giving” signals ongoing, gracious action—God’s generosity did not depend on Moses’ success (Deuteronomy 7:7–8). as an inheritance The land is not earned wages but a heritage granted by covenant. • Numbers 26:53: “The land is to be divided among these as an inheritance.” • 1 Peter 1:4 applies the principle spiritually: believers have “an inheritance incorruptible… kept in heaven.” summary • God remains central; human leaders are secondary. • Disobedience, even by great servants, carries real consequences. • Divine discipline never nullifies God’s larger promises to His people. • The land illustrates both temporal blessing and the larger, eternal inheritance secured by the Lord. |
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