Why did Moses begin explaining the law in Deuteronomy 1:5? Text and Immediate Context “Beyond the Jordan in the land of Moab, Moses began to explain this law, saying” (Deuteronomy 1:5). The clause “began to explain” (Hebrew: bē’er) carries the idea of making something crystal-clear, engraving it, or expounding it item by item. Deuteronomy opens with Israel camped east of the Jordan on the verge of entering Canaan in the fortieth year after the Exodus (1:3). Forty years of wilderness deaths (Numbers 14:29-35) have left a new generation that never heard Sinai’s thunder firsthand; they now need a covenant rehearsal in their own hearing. Geographical and Historical Setting The “Arabah opposite Suph” (1:1) situates the scene in the Plains of Moab, an easily identifiable locale opposite Jericho. Excavations at Tell el-Hammam show a Late Bronze Age occupation layer burned and abandoned, paralleling the biblical timetable for Israel’s entry (ca. 1406 BC). Deuteronomy’s treaty-style speeches therefore stand in a precise, datable setting rather than mythic space. Transition of Leadership and Covenant Renewal Moses will die on Mount Nebo (Deuteronomy 34); Joshua will lead the military campaign; elders will guide civil life. A written, publicly read covenant (31:9-13, 24-26) secures continuity. Explaining the law passes authority from one charismatic individual to a trans-generational text anchored in Yahweh’s unchanging character—“It is not too difficult for you” (30:11). Rhetorical Purpose—Suzerainty Treaty Pattern Deuteronomy mirrors second-millennium Hittite suzerainty treaties: 1. Preamble (1:1-5) 2. Historical prologue (1:6-4:49) 3. Stipulations (ch. 5-26) 4. Blessings & curses (ch. 27-30) 5. Witnesses & deposit (31:19-29) 6. Succession arrangements (31:14-23, 34) By “explaining” the law Moses frames Israel’s relationship to Yahweh in a diplomatic form the people already understood, reinforcing covenant loyalty before they become landowners tempted by Canaanite syncretism. Spiritual Necessity—Memory and Obedience Human forgetfulness is a recurring theme (4:9, 23; 8:11-14). Detailed explanation combats spiritual amnesia, turns raw statutes into internalized convictions, and urges heart-level obedience—“These words I command you today are to be on your heart” (6:6). Behavioral science confirms repetition plus narrative context markedly increases retention; Moses employs both. Legal and Theological Unity of the Torah Deuteronomy integrates moral, civil, and ceremonial law under the banner of love—“You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart” (6:5). By re-explaining earlier legislation (Exodus 20-23; Leviticus 17-26) and adapting it to settled life (14:22-29; 16:18-20), Moses demonstrates that the Torah is a coherent, living constitution, not a patchwork. Pastoral Concern for the Next Generation The desert-born hearers must learn that covenant privilege comes with responsibility. Fifteen times Moses addresses them as “your children” or “your sons” (e.g., 1:39; 6:2) and urges fathers to catechize (6:7; 11:19). Emphasis on family discipleship anticipates Joshua 24:15 and guards national identity. Christological Echoes Jesus quotes Deuteronomy in every temptation (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10), validates Mosaic authorship (Mark 12:26; John 5:46), and identifies the two great commandments (Deuteronomy 6:5; Leviticus 19:18) as the essence of divine law (Matthew 22:37-40). The same book Moses “explained” becomes Christ’s own sword of the Spirit, underscoring its enduring authority. Practical Application for Today 1. Teach the next generation—biblical literacy is covenant fidelity. 2. Treat Scripture as self-interpreting; Moses modeled exposition. 3. Embrace covenant identity before cultural engagement; Israel waited on the east bank until the Word was clear. Therefore Moses began explaining the law to establish historical continuity, secure covenant fidelity, prepare a new generation for life in the land, and embed God’s revelation in written form—an act that still equips believers, validates Scripture’s reliability, and ultimately points to Christ, the living Word. |
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