Deuteronomy 1:3
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Deuteronomy 1:3
3 And it came to pass in the fortieth year, in the eleventh month, on the first day of the month, that Moses spake unto the children of Israel, according unto all that the LORD had given him in commandment unto them;
Chapter Context
Deuteronomy 1 is a sermonic and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of obedience, fellowship, faith. Written during the end of the wilderness wandering (c. 1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Moses delivered these speeches as Israel prepared to enter a land filled with different Canaanite city-states.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-46: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Deuteronomy and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Deuteronomy 1:3
3 And it came to pass in the fortieth year, in the eleventh month, on the first day of the month, that Moses spake unto the children of Israel, according unto all that the LORD had given him in commandment unto them;
Analysis
The fortieth year marks the completion of judgment on the exodus generation who refused to trust God at Kadesh-barnea. The eleventh month (Shebat, January-February) sets the time just weeks before Israel would cross the Jordan into Canaan. Moses speaks 'according unto all that the LORD had given him in commandment'—he is not innovating but faithfully transmitting divine revelation. This establishes the authoritative nature of Deuteronomy as God's word through Moses, not merely Moses' reflections.
Historical Context
Forty years of wilderness wandering fulfilled God's judgment that the rebellious generation would die in the wilderness (Numbers 14:26-35). Moses himself would also die before entering Canaan due to his sin at Meribah (Numbers 20:12). The eleventh month timing suggests this address occurred shortly before Moses' death and Israel's Jordan crossing in the first month of the following year (Joshua 4:19).
Reflection
- How does God's faithfulness to fulfill both His promises and His warnings demonstrate His character?
- What does Moses' faithful transmission of God's commands teach about the responsibility of spiritual leaders?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- Word: Numbers 33:38