Week 13 — Dec 29-Jan 4: (Deut 12-34)

✝️ Deuteronomy continued ✝️

Deuteronomy is Moses’ farewell address to Israel as they camp on Moab’s plains, poised to cross the Jordan. Their tents flutter beneath hot desert winds as they gather to listen. He rehearses the forty-year trek from Sinai, recalling rebellions, manna, serpents, and victories so the new generation will trust God and avoid past failures. Moses restates the covenant, adapting its commands for settled life in farms and villages rather than tents. At the center stands the Shema: “Hear, O Israel… love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and strength.” 

Laws stress justice for the poor, honest trade, mercy toward refugees, and purity in worship. Annual festivals and sabbath years weave gratitude and rest into everyday rhythms, while cities of refuge curb blood feuds. Moses paints a vivid choice: blessing and life for loyalty, curse and exile for idolatry. He writes the law on a scroll, commissions Joshua to lead, and teaches a cautionary song the people must recite when they drift.

After pronouncing poetic blessings over each tribe, Moses climbs Mount Nebo, views the land he cannot enter, and dies there, mourned by Israel. The book concludes that no prophet like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face, had yet arisen, leaving readers longing for “a prophet like me” whom the Lord promised to raise up to complete the covenant’s hopes.

Key Verses:

● Deuteronomy 18:15 – "The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken." – A prophecy fulfilled in Jesus.

● Deuteronomy 30:19 – "I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live." – A call to obedience and faithfulness.

● Deuteronomy 34:5-6 – "So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the LORD. And he buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, over against Beth-peor: but no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day." – Moses’ unique burial shows his role in God’s plan.

3 | Laws for Worship (Deuteronomy 12–18)

God sets guidelines for proper worship, leadership, and justice to shape Israel as a holy nation. Moses speaks of future kings, priests, and a prophet like himself who will guide the people. He establishes pilgrim feasts : Passover, Weeks, and Tabernacles— and commands tithes for Levites, the poor, and sojourners.

4 | Blessings, Curses & Covenant Choice (Deuteronomy 19–30)

Moses details laws of justice, warfare, and social duty. He appoints Cities of Refuge for accidental killers. Israel must hold the Covenant Ceremony on Gerizim & Ebal, publicly declaring blessings and curses. On the plains of Moab, Moses leads a Covenant Renewal with the new generation. He prophesies Israel’s exile-and-return promise with heart circumcision, assuring restoration for those who repent and urging them to choose life.

5 | Final Words (Deuteronomy 31–33)

Moses commissions Joshua, records the law, and teaches a final song of warning and hope. Before his death, he blesses each tribe, reaffirming God’s promises for their future.

6 | The Death of Moses (Deuteronomy 34)

Moses ascends Mount Nebo, views the Promised Land, and dies. God buries him, and Joshua assumes leadership to guide Israel into their inheritance.