The Bible Book by Book Part 8

8. Divisions of Canaan and the cities of Refuge, Chs. 34-36.

For Study and Discussion. (1) Make a list of the different times when G.o.d came to the relief of Israel, by providing guidance, protection, food, etc. and from them study G.o.d's wonderful resources in caring for his people. (2) Make a list of the different times and occasions when Israel or any individual sinned or rebelled against G.o.d or His leaders, and study the result in each case. (3) Make a list of the miracles of the book and give the facts about each. Show which were miracles of judgment and which were miracles of mercy. (4) The story of the spies and the results of the mistake made as seen in all the future history of Israel. (5) The story of Balak and Balaam. (6) G.o.d's punishment of disobedient and sinful nations. (7) Doubt as a source of complaint and discontent. (8) The types of Christ and Christian experience: (a) The Nazarite; (b) Aaron's Budding Rod, 17:8; Heb 9:4; (c) The Blue Ribband, 15:38; (d) The Red Heifer, 19:2; (e) The Brazen Serpent, 21:9; (f) The cities of refuge, 35:13.

Chapter V.

Deuteronomy.

Name. The name comes from the Greek word which means a second or repeated law. It contains the last words of Moses which were likely delivered during the last seven days of his life. It is not a mere repet.i.tion of the law, but rather an application of the law in view of the new conditions Israel would meet in Canaan, and because of their former disobedience.

Purpose. To lead Israel to obedience and to warn them against disobedience. The spirit and aim of the law is explained in such a way as to present both encouragement and warning.

Contents. It consists of three addresses of Moses, given on the plains of Moab at the close of the wilderness wanderings of Israel, in which he gives large sections of the law formerly given, together with additions necessary to meet the new conditions. There is also the appointment of Joshua as Moses' successor and the farewell song of blessing of Moses and the record of his death.

Style. The style is warmer and more oratorical than that of former books. Its tone is more spiritual and ethical and its appeal is "to know G.o.d," "love G.o.d" and "obey G.o.d."

Occasion and Necessity of the Book. (1) A crisis had come in the life of Israel. The life of the people was to be changed from that of wandering in the wilderness to that of residence in cities and villages and from dependence upon heavenly manna to the cultivation of the fields. Peace and righteousness would depend upon a strict observance of the laws. (2) A new religion of Canaan against which they must be put on guard. The most seductive forms of idolatry would be met everywhere and there would be great danger of yielding to it.

The Key-Word. "Thou shalt," so often repeated as, "thou shall," and "shalt not." The key-verses are 11:26-28.

a.n.a.lysis.

I. Review of the Journeys, Chs. 1-4.

1. Place of their camp, 1:1-5.

2. Their history since leaving Egypt, 1:6-3 end.

3. Exhortation to obedience, 4:1-40.

4. Three cities of refuge on this side of Jordan. 4:41-49.

II. Review of the Law, Chs. 3-26.

1. Historical and hortatory section, Chs. 5-11.

2. Laws of religion. 12:1-16:17.

3. Laws of political life. 16:18-20 end.

4. Laws of society and domestic relations, Chs. 21-26.

III. Future of Israel Foretold, Chs. 27-30.

1. Memorial tablets of stone. Ch. 27.

2. Blessing and cursing, Ch. 28.

3. Renewed covenant and Israel's future foretold. Chs. 29-30.

IV. Moses' Last Days, Chs. 31-34.

1. Charge to Joshua, Ch. 31.

2. Song of Moses, Ch. 32.

3. Blessing of Moses, Ch. 33.

4. Death of Moses, Ch. 34.

For Study and Discussion. (1) Make a list of the princ.i.p.al their past history of which Moses reminds Israel in Chapters 1-4, and find where in the previous books each incident is recorded. (2) From Chapter 11 make a list of reasons for obedience, the rewards of obedience and the importance of the study of G.o.d's law. (3) The laws of blessing and cursing (Ch. 28), make a list of the curses, the sin and the penalty, the blessings, indicating the blessing and that for which it is promised. (4) Make a list of the different countries or peoples concerning whom Israel was given commandment or warning. (5) Moses'

farewell blessing on the several tribes (Ch. 33). Make a list of what shall come to each tribe. (6) The names, location and purpose of the cities of refuge and the lessons for today to be drawn from them and their use. (7) The inflexibility of G.o.d's law.

Chapter VI.

Joshua.

Historical Books of the Old Testament. The twelve books, including those from Joshua to Esther, are called historical. They narrate the history of Israel from the entrance of Canaan to the return from captivity, which is divided into three periods or epochs. (1) _The Independent Tribes_. This consists of the work of the conquest of Canaan and of the experiences of the Judges and is recorded in Joshua, Judges and Ruth. (2) _The kingdom of Israel_. (a) Its rise, 1 Sam. (b) Its glory, 2 Sam., 1 K. 1-11, 1 Chron. 11-29, 2 Chron. 1-9. (c) _Its division and fall_, 1 K. 12-22, 2 K. 1-25; 2 Chron. 10-36. (3) _The Return from Captivity_, Ezr. Neh. and Est.

Name. Taken from Joshua, the leading character, who may be described as a man of faith, courage, enthusiasm, fidelity to duty, and leadership.

Connection with Former Books. Joshua completes the story of the deliverance begun in Exodus. If Israel had not sinned in believing the evil spies and turning back into the wilderness, we would not have had the last twenty-one chapters of Numbers and the book of Deuteronomy.

Joshua then would have followed the fifteenth chapter of Numbers, thus completing the story of G.o.d leading Israel out of Egypt into Canaan.

The Key-Word is redemption with the emphasis put upon possession while redemption in Exodus put the stress upon deliverance. The two make full redemption which requires being "brought out" and "brought in."

Purpose of the Book. (1) To show how Israel was settled in Canaan according to the promise of G.o.d. (2) To show how, by the destruction of the Canaanites, G.o.d punishes a people for their sins. (3) To show that G.o.d's people are finally heirs of earth and that the wicked shall be finally dispossessed.

Some Typical and Spiritual Matters. (1) The conflict with Canaan. In the wilderness the conflict was with Amalek who was an ill.u.s.tration of the never ending conflict of the flesh or of the "new man" and the "old man." In Canaan the conflict is typical of our struggle against princ.i.p.alities and powers and spiritual hosts in heavenly places, Eph.

6:10-18. (2) Crossing the Jordan is an ill.u.s.tration of our death to sin and resurrection with Christ. (3) The scarlet line ill.u.s.trates our safety under Christ and his sacrifice. (4) The downfall of Jericho.

This ill.u.s.trates the spiritual victories we win in secret and by ways that seem foolish to men. (5) Joshua. Joshua is a type of Christ in that he leads his followers to victory over their enemies; in that he is their advocate in time of defeat and in the way he leads them into a permanent home.

a.n.a.lysis.

I. Conquest of Canaan, Chs. 1-12.

1. The preparation, Chs. 1-2.

2. Crossing the Jordan, Chs. 3-4.

3. Conquest of Jericho, Chs. 5-6.

4. Conquest of the South, Chs. 7-10.

5. Conquest of the North, Ch. 11.