Deuteronomy 1-2

 Observations and Interpretations:

A 11-day journey turned into 40 days v.2-3 was explained before they finally could enter the Promised Land v.5. Namely, all the people involved in the 10 spies rebellion event had to die first before they could inherit the land 1:40. Originally, they were ready as far as the number of their population v.9-18 because God has fulfilled His promise to Abraham. 

1:18 and ch 2 repeat the incident in Numbers 13. However, new information was given here. And those information target their unbelief v.32 or their 2 complaints of why they were not willing to go up to the Promised Land v.28.  

(1) The Anakites who lived in the Promised Land were numerous and tall v.28

Several countries were not given to Israel, because they were given to their "cousins," e.g. Moab and Moab were the descendants of Lot, who was the nephew of Abraham 2:9, 2:18. The land they occupied now was used to have Anakites living there 2:10, 21, but they were able to live there now because God gave them the Land. 

In other word, God had enough power to overcome even the numerous and tall Anakites. If He gave you the land He would be able to drive your enemies out. 

(2) Great cities whose defenses were as high as heaven v.28

In their recent battle with the king of Heshbon 2:26-   Israel were able to seize all their cities v.34,36. 

(ESV) 36 From Aroer, which is on the edge of the Valley of the Arnon, and from the city that is in the valley, as far as Gilead, there was not a city too high for us. The LORD our God gave all into our hands.

Application: The wasting of 40 years was due to unbelief. The reasons for their unbelief had no foundation. The tall people or the high defenses were no match to the LORD. However, they were so real to the 10 spies and the community when they heard their report. Do we walk  by faith or we walk by sight? Remember the price of walk by sight-40 years wasted in the wilderness.

(2) Moses encouraged the Israelites when they heard the 10 spies report by reminding the caring of God 1:31-32. His caring should be the foundation of your faith in Him.

v.31 him carrying you along like a man carries his son

v.33 who would go before you on the way to find places for you to camp, appearing in a fire at night and in a cloud by day to show you the way you ought to go.

Also, when Moses told Israel to pay their "cousins" with silver for water and food v.6, he explained that was because they were blessed by the LORD v.7. 

v.7 I have been attentive to your travels through this great wilderness. These forty years I have been with you; you have lacked for nothing.’ ”

Application: Is God like a father to carry you? Has He gone before you to lead you and showed you the way? Has He been attentive to you and you have lacked for nothing? If yes, why doo we not listen to Him in difficult situations?

Audrey