This verse from Deuteronomy 1:3 sets the scene for the entire book. It essentially tells us:
"In the fortieth year...": This refers to the 40th year after the Israelites left Egypt (the Exodus). This is a crucial timeframe because it means the generation that experienced the Exodus firsthand has largely died out in the wilderness due to their disobedience and lack of faith.
"...in the eleventh month, on the first day of the month...": This gives a precise date. It's a specific point in time in the Israelites' journey. The eleventh month would be near the end of their wandering.
"...Moses spoke to the children of Israel...": Moses, the leader and lawgiver, is addressing the people. This is a significant event, as it signals an important communication or address.
"...according to all that Yahweh had given him in commandment to them...": This indicates that Moses is not speaking on his own authority. He's delivering a message that God (Yahweh, the Hebrew name for God) has commanded him to deliver. He will be reciting, explaining, and elaborating on the laws and teachings God had previously given.
In summary, the verse acts as an introduction to Deuteronomy:
It situates the book in time: The end of the 40-year wilderness wandering.
It highlights the speaker: Moses, a figure of immense authority and divine connection.
It underscores the source of the message: God (Yahweh), emphasizing the importance and binding nature of the words.
It suggests the content: A review and re-articulation of God's commandments and instructions to the Israelites.
Essentially, it's the setup for Moses's final speeches and reminders to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land, preparing them to be a faithful and obedient nation. Deuteronomy is a book of review, reiteration, and exhortation, meant to ensure the next generation remembers and adheres to the covenant with God.
This verse from Deuteronomy 1:3 sets the scene for the entire book. It essentially tells us:
"In the fortieth year...": This refers to the 40th year after the Israelites left Egypt (the Exodus). This is a crucial timeframe because it means the generation that experienced the Exodus firsthand has largely died out in the wilderness due to their disobedience and lack of faith.
"...in the eleventh month, on the first day of the month...": This gives a precise date. It's a specific point in time in the Israelites' journey. The eleventh month would be near the end of their wandering.
"...Moses spoke to the children of Israel...": Moses, the leader and lawgiver, is addressing the people. This is a significant event, as it signals an important communication or address.
"...according to all that Yahweh had given him in commandment to them...": This indicates that Moses is not speaking on his own authority. He's delivering a message that God (Yahweh, the Hebrew name for God) has commanded him to deliver. He will be reciting, explaining, and elaborating on the laws and teachings God had previously given.
In summary, the verse acts as an introduction to Deuteronomy:
It situates the book in time: The end of the 40-year wilderness wandering.
It highlights the speaker: Moses, a figure of immense authority and divine connection.
It underscores the source of the message: God (Yahweh), emphasizing the importance and binding nature of the words.
It suggests the content: A review and re-articulation of God's commandments and instructions to the Israelites.
Essentially, it's the setup for Moses's final speeches and reminders to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land, preparing them to be a faithful and obedient nation. Deuteronomy is a book of review, reiteration, and exhortation, meant to ensure the next generation remembers and adheres to the covenant with God.