1These are the words which Moses spoke to all Israel beyond the Jordan in the wilderness, in the Arabah opposite Suf, between Paran, Tophel, Laban, Hazeroth, and Dizahab. 2It is eleven days’ journey from Horeb by the way of Mount Seir to Kadesh Barnea. 3In the fortieth year, in the eleventh month, on the first day of the month, Moses spoke to the children of Israel according to all that Yahweh had given him in commandment to them, 4after he had struck Sihon the king of the Amorites who lived in Heshbon, and Og the king of Bashan who lived in Ashtaroth, at Edrei. 5Beyond the Jordan, in the land of Moab, Moses began to declare this law, saying,
Deuteronomy is the last book of the Torah. It is a series of speeches and advice that Moses gives to the children of Israel just before they enter the promised land. At the beginning of his first address to the people Moses recalls the story so far. He reminds them of how they left Egypt and camped at Mount Sinai for a year. In that time God revealed how they would live together with him in a covenant relationship. Of course, the people rebelled, breaking their side of the covenant frequently, yet God still pursued them with mercy. After leaving Mount Sinai they headed to Kadesh-barnea. This journey would normally take eleven days, but it took them forty years.
Why did it take so long?
The answer is simple, it was because of disobedience and complaining. We’re hungry, we’re tried, we’re thirsty, we’re fed up waiting on Moses up that mountain, let’s just make an idol to worship. The list is endless. Have you ever been stuck on a long journey with someone who constantly moans, it sure steals the joy out of travelling doesn’t it?
The Israelites are living proof that whinging makes journey longer! The children of Israel failed to see God’s provision, he gave them food to eat, water to drink, victory in battle and their shoes never wore out. Today, let’s not let our journey be clouded with complaining, don’t allow anything to take our focus of God, who has and will provide all that we need.