A Warning Against Self Righteousness

On November 25, 1895, in Leadville, Colorado the cornerstone was laid for the largest ice palace ever built in America. In an effort to bolster the town’s sagging economy, the citizens staged a winter carnival. On New Year’s Day of 1896, the town turned out for the grand … More

Victory

In this chapter Moses turns his attention to two of Israel’s problems: pride and self-righteousness. Instead of receiving the blessings of the Promised Land as unmerited gifts of grace, Israel felt they deserved the land. The reason is not given; perhaps it was because they felt it was promised to them, or because of some good work they had done. The time had come to possess the land (vv. 1-3). The enemies dwelt in cities that were superior is size and strength, yet the Lord promised to destroy them. 

 

Moses reminds the Israelites that it is not because they are righteous that they will be victorious but because of the wickedness of the nations they are to conquer. Moses gives three reasons why they will be victorious:


1. The wickedness of the nations. (v. 4)

2. Pure grace despite their stubborn spirit. (v. 5)

3. God had promised victory to the patriarchs. (v. 6)

 

God reminds Israel of her rebellion (vv. 7-11). They began rebelling the day they left their Egyptian captors. Moses tells how he spent 40 days and nights fasting (v. 9). The people in the land were wicked and ripe for judgment. Moses was addressing a new generation, but they needed to hear this part of the message and realize that they were sinners just like their ancestors.

Application

Lord, I want your goals to be my goals in life and not something that soon passes away.

Deuteronomy 9:1-11 (English Standard Version)


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