The Unity of The Bible: Deuteronomy

Moses rehearses in the ears of all Israel their failures and YHWH’s law and grace.

• Deuteronomy 1:1-42 Israel brought to the brink of the land of promise. The spies saw that its fruitfulness was as they were told, yet the rebelled against YHWH and would not go in to possess the land due to unbelief. YHWH swore that those above twenty years of age would not enter, but that their children whom they said would be consumed would enter. Israel then confesses their sin and presumptuously attempts to enter Canaan on their own.
• Chapters 2-3 Moses rehearses the blessings of God upon Israel (cf Genesis 1:26-28;12:1-3) through their journeys, and how He brought them again to approach Canaan, and has given them Joshua as their leader.
• Deuteronomy 4:1-40 Israel reminded of having been given the law that they might fear YHWH always (Deuteronomy 4:10 cf Exodus 19:9). This heart-felt allegiance to YHWH is what separates Israel from all other nations.
  • Deuteronomy 4:24 A warning against idolatry.
  • Deuteronomy 4:25-40 The mighty works of God done that Israel might know that YHWH is the only true God. (cf Exodus 9:16)
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The Unity of The Bible: Numbers

• Numbers 1:1-26 A census taken and Israel found to be a great nation, as YHWH promised Abraham. Cf Genesis 12:1-3;15:1-6 
•  Numbers 3:40-50 All firstborn redeemed (i.e. a ransom paid for them) and the Levites taken in service in their place. Why? They all belong to YHWH their Creator who brought them out of Egypt and is Lord of all.
• Numbers 13-14 Israel spies out the land of Canaan. All spies acknowledge that it is indeed a very fruitful land, as was told them by YHWH. Only Joshus and Caleb believe, however, that they can take the land in possession. Israel weeps and longs to return to Egypt. YHWH threatens to destroy Israel because of their rebellious unbelief. Moses pleads with Him to spare Israel based upon the glory of YHWH that had been revealed to Him (cf Exodus 33:17-34:7) Keep Reading>>>

The Unity of The Bible: Leviticus

Some years ago, when I was just a boy preacher, I remember spending a Sunday with a simple, country preacher at the church where he was pastor. During the day he looked at my Bible, noticing my underlinings and notes. He commented, “Boy, you’ve sure been studyin’! Even in Leviticus!” I suppose that his attitude toward Leviticus is similar to that of most of us. Leviticus is terribly boring to most of us, it seems.

The reality is that Leviticus presents a system of sacrifice, worship, and living that is befitting those who worship the “I AM” Who delivered Israel out of Egypt and promised them their own sort of paradise. In fact, to YHWH, sacrifices which were offered according to the proper order were pleasing; i.e. acceptable worship.

• Leviticus 7:37 The sacrifices were to be offered in the order prescribed at Sinai.
• Leviticus 9:1-24 When Aaron and sons were inaugurated into the priesthood, in repsonse, YHWH shows His glory. In so doing, He demonstrated that He was their God” the God worthy of worship. This, of course, is based upon the fact that He is Creator and the One who delivered them from Egypt. Continue Reading>>>