Go Beyond

• Examples of Rebellion | Deuteronomy 9:22-24

9:22-24 | These verses pick up again on the theme of verse 7. They provide further illustrations of Israel’s rebellion. The gist of these verses is: You have always been rebellious against the Lord. The implication is: And you still are!

The following is a quick reference to the incidents referred to in these verses.

Taberah (Numbers 11:1-3) — a word that means “burning.” A place so named to serve as a reminder of the complaining of the people and the anger of the Lord which was kindled by their complaining.

Massah (Exodus 17:7) — a name that means test. A place so named to serve as a reminder of the incident where the people complained because of lack of water and put God to the test. Refer to the comments on Deuteronomy 6:16.

Kibroth-hattaavah (Numbers 11:31-35) — a term that means “the graves of greediness.” A place so named to serve as a reminder of the people’s inordinate selfishness.

Kadesh-barnea (Numbers 13-14) — the place where the report of the ten spies inspired unbelief among the Israelites. Refer to the comments on Deuteronomy 1:19-46.

Take time to review the past. | A review of the past can remind us of God’s grace and goodness towards us. Moses reviewed the past of the Israelites, a past filled with numerous instances of grumbling, greediness, failure, and faithlessness. This review accentuated God’s goodness. A review of our past will likely yield numerous instances that can serve to accentuate God’s grace and goodness towards us.

• Moses Intercedes for the People | Deuteronomy 9:25-29

9:25-29 | These verses more fully describe the content of Moses’ intercession for the people. Notice the number of personal pronouns Moses used in his prayer to remind God that the people, though rebellious, were His (9:26 and 29). Moses also reminded God of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (9:27). He also urged God to consider what the heathen nations would say if He destroyed Israel. While God would certainly justified in destroying Israel, Moses was concerned that the heathen nations might misunderstand such an action and conclude that God was unable to lead them to the Promised Land (9:28).