Preparation for Canaan

The LORD God's final assignment for Moses was to teach God's law to this new generation of Israelites in order to prepare them to enter the pagan land of Canaan.

Near the end of the fortieth year since the Israelites left Egypt, they stood poised on the east bank of the Jordan, ready to enter the land. But the LORD God knew that the nations they were about to dispossess worshiped many false gods. So, God told Moses to teach the Law to this new generation of Israelites. The lengthy message Moses expounded east of the Jordan in the territory of Moab can be found in the book of Deuteronomy (Second Law), along with a brief recap of the wilderness history. Here are high points of his message.

“The LORD your God says you must teach your children and your grandchildren in your new land across the Jordan so that you and they will fear the LORD your God all your lives and keep His commands. Then you will enjoy a long life.”

“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love Him with all your heart, soul, and strength. When He brings you into the land He promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and now gives to you, never forget Him. It is He who brought you out of your slavery in Egypt.”

“When you received the Law on Mt. Horeb and the LORD spoke out of the fire, you didn’t see any form. So be careful: don’t corrupt yourselves by making idols of any shape—man, woman, animal, bird, or fish. And when you look up at the sun, moon, and stars, don’t be tempted to bow down to them.”

“Destroy, break down, smash, burn, and cut down all the worship places and idols of the false gods of the nations you are dispossessing. Wipe out their names from those places. Do not worship the LORD your God the way those nations worship their gods. God will establish a place for worship.”

“If a prophet or dream-teller announces miraculous signs and wonders and says, ‘Let us worship other gods,’ do not listen to him even if the sign comes to pass. Don’t learn the detestable ways of the nations in your new land. Don’t sacrifice your sons and daughters in the fire, practice sorcery, cast spells, call on spirits, or engage in witchcraft. The LORD is disgusted with anyone who does these things. That’s why He is helping you destroy the nations in the land. They do all these things, but God does not permit you to do them. The LORD your God will raise up a prophet like me from among your people. Do what He says.”

Then Moses climbed to the top of Mt. Pisgah, and the LORD showed him the whole land He had promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; and there Moses died.

Before Moses died, he had placed his hands on Joshua, and the LORD had given Joshua wisdom. The people listened to Joshua and obeyed the commands the LORD had given Moses.