Parshat Devarim (Deuteronomy 1:1-3:22) — The sin of the spies and the secret of repairing the damage it has caused throughout the generation.
Shorashim study and Overview
Moshe begins to give over his last instructuion , teaching and rebuke to his people 37 days before he passes away. The verse says, “These are the words that Moses spoke to all of Israel on the far side of the Jordan River.”
What do the words ‘”These are the words that Moses spoke ..” teach us about the book of Deuteronomy?
The verse continues to declare that “These are the words which Moses spoke to all Israel on the other side of the Jordan, in the desert, in the Arava, opposite Suf, between Paran, and Tofel, and Lavan, and Hazerot, and Di-Zahav.”
What do all those locations teach us, especially since some of those “locations” are not geographical locations?
Moshe begins his repetition of the Torah called the Mishne Torah and reviews the events that occurred and the laws that were given during the sojourn in the wilderness. He gives them rebuke, warnings and promises. At this point Moshe reminds them of the appointment of judges and magistrates who will serve to teach them the word of G-d
Which one of those things actually become the theme of the whole book of Deuteronomy?
Moshe also raises the incident with the spies and the people’s lack of faith that led to their long journey through the wilderness. Moshe then says “Also against me,” says Moses, “was G-d angry for your sakes, saying: You, too, shall not go in there.”
Is that true?
Moshe also describes the refusal of the nations of Moab and Ammon to allow the Israelites to pass through their countries and the wars against the Emorite kings Sichon and Og, Moshe’s main message to the people and to Joshua was : “Fear them not, for the L-rd your G-d, He shall fight for you.”
Is that true for generations?
What changed from Moshe’s time to Joshua and beyond?
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