“Then Moshe and all the leaders of Israel gave orders to the people. They said, “Observe all the mitzvot I am giving you today.”-Deuteronomy 27:1
Alrighty, let’s jump right into our text study of Deuteronomy Chapter 27.
This chapter documents the ceremonies that mark Israel’s arrival into the land of Canaan.
A promise 3000 years in the making!
These final observances will take place at two locations: Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim.
It is from these two spots that the curses and blessings of the Covenant of Moses will be proclaimed.
Now right off the bat from verse 1, we encounter one of those points that scholars will point to in order to discount the credibility of the Scriptures.
Here’s what I’m talking about.
In the Torah, this is actually the ONLY place where the elders of Israel join Moses in instructing the people.
Because of this, many scholars will say this section of Scripture was a later redaction.
However, I believe there is a much more logical and reasonable explanation that can be offered up here.
Understand that at this point in the Torah, Moses’ time on earth is about to come to end.
Remember, God has already made it clear to him that he will NOT be entering the Promised Land.
Therefore, wouldn’t it make all the sense in the world that the leaders of Israel are joining Moses at this point?
Think about it.
If one is about to turn one’s authority over to another person, wouldn’t it make sense to include one’s successor during the ceremony where one is delivering his final address?
This would also demonstrate to everyone the legitimacy of the transition taking place.
Moses is simply demonstrating to both the elders and people how things should operate when he’s no longer around.
This first mediator of Israel just wants to make sure there will be no cause for rebellion, doubt or any suspicion of foul play.
In just a matter of days, all of the responsibilities that Moses carried are going to fall to Joshua, the priests and the elders to guide Israel according to the Lord’s Torah.
Soon Moses will be no more.
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