Deuteronomy 1:1-18
The last book of Moses, Deuteronomy, partly repeats the stories and teachings of the previous books. Having reached the end of his life, the faithful leader retraces the events in the wilderness and their lessons for Israel for the benefit of a new generation. The men who came out of Egypt have all perished, so it has become necessary to warn and teach the young generation. With this in mind, the reading of Deuteronomy will be particularly beneficial to young believers. As if to urge them not to waste precious time, the book begins with an eloquent contrast. According to v. 2 eleven days would have been sufficient to lead the people from Horeb into Canaan. Yet it took forty years! (v. 3). Several of us sadly recall having wasted many years. You certainly do not have to wait until maturity or old age to be able to enter by faith into full possession of the "heavenly places". The Holy Spirit wants to teach us the truths and principles from the very outset of our Christian life.
Vv. 13-18 remind us of our sad tendency to quarrel amongst ourselves "by the way" (Genesis 45:24) and of the measures which the Lord is obliged to take from the very first steps of His people in the wilderness.