Deuteronomy 1-2

Chapter 1: Israel during 40 Years

Moses recounts the stories and things that had happened to them during their 40 year march through the wilderness. Just like in Numbers 11, Moses again calls leaders. These leaders however (in comparison with the “70 Elders of Israel” he chose in 11, are more like government officials than religious authorities.

This chapter also recounts the story of sending spies into the land of Canaan. The Israelites plan to go in and defeat the Amorites, but the Lord tells them, that he would not be with them and they are chased out and weep to the Lord. He doesn’t listen.

Chapter 2: Israel Moves toward Promised Land

Israel moves forward (a recount of history by Moses) to the Promised Land. They pass around Seir, then on to a territory of the descendants of Esau. The Lord commanded the Israelites to not provoke them to war, and to pay for any food/water that they consumed. They pass on from the land of Esau and go to Moab. The Lord again commands the children of Israel to not provoke the Moabites to war, because they were descendants of Lot. After one generation of Israelites die, they once again go to Moab and are once again told to not provoke them.

Moses sends messengers to Sihon, the King of Heshbon with a peace offering, asking for permission to pass through his land. Well Sihon refuses (because the Lord hardened his heart) and the Lord commands his people to kill Sihon and his people and take his land. They accomplish this by killing everything!