Explore the Bible: Numbers; Deuteronomy by Mike Livingstone (Editor)

5 out of 5 stars  *****

The Israelites, led by Moses, head toward the Promised Land. Numbers tells of the great trials and tribulations of a saved and consecrated people, at Mt Sinai; who, two generations, wander in the desert for 40 years because the first rebelled against Moses and God so often. The second generation prepares for war having their faith in the One true God and the Ark of the Covenant to protect them. Moses passes away before the tribe enters the Promised Land but he makes Joshua Judge and leader. Deuteronomy tells of the teachings by Moses to the second generation who must learn the Israelite history so that they know Abraham, whom God makes a Covenant, is their ancestral father and they are about to fulfill that covenant with their actions in the Holy Land. Moses stresses the need to follow the law of God, the Ten Commandments, and to obey God's will in their enormous endeavor or suffer being scattered throughout the world. The Israelites fail to obey and suffer the fate of this warning. The stories and messages from these two books are sources from which Jesus refers approximately 1600 years later. In Deuteronomy Peter identifies Jesus as the one prophesied to rise up in the future and lead his people like Moses. When Satan tempts Jesus in the desert, where he fasts for 40 days, Jesus refers to Deuteronomy with His immediate responses telling Satan that man does not live by bread alone (Deuteronomy 8:3), not to test God but have faith in Him (Deuteronomy 6:16) and to worship no one but God, alone (Deuteronomy 6:13 and 10:20). When a scholar of the law asks Jesus what is the greatest commandment, Jesus responds with Deuteronomy 6:5 which states that obedience follows supreme love of God. Deuteronomy 6:4-9 is known as the "Shema" in Judaism, the most famous Old Testament passage. Explore the Bible: Numbers; Deuteronomy is a study that confirms prophesy that Jesus Christ is essential as the one perfect, obedient son of man and God worthy of sacrifice for mankind's sins. He did not come to this world to teach obedience of God's law; rather, to sacrifice His life out of the great love of God, our Father, so that people may follow Him and receive salvation through Him who knew no sin.  Faith saves through the grace of God.  Good works are a result of great love but not sufficient, alone, for salvation.