Torah: Deuteronomy 1:1–3:22
PROPHETS: Isaiah 1:1–27
APOSTOLIC WRITINGS: John 15:1–11

The devotional below is designed to help you dive deeper into God’s heart by exploring Torah as the gateway into transformational Bible reading.

SUNDAY

Torah 1 & 2

Torah 1: 
Words Are Spoken To Be Remembered
Deuteronomy 1:1–11

1:1–5
The introduction to this book sets us up to hear Moses preaching to the nation poised for entry into the Promised Land.

1:6–11
As with any intro, try to identify the main characters (who), the time references (when) and the setting (where). Moses recounts God’s command a generation ago to leave Horeb (another name for Mt. Sinai) (vv. 6–8) and his lamenting over the heavy burden of leadership while also marveling at the way God was fulfilling His promise to Abraham (vv. 9–11; cf. Genesis 15:5). 

Torah 2:
Leaders Are Chosen To Be Followed
Deuteronomy 1:12–21

1:12–18
He then recounts the way he lightened the load of leadership by sharing it with qualified others (cf. Moses appointing judges with authority in Exodus 18:13–26 but also equipping elders with the Spirit in Numbers 11:10–30).

1:19–21
Moses then mentions their journey from Sinai to Kadesh Barnea (v. 19; cf. v. 2) and his call to faith-based obedience (vv. 20–21). Compare (cf.) Deuteronomy 1:17 and John 5:22, 27.

Application

Yeshua’s d’varim (words) are powerful and true because He speaks what He hears from His Father. In the same way, God’s d’varim are made available to you through His Holy Spirit (John 16:13). In what way are you listening, hearing and responding in faith? What “clogs” your ears from hearing His voice?

MONDAY

Torah 3 & 4

Torah 3: 
Leaders Are Accountable To God
Deuteronomy 1:22–38

1:22–25
A seemingly good plan for reconnaissance yields a seemingly good report (1:22–23). Compare Numbers 13:2–3 for another description of these events where the people’s faithless request is omitted but God’s merciful permission is highlighted.

1:26–28
Unfortunately, this faith-filled good report was the minority position and the people instead follow the bad report.

1:29–31
As usual, Moses pleads with the community to trust their covenant-keeping God.

1:32–33
Unfortunately again, the plea falls on deaf ears (and hard hearts!).

1:34–38
Leaders who had lapsed into faithlessness, and those who willfully chose to follow, would suffer the consequences (vv. 34–35 and 37; but cf. Hebrews 11:24–28). Leaders who trusted God wholeheartedly would enjoy the fruits of their faith (vv. 36 and 38).
 

Torah 4:
Followers Are Accountable For Their Choices
Deuteronomy 1:39–2:1

1:39–40
God instructs the people that their children will enter the Promised Land but that they must turn around and go the other way.

1:41–43
Even after a further attempt at correction, Israel does not shema (hear) God’s immediate instruction.

1:44–45
The consequences are not only physical suffering (v. 44) but spiritual strife (v. 45).

1:46–2:1
Eventually, Israel does follow God’s instruction to turn and go. 

application

What is God leading you to do that you are not heeding? What does faithful obedience look like today? C’mon, get specific!

TUESDAY

torah 5 & 6

Torah 5: 
God Fulfills His Promises 
Deuteronomy 2:2–2:30

2:2–3
The transition from verse 1 to 2 spans almost forty years! God now commands, “Go north” toward your Promised Land.

2:4–19
This command is coupled with an injunction to respect the boundaries of the land that God sovereignly promised Esau, Jacob’s twin brother (vv. 4–8; cf. Genesis 36:8) as well as the two sons of Jacob’s grandfather’s (Abraham) nephew, Lot (Moab’s portion, vv. 9–15; Ben-Ammi’s portion, vv. 16–19; cf. Genesis 19:36–38 and 13:5–12).

2:20–23
God defending Jacob’s relatives against previous giant inhabitants of trans-Jordanian land (Edomites vs. Horites, Moabites vs. Emmites, and Ammonites vs. Zammzumites) and even against Israel herself (Israel vs. Edom, Moab, Ammon) is intended to encourage the nation to trust that God will defend them against the inhabitants of their promised land as well (Israelites vs. Canaanites).

2:24–30
Moses continues the history lesson by describing the recent fulfillment of God’s defending them against a “Pharoah-like” hardened Amorite King, Sihon (cf. Exodus 10:1–2).  
 

Torah 6: 
Victory Comes Through Covenant Faithfulness 
Deuteronomy 2:31–3:14

2:31–3:7
God’s protection brings swift victory against King Sihon (2:31–37) as well as King Og (3:1–7).

3:8–14
The trans–Jordanian land that God had granted (vv. 8–11) is now divided according to a previous compromise that God allows (vv. 12–14; cf. Numbers 32).

application

Read 2:7 again and apply it to yourself. Do you believe God has provided you all you need? We often mistake what we “want” as something we “need.” All we really need is only found in Yeshua. What are you seeking?