Warrior gods were certainly not uncommon in the ancient world. Battle between nations held both theological and political implications for the peoples that adhered to those gods. Success or failure could induce a religious crisis and faithlessness in a particular deity. God had already fought for Israel during and after the Exodus. Israel was no stranger to the rigours of battle, having defeated the giant kings Og and Sihon and capturing the territory east of the Jordan. Moses now sets out the rules of engagement during warfare for the people of Israel. He begins by reminding the people that God Himself goes to war with them. The priests also will accompany the army into battle, once again demonstrating the lack of separation in politics and religion in the Bible.
Led by Aaron Eime.
Notes for this study can be found at http://www.christchurchjerusalem.org/sermons/study-last-words-of-moses-deut/
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