This past year I attended a high school graduation ceremony. They had two students speak. The first student told stories about their shared high school experience. The second student reflected on the future. In this section of Deuteronomy, Moses acts more like the first student. He reminds Israel how they got to this point—on the edge of the Promised Land—and after years in the wilderness.

First, Moses reminds them that the Lord is the God of all peoples and nations. For Israel to get to the Promised Land, they had to travel through Edom and Moab (vv. 4, 8). The Lord instructed Israel not to fight with them or take their land because He had given it to them (vv. 5, 9). The Lord acted like the patron deity of these two nations, even though they worshiped other gods!

Second, God cared for Israel and showed them grace even in judgment. Israel had been condemned to wander for forty years. Yet Moses reminded the people, “God has been with you, and you have not lacked anything” (v. 7).

Third, God is faithful in keeping His promises and in carrying through with His threats. God had promised to deliver the land of Canaan to Israel, and He would do it. God had also promised that the rebellious Exodus generation would die in the wilderness, and they did (v. 16). Both God’s promises and warnings need to be taken to heart.

Finally, God would go before Israel into Canaan (v. 25). For Israel the task must have seemed daunting. But their success did not depend upon their ability, but on God’s provision. The same is true for us today. The church can fulfill God’s mission because He is with us every step of the way (Matt. 28:18–20).

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