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Today we begin reading the book of Deuteronomy—the final book of the Torah (or Pentateuch), which makes up the Old Testament Jewish Law. Interestingly, Deuteronomy is a Greek word meaning “second law.” The title points to the second reading or "go through" of God's law in the past four books—Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus and Numbers. 

Of course, the Jewish people didn’t call this book by a Greek (gentile) name. In Hebrew, it’s called Devarim, which translates to “Words”—taken from the opening line of the book:

“These are the words that Moses spoke…” (Deuteronomy 1:1)

These final “words” of Moses are spoken during the last month of his life. He knows he won’t be entering the Promised Land, so he gives the people a recap of their history, God’s promises, and the lessons he wants them to carry forward.

Right away, Moses reminds them that God has been faithful to His promise to Abraham:

“The Lord your God has multiplied you, and behold, you are today as numerous as the stars of heaven.” (Deuteronomy 1:10)

This refers to God’s promise in Genesis 15:5 and 22:17. Moses is essentially saying, “Look—God has fulfilled His Word. You can trust Him.”

Then he brings them back to that pivotal moment, 40 years earlier, when they stood at the edge of the Promised Land in Kadesh-barnea. This year as I read, something stood out in a new way. When the people asked to send spies into the land before entering, Moses responded:

“The thing seemed good to me…” (Deuteronomy 1:23)

At first glance, that sounded like Moses left God out of the process and made a decision on his own. And honestly, that bothered me—had Moses made a major decision without speaking to the Lord?

However, after going back to Numbers 13, I found,

“The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, ‘Send men to spy out the land of Canaan…’” (Numbers 13:1–2)

It turns out God did instruct Moses to send the spies. The account in Deuteronomy doesn’t include that part. But it also doesn’t contradict it—it just emphasizes different aspects for a different purpose.

This is a powerful reminder: when studying the Bible, it is important to compare or cross-reference Scripture. One passage may seem to say something surprising or confusing—but when viewed alongside related verses, things become clearer.

God has given us the whole of His Word for a reason. It’s meant to be read as a whole.

In Deuteronomy, Moses isn’t leaving God out—he’s including the people's request without God's intruction to emphasize the people’s wavering faith. Their doubts ran so deep that when the spies returned with a discouraging report, they panicked and rebelled. Moses tried to reassure them:

“Do not be in dread or afraid of them. The Lord your God who goes before you will Himself fight for you…” (Deuteronomy 1:29–30)

However, the damage had been done. Their disobedience from second-guessing led to 40 years of wandering and a missed opportunity to experience blessing.

It’s a sober reminder for us not to test God by second-guessing His clear leading. 

Takeaway: When we study the Bible, we must be diligent. God’s Word is rich. If something seems unclear or out of place, go back, read it in context, and compare Scripture with Scripture. Just like Moses’s decision about the spies makes more sense when read alongside Numbers 13, so too will many of our questions be answered when we diligently study God's Word.

As a church or an individual, we must also learn to trust the godly leadership God places over us—especially when it’s clear they are walking with Him. Insistance on our own way can lead to spiritual wandering and missed blessings.

Let’s be a people who trust God fully, search His Word thoroughly, and walk forward faithfully.