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In today’s reading—Deuteronomy 3–4—Moses recounts a victory he was able to experience as the Israelites began their military campaign, before they crossed the Jordan into the Promised Land.

The defeat of King Og is summarized, and unlike in Numbers, there’s no mention of the request made by the tribes of Reuben and Gad to settle east of the Jordan or the concerns that initially stirred among the other tribes. Here, Moses simply states that God gave them their inheritance—with the condition that their warriors would cross over and help their brothers until,

“the Lord gives rest to your brothers beyond the Jordan.” (Deuteronomy 3:20)

Then Moses shares something personal—the moment he begged the Lord to allow him into the Promised Land. His request is denied. In Deuteronomy 3:26, God makes it clear,

“Enough from you; do not speak to me of this matter again.”

What struck me here is how Moses attributes his consequence as the people’s fault. He implies that their behavior led to his punishment. But we know from Numbers 20:10–13 that it was Moses himself who sinned—he acted out in pride and frustration, striking the rock when God had told him to speak to it.

Yes, the people were difficult. Yes, leadership is hard. But it was Moses’s own disobedience that caused him to miss out on the blessing. And while God graciously allowed him to see the land from a distance, the consequence still stood.

It made me think: what would have happened if Moses had simply said, “I was wrong”? Maybe nothing would have changed, but spiritually there’s always healing when we choose humility over blame.

In the very next chapter, we see what happens when a person does approach God in humility. When the Israelites disobey God they’re told they will be taken out of the land. But they’re also told that when they humbly seek Him that He will show them mercy.

“If from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul”. (Deuteronomy 4:29)

God’s promises are not only conditional in judgment—they are redemptive in grace.

Takeaway: When we sin, we can either excuse it or own it. One leads to blame and bitterness; the other to healing and restoration. Don’t let pride rob you of your peace and joy. Whether you’ve wandered for a week or a lifetime, God is ready to meet you when you turn back with a whole heart. Own your failure, seek His face—and watch what He will redeem.