Deuteronomy 1:1

KJV

¶ These [be] the words which Moses spake unto all Israel on this side Jordan in the wilderness, in the plain over against the Red [sea], between Paran, and Tophel, and Laban, and Hazeroth, and Dizahab.

KJV (with Strong's)

These be the words {H1697} which Moses {H4872} spake {H1696} unto all Israel {H3478} on this side {H5676} Jordan {H3383} in the wilderness {H4057}, in the plain {H6160} over against {H4136} the Red {H5489} sea, between Paran {H6290}, and Tophel {H8603}, and Laban {H3837}, and Hazeroth {H2698}, and Dizahab {H1774}.

Complete Jewish Bible

These are the words Moshe spoke to all Isra'el on the far side of the Yarden River, in the desert, in the 'Aravah, across from Suf, between Pa'ran and Tofel, Lavan, Hatzerot and Di-Zahav.

Berean Standard Bible

These are the words that Moses spoke to all Israel in the wilderness east of the Jordan—in the Arabah opposite Suph—between Paran and Tophel, Laban, Hazeroth, and Dizahab.

American Standard Version

These are the words which Moses spake unto all Israel beyond the Jordan in the wilderness, in the Arabah over against Suph, between Paran, and Tophel, and Laban, and Hazeroth, and Di-zahab.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 1:1 serves as the profound introduction to the book of Deuteronomy, meticulously setting the stage for Moses's final, pivotal discourses to the nation of Israel. This inaugural verse precisely identifies the speaker, the specific audience, and the geographical and historical context, anchoring these crucial messages at a momentous juncture in Israel's journey—on the cusp of entering the Promised Land after four decades of wilderness wandering.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse functions as the literary prologue to the entire book of Deuteronomy, which is essentially a collection of Moses's farewell speeches. It immediately precedes a comprehensive review of Israel's forty-year wilderness journey, highlighting both God's unwavering faithfulness and the people's repeated failures. This historical retrospect serves as a crucial foundation for the subsequent reiteration of the Law and the renewal of the covenant, preparing the new generation for their inheritance of the land. The detailed geographical markers in this verse provide a concrete setting for the profound theological and legal instructions that follow, emphasizing the historical reality of these divine encounters and commands.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting described in Deuteronomy 1:1 is the plains of Moab, located on the east bank of the Jordan River. This geographical position is profoundly significant, as it represents the threshold of the Promised Land, Canaan, which the new generation of Israelites was poised to enter. Forty years had passed since the Exodus from Egypt, and the generation that had rebelled in the wilderness had largely perished, leaving a new generation to inherit the covenant promises. Moses, now an old man and nearing the end of his life, stands as the venerable leader and prophet, delivering his final, authoritative instructions. The mention of the "wilderness" (Hebrew: *midbar*) evokes a period of divine testing, dependence, and revelation, where Israel was forged as a nation under God's direct guidance. The specific place names—Paran, Tophel, Laban, Hazeroth, and Dizahab—further ground the narrative in a tangible historical journey, reminding the Israelites of the specific events and lessons learned at each location during their long pilgrimage.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 1:1 introduces several major theological and narrative themes that permeate the book. Primarily, it sets the stage for the **Covenant Renewal**, often referred to as the "second law," where Moses reiterates and expounds upon the covenant given at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Giving of the Law at Mount Sinai"), adapting it for the generation about to settle in the land (see [Deuteronomy 29:1](/deuteronomy/29-1 "Deuteronomy 29:1 - The Covenant in Moab")). It also underscores the theme of **Historical Retrospection**, as the book begins by recounting Israel's past experiences, highlighting God's faithfulness and their own failures, serving as a powerful reminder and warning for future obedience (as seen in [Deuteronomy 8:2](/deuteronomy/8-2 "Deuteronomy 8:2 - Remembering God's Leading in the Wilderness")). The verse emphasizes **Moses's Final Charge**, portraying him as a pivotal figure delivering crucial instructions before his death and the transition of leadership to Joshua. Finally, the **Geographical Specificity** of the verse emphasizes the historical reality and tangible journey of the Israelites, grounding the divine narrative in a concrete, verifiable context.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Words (Hebrew, _devarim'_):** The Hebrew term אֵלֶּה הַדְּבָרִים (*'elleh haddevarim'*) literally translates to "These are the words," and it serves as the Hebrew title for the book of Deuteronomy. More than mere utterances, *devarim* often denotes significant pronouncements, commands, or matters of divine importance. Its use here immediately establishes the authoritative and instructional nature of the ensuing text, indicating that the book contains not just casual speech but divinely inspired and weighty messages from Moses.
* **Spake (Hebrew, _dabar'_):** The verb דָּבַר (*dabar*) means "to speak," "to declare," or "to command." When used in a theological context, it often implies an authoritative pronouncement, whether from God or from a divinely appointed messenger like Moses. Here, it highlights Moses's role as God's chosen intermediary, delivering God's law and will to the people with divine authority.
* **Wilderness (Hebrew, _midbar'_):** The Hebrew word מִדְבָּר (*midbar*) refers to an arid, uncultivated region, often associated with solitude, testing, and divine encounter. For Israel, the wilderness was not merely a geographical location but a crucible where their faith was tested, God's provision was experienced, and the covenant was revealed and lived out. Its mention here signifies the culmination of a formative period of divine discipline and instruction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ These [be] the words which Moses spake":** This opening clause immediately identifies the content as a collection of authoritative speeches or pronouncements, and the speaker as Moses, God's appointed prophet and leader. It sets the tone for a book primarily composed of direct address and instruction.
* **"unto all Israel":** This phrase clarifies the audience: the entire nation of Israel, emphasizing the collective responsibility and universal applicability of Moses's messages. It underscores that these "words" are for every individual and every family within the community, binding them together under the covenant.
* **"on this side Jordan in the wilderness, in the plain over against the Red [sea], between Paran, and Tophel, and Laban, and Hazeroth, and Dizahab":** This lengthy clause provides the precise geographical and historical context for Moses's address. "On this side Jordan" refers to the east bank, placing Israel in the plains of Moab, poised to enter Canaan. The "wilderness" signifies the end of their forty-year journey. The detailed list of specific locations—Paran, Tophel, Laban, Hazeroth, and Dizahab—serves to ground the narrative firmly in historical reality, reminding the Israelites of the specific places and events associated with their long journey and the lessons learned along the way. The "Red [sea]" likely refers to a branch of the Red Sea (e.g., Gulf of Aqaba) or a region nearby, connecting this final stage to their miraculous deliverance from Egypt.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 1:1 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is its function as a **Framing Device** or **Inclusio**, establishing the geographical and historical parameters for the entire book. By meticulously detailing the location at the outset, it sets the stage for the narrative and thematic content that follows, providing a concrete anchor for Moses's extensive discourses. The detailed **Geographical Naming** of specific places (Paran, Tophel, etc.) serves to establish verisimilitude, lending historical credibility and a sense of tangible reality to the events described. This specificity emphasizes that these are not mythical tales but historical occurrences experienced by a real people in real places. Furthermore, the very title of the book in Hebrew, "These are the words," highlights the literary form as a collection of **Oratory** or **Discourse**, emphasizing the spoken, authoritative nature of Moses's final charge to the nation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 1:1, by establishing the authoritative "words" of Moses at a critical juncture, immediately connects to the overarching biblical theme of divine revelation and the enduring importance of God's instruction for His people. The book of Deuteronomy, initiated by this verse, is fundamentally about the renewal of the covenant, reminding Israel of their identity as God's chosen people and their obligations under the Law as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. It underscores that spiritual inheritance is inextricably linked to remembering God's faithfulness in the past and diligently obeying His commands in the present. This foundational principle of hearing, remembering, and obeying God's words is a recurring motif throughout Scripture, emphasizing that life and blessing flow from adherence to divine truth.

* [Deuteronomy 6:4-9](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4-9 - The Shema and its Implications")
* [Joshua 1:7-8](/joshua/1-7 "Joshua 1:7-8 - Success through Obedience to the Law")
* [Proverbs 4:20-22](/proverbs/4-20 "Proverbs 4:20-22 - Attending to Wisdom's Words")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 1:1 invites us to consider the profound significance of foundational teachings and the importance of revisiting them, especially during moments of transition or new beginnings in our lives. Just as the generation of Israelites stood at a pivotal threshold, poised to enter a new land and face new challenges, we too encounter seasons that demand reflection on past lessons and a renewed commitment to divine guidance. Moses's "words" serve as a timeless reminder to look back at God's faithfulness, remember His commands, and prepare diligently for the future challenges and blessings that lie ahead. It underscores that our spiritual journey is not merely about moving forward, but also about consistently grounding ourselves in the authoritative and life-giving truths of God's Word, ensuring that our actions are aligned with His purposes as we navigate our own "promised lands."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do "words"—whether spoken or written—shape our understanding of God and our walk of faith?**
* **What "wilderness" experiences in your life have served as crucibles for spiritual growth, and what enduring lessons did you learn about God's faithfulness during those times?**
* **As you stand on the "threshold" of a new season or challenge, what foundational truths or past spiritual lessons do you need to revisit or recommit to for guidance?**

### FAQ
**Why are so many geographical locations listed in this single verse?**

Answer: The detailed listing of geographical locations in Deuteronomy 1:1 serves multiple crucial purposes. Firstly, it firmly grounds the narrative in historical reality, emphasizing that these events are not mythical but occurred at specific, identifiable places during Israel's actual journey. This specificity lends credibility and verisimilitude to Moses's addresses. Secondly, these locations likely served as mnemonic devices for the Israelites, recalling specific events, challenges, and divine interventions that took place at each site during their forty years of wilderness wandering. It reminds them of the entire journey, from their deliverance at the Red Sea to their current position on the plains of Moab, on the verge of entering the Promised Land. Finally, it underscores the culmination of their long pilgrimage and sets a precise scene for Moses's final, authoritative instructions before his death and the nation's entry into their inheritance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 1:1, by introducing the authoritative "words" of Moses and the Law given to Israel, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate Word of God, Jesus Christ. Moses, as the great prophet and lawgiver, delivered God's commands and prepared His people for their inheritance. Yet, the New Testament reveals that Moses himself pointed to a greater Prophet who would come (as anticipated in [Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15 - A Prophet Like Moses")). Jesus is that Prophet, the living Word of God made flesh (as declared in [John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God") and [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). While the Law came through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ (as stated in [John 1:17](/john/1-17 "John 1:17 - Grace and Truth Through Jesus Christ")). He did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it, bringing its ultimate purpose to completion (as taught in [Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). Thus, the "words" of Moses in Deuteronomy 1:1, which prepared Israel for a physical inheritance, ultimately point to the "words" of Christ, who offers a spiritual inheritance and eternal life through the new covenant, speaking God's final and most complete revelation (as affirmed in [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God's Final Word in His Son")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Samuel 25:1

¶ And Samuel died; and all the Israelites were gathered together, and lamented him, and buried him in his house at Ramah. And David arose, and went down to the wilderness of Paran.

Joshua 22:7

Now to the [one] half of the tribe of Manasseh Moses had given [possession] in Bashan: but unto the [other] half thereof gave Joshua among their brethren on this side Jordan westward. And when Joshua sent them away also unto their tents, then he blessed them,

Numbers 35:14

Ye shall give three cities on this side Jordan, and three cities shall ye give in the land of Canaan, [which] shall be cities of refuge.

Numbers 10:12

And the children of Israel took their journeys out of the wilderness of Sinai; and the cloud rested in the wilderness of Paran.

Numbers 13:3

And Moses by the commandment of the LORD sent them from the wilderness of Paran: all those men [were] heads of the children of Israel.

Joshua 9:10

And all that he did to the two kings of the Amorites, that [were] beyond Jordan, to Sihon king of Heshbon, and to Og king of Bashan, which [was] at Ashtaroth.

Numbers 11:35

[And] the people journeyed from Kibrothhattaavah unto Hazeroth; and abode at Hazeroth.