Why is the precise dating in Deuteronomy 1:3 so important?

The precise dating ("the fortieth year, in the eleventh month, on the first [day] of the month") is crucial for several reasons. First, it firmly anchors Moses' address in a specific historical moment, just weeks before Israel's entry into the Promised Land, marking the culmination of their forty-year wilderness journey. This chronological precision underscores God's meticulous

providence and faithfulness

, demonstrating that He fulfills His promises and plans at His appointed time, even after a period of judgment (as seen in Numbers 14:34). Second, it establishes the

urgency and significance

of Moses' message. He is speaking to a new generation on the cusp of a monumental transition, needing to hear and commit to the covenant before entering the land. Finally, it provides a

for understanding the entire book of Deuteronomy as Moses' farewell address, a comprehensive review and renewal of the covenant for the generation that would inherit Canaan.

What does "according unto all that the LORD had given him in commandment unto them" imply about the book of Deuteronomy?

This phrase is foundational for understanding the nature and authority of Deuteronomy. It implies that the book is not merely Moses' personal reflections or historical accounts, but a

divinely inspired and comprehensive revelation

of God's will. Moses is presented as a faithful mediator, transmitting God's exact instructions ("all that the LORD had given him in commandment"). This emphasizes the

completeness and integrity

of the Law presented in Deuteronomy. It means that every statute, ordinance, and exhortation within the book carries the full weight of divine authority, serving as the binding covenant stipulations for Israel. This also sets Deuteronomy apart as a unique and authoritative summary of God's covenant requirements, essential for Israel's life and success in the Promised Land.

How does Deuteronomy 1:3 connect to the broader narrative of the Pentateuch?

Deuteronomy 1:3 serves as a pivotal bridge within the Pentateuch. It marks the

culmination of the wilderness narrative

found in Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers, bringing Israel to the very edge of the Promised Land after forty years of wandering (as detailed in Numbers 14:34). It signals the

transition from the generation of the Exodus to the generation of the Conquest

, highlighting the transfer of leadership and the renewal of the covenant for those who would inherit the land. Moses' address, rooted in God's previous commandments, re-establishes the

continuity of God's covenant relationship

with His people, reminding them of His faithfulness from Abraham onward (beginning in Genesis 12:1-3) and their obligations under the Law given at Sinai (as recorded in Exodus 19:5). Thus, Deuteronomy 1:3 sets the stage for the final instructions and exhortations that prepare Israel for the fulfillment of God's promises in the book of Joshua.

1:2 1:2

Deuteronomy 1:3

1:4 1:4

Bible Versions

And it came to pass in the fortieth year, in the eleventh month, on the first [day] of the month, [that] Moses spake unto the children of Israel, according unto all that the LORD had given him in commandment unto them;

And it came to pass in the fortieth {H705} year {H8141}, in the eleventh {H6249}{H6240} month {H2320}, on the first {H259} day of the month {H2320}, that Moses {H4872} spake {H1696} unto the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, according unto all that the LORD {H3068} had given him in commandment {H6680} unto them;

On the first day of the eleventh month of the fortieth year, Moshe spoke to the people of Isra'el, reviewing everything ADONAI had ordered him to tell them.

In the fortieth year, on the first day of the eleventh month, Moses proclaimed to the Israelites all that the LORD had commanded him concerning them.

And it came to pass in the fortieth year, in the eleventh month, on the first day of the month, that Moses spake unto the children of Israel, according unto all that Jehovah had given him in commandment unto them;

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.

Verse Lookup

Cross-References

Numbers 33:38

And Aaron the priest went up into mount Hor at the commandment of the LORD, and died there, in the fortieth year after the children of Israel were come out of the land of Egypt, in the first [day] of the fifth month.
Deuteronomy 4:1

¶ Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do [them], that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you.
Deuteronomy 4:2

Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish [ought] from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.
Numbers 20:1

¶ Then came the children of Israel, [even] the whole congregation, into the desert of Zin in the first month: and the people abode in Kadesh; and Miriam died there, and was buried there.

Bible Versions

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