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Study this verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Deuteronomy 1:1–8. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
We have here, I. The date of this sermon which Moses preached to the people of Israel. A great auditory, no question, he had, as many as could crowd within hearing, and particularly all the elders and officers, the representatives of the people; and, probably, it was on the sabbath day that he delivered this to them. 1. The place were they were now encamped was in the plain, in the land of Moab (Deu 1:1, Deu 1:5), where they were just ready to enter Canaan, and engage in a war with the Canaanites. Yet he discourses not to them concerning military affairs, the arts and stratagems of war, but concerning their duty to God; for, if they kept themselves in his fear and favour, he would secure to them the conquest of the land: their religion would be their best policy. 2. The time was near the end of the fortieth year since they came out of Egypt. So long God had borne their manners, and they had borne their own iniquity (Num 14:34), and now that a new and more pleasant scene was to be introduced, as a token for good, Moses repeats the law to them. Thus, after God's controversy with them on account of the golden calf, the first and surest sign of God's being reconciled to them was the renewing of the tables. There is no better evidence and earnest of God's favour than his putting his law in our hearts, Psa 147:19, Psa 147:20.
II.The discourse itself.
In general, Moses spoke unto them all that the Lord had given him in commandment (Deu 1:3), which intimates, not only that what he now delivered was for substance the same with what had formerly been commanded, but that it was what God now commanded him to repeat. He gave them this rehearsal and exhortation purely by divine direction; God appointed him to leave this legacy to the church. He begins his narrative with their removal from Mount Sinai (Deu 1:6), and relates here,
1.The orders which God gave them to decamp, and proceed in their march (Deu 1:6, Deu 1:7): You have dwelt long enough in this mount. This was the mount that burned with fire (Heb 12:18), and gendered to bandage, Gal 4:24. Thither God brought them to humble them, and by the terrors of the law to prepare them for the land of promise. There he kept them about a year, and then told them they had dwelt long enough there, they must go forward. Though God brings his people into trouble and affliction, into spiritual trouble and affliction of mind, he knows when they have dwelt long enough in it, and will certainly find a time, the fittest time, to advance them from the terrors of the spirit of adoption. See Rom 8:15.
2.The prospect which he gave them of a happy and early settlement in Canaan: Go to the land of the Canaanites (Deu 1:7); enter and take possession, it is all your own. Behold I have set the land before you, Deu 1:8. When God commands us to go forward in our Christian course he sets the heavenly Canaan before us for our encouragement.
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Summary
Deuteronomy 1:5 serves as a pivotal introductory verse, precisely establishing the geographical and temporal setting for Moses' final, comprehensive discourse to the Israelites. It marks the commencement of a crucial period of instruction and covenant renewal, delivered to a new generation poised on the threshold of the Promised Land, emphasizing Moses' unique role as the divinely appointed interpreter and expounder of God's law.
Context
Literary Context
This verse immediately follows the opening four verses of Deuteronomy, which meticulously set the historical stage by specifying the precise time (the fortieth year, eleventh month, first day) and identifying Moses as the speaker. Deuteronomy 1:5 then acts as a crucial narrative bridge, transitioning from this historical preamble to the actual commencement of Moses' monumental address. The entire book of Deuteronomy is presented as Moses' farewell sermon, a profound and extended re-articulation of the covenant laws originally given at Mount Sinai. This is not a mere repetition but a comprehensive exposition, designed to imprint God's commands deeply upon the hearts and minds of the new generation, adapting and applying them for the unique challenges and responsibilities awaiting the Israelites in Canaan.
Historical & Cultural Context
The setting, "On this side Jordan, in the land of Moab," places the Israelites on the eastern side of the Jordan River, directly opposite the fertile plains of Jericho and the land of Canaan. This location is profoundly significant, representing the culmination of forty years of wilderness wandering and the precipice of entering the Promised Land. The generation that rebelled against God at Kadesh-Barnea had perished, as prophesied in Numbers 14:33. Moses is now addressing their children, a new generation who had grown up in the wilderness and needed to understand the covenant afresh before inheriting their promised inheritance. Culturally, such covenant renewal ceremonies were common in the ancient Near East, often involving a review of past history, stipulations for future conduct, and blessings or curses based on obedience, mirroring the structure of Deuteronomy.
Key Themes
Deuteronomy 1:5 introduces several foundational themes that permeate the entire book. Firstly, it underscores the theme of Covenant Renewal and Instruction, as Moses "began...to declare this law," signifying a fresh commitment to God's covenant with this new generation before they enter the land. This re-establishment of the covenant is central to Israel's identity and future. Secondly, it highlights Moses' Enduring Leadership and Prophetic Authority, even as his earthly journey concludes. His role as the primary mediator of God's word is central, emphasizing the importance of divine revelation and its authoritative interpretation for the people. Lastly, the verse points to the theme of Preparation for the Future, as the declaration of the law is not a mere historical recounting but a vital equipping for the Israelites' imminent life in Canaan, where their prosperity and success would be directly tied to their obedience to God's commands, as seen in passages like Deuteronomy 6:1-3.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This primitive root, often associated with yielding assent or undertaking an act of volition, here signifies the deliberate and intentional initiation of Moses' discourse. It implies that Moses willingly and purposefully took upon himself the monumental task of expounding God's law, marking the decisive start of the comprehensive instructions that constitute the book of Deuteronomy. It is not a casual utterance but a solemn undertaking.
This verb means "to dig," "to engrave," and figuratively, "to explain" or "to make plain." It suggests much more than a simple recitation or repetition of the law given at Sinai. Moses was not merely reading off a list of commandments; he was interpreting them, clarifying their nuances, and applying their timeless principles to the specific circumstances and challenges that the new generation would face upon entering the Promised Land. This emphasis on clarity and profound understanding underscores God's desire for His people to not just hear but truly comprehend His will.
From the root meaning "to teach" or "to instruct," tôwrâh refers to a precept, statute, or instruction, especially the Decalogue or the Pentateuch. In this context, it encompasses the entire body of God's revealed will—His covenant stipulations, statutes, and judgments. Moses' declaration of "this law" signifies a comprehensive exposition of divine truth, serving as the foundational constitution for Israel's life in the land, guiding their worship, ethics, and societal structure.
Verse Breakdown
"On this side Jordan, in the land of Moab"
This phrase precisely situates the geographical context for Moses' discourse. "On this side Jordan" (literally, "across the Jordan" from the perspective of Canaan) refers to the plains of Moab, east of the Jordan River. This location is highly symbolic, representing the boundary between the arduous wilderness journey and the promised inheritance. It signifies a threshold moment, a place of transition where the past is reviewed, and the future is prepared for, imbued with the weight of forty years of wandering and the anticipation of a new era.
"began Moses to declare"
This clause identifies the central figure, Moses, and the commencement of his pivotal action. The verb "began" indicates the initiation of a significant, extended discourse that will constitute the entire book of Deuteronomy. Moses, as God's chosen prophet and mediator, is divinely commissioned to deliver this final, crucial instruction, acting as the authoritative voice through whom God communicates His will to the new generation.
"this law, saying"
This specifies the object of Moses' declaration: "this law." This refers to the comprehensive body of covenant stipulations, statutes, and judgments that God had revealed to Israel, particularly at Sinai, now being re-presented and expounded. The phrase "saying" introduces the direct speech that follows, indicating that the book of Deuteronomy is presented as Moses' direct, authoritative address to the people, an exhaustive and comprehensive exposition of God's will for their lives in the land.
Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 1:5 employs several significant literary devices to effectively set the stage for the entire book. It functions as a Framing Device, establishing the precise geographical and temporal context within which Moses' extensive discourse will unfold. This immediately grounds the reader in the historical reality of the narrative, emphasizing the urgency and significance of the moment. The verse also utilizes Prolepsis or Foreshadowing, hinting at the comprehensive nature of "this law" that Moses is about to "declare," thereby building anticipation for the detailed instructions, historical recounting, and covenant stipulations that follow. Furthermore, it firmly establishes Authorial Voice and Prophetic Authority through the phrase "began Moses to declare," reinforcing Moses' central and indispensable role as the divine messenger, interpreter, and mediator, whose words carry ultimate authority and significance for the nation of Israel. The geographical specificity also serves as Symbolism, marking a transition from wilderness wandering to promised inheritance.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Deuteronomy 1:5 powerfully underscores the enduring theological principle that God's covenant people require continuous and clear instruction in His word. The act of Moses "declaring" and "making plain" the law highlights God's desire for His commands to be understood and internalized, not merely recited or superficially observed. This is a covenant of relationship, not just rules, and understanding is foundational to faithful obedience and genuine worship. This verse sets the stage for the entire book's emphasis on remembering God's past faithfulness, diligently obeying His commands in the present, and securing future blessing, a pattern that resonates throughout biblical history and remains vital for God's people today.
Reflection and Application
Deuteronomy 1:5 serves as a profound reminder of the ongoing necessity for God's people, in every generation, to be deeply rooted in His truth. Just as the Israelites needed a clear, expounded understanding of the Law to navigate their new life in Canaan, believers today require consistent and diligent engagement with Scripture to discern God's will and live faithfully in a complex and changing world. This verse calls us to embrace a posture of humble learning, recognizing that God's word is not static but dynamic, requiring careful interpretation and application to our contemporary contexts. It challenges us to move beyond superficial knowledge or mere familiarity to a profound comprehension that transforms our minds, renews our hearts, and guides our steps, preparing us for the transitions and challenges that life inevitably brings, and enabling us to live out our faith authentically and effectively.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of Moses "declaring" the law rather than just repeating it?
The Hebrew word for "declare," bâʼer (בָּאֵר), implies much more than simple recitation. It means "to make plain," "to explain clearly," or "to expound." This signifies that Moses was not merely reiterating the commandments verbatim as they were given at Sinai. Instead, he was interpreting them, clarifying their meaning, and applying their principles to the specific circumstances and challenges that the new generation of Israelites would encounter upon entering the Promised Land. This emphasis on clear exposition underscores God's desire for His people to truly understand His will, enabling them to live in faithful obedience rather than merely following rules blindly. It highlights the pedagogical nature of God's revelation, designed for comprehension and internalization, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:7.
Why is the location "the land of Moab" so important for this address?
The "land of Moab," specifically the plains of Moab, holds immense historical and theological significance. It represents the final encampment of the Israelites before they crossed the Jordan River into the Promised Land. This location marks the end of their forty years of wilderness wandering, a period of judgment and purification for the disobedient generation. Standing on the threshold of Canaan, the new generation needed to be reminded of God's faithfulness, their covenant obligations, and the lessons learned from their parents' failures. The plains of Moab were a place of transition, a strategic vantage point from which Moses could survey the land they were about to inherit and deliver his final, comprehensive instructions for their life within it. It underscores the urgency and finality of Moses' message, as he would not enter the land with them, as detailed in Deuteronomy 34:1-5.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Deuteronomy 1:5, with Moses "declaring this law" to a new generation on the cusp of their inheritance, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate Law-Giver and Interpreter, Jesus Christ. Just as Moses expounded the old covenant for Israel's entry into the physical land, Jesus, in His transformative Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1-7:29), did not abolish the Law but came to "fulfill" it, explaining its true, spiritual intent and depth for those entering the spiritual kingdom of God (Matthew 5:17). The Mosaic law, declared in Moab, revealed God's righteous standards and humanity's inability to perfectly keep them, pointing to the need for a greater righteousness and a new covenant. Christ, through His perfect obedience and sacrificial death, became the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes (Romans 10:4). Furthermore, the New Covenant, inaugurated by Christ's blood, promises that God will no longer merely declare His law externally, but will write it on the hearts and minds of His people through the indwelling Holy Spirit (Jeremiah 31:33; Hebrews 8:10), enabling them to truly understand and obey from within, fulfilling the very purpose of Moses' earnest declaration in a way that transcends the limitations of the old covenant.