This passage shows the last great speech of Moses; before he went to his death as stated in verse 21 and 22. Even he was unable; because of one time of anger striking the rock for water an extra time (symbolic in some ways of Christ) that he was not allowed to enter the Promised Land but saw it from afar.
Once again; they are reminded not to worship idols. The past manifestations of God on the mountain with fire was reiterated; and warnings as to future sin and being dispersed among the nations in exile after many died in the land would certainly come to pass. There is even a prophetic statement about the last days and tribulation (v. 30) where God still promised some mercy for repentance. This demonstrates the sad reality that Moses knew as God Himself that there would be rebellion as long as man remained in his sinful state until Christ returns. Nonetheless; God's covenant would remain (verse 31).
The blindness among the nation of Israel will finally be removed right before the return of Christ according to Zechariah. Romans states this as continuing until the "time of the Gentiles be complete ( Romans 11:25; see also Luke 21:24). Truly, there has been a time in the wilderness for the Jews up until today; as they have been unable to assess the suffering servant in Isaiah 53 as being Christ. Sadly; many will fall for Antichrist when "another comes in his own name" ( John 5:43). The lesson of going after enemies without God's blessing due to sin in the camp was something prevalent at that time. It was sin which caused such an extensive delay to get out of the desert; and would continually cause the nation to fall short of the promises in God's covenant for the Promised Land. Nonetheless; mercy stands as we have a God much more patient than you or I. Time and time again He forgives despite the heart of man which is desperately wicked ( Jeremiah 17:9).
Thank God for his mercies and faithfulness, He keeps his promises!
God foreknew the they would stumble when he made the promises and covenant. That's why he performed the covenant with Abraham alone.
And he said, Lord GOD, whereby shall I know that I shall inherit it?
And he said unto him, Take me an heifer of three years old, and a she goat of three years old, and a ram of three years old, and a turtledove, and a young pigeon.
And he took unto him all these, and divided them in the midst, and laid each piece one against another: but the birds divided he not.
And when the fowls came down upon the carcases, Abram drove them away.
And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him.
And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not their's, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years;
And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance.
And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age.
But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full.
And it came to pass, that, when the sun went down, and it was dark, behold a smoking furnace, and a burning lamp that passed between those pieces.
In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates: Genesis 15:8-18.
Once again; they are reminded not to worship idols. The past manifestations of God on the mountain with fire was reiterated; and warnings as to future sin and being dispersed among the nations in exile after many died in the land would certainly come to pass. There is even a prophetic statement about the last days and tribulation (v. 30) where God still promised some mercy for repentance. This demonstrates the sad reality that Moses knew as God Himself that there would be rebellion as long as man remained in his sinful state until Christ returns. Nonetheless; God's covenant would remain (verse 31).
The blindness among the nation of Israel will finally be removed right before the return of Christ according to Zechariah. Romans states this as continuing until the "time of the Gentiles be complete ( Romans 11:25; see also Luke 21:24). Truly, there has been a time in the wilderness for the Jews up until today; as they have been unable to assess the suffering servant in Isaiah 53 as being Christ. Sadly; many will fall for Antichrist when "another comes in his own name" ( John 5:43). The lesson of going after enemies without God's blessing due to sin in the camp was something prevalent at that time. It was sin which caused such an extensive delay to get out of the desert; and would continually cause the nation to fall short of the promises in God's covenant for the Promised Land. Nonetheless; mercy stands as we have a God much more patient than you or I. Time and time again He forgives despite the heart of man which is desperately wicked ( Jeremiah 17:9).
I'm editing my previous statement.
I stated;
"God foreknew the they would stumble when he made the promises and covenant. That's why he performed the covenant with Abraham alone."
I was meaning he went into an unconditional covenant with Abraham, and God performed it alone, so he put Abraham in a deep sleep.
God bless.
Thank God for his mercies and faithfulness, He keeps his promises!
God foreknew the they would stumble when he made the promises and covenant. That's why he performed the covenant with Abraham alone.
And he said, Lord GOD, whereby shall I know that I shall inherit it?
And he said unto him, Take me an heifer of three years old, and a she goat of three years old, and a ram of three years old, and a turtledove, and a young pigeon.
And he took unto him all these, and divided them in the midst, and laid each piece one against another: but the birds divided he not.
And when the fowls came down upon the carcases, Abram drove them away.
And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him.
And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not their's, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years;
And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance.
And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age.
But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full.
And it came to pass, that, when the sun went down, and it was dark, behold a smoking furnace, and a burning lamp that passed between those pieces.
In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates: Genesis 15:8-18.
God bless you and all you do.
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