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Bible Study-51 (Deuteronomy 33-34)

The study through the books of Moses ends this week. Next week we will begin in Genesis.

This week I want to focus an amazing statement in Deuteronomy 34. It is recorded in verse 7.

Although Moses was one hundred and twenty years old when he died, his eye was not dim, nor his vigor abated.” – Deuteronomy 34:7

The normal process of aging evidently had not impacted Moses according to this statement. It is appropriate to ask the question, why was this so? What had happened in Moses’ years that had such an effect? Had he secretly found the “fountain of youth” and drank of its water”?

I believe that the answer to these questions lies in his experience at Mt. Sinai. Moses ascended the mountain into the cloud of the Lord which had descended upon the mountain:

And you came near and stood at the foot of the mountain, and the mountain burned with fire to the very heart of the heavens; darkness, cloud and thick gloom.” – Deuteronomy 4:11

This account describes the boldest coupling of heaven to earth in history with the exception of the period in “the garden” before the fall of man. As Moses climbed the mountain he nearly ascended into heaven. If he had gone any further he would have done like Elijah did some 600 years later and would have exited completely from the physical world. God must have prevented him from doing so.

Moses ascended into and remained directly in the presence of God for 40 days and nights. When he descended he “glowed”. Later, Jeremiah described the God of Israel as:

But the Lord is the true God; He is the living God and the everlasting King.” – Jeremiah 10:10

We may think of the expression “living God” as the entity (God) that is the very source of life and from whom all life emanates. Moses was immersed directly in the presence of this life-emanating source for an extended period of time. Somehow he absorbed some aspects of the life. Even after descending the mountain, Moses continued to “glow”. We believe that Moses had indeed discovered the “fountain of youth”. One other account is given in the Bible of a similar situation. On the so-called “Mount of Transfiguration” it is recorded that Jesus’ face and garments glowed.

And He was transfigured before them; and His face shone like the sun, and His garments became as white as light.” – Matthew 17:2

This happened because He stood, evidently for only a brief period, in the direct presence of “the living God” being manifested in the cloud. Because Jesus was crucified shortly thereafter, we cannot test our theory that the aging process was reversed as a result of this encounter.

Can we discover this “fountain of life” today? This is one important aspect of worship. As local bodies of believers we can, under Jesus’ headship, approach and stand in the presence of the “Living God”. Our experience may not be quite as dramatic as that of Moses or of Jesus but we can partake of the same thing. The Bible declares:

And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment”. – Hebrews 9:27

Even though the aging process can not be completely reversed, the restoration impact of the presence of the “Living God” will bring healing and restoration to our bodies as well as to our souls.

The time of Moses’ leadership ended with a transfer of authority to Joshua the son of Nun. This final section of Deuteronomy was obviously written after that transition. God had previously declared that He would raise up another prophet like Moses.

I will raise up a prophet from among their countrymen like you, and I will put My words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him.” – Deuteronomy 18:18

Most believe that God was speaking of the Messiah. Some argue that this “prophet like Moses” was Joshua the son of Nun. Obviously, this can not be the case since this final paragraph of Deuteronomy was written at least during and most likely after the time of Joshua’s period of leadership. The writer comments,

Since then no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face.” – Deuteronomy 34:10

By Ken Garrison, B.S., M.S., Th.M.

Bible Study-48 (Deuteronomy 29-31)

The final words of Moses to Israel reveal that he understood what would happen in their future. Obviously, God revealed to Moses these things. God knew that Israel would act unfaithfully after they had entered the land that He was giving them (Deuteronomy 31:16-18). We know now, due to hindsight, that this would lead to Israel being dispersed from the land. This happened about 800 years after the days of Moses. Jeremiah was the prophet who functioned at the time when Israel was being judged leading to their dispersion. He declared the reason for the judgment:

“The Lord said, “Because they have forsaken My law which I set before them, and have not obeyed My voice nor walked according to it” (Jeremiah 9:13).

As a result, God’s people were driven from the land.

Even after such dispersion, God gave the promise of the ingathering of the people of Israel to the land of Israel. If and when Israel repented, God declared,

“Then the Lord your God will restore you from captivity, and have compassion on you, and will gather you again from all the peoples where the Lord your God has scattered you. If your outcasts are at the ends of the earth, from there the Lord your God will gather you, and from there He will bring you back. And the Lord your God will bring you into the land which your fathers possessed, and you shall possess it; and He will prosper you and multiply you more than your fathers.” (Deuteronomy 30:3-5)

Even if Israel didn’t repent in the manner prescribed above, God declared that He would bring them back to possess the land for God’s own name sake. (See Ezekiel 36:22-28).

We have previously summarized our position concerning the addendum to the Sinai covenant announced by God at Mt. Nebo. This is sometimes referred to as the “Covenant in Moab” or “the Palestinian Covenant”. This latter label is absurd but is commonly used. The Covenant made at Mt. Sinai dealt with the relationship between God and His people. This was an extension of the previous covenant made with Abraham and is eternal (Genesis 17:19). The covenant addendum made at Mt. Nebo established what would be required of Israel to occupy and continuously possess the land of Israel. This was Israel’s work of ministry and was conditional upon their faithfulness. If they were unfaithful, they would be judged. The ultimate judgment if they continued in unfaithfulness would be their exile from the land. When Israel failed with regard to this addendum, God did not want anyone to conclude that He had cut off His people. Jeremiah understood this. He declared at the time of the dispersion:

“Thus says the Lord, who gives the sun for light by day and the fixed order of the moon and the stars for light by night, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar; The Lord of hosts is His name; “If this fixed order departs from before Me, declares the Lord, “Then the offspring of Israel also will cease from being a nation before Me forever, Thus says the Lord, “If the heavens above can be measured, and the foundations of the earth searched out below; Then I will also cast off all the offspring of Israel for all that they have done, declares the Lord.” (Jeremiah 31:35-37)

Note that Jeremiah is referring to the relationship aspect of the covenant.

Paul, in his letter to the church at Rome, declared the same message. He wrote,

“I say then, God has not rejected His people, has He? May it never be! (Romans 11:1a), and “I say then, they did not stumble so as to fall, did they? May it never be! (Romans 11:11a).

Clearly, Paul understood the distinction between the relationship aspects of Israel’s covenant and the ministry aspects of it. It is unfortunate that the Church Fathers of subsequent centuries did not grasp what Paul understood. They concluded that God revoked His relationship with Israel and replaced them with the Church. This is the unscriptural doctrine of “Replacement Theology” common in Christian thought today.

God is calling real, committed believers to recognize the simple truth of Israel’s election and to identify with Israel rather than with the “universal church” and to function alongside of Israel in the quest for the Kingdom of God coming to planet earth. A famous rabbi once prayed:
“Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven….” Matthew 6:10)

Another common misconception in Christian teaching is exposed in this section. You have heard it said that Christians aren’t responsible for the “Law” (Jesus fulfilled it) and that the “Law” was only for the Jewish people (Christians relate to God through grace). Furthermore it is said that no one can keep the law. Moses disputed this position.

“For this commandment which I command you today is not too difficult for you, nor is it out of reach.” (Deuteronomy 30:11)

Actually the “Law” is simply Biblical lifestyle to which most serious Christians adhere to with notable exceptions (festivals and kosher food). Contrary to popular thought, the “Law” was never given as a means of justification before God. Justification has always been by grace never by adherence to the “Law”. Serious Christians need to rethink their position relative to the “Law”.

By Ken Garrison, B.S., M.S., Th.M.

Bible Study-47 (Deuteronomy 26-29)

Israel’s journey had brought them to Mt. Nebo. The land of Israel was visible across the Jordan River. It has been almost 40 years since they left Egypt. They were finally prepared to possess the land promised to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. It is at this point (on Mt. Nebo) that God specified the requirements for Israel to possess and keep the “Promised Land”. God issued an addendum to the covenant cut at Mt. Sinai.

“These are the words of the covenant which the Lord commanded Moses to make with the sons of Israel in the land of Moab, besides the covenant which He had made with them at Horeb”. (Deuteronomy 29:1)

God’s intentions for Israel had been stated earlier.

“And the Lord has today declared you to be His people, a treasured possession, as He promised you, and that you should keep all His commandments; and that He shall set you high above all nations which He has made, for praise, fame, and honor and that you shall be a consecrated people to the Lord, your God, as He has spoken.” (Deuteronomy 26:18-19)

God would fulfill His intentions toward His people if they obeyed His commandments. If they did not obey then the opposite would happen. These are the statements of the “blessings and the curses”. The people of Israel were to assembly on Mt. Ebal and Mt. Gerizim (near the city of Shechem) and rehearse these requirements. The ultimate consequence if Israel disobeyed was expulsion from the land (Deuteronomy 28:64).
There is a very important point that must be made as we consider this addendum to the Sinai covenant. The Sinai covenant had to do with the relationship of God to His people, Israel. The addendum had to do with the requirements for the people of Israel to possess and hold the land of Israel, i.e., their mission or ministry. The obvious question is why were these two parts of the covenant separated. The answer appears quite simple. God knew that Israel would fall into sin and ultimately be expelled from the land. When this occurred, God did not want there to be any question relative to His relationship with the people of Israel.
Failure to understand this has led Christian theologians to conclude that due to their expulsion from the land that God has cut off His people. This line of thought is foundational to replacement theology common in Christianity even though Israel’s elect position is clearly maintained in the New Testament (See Romans 11). I want to cite three references from my book, “Hebraic Roots” to demonstrate this point. The first is from Tertullian (~200 AD/CE)

“In former times the Jews enjoyed much of God’s favour, when the fathers of their race were noted for their righteousness and faith…But how deeply they have sinned, puffed up to their fall with a false trust in their noble ancestors, turning from God’s way into a way of sheer impiety, though they themselves should refuse to admit it, their present national ruin would afford sufficient proof. Scattered abroad, a race of wanderers, exiles from their own land and clime, they roam over the whole world without either a human or a heavenly king, not possessing even the stranger’s right to set so much as a simple footstep in their native country. The sacred writers withal, in giving previous warning of these things, all with equal clearness ever declared that, in the last days of the world, God would, out of every nation, and people, and country, choose for Himself more faithful worshippers, upon whom He would bestow His grace, and that indeed in ampler measure, in keeping with the enlarged capacities of a nobler dispensation.”

At about the same time another Church Father, Origin, wrote,

“One fact, then which proves that Jesus was something divine and sacred, is this, that Jews should have suffered on His account now for a lengthened time calamities of such severity. And we say with confidence that they will never be restored to their former condition. For they committed a crime of the most unhallowed kind, in conspiring against the Saviour of the human race in that city where they offered up to God a worship containing the symbols of mighty mysteries. It accordingly behooved that city where Jesus underwent these sufferings to perish utterly, and the Jewish nation to be overthrown, and the invitation to happiness offered them by God to pass to others, – the Christians.”

And somewhat later (~250AD/CE) another Church Father, Cyprian, declared,

“First of all, favour with God was given to the Jews. Thus they of old were righteous…But subsequently becoming neglectful of discipline, proud, and puffed up with confidence in their fathers, they despised the divine precepts, and lost the favour conferred upon them” and, “God would gather to Himself from every nation, and people, and place, worshippers much better in obedience and stronger in faith, who would draw from the divine gift that mercy which the Jews had received and lost by despising their religious ordinances.”

Replacement theology became a foundational doctrine of Christianity from very early times. The dispersion of the Jewish people seemed to present overwhelming evidence of the truth of this doctrine. But by drawing this conclusion, the Church Fathers ignored the reason that God chose to separate the two aspects of His covenant with Israel (Mt. Sinai with relationship and Mt. Nebo with purpose).

Why should there be stringent requirements for the people of Israel to possess the land of Israel? God’s will for Israel is for them to possess and to live in the land of Israel. This is their most important act of righteousness. There is great opposition to every aspect of God’s will. This is especially true concerning Israel. Therefore, Israel must “obey God and keep His commandments” if they are to possess the land. This is their protection. As they do so God’s blessing remains on them and they will prosper. This is, by the way, the prevailing philosophy of the Israeli settlers today. It is for this reason that real, Christian believers should ally themselves with the settlement movement. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and also for the peace of Shechem (Kedumim and Elon Moreh) and Hevron (Kiryat Arba).
Please see my book “Israel – God’s Interdimensional Portal” available at Amazon for a more detailed discussion of the reason for the struggle over Israel.

By Ken Garrison, B.S., M.S., Th.M.

Bible Study-46 (Deuteronomy 21-25)

This section of the Bible contains many commandments of differing nature. We might call it a section which includes miscellaneous statutes. We will attempt to discuss a few of these statutes.
The first subject that I would like to address has to do with male and female roles. That seems particularly significant today when there is “gender ambiguity” in our society. The Lord said,

“A woman shall not wear man’s clothing, nor shall a man put on a woman’s clothing; for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord your God.” (Deuteronomy 22:5)

Obviously the style of clothing changes with each culture so what might be considered male clothing in one culture could be considered female clothing in another. The idea here appears to be that men should be men and women should be women. Their clothing should reflect this. “Gender ambiguity” and “cross-dressing” should be avoided. You are what God designed you to be. To reject this is to reject God who designed you. If cross dressing is an abomination to the Lord, think how He must look on the practice of sex-change operations today.
Another controversial statute included in this section concerns illegitimate birth.

“No one of illegitimate birth shall enter the assembly of the Lord; none of his descendants, even to the tenth generation, shall enter the assembly of the Lord.” (Deuteronomy 23:2)

This statute appears to be particularly brutal since it applies to an individual who did nothing on his own to receive such harsh punishment. So we must ask the question, why would the Lord issue such a commandment? In order to understand the basis for this commandment, we must consider the impact of illegitimacy on a society. It seems obvious that the statute is aimed at maintaining the nuclear family consisting of a committed father and a committed mother raising children. For mature, committed parents, nothing could be more devastating than to have your child ostracized by being excluded from the community. Therefore, in order to avoid such ostracism, mature God-fearing individuals would bring forth children only as a family unit.
These Torah commandments apply first and foremost to God’s people Israel. However, the truth inherent in the commandments applies to all. In light of this truth, it is a humbling exercise to consider contemporary American society where in some ethnic groups ¾ of the children are illegitimate. As I understand it, close to half of all the children born in the U.S. are illegitimate.
In the book of Romans, Paul writes that the “wrath” of God is revealed in that He simply turns a rebellious individual or a society over to their own inclinations in order for them to be destroyed (See Romans 1:18-32). This applies specifically to an individual or a society which has received the revelation of God but chooses to ignore it. This is true of the United States of America. How long do you think that the U.S. can avoid ultimate destruction?
The Lord commanded,

“You shall not bring the hire of a harlot or the wages of a dog into the house of the Lord your God for any votive offering, for both of these are an abomination to the Lord your God.” (Deuteronomy 23:18)

“A dog” in this case means a male prostitute. Temple prostitution was a common practice during the Biblical era. We may interpret the meaning of this statute today to apply to wages received from sexually perverted activities. Offering from such activities should not be received by the church. Individuals participating in such activities should not be accepted except in repentance.
Finally, the provisions listed in Deuteronomy 24:1-3 indicate that divorce was permitted in the Torah. Messiah Jesus declared that Moses permitted divorce and He developed the thought further.

“He said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart Moses permitted you to divorce your wives; but from the beginning it has not been this way. And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.” (Matthew 19:8-9)

Paul developed this theme even further (I Corinthians 7:1-16). Paul maintained that a couple who were real believers committed to the Kingdom of God should not pursue divorce at all. In their case, the importance of their witness in the Kingdom surpasses any momentary “personal happiness”.

By Ken Garrison, B.S., M.S., Th.M.

Bible Study-45 (Deuteronomy 17-20)

One of the most popular Biblical topics is prophecy. Often overlooked is prophecy which has already been fulfilled. One such prophecy occurs in the week’s section. Moses prophesied that when Israel entered the land that they would demand a “king” in order to be like all the other nations (Deuteronomy 17:14). Almost 400 years later in the days of Samuel, Israel made this demand. God told Samuel that Israel had not rejected him (Samuel) but had rejected God.

It took Israel almost 400 years to begin to see themselves as a nation like others. This, I believe, is a function of the fact that Israel had been slaves for an extended period in Egypt. Slavery destroys self confidence in the individual and in the community at large.

Also in this section, Moses specifically prohibited some activities by a future king.

“Moreover, he shall not multiply horses for himself, nor shall he cause the people to return to Egypt to multiply horses, since the Lord has said to you, “You shall never again return that way.” Neither shall he multiply wives for himself, lest his heart turn away; nor shall he greatly increase silver and gold for himself.” (Deuteronomy 17:16-17)

Solomon violated all of these prohibited acts. Solomon is said to have been the wisest man but his wisdom somehow didn’t envelop Moses’ exhortation.

Finally, this future king would be required to personally write the law and read it continually.

“Now it shall come about when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, he shall write for himself a copy of this law on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests. And it shall be with him, and he shall read it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the Lord his God, by carefully observing all the words of this law and these statutes, that his heart may not be lifted up above his countrymen and that he may not turn aside from the commandment, to the right or the left; in order that he and his sons may continue long in his kingdom in the midst of Israel.” (Deuteronomy 17:18-20)

Do you suppose it would be wisdom for the U.S. to require the president to personally hand write the constitution and to review it continually?

A famous rabbi once declared that “God is spirit” (John 4:24). This means that God must be discerned spiritually not through our natural senses (ancient idolatry) or through intellectual deduction (modern idolatry). With Israel, God began revealing Himself through a record of communications between Himself and specifically chosen vessels within Israel who apparently had the capacity to discern God’s voice. We presume that this capacity was due to a gift given to the individual by God Himself.

At Mt. Sinai, the people of Israel chose to have a “prophet” to function between themselves and God because they were terrified at the awesome manifestation of God (Exodus 20:18-21). This prophet was, of course, Moses. Moses interacted directly with God. He heard God’s voice and communicated His word to Israel. Moses declared that Israel “heard the sound of words, but you saw no form—only a voice” (Deuteronomy 4:12). Later, the prophet Elijah described this “voice” as a “small, silent voice” (I Kings 19:12). In addition, the prophet stood in a very special position to intercede (speak to God) on behalf of God’s people. So a two-way communication link was established between God and His people through a specially chosen vessel. The Bible came into existence is this way. Moses declared that another was coming after him who would function in this same capacity. This is, we believe, the Messiah.

Since God’s voice and presence must be discerned spiritually, God prohibited a number of practices which could lead to confusion in the process of discerning His voice. These practices include:

(a) causing sons and daughters to pass through the fire (practiced in the worship of Moleck,
(b) divination,
(c) witchcraft,
(d) interpreting omens,
(e) practice of sorcery,
(f) casting spells,
(g) functioning as a medium,
(h) functioning as a spiritist, and
(i) calling up the dead (Deuteronomy 18:9-13).

Many of these practices seem to overlap but all deal with probing into the unseen spiritual universe attempting to establish communications with some entity there. We believe that the primary reason why these practices were forbidden by God is that they serve as counterfeits of real communication with God.

My experience tells me that any person who has been deeply involved in these practices will have a very difficult time discerning the voice of the Lord. Often we “wait on the Lord” with fasting and praying to enhance our ability to “hear from God” concerning a matter. The person accustomed to occult practices will be doubled minded in such efforts and is easily deceived. Frequently, spiritual pride accompanies occult experience. Therefore, God prohibited these practices because He was separating a people who would “hear and obey” His word without occult interference. God is still looking for people for the same reason.

Bible Study-51 (Deuteronomy 33-34)

Bible Study-48 (Deuteronomy 29-31)

Bible Study-47 (Deuteronomy 26-29)

Bible Study-46 (Deuteronomy 21-25)

Bible Study-45 (Deuteronomy 17-20)

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