Deuteronomy 1-2

God’s message to me: God’s promises are not restricted to Israel. God promised Esau a kingdom and Seir was home of his people the Edomites. The Israelites were not permitted to interfere with them. Moab and Ar are given to the descendents of Lot, the nephew of Abraham whom Abraham protected in prayer and in battle. Edomites overcame the Horites to posses their land just as Israel overcame the various nations of Canaan. Giants (nephilim) had been destroyed in the lands possessed by the descendants of Esau and Lot and would be destroyed by Israel.

Passing through the lands of Edom and Moab peacefully lent credence to the overtures of peace sent by Israel to other nations. As they did throughout their history and even do today, they offered peaceful coexistence and asked only to pass without incident. When Sihon, King of Heshbon, refused the offer, the subsequent war killed all his people and gave their cattle and the spoil of their cities to the people of Israel.

Promises: Nothing and no one can keep you from God’s promised blessings and bounty. All who try will be destroyed before you and they cannot harm you. Be Valiant.

Commands: Do not doubt God’s promises but claim them as they are yours.

Timeless principles: Peace should always be the first offer but, not at the expense of failing your goals. When Israel needed to go somewhere they offered peaceful passage. They offered honest money for any supplies they might gain, including water, along the way. They did not stop traveling just because the other country sought war instead of peace. They did not back down from aggressors. God turned the hearts of those He wished to maintain peace with Israel and He gave Israel strength to overcome those who would stand in the way. No one was permitted to block Israel’s progress toward the land God promised them except for Israel themselves. Even when Israel’s sin slowed the progress, the next generation was led to the promised land.

How can I apply what I’ve learned: The bible is filled with promises for those who follow Christ. Healing, prosperity, blessing, peace and so much more are yours to be claimed in the name of God. If you are a born again child of The King you need only understand God’s promises to claim them.

more to learn for in-depth study: You have heard how some peoples were destroyed by other children of Abraham. The descendents of Lot, Ishmael, and Esau all took possession of lands by God’s hand for Abraham’s sake. Many more will fall to Israel. This is where the nations mentioned in the earlier books in genealogies become interesting as we see where the play in history, as allies, enemies or by being destroyed.

tomorrow: Deuteronomy 3-5