Living Set Apart: Embracing God's Call to Holiness and Trust

Be God's Glory
Feb 21
10 min read

Welcome to Day 52 of The Glory Team Bible Reading plan and we are beginning the book of Deuteronomy. In Chapters 15-18, primarily focuses on the concept of economic justice and generosity within the Israelite community, emphasizing the practice of releasing debts and freeing Hebrew slaves every seven years, ensuring that no one is left in extreme poverty; it also includes instructions regarding the treatment of Levites (priests) who have no land inheritance, and concludes with a significant prophecy about a future prophet "like Moses" who will speak for God to the people, foreshadowing the coming of the Messiah.

In Deuteronomy Chapter 15, focuses on the concept of the "Sabbatical Year," a seventh year where all debts are to be forgiven, essentially providing a fresh start for those in financial hardship within the Israelite community; this command emphasizes the importance of generosity and compassion towards the poor, instructing people to freely lend to those in need and release any Hebrew servants who are indebted, demonstrating God's provision and care for all members of society, ultimately aiming to prevent perpetual poverty and promote social justice within the community.

In Deuteronomy Chapter 16, primarily focuses on instructions regarding the three major pilgrimage festivals of the Israelites: Passover, the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Tabernacles, emphasizing that all males should appear before God at the designated place to celebrate with offerings and joy, remembering their deliverance from Egypt and expressing gratitude for God's provision throughout the year; additionally, the chapter instructs the Israelites to appoint judges in each town who must uphold righteousness and not show partiality in their judgments, ensuring just legal proceedings for all people.

In Deuteronomy Chapter 17, primarily focuses on guidelines for a future Israelite king, outlining strict rules to prevent him from becoming prideful or corrupt by limiting his wealth, the number of wives he can take, and requiring him to constantly study the Law of Moses; it also emphasizes the importance of proper sacrifices to God, forbidding animals with blemishes and harshly punishing anyone caught worshipping false gods, with the requirement of multiple witnesses for such accusations to be valid.

In Deuteronomy Chapter 18, primarily focuses on the role and support of the Levitical priests, outlining that they should receive a portion of sacrifices as their sustenance since they have no land inheritance like other tribes; it then strongly warns against engaging in pagan practices like divination and necromancy, concluding with a significant prophecy about a future prophet "like Moses" who will speak God's words to the people, emphasizing the importance of discerning true prophets from false ones by their adherence to God's commands.

"Living Set Apart: Embracing God's Call to Holiness and Trust"

Origin & Meaning of the Name:

The name Deuteronomy comes from the Greek word Deuteronomion, which means "Second Law" or "Repetition of the Law." This name is derived from the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament) and refers to the book’s purpose—reaffirming God’s laws for the new generation of Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. The Hebrew name of the book, Devarim, translates to “Words,” taken from the first phrase in the book: “These are the words that Moses spoke to all Israel...” (Deuteronomy 1:1, ESV).

Purpose of the Book of Deuteronomy

Deuteronomy serves as Moses’ final speech to the Israelites before they enter Canaan. It reaffirms God’s covenant, laws, and instructions given at Mount Sinai, emphasizing obedience, faithfulness, and love for God. The book warns Israel against disobedience and idolatry, reminding them of the blessings that come from following God and the curses that result from turning away. Deuteronomy also prepares the nation for life without Moses, ensuring they understand their responsibilities as God’s chosen people.

Authorship & Sources Supporting Moses as the Author: Traditionally, Moses is credited as the primary author of Deuteronomy, as well as the other books of the Torah (Genesis–Deuteronomy). Multiple references within the book itself and other biblical passages support Mosaic authorship:

Internal Biblical Evidence:
- Deuteronomy 31:9 (ESV) – “Then Moses wrote this law and gave it to the priests, the sons of Levi, who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and to all the elders of Israel.”
- Deuteronomy 31:24 – “When Moses had finished writing the words of this law in a book to the very end...”
- Joshua 1:7-8 refers to the "Book of the Law" given by Moses, showing that Joshua, Moses’ successor, acknowledged his writings.
- Jesus and the New Testament writers also affirm Moses as the author (Matthew 19:7-8; John 5:46-47).
External Sources & References:
- The Jewish Talmud (Baba Bathra 14b-15a) affirms Moses as the author of the Torah, including Deuteronomy.
- The first-century Jewish historian Flavius Josephus (Antiquities of the Jews, Book 4) credits Moses with writing the law and leading Israel.
- The Samaritan Pentateuch, an ancient version of the Torah, attributes the book to Moses.
- While some scholars argue that later scribes may have edited parts of Deuteronomy (such as Moses’ death in Deuteronomy 34), the bulk of the book is widely accepted as written by Moses himself.

Key People in Deuteronomy:

Moses – The central figure in Deuteronomy, he delivers the final sermons and instructions to Israel before his death.
Joshua – Moses’ successor, who is commissioned to lead Israel into the Promised Land.
The Israelites – The new generation standing at the border of Canaan, preparing to enter the land after wandering in the wilderness for 40 years.
Aaron (mentioned in past references) – The first high priest of Israel, who had already passed away by the time of Deuteronomy’s events.
The Canaanite Nations – Various nations (Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites) that Israel is commanded to conquer and drive out.
King Sihon of the Amorites & King Og of Bashan – Two kings defeated by Israel before entering Canaan, demonstrating God’s power and faithfulness.

Deuteronomy serves as a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness, justice, and love, calling His people to live in obedience and trust in His promises.

What is God's Name in these Chapters?

In this portion of our journey we want to dive deep into the character of God described in His name. By identifying who God is, we can further relate to Him personally and build a stronger relationship and connection with Our Father.

Names are important. They give significance to places, people, and things. We identify with so much based off what it's name is. This is considerably notable when it comes to the names of God.

"Jehovah" is considered a Latinized version of the Hebrew name "Yahweh" (represented by the consonants YHWH) where the vowels of the Hebrew word "Adonai" (meaning "my Lord") were added to the Tetragrammaton (YHWH) when pronounced by Jewish readers who avoided saying the sacred name directly; essentially, Christian scholars combined the consonants of YHWH with the vowels of Adonai to create the pronunciation "Jehovah" in the Latin alphabet.

Looking for the Names of God from the previous chapters? Due to the overwhelming amount of names we had to dedicate a special place for them for the sake of space. Click the link to see them:

REVIEW GOD'S NAMES FROM PREVIOUS CHAPTERS

In Deuteronomy Chapter 15, one of the Hebrew names of God that reflects His character is Yahweh Elohim, meaning "The Lord God," which emphasizes His supreme authority and covenant relationship with His people. This chapter highlights God's compassionate and just nature as He commands the release of debts every seven years and the fair treatment of the poor and servants. Through these laws, God reveals Himself as Yahweh Jireh, "The Lord Will Provide," demonstrating His provision for the needy and His desire for economic justice. The key lessons from this chapter include generosity, trust in God's provision, and the call to care for others selflessly. God teaches His people to live with open hands, knowing that blessings flow when they follow His principles of mercy and stewardship.

In Deuteronomy Chapter 16, God is revealed as Yahweh Elohim, "The Lord God," emphasizing His supreme authority over Israel’s worship and obedience. Another name that aligns with this chapter is Yahweh M’Kaddesh, meaning "The Lord Who Sanctifies," as He commands the observance of the Passover, the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Booths. These festivals reflect God's holiness, His deliverance, and His ongoing provision for His people. God's character is revealed as faithful, just, and a provider of divine order in worship. The key lessons from this chapter include remembering God's past faithfulness, worshiping Him with joy and gratitude, and practicing justice by appointing righteous leaders. God teaches His people that true devotion requires both remembrance of His works and a commitment to living justly under His rule.

In Deuteronomy Chapter 17, God is revealed as Yahweh Elohim, "The Lord God," emphasizing His ultimate authority over Israel’s laws and leadership. Another significant name is Melek HaGoyim, meaning "King of the Nations," as this chapter outlines the principles for selecting a king, showing that God is the true ruler over His people. His character is displayed as sovereign, just, and holy, demanding righteousness in leadership and obedience to His commands. The key lessons from this chapter include the importance of humility in leadership, dependence on God's Word, and the need for leaders to fear the Lord rather than seek personal gain. God teaches that true authority comes from submission to Him, and those in leadership must lead with integrity, wisdom, and reliance on His guidance.

In Deuteronomy Chapter 18, God is revealed as Yahweh Elohim, "The Lord God," emphasizing His supreme authority over Israel’s spiritual life. Another significant name is Yahweh Nissi, meaning "The Lord Is My Banner," as He establishes Himself as the ultimate guide and protector of His people, warning against false prophets and divination while promising to raise up a true prophet like Moses. God’s character is shown as holy, sovereign, and the ultimate source of truth and guidance. The key lessons from this chapter include the importance of seeking God’s voice alone, discerning true prophecy, and trusting in His appointed leadership rather than turning to worldly or occult practices. God teaches that He alone provides wisdom and direction, and His people must remain faithful to His Word, rejecting all falsehood and deception.

Christ in Every Book of the Bible

Christ is the theme throughout the Bible. From Genesis to Revelation, God reveals His Son, Jesus Christ.

Christ is the Seed of the woman Genesis 3:14 , He is the Passover Lamb Exodus 12:3, The Atoning Sacrifice Leviticus 17:11, The Smitten Rock Numbers 20:8, 11, The Faithful Prophet Deuteronomy 18:18, Christ is the Captain of the Lord's Host Joshua 5:15, The Divine Deliverer Judges 2:18, The Kinsman Redeemer Ruth 3:12, Christ is the anticipated as the Anointed One,1 Samuel 2:10, The Son of David 2 Samuel 7:14, The Coming King 1 & 2 Kings, Builder of the Temple 1 & 2 Chronicles (1 Chronicles 28:20), Ezra represents Christ as the Restorer of the Nation Ezra 6:14, 15, Nehemiah shows Him as the Restorer of the Temple Nehemiah 6:15, and Esther portrays Him as the Preserver of the Nation Ester 4:14, Christ is seen as the Living Redeemer Job 19:25, The Praise of Israel Psalm 150:6, The Wisdom of God Proverbs 8:22, 23, The Great Teacher Ecclesiastics 12:11, The Fairest of Ten Thousand Song of Solomon 5:10. Christ is the Suffering Servant Isaiah 53:11, The Maker of the New Covenant Jeremiah 31:31, The Man of Sorrows Lamentations 3:28-30, The Glory of God Ezekiel 43:2, The coming Messiah Daniel 9:25, The Lover of the Unfaithful Hosea 3:1, The Hope of Israel Joel 3:16, The Husbandman Amos 9:13, the Savior Obadiah 21, the Resurrected One Jonah 2:10, the Ruler in Israel Micah 5:2, the Avenger Nahum 2:1, the Holy God Habakkuk 1:13, the King of Israel Zephaniah 3:15, the Desire of Nations Haggai 2:7, the Righteous Branch Zechariah 3:8, and the Sun of Righteousness Malachi 4:2.

The King of the Jews Matthew 2:2, the Servant of the Lord Mark 10:45, the Son of Man Luke 19:10, and the Son of God John 1:1. Christ is the Ascended Lord Acts 1:10, the believer's Righteousness Romans 1:17, Sanctification 1 Corinthians 1:30, Sufficiency 2 Corinthians 12:9, and Liberty Galatians 2:4. He is the Exalted Head of the church Ephesians 1:22, the Christian's Joy Philippians 1:26, and the Fullness of Deity Colossians 2:9. In the Thessalonian epistles Christ is the believer's Comfort 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17 and Glory 2 Thessalonians 1:12. The Christian's Preserver 1 Timothy 4:10, Rewarder 2 Timothy 4:8, Blessed Hope Titus 2:13, and Substitute Philemon 17. He is the High Priest Hebrews 4:15, the Giver of Wisdom James 1:5, the Rock 1 Peter 2:6, and Precious Promise 2 Peter 1:4. John represents Christ as the Life 1 John, the Truth 2 John, and the Way 3 John, Jude portrays Christ as the Advocate and Revelation shows Him as King of Kings and Lord of Lords Revelation 19:16. The whole Bible is literally all about Christ!

Questions: Let's expand how these chapters expanded your faith and your relationship with God.

Questions About God's Character:

How does God’s command to release debts in Deuteronomy 15 reflect His character as a compassionate and just provider?
What does God’s instruction about the feasts in Deuteronomy 16 reveal about His desire for worship and remembrance?
In Deuteronomy 17, how does God’s role as the ultimate King shape His expectations for earthly leaders?
How does Deuteronomy 18 reveal God’s nature as a protector and guide, especially in His warning against false prophets?
What aspects of God’s holiness and justice are emphasized in these chapters, and how do they shape His relationship with His people?

Questions About Themes:

How does the theme of generosity in Deuteronomy 15 challenge the way we handle wealth and care for the poor today?
Why does God emphasize the importance of remembering past deliverance (such as the Exodus) through festivals in Deuteronomy 16?
What qualities does God require of leaders in Deuteronomy 17, and why is humility such an important trait for those in authority?
How does Deuteronomy 18 contrast true prophecy with false divination, and why is it important to discern God’s voice?
What recurring themes in these chapters emphasize Israel’s dependence on God rather than human strength or wisdom?

Reflective Application Questions:

In what ways can you reflect God’s generosity in your daily life, especially toward those in need?
How can you cultivate a heart of gratitude and remembrance for what God has done in your life, as seen in Deuteronomy 16?
What leadership roles do you hold in your family, work, or church, and how can you align them with God’s expectations for righteous leadership?
Are there any influences in your life that compete with God’s truth, and how can you ensure you are listening to His voice alone?
How can you grow in your dependence on God’s wisdom rather than relying on your own understanding?

These questions can help deepen understanding of the themes of these chapters, while encouraging trust in God's sovereignty, justice, faithfulness, and timing. We hope thoughts to these questions invite you to reflect on your own journeys, grow in faith, and understand more about God's nature.

Reference Guides:

Life Application Study Guide

A Popular Survey of the Old Testament by Norman L. Geisler

The Power of God's Names by Tony Evans