Deuteronomy 1:1-8

Why does Moses begin by recalling the command to leave Horeb?

Berean Standard Bible

1 These are the words that Moses spoke to all Israel in the wilderness east of the Jordan—in the Arabah opposite Suph—between Paran and Tophel, Laban, Hazeroth, and Dizahab. 2 It is an eleven-day journey from Horeb to Kadesh-barnea by way of Mount Seir. 3 In the fortieth year, on the first day of the eleventh month, Moses proclaimed to the Israelites all that the LORD had commanded him concerning them. 4 This was after he had defeated Sihon king of the Amorites, who lived in Heshbon, and then at Edrei had defeated Og king of Bashan, who lived in Ashtaroth. 5 On the east side of the Jordan in the land of Moab, Moses began to explain this law, saying: 6 The LORD our God said to us at Horeb: “You have stayed at this mountain long enough. 7 Resume your journey and go to the hill country of the Amorites; go to all the neighboring peoples in the Arabah, in the hill country, in the foothills, in the Negev, and along the seacoast to the land of the Canaanites and to Lebanon, as far as the great River Euphrates. 8 See, I have placed the land before you. Enter and possess the land that the LORD swore He would give to your fathers Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and to their descendants after them.”

What is the context?

Moses addresses Israel east of the Jordan in Moab, after the victories over Sihon and Og, in the fortieth year. The opening contrasts the eleven-day journey from Horeb to Kadesh-barnea with the much longer history that has brought Israel to this point.

His explanation begins with the Lord’s earlier command to leave Horeb and possess the land promised to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and their descendants. Looking back establishes what the people had been called to do before Moses recounts their response.

How is this passage commonly understood?

Wesley reads the journey comparison as showing that rebellion, rather than simple distance, explains the delay. The USCCB notes describe chapters 1–3 as a review preparing for the exhortation in chapter 4. This is remembered history told to teach the people now preparing to cross the Jordan.

What is our position?

We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.

Where can I study this further?

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