Translations
Original
Notes
respected men: These people had lives and reputations that were beyond criticism, even when examined closely.
Secular treaties (formal agreements between nations) often included a section about the past relationship between the two partners. This section reviewed what had happened before the agreement.
In this case, the purpose was to review Israel’s successes and failures since the exodus from Egypt. It reminded the people that God had kept his word, even when they did not obey him.
To prepare the Israelites for life in Canaan, Moses reminded them about life in Egypt, their 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, and their past mistakes. He warned them to obey God's covenant. He assured them that God's grace would follow them as they learned to trust and obey the Lord.
Parallels
Glossary
Archaeology and the Bible Deuteronomy, Book of Hill Country of the Amorites Judge Wisdom
Topics
Courts of Justice: Inferior Court: Judges of, Appointed by the Governor Democracy Elder: Elders, with Delegated Powers, Were Authorized to Act for Their Constituency Government: Mosaic: Administrative and Judicial System Government: Mosaic: Closely Associated with Moses and Subsequent Leaders Government: Representative Israel: At the Suggestion of Jethro, Moses' Father-In-Law, They Organize a System of Government Journey of Israel Through The Desert: To Mount Sinai: Judges Appointed Judge: Character of, and Precepts Relating To Moses: Institutes a System of Government Officer: Civil: Chosen by the People Rulers: Character and Qualifications of Voting