The LORD, however, was angry with me on account of you, and He swore that I would not cross the Jordan to enter the good land that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance. The LORD was angry with me on your accountThis phrase highlights the personal consequence of communal sin and disobedience. The Hebrew word for "angry" is "קָצַף" (qatsaph), which conveys a deep, burning anger. Moses, as the leader, bore the brunt of God's anger due to the people's rebellion. This reflects the biblical principle that leaders are held to a higher standard and often bear the consequences of their people's actions. Historically, this underscores the gravity of Israel's disobedience and the seriousness with which God views sin. and He swore
The Hebrew word "נִשְׁבַּע" (nishba) means to take an oath or make a solemn promise. This emphasizes the certainty and unchangeable nature of God's decisions. In the ancient Near Eastern context, oaths were binding and irrevocable, underscoring the seriousness of God's declaration. This serves as a reminder of God's holiness and the importance of obedience to His commands. that I would not cross the Jordan
The Jordan River was a significant geographical and spiritual boundary for the Israelites. To "cross the Jordan" symbolized entering into the promises of God. Moses' inability to cross represents the consequences of disobedience and the loss of blessings. This serves as a poignant reminder of the cost of sin, even for a faithful servant like Moses, and the importance of faithfulness to God's commands. and enter the good land
The "good land" refers to the Promised Land, a place of abundance and blessing. The Hebrew word "טוֹב" (tov) means good, pleasant, or agreeable, highlighting the richness and desirability of God's promises. This phrase reminds believers of the goodness of God's plans and the blessings that come with obedience. It also serves as a call to trust in God's provision and timing. that the LORD your God is giving you
This phrase emphasizes God's sovereignty and grace. The Hebrew word "נָתַן" (natan) means to give, indicating that the land is a gift from God, not something earned by the Israelites. This underscores the theme of grace throughout Scripture, where God's blessings are given out of His love and mercy. It also highlights the covenant relationship between God and His people, where He is both LORD and provider. as an inheritance
The concept of "inheritance" in Hebrew is "נַחֲלָה" (nachalah), which implies a permanent possession passed down through generations. This reflects the enduring nature of God's promises and the idea of a lasting legacy. In a biblical context, inheritance is not just about land but also about spiritual blessings and identity as God's people. This serves as an encouragement to believers to hold fast to their spiritual inheritance in Christ, which is eternal and unshakeable. Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt and through the wilderness. In this verse, Moses recounts how God was angry with him and prohibited him from entering the Promised Land. 2. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant God of Israel, who delivered the Israelites from Egypt and promised them the land of Canaan as an inheritance. 3. The IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, who were delivered from slavery in Egypt and were on the brink of entering the Promised Land. 4. The Jordan RiverThe boundary that the Israelites needed to cross to enter the Promised Land. 5. The Promised Land (Canaan)The land promised by God to Abraham and his descendants, described as a land flowing with milk and honey. Teaching Points Obedience to God’s CommandsMoses' experience underscores the importance of strict obedience to God's instructions. Even leaders are not exempt from the consequences of disobedience. The Consequences of SinSin can have lasting consequences, not only for the individual but also for those they lead or influence. Moses' inability to enter the Promised Land serves as a sobering reminder. God’s Sovereignty and JusticeGod’s decision to prevent Moses from entering the Promised Land highlights His sovereignty and justice. God’s plans and purposes are perfect, even when they are difficult for us to understand. Leadership and ResponsibilityLeaders bear a significant responsibility for their actions and the impact those actions have on others. Moses' account is a call for leaders to act with integrity and faithfulness. Hope and Future PromisesDespite Moses' personal loss, the promise of the land to the Israelites was fulfilled, demonstrating God’s faithfulness to His promises. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Moses' experience in Deuteronomy 4:21 challenge our understanding of leadership and accountability before God? 2. In what ways can we apply the lesson of obedience from Moses' life to our daily walk with God? 3. How does the incident at Meribah (Numbers 20:12) illustrate the broader theme of trust and obedience in our relationship with God? 4. What can we learn about God’s character from His decision to prevent Moses from entering the Promised Land, and how does this shape our view of divine justice? 5. How can we find hope and encouragement in God’s faithfulness to His promises, as seen in the fulfillment of the promise of the Promised Land to the Israelites? Connections to Other Scriptures Numbers 20:12This passage provides the background for why God was angry with Moses, detailing the incident at Meribah where Moses struck the rock instead of speaking to it as God commanded. Deuteronomy 3:26-27Here, Moses recounts how he pleaded with God to allow him to enter the Promised Land, but God refused and instructed him to view the land from Mount Pisgah. Psalm 106:32-33This passage reflects on the Israelites' rebellion at Meribah and how it led to Moses' downfall. People Amorites, Baalpeor, Bezer, Gadites, Israelites, Manasseh, Manassites, Moses, Og, Reubenites, SihonPlaces Arabah, Aroer, Bashan, Beth-baal-peor, Bezer, Egypt, Gilead, Golan, Hermon, Heshbon, Horeb, Jordan River, Mount Sion, Peor, Pisgah, Ramoth, Sea of the Arabah, Valley of the ArnonTopics Account, Angered, Angry, Cross, Enter, Furthermore, Gives, Giveth, Giving, Heritage, Inheritance, Jordan, Oath, Passing, Sakes, Shewed, Solemnly, Sware, Sweareth, Swore, WrothDictionary of Bible Themes Deuteronomy 4:21 4208 land, divine responsibility
5704 inheritance, material Library February the Sixteenth Crowding Out God
"Lest thou forget." --DEUTERONOMY iv. 5-13. That is surely the worst affront we can put upon anybody. We may oppose a man and hinder him in his work, or we may directly injure him, or we may ignore him, and treat him as nothing. Or we may forget him! Opposition, injury, contempt, neglect, forgetfulness! Surely this is a descending scale, and the last is the worst. And yet we can forget the Lord God. We can forget all His benefits. We can easily put Him out of mind. We can live as though He were …
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling YearDeuteronomy
(Third Sunday after Easter.) Deut. iv. 39, 40. Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the Lord he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else. Thou shall keep therefore his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee this day, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days upon the earth, which the Lord thy God giveth thee, for ever. Learned men have argued much of late as to who wrote …
Charles Kingsley—The Gospel of the Pentateuch Political and Religious Life of the Jewish Dispersion in the West - their Union in the Great Hope of the Coming Deliverer.
It was not only in the capital of the Empire that the Jews enjoyed the rights of Roman citizenship. Many in Asia Minor could boast of the same privilege. [327] The Seleucidic rulers of Syria had previously bestowed kindred privileges on the Jews in many places. Thus, they possessed in some cities twofold rights: the status of Roman and the privileges of Asiatic, citizenship. Those who enjoyed the former were entitled to a civil government of their own, under archons of their choosing, quite independent …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Of the Cities of Refuge.
Hebron, the most eminent among them, excites us to remember the rest. "The Rabbins deliver this; Moses separated three cities of refuge beyond Jordan, [Deut 4:41-43;] and, against them, Joshua separated three cities in the land of Canaan, [Josh 20:7,8]. And these were placed by one another, just as two ranks of vines are in a vineyard: Hebron in Judea against Bezer in the wilderness: Shechem in mount Ephraim against Ramoth in Gilead: Kedesh in mount Napthali against Golan in Basan. And these three …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica That the Devout Soul Ought with the Whole Heart to Yearn after Union with Christ in the Sacrament
The Voice of the Disciple Who shall grant unto me, O Lord, that I may find Thee alone, and open all my heart unto Thee, and enjoy Thee as much as my soul desireth; and that no man may henceforth look upon me, nor any creature move me or have respect unto me, but Thou alone speak unto me and I unto Thee, even as beloved is wont to speak unto beloved, and friend to feast with friend? For this do I pray, this do I long for, that I may be wholly united unto Thee, and may withdraw my heart from all created …
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ The First Covenant
"Now therefore, if ye will obey My voice, and keep My covenant, ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto Me."--EX. xix. 5. "He declared unto you His covenant, which He commanded you to perform, even ten commandments."--DEUT. iv. 13.i "If ye keep these judgments, the Lord thy God shall keep unto thee the covenant,"--DEUT. vii. 12. "I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, not according to the covenant which I made with their fathers, which My covenant they brake."--JER. xxxi. 31, 32. WE have …
Andrew Murray—The Two Covenants The Unity of God
Q-5: ARE THERE MORE GODS THAN ONE? A: There is but one only, the living and true God. That there is a God has been proved; and those that will not believe the verity of his essence, shall feel the severity of his wrath. Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord.' Deut 6:6. He is the only God.' Deut 4:49. Know therefore this day, and consider it in thy heart, that the Lord he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath, there is none else.' A just God and a Saviour; there is none beside …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity The Northern Coasts of Galilee. Amanah. The Mountain of Snow.
This coast is described by Moses, Numbers 34:7: "From the Great Sea to mount Hor: from mount Hor to the entrance of Hamath," &c. Mount Hor, in the Jewish writers, is Amanah; mention of which occurs, Canticles 4:8, where R. Solomon thus: "Amanah is a mount in the northern coast of the land of Israel, which in the Talmudical language is called, The mountainous plain of Amanon; the same with mount Hor." In the Jerusalem Targum, for mount 'Hor' is the mount Manus: but the Targum of Jonathan renders it …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Ninth Sunday after Trinity Carnal Security and Its vices.
Text: 1 Corinthians 10, 6-13. 6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. 7 Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. 8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. 9 Neither let us make trial of the Lord, as some of them made trial, and perished by the serpents. 10 Neither murmur ye, as …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III Epistle cxxvii. From S. Columbanus to Pope Gregory .
From S. Columbanus to Pope Gregory [89] . To the holy lord, and father in Christ, the Roman [pope], most fair ornament of the Church, a certain most august flower, as it were, of the whole of withering Europe, distinguished speculator, as enjoying a divine contemplation of purity (?) [90] . I, Bargoma [91] , poor dove in Christ, send greeting. Grace to thee and peace from God the Father [and] our [Lord] Jesus Christ. I am pleased to think, O holy pope, that it will seem to thee nothing extravagant …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great The Second Commandment
Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am o jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of then that hate me; and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.' Exod 20: 4-6. I. Thou shalt not …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments "They have Corrupted Themselves; their Spot is not the Spot of his Children; they are a Perverse and Crooked Generation. "
Deut. xxxii. 5.--"They have corrupted themselves; their spot is not the spot of his children; they are a perverse and crooked generation." We doubt this people would take well with such a description of themselves as Moses gives. It might seem strange to us, that God should have chosen such a people out of all the nations of the earth, and they to be so rebellious and perverse, if our own experience did not teach us how free his choice is, and how long-suffering he is, and constant in his choice. …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning A Reformer's Schooling
'The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah. And it came to pass in the month Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the palace, 2. That Hanani, one of my brethren, came, he and certain men of Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, which were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem. 3. And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Second visit to Nazareth - the Mission of the Twelve.
It almost seems, as if the departure of Jesus from Capernaum marked a crisis in the history of that town. From henceforth it ceases to be the center of His activity, and is only occasionally, and in passing, visited. Indeed, the concentration and growing power of Pharisaic opposition, and the proximity of Herod's residence at Tiberias [3013] would have rendered a permanent stay there impossible at this stage in our Lord's history. Henceforth, His Life is, indeed, not purely missionary, but He has …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Covenant Duties.
It is here proposed to show, that every incumbent duty ought, in suitable circumstances, to be engaged to in the exercise of Covenanting. The law and covenant of God are co-extensive; and what is enjoined in the one is confirmed in the other. The proposals of that Covenant include its promises and its duties. The former are made and fulfilled by its glorious Originator; the latter are enjoined and obligatory on man. The duties of that Covenant are God's law; and the demands of the law are all made …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting Subjects of Study. Home Education in Israel; Female Education. Elementary Schools, Schoolmasters, and School Arrangements.
If a faithful picture of society in ancient Greece or Rome were to be presented to view, it is not easy to believe that even they who now most oppose the Bible could wish their aims success. For this, at any rate, may be asserted, without fear of gainsaying, that no other religion than that of the Bible has proved competent to control an advanced, or even an advancing, state of civilisation. Every other bound has been successively passed and submerged by the rising tide; how deep only the student …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Wisdom and Revelation.
"Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him: the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness …
W. H. Griffith Thomas—The Prayers of St. Paul Links Deuteronomy 4:21 NIVDeuteronomy 4:21 NLTDeuteronomy 4:21 ESVDeuteronomy 4:21 NASBDeuteronomy 4:21 KJV
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