Introduction

The event known as "Moses Summons Israel" is a pivotal moment in the narrative of the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. This event is primarily recorded in the Book of Deuteronomy, where Moses, nearing the end of his life, gathers the Israelites to deliver a series of speeches. These speeches serve as a reiteration of the Law and a call to covenant faithfulness as the people prepare to enter Canaan.

Context and Background

Moses, the servant of the LORD, had led the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage and through the wilderness for forty years. As they stood on the plains of Moab, east of the Jordan River, the Promised Land lay before them. However, due to his disobedience at Meribah (Numbers 20:12), Moses was not permitted to enter the land. Instead, his role was to prepare the people for their new life under Joshua's leadership.

The Summoning

In Deuteronomy 1:1-5, Moses begins his address to all Israel. The Berean Standard Bible states: "These are the words that Moses spoke to all Israel in the wilderness east of the Jordan—that is, in the Arabah—opposite Suph, between Paran and Tophel, Laban, Hazeroth, and Dizahab. It is an eleven-day journey from Horeb to Kadesh-barnea by way of Mount Seir. 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."

Content of the Address

Moses' speeches in Deuteronomy are comprehensive, covering historical recounting, legal instruction, and covenantal exhortation. He begins by recounting the journey from Horeb (Sinai) to the present moment, reminding the people of their past rebellions and God's faithfulness (Deuteronomy 1-3). This historical prologue serves to remind Israel of the lessons learned and the consequences of disobedience.

Moses then reiterates the Law, emphasizing the Ten Commandments and various statutes and ordinances that the Israelites are to follow in the land (Deuteronomy 5-26). The BSB records the Ten Commandments in Deuteronomy 5:6-21, where Moses reminds the people of the covenant made at Sinai.

Covenant Renewal

A significant aspect of Moses' address is the call to covenant renewal. In Deuteronomy 29:1, the BSB states: "These are the words of the covenant that the LORD commanded Moses to make with the Israelites in the land of Moab, in addition to the covenant He had made with them at Horeb." Moses emphasizes the blessings of obedience and the curses of disobedience, urging the people to choose life by loving and obeying God (Deuteronomy 30:19-20).

Moses' Final Acts

As Moses concludes his address, he appoints Joshua as his successor (Deuteronomy 31:7-8) and writes down the Law, instructing that it be read every seven years during the Feast of Tabernacles (Deuteronomy 31:9-13). He also composes a song (Deuteronomy 32) and blesses the tribes of Israel (Deuteronomy 33).

Significance

The summoning of Israel by Moses is a foundational moment in the history of God's people. It underscores the importance of covenant faithfulness and the centrality of the Law in guiding the Israelites' relationship with God. Moses' speeches serve as a theological and moral compass for the nation, emphasizing the need for obedience, remembrance, and reliance on God's promises as they enter a new chapter in their history.