Moses gave three addresses (speeches) to Israel before his death and prior to their entering the Promised Land. In Moses’ speeches he reflected on God’s faithfulness in the past (Deuteronomy 1:1-4:43), reminded Israel about the importance of God’s commandments (Deuteronomy 4:44-28:68), and challenged them to recommit themselves to obeying God so they would be able to experience God’s goodness once they occupied the land (Deuteronomy 29:1-30:20). The second speech of Moses (Deuteronomy 4:44-28:68) reminded Israel that obedience leads to blessing and disobedience leads to cursings (Deuteronomy 5-11); furthermore, the second half of this speech would focus on instructions regarding worshiping properly (Deuteronomy 12:1-16:17), leading responsibly (Deuteronomy 16:18-18:22), maintaining orderly behavior in society (19:1-23:14), obeying various laws (Deuteronomy 23:15-25:19), and practicing tithes and firstfruits once entering the land (26:1-15).
When Israel would finally inhabit Canaan, one of the major things that would keep them accountable for their actions was the leadership placed over them (similar to the local court). Moses commanded Israel to appoint judges and officers throughout the land in order to maintain purity and justice (16:18-20). Some of the duties mentioned for these leaders were to punish those who worshiped other gods (16:21-22; 17:17:2-7) and make sure sacrifices were acceptable to God (17:1). If a complicated matter was brought before these leaders, they were to take it before a council comprised of Levites and judges and their verdict was final (17:8-13). Moses also knew that once Israel entered the land, they would desire to have a king who would rule over them (17:14). Anyone chosen to be king was to appointed by God (17:15a), an Israelite (17:15b), not own many horses (17:16), not have multiple wives (17:17a), and not accumulate large amounts of wealth (17:17b). Any king of Israel was required to copy the law of God for himself in the presence of the Levitical priests (17:18) and read it every day so he would learn to fear the Lord (17:19). The king’s regular reading of God’s law would “…prevent him from becoming proud and acting as if he is above his fellow citizens. It will also prevent him from turning away from these commands in the smallest way. And it will ensure that he and his descendants will reign for many generations in Israel” (17:20, NLT). In addition to these leadership requirements, Moses took the time to remind Israel about caring for the priests and the Levites who were the spiritual leaders among them (18:1-8). Since the Levites would not be given a portion of land in Canaan, they would not be able to harvest crops for food (18:1-2). This meant that they relied on the offerings of others to provide for their needs (18:3-8). Moses also listed some wicked customs that the Israelites were to avoid (18:9-14). Most of the things listed were related to demonic activity among the people.
Moses concluded his discussion concerning leadership by telling the people that the Lord would “… raise up for you a Prophet like me from your midst, from your brethren” (18:15). Both the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 34:10) and the New Testament (Acts 3:22-23; 7:37) identify this “Prophet” as Jesus Christ, the One who would speak the words of God to the people (18:15-18). Anyone refusing to hear the words of this coming “Prophet” would face the judgment of God. While talking to them about the true Prophet, Moses also warned Israel about many false prophets who would claim to speak for God (18:20). How would they know if a prophet was false? ”When a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the thing does not happen or come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him” (18:22). The punishment for a false prophet was death, which would have reminded Israel that speaking on God’s behalf was a serious matter. Those who would lead Israel needed to make sure that they were obeying God as well as leading others to obey God.
Dear God, help me as a leader to walk in obedience to Your ways and also lead others to follow You.
