Deuteronomy 2:1-37

Moses continues to recount the history of the children of Israel from the time of their refusal to enter the land up until this day.  It is clear that God has been at work in their lives but also in the lives of the people around them.  God is active in the history of the nations of this world.  He establishes one nation while He destroys another in accordance with His will.  It is interesting to observe His different dealing with the diverse nations of the world.  He continues to be in control to this very day.  No matter what we might think about the condition of today’s world, we can be assured that God is in control.  We can see His control demonstrated in His dealings with various nations.

RENEW: Israel was a nation that was in the stage of renewal.  God had made unconditional promises to Abraham, and He was going to fulfill them.  Despite the fact that Israel had disobeyed and deserved to be judged and pass out of existence; God was faithful to His promises and is in the process of renewing the nation.  Israel was in a thirty eight year holding pattern where all they really did was walk in circles around the mountain as they waited for the rebellious generation to die.  It is not easy to be in a holding pattern where we see little if any progress in our lives, but it is truly a necessary stage of the Lord’s work in renewing our lives at times.  We all have parts of us that need to die off before we can be effectively used of God.  Though we deserve destruction; God in His grace disciplines us that we might become more like Christ. 

RESPECT: There were some nations around Israel that had been established by God and enjoyed God’s protection from harm.  Israel was not permitted to destroy these nations.  These people were descendents of Esau as well as Abraham’s nephew Lot.  These nations were relatives of Israel, and as such they were to be respected.  Israel was to pass through these nations with no thought of going to war with them.  Any food they ate or water they drank was supposed to be paid for.  Esau and Lot were both disobedient to God at times in their lives; but they grew to respect the Lord and recognize the children of Israel.  This humility and respect was reciprocated. 

REMOVE: Most of the nations of Canaan were destined for removal.  These were nations who had lived in constant rebellion and rejection of God.  They were hardhearted and they had no respect of Israel and they did not recognize their right to exist.  Their idolatrous practices were offensive to God and God had separated them as objects of His wrath that men might see this and live in fear of Him.  God is a righteous judge and He does not tolerate the blasphemy of men indefinitely.  He is patient, loving and kind; but He is also very just and holy.  The nations of the world will do well to live in fear of Him so that they are not removed by Him.